Veteran-Owned • Mission-Focused • Precision From the Sky
Our Services
Elite Flight Training & FAA Certification
Precision Instruction from a 18-Year Military Veteran. Whether you are a veteran transitioning to a new career or a hobbyist looking to go pro, our training is built on a foundation of military discipline. We provide comprehensive FAA Part 107 Exam Prep and hands-on flight training in the San Antonio area.
In-Person Training: Tactical maneuvers, emergency procedures, and San Antonio airspace navigation.
Public Safety Focus: Specialized curriculum for law enforcement and first responders, designed by a former Federal Special Agent in Charge.
Veteran-to-Pilot Program: Specialized mentorship for those moving from the cockpit to the commercial sector.
Precision Aerial Imagery & Data
High-Resolution Photography for Real Estate, Construction, and Land Management. We don't just take photos; we capture the "Ground Truth." Utilizing state-of-the-art drone technology, we provide San Antonio businesses with the visual intelligence they need to make informed decisions.
Commercial Real Estate: Stunning high-angle shots that showcase property value and surrounding Bexar County infrastructure.
Construction Progress: Document every stage of your build with scheduled, repeatable aerial surveys.
Agricultural & Ranch Surveys: Large-scale property mapping for South Texas landowners and ranchers.
Cinematic Aerial Cinematography
Dynamic 4K Video Production with Tactical Execution. Bring a "Bird’s Eye" perspective to your brand. From marketing reels to event coverage, our aerial videos are filmed with the steady hand of a pilot who has 10 years of flight experience in complex environments.
Marketing & Promotions: High-impact 4K video tailored for social media and website heroes.
Site Inspections: Detailed video fly-throughs for roof inspections, towers, and hard-to-reach assets.
Post-Production: Professional editing and color grading available to ensure your mission looks its best.
Meet the Team
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Rachel Skalisky
Co-Owner & Chief Flight Instructor
16 Years Military Service | Air Defense Artillery Officer | 10+ Years Unmanned Flight
In the world of drone aviation, there is "flying," and then there is airspace mastery. Rachel Skalisky brings the latter to San Antonio.
As a veteran Air Defense Artillery Officer, Rachel’s career has been defined by high-stakes airspace management, deconfliction, and mission-critical risk mitigation. While most instructors teach you how to move a joystick, Rachel teaches you how to command an aircraft with the discipline of a soldier and the precision of a tactician.
Global Perspective, Tactical Execution
Rachel’s flight log spans the globe. She has successfully navigated drones through some of the world's most challenging environments—from the dense, restricted urban cityscapes of Europe to remote, complex terrains where there is no room for error. This international experience has given her a "sixth sense" for safety and situational awareness that civilian-only instructors simply cannot replicate.
The Intersection of Logic and Art
Beyond the tactical, Rachel is a master of the lens. Her portfolio includes breathtaking aerial photography and cinematic video captured across Europe’s most iconic destinations. She understands that a great pilot must be a "dual-threat": technically flawless in controlled airspace and creatively inspired behind the camera.
Why Train with Rachel?
Rachel’s mission is to empower the San Antonio community—from veterans looking for their next career "mission" to hobbyists wanting to turn their passion into a professional business. Her teaching style is rooted in three pillars: Discipline, Awareness, and Purpose. > "I don't just want you to fly; I want you to understand the 'why' behind every maneuver. When you take off under my instruction, you aren't just a hobbyist—you are a pilot in command."
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Shane Watts
Co-Owner & Director of Operations
Retired Federal Assistant Special Agent in Charge | Former Bexar County Deputy | 25+ Years Law Enforcement
Special Agent Shane Watts’ career has come full circle. Before leading federal field offices and investigating national security violations, Shane began his journey in 1994 right here as a Deputy Sheriff for Bexar County. Today, he brings that local heart and federal "Gold Standard" back to San Antonio to lead Patriot Drone Operations.
Federal Authority & High-Stakes Leadership
With over two decades of elite federal experience—spanning Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID)—Shane has operated in high-risk, high-pressure environments where precision and accountability are non-negotiable. As a former Special Agent in Charge, he understands the heavy weight of responsibility that comes with managing complex missions and sensitive intelligence.
Mission-Driven Application
Throughout his career, Shane has leveraged unmanned systems for real-world enforcement operations, utilizing drones for surveillance, tactical overwatch, and rapid situational awareness. To Shane, this is not "hobby flying"—this is the strategic application of technology where decisions have real-world consequences. He specializes in the legal, ethical, and tactical integration of drones into professional workflows.
Why Consult with Shane?
Whether you are a civilian looking to professionalize your skills or a public safety agency building a drone program from the ground up, you are learning from a leader who has used this technology where it counts most. Shane’s approach ensures that every student and client understands the critical balance of Tactical Execution and Legal Compliance.
"In federal investigations, there is no room for 'close enough.' I bring that same standard of excellence to our drone operations in San Antonio. We don't just fly; we deliver results that stand up to the highest level of scrutiny."