RBS
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
RBS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RBS
- Legal name
- RBS Drone Technologies, Inc.
- Website
- https://rbsdronetech.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RBS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Drone Pilot Training
- NAICS
- Flight Training (611512), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Drones, UAVs & Aerial Robotics Programs (EDAMADAJ), Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)
Keywords
Where RBS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
RBS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Training Services: Classroom and hands-on training for FAA Part 107 drone pilot certification. Fees charged per course and per person.
- Youth Sponsorship Programs: Sponsor-a-Student program providing complete training, supplies, and exam fee coverage for youth aged 16-21.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification Training - $500 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Hands-On Training - $575 per person |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Bundle Package - $975 (Save $100) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Sponsor-a-Student Program - $675 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
RBS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RBS Drone Technologies delivers FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification Training (8-hour classroom course with 2 hours of hands-on training) and Hands-On Drone Training (6-hour practical course with 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio), both delivered in person in the Chicagoland area. The company also sells commercial drone photography and videography services for industries including real estate, construction, maritime, public safety, utilities, agriculture, and events, and runs a Sponsor-a-Teen youth program that subsidizes training for students ages 16-21.
Product overview
RBS Drone Technologies is a 100% African American owned drone training and services company. The core offering consists of two integrated training programs: FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification Training (classroom exam prep) and Hands-On Drone Training (practical flight instruction), which can be purchased separately or bundled together. The company also offers a Sponsor-a-Teen youth program providing subsidized training for disadvantaged youth, and commercial drone photography/videography services for businesses across multiple industries. The training products are designed to work together as a pathway from beginner to licensed commercial drone pilot, with the bundled package offering both classroom and hands-on components at a discounted rate.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification Training
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% first-time pass rate on FAA Part 107 exam
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use RBS
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
RBS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
RBS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Chicago Crossroads Corvette Foundation (CCCC)minorPartner for International Young Eagles Day events and car shows. Joint events at Bult Field featuring drone demonstrations.
- Tuskegee Airmen Chicago DODO ChaptercoreRBS founders and instructors are all members of the Chicago DODO Chapter. Organization focuses on preserving Tuskegee Airmen legacy and assisting youth in pursuing aviation careers. Hosts Young Eagles flight rallies.
- Bessie Coleman Aviation All-StarscoreYouth aviation program at Gwendolyn Brooks High School. Founded by GiGi Coleman (Bessie Coleman's grandniece). RBS helped implement the drone pilot training program.
- The Frogs ClubminorAfrican American men's social club with community service component. Members are involved in youth education initiatives.
- B. Coleman AviationcoreTraining facility location at Gary/Chicago International Airport. RBS conducts classroom training sessions at this location.
- Tuskegee NEXTcoreEight-week summer program based at DuPage Airport providing pilot training, life skills and educational assistance to disadvantaged teens. Chicago DODO Chapter is a Strategic Partner.
- Air Force Academy High SchoolminorChicago Public Schools high school where RBS instructor Derrick Henry runs an after-school Drone Club.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RBS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- UAV Coach: UAV Coach publishes Part 107 study guides, free resources, and paid drone training products. Comparable to RBS because it educates and converts aspiring commercial drone pilots, competing for the same customer in the Part 107 prep market.
- Drone U: Drone U provides drone pilot training, business coaching, and Part 107 prep for commercial drone operators. Comparable to RBS because it sells training plus business-building guidance to aspiring drone entrepreneurs across multiple U.S. markets.
- Drone Pilot Ground School: Drone Pilot Ground School is an online Part 107 test prep course used by aspiring commercial pilots nationwide. It competes for the same Part 107 student with a more scalable, lower-cost digital format versus RBS's in-person offering.
- DARTdrones: DARTdrones is a national drone training company offering Part 107 prep, hands-on flight training, and enterprise workforce programs. Directly comparable because it sells the same Part 107 classroom/online certification and corporate in-person training as RBS, but at national scale.
- Drone Launch Academy: Drone Launch Academy is an online drone training school focused on Part 107 certification and drone business education. Comparable to RBS because it serves the same Part 107 student with structured curriculum and community, offering a digital alternative to in-person training.
- Pilot Institute: Pilot Institute offers Part 107 online courses, drone pilot training, and commercial pilot resources. Comparable to RBS because it targets the same FAA Part 107 student with both paid courses and free content, competing for the same career-changer and hobbyist pilot.
Broad incumbents
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): AOPA is a large, established general aviation membership organization that also offers drone/UAS training and resources. Comparable to RBS because it serves pilots (including drone pilots) with educational content and community, but operates as a broad membership body rather than a regional training specialist.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle is a major accredited aviation university offering UAS concentrations, Part 107 prep, and professional flight training. Comparable to RBS because it trains commercial pilots and drone operators, but as a degree-granting institution with a national footprint and broader curriculum.
Emerging players
- Tuskegee NEXT: Tuskegee NEXT is a Chicago-based youth aviation program (DuPage Airport) providing pilot training and life skills to disadvantaged teens. Comparable to RBS because it shares the Tuskegee Airmen mission, targets the same youth demographic, and overlaps with RBS as a strategic partner in the Chicago aviation ecosystem.
Regional players
- Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars: Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars is a Chicago-area youth aviation program at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory School founded by GiGi Coleman. Comparable to RBS because it shares the mission of increasing minority aviation representation and is a documented partner for RBS's youth drone training delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RBS social profiles
Digital presenceRBS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RBS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
RBS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RBS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RBS
What does RBS do?
RBS Drone Technologies delivers FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Certification Training (8-hour classroom course with 2 hours of hands-on training) and Hands-On Drone Training (6-hour practical course with 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio), both delivered in person in the Chicagoland area. The company also sells commercial drone photography and videography services for industries including real estate, construction, maritime, public safety, utilities, agriculture, and events, and runs a Sponsor-a-Teen youth program that subsidizes training for students ages 16-21.
Is RBS a public or private company?
RBS is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was RBS founded?
RBS was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is RBS based?
RBS is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does RBS make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Training Services are the primary driver. The others are youth Sponsorship Programs.
Who are RBS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are UAV Coach, Drone U, Drone Pilot Ground School, DARTdrones, Drone Launch Academy and Pilot Institute. Broad incumbents are Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Tuskegee NEXT is listed as an emerging player. Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars is listed as a regional player.
Does RBS have an API?
No public API is recorded for RBS.
What industry is RBS in?
RBS's product category is Drone Pilot Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDABALAC, Aviation & Aerospace, with a secondary code of EDAMADAJ, Drones, UAVs & Aerial Robotics Programs. Its NAICS code is 611512 and its SIC code is 8200.