A Detroit Catholic Central senior in Novi earned his FAA drone pilot license over the summer and launched an aerial photography business.
Lucas Dent, a Class of 2027 student, founded LJDOptics after completing Catholic Central's Introduction to Aviation and drone courses and passing the FAA's Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification exam in the summer of 2026. The company serves real estate businesses, landscaping companies and event organizers.
Dent didn't know anything about drones before taking aviation classes at Catholic Central. He purchased his first drone for his birthday, and the coursework pushed him toward a commercial license.
"It kind of just made sense to have a company and fly at the same time," Dent said in an Aug. 21 student spotlight published by Catholic Central.
The FAA's Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate requires applicants to be at least 16, pass a 60-question aeronautical knowledge test and clear a TSA security vetting. The license is required for anyone flying drones commercially in the United States.
From classroom to client list
Catholic Central's semester-long drone course starts students on smaller equipment before advancing them to professional-grade machines. The curriculum covers drone laws, airspace rules and temporary flight restrictions. The school's broader aviation program includes a Redbird FMX full-motion flight simulator and six TD-2 desktop simulators.
Dent credited STEM teacher Christopher Meyer with sparking his interest. In a Monday, Sept. 21, spotlight video posted by the school, Dent said Meyer's class motivated him to pursue his commercial license.
Over the summer of 2026, Dent built his client base project by project. He completed a landscaping project for the Ducati dealership in Livonia and shot a promotional video for a landscaping company. He has also photographed downtown events in Wixom, including the city's Thursday Family Fun Night series, and shot Catholic Central football games and a golf outing.
Two drones, business cards and cold calls
LJDOptics operates two professional drones: a DJI Mavic 3 Pro and a DJI Mini 4 Pro. The company offers 4K Ultra HD delivery with a 48-hour turnaround on standard projects and carries full insurance.
Dent said he spent time cold-calling potential clients and pitching his services while preparing for his senior year. His parents helped him purchase his equipment. He also created business cards and marketing materials to promote the company.
Dent is enrolled in Catholic Central's ground school and flight simulator classes and is a member of the Flying Shamrocks aviation club. After graduation, he plans to attend flight school with a long-term goal of flying for Delta Air Lines.
