Hailing from the Windy City, he possesses a naturally exuberant personality. He prefers to travel by car, favoring the scenic routes of two-lane county backroads. His pet bird is named after his favorite beverage, while his dog bears the name of a bird. Additionally, his voicemail humorously claims that he collaborates with International Super Spy Sterling Archer. Indeed, you read that correctly. He is Christopher Kabat, a Commercial Drone Pilot based in Durango, CO, representing ProAerial Media LLC (commonly referred to as PAM).
Primary Role & Responsibilities
As the Senior Pilot and Owner of ProAerial Media, Chris, also known as Topher, manages all facets of the business and flight operations for PAM.
In his role as the Senior Pilot, he is responsible for pre-flight planning and airspace analysis, conducting on-site flight operations, providing creative direction, and overseeing image post-processing and editing.
In his role as owner and founder, Chris oversees marketing and business development leveraging his decades of creative and entrepreneurial experience.
Lastly, Chris also acts as Lead Instructor for 107ProPilot Academy, which offers an app-based coaching curriculum he created to help others prepare for and pass the FAA’s Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Exam. The app is available as 107ProPilot for both iOS and Android.
Training & Background
Chris approached the decision to become a professional and commercially licensed drone pilot (sUAS Operator) with great seriousness. After successfully completing the comprehensive curriculum at Drone Pilot Ground School, he effortlessly passed the Aeronautical Knowledge Exam - Part 107 Certification on his first attempt. Simultaneously, he was diligently working behind the scenes to establish ProAerial Media, a venture he launched in November 2019.
When client flights are not scheduled, Chris utilizes the tranquil mornings to engage in 'training operations' aimed at refining his skills.
Knowledge & Skills
Aerial photography and videography are clearly passions of Chris; however, he emphasizes that these pursuits represent only the beginning of his journey. As his fascination with drones expanded, so did his eagerness to acquire comprehensive knowledge in the field, leading him to develop a keen interest in drone mapping and aerial surveying.
Chris also spent the better part of a year as a Flight Test Operator for Zipline International based in South San Francisco, CA testing both their P1 and P2 autonomous package delivery UAVs.
Chris with a prototype of Zipline’s P2 Autonomous UAV in Half Moon Bay, CA
Favorite Spots to Fly
With its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Durango, Colorado, offers an exceptional environment for professional drone pilots. The region is blessed with ample sunshine and mild weather, making it ideal for year-round flying. As noted by local experts, within just a short drive, you can access a variety of breathtaking parks and public lands, each providing unique opportunities for aerial photography and videography. Whether capturing the majestic San Juan Mountains, the serene Animas River, or the Historic Durango-Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad, this is truly a remarkable place for drone enthusiasts to thrive.
While drones are prohibited from being flown within National Parks; much of the land adjacent to these parks is overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM defers to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concerning drone operations over its lands. As long as you comply with any existing airspace restrictions and follow all regulations outlined in Part 107, you are permitted to operate your drone in these areas.
Personal Life & Interests
Chris was born and raised in the west suburbs of Chicago, IL, and studied Graphic Design in Albuquerque, NM. He currently resides in Durango, CO with his dog Hawk. In their off time, they can often be found traversing desolate stretches of old Route 66 in NM and AZ looking to photograph the perfect slice of “nostalgic Americana”, or in the backcountry chasing the sunset.
You can also click here to read about PAM and Chris in Las Vegas, NV.
Body of Work
Here are some links to view a sampling of Chris’ photography and videography work from both PAM and SIXSIXER. Please enjoy responsibly.
Photo Galleries:
Video (Both Produced By and Featuring):
Chris’ Most Popular Blog Articles:
ProAerial Media provides aerial drone services for a wide array of industries across the southwest United States. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see our video work, and our Instagram feed to view our photography (@proaerialmedia). If you’re ready to fly, you can always book a flight from the ProAerial Media Website.
Thanks for reading. Take Flight. Take Pics. Get Clicks.