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15. September 2025
Drone Advertising Takes Flight: Miami Startup Secures Historic Faa Approval For Aerial Billboard Revolution
Miami-based startup Sustainable Skylines has secured the first FAA approval in the United States for drone-powered aerial advertising, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of an industry still dominated by World War II-era aircraft. Founded in 2021 by Jacob Stonecipher, Sustainable Skylines aims to disrupt the traditional banner plane industry with electric drones capable of towing large banners across crowded beaches and urban skylines.
Stonecipher’s journey began on the Jersey shore in 2016, where he was struck by the noise and pollution of traditional banner planes. This experience sparked a sense of unease, driving him to explore alternative solutions. After years of cold-calling drone manufacturers and testing prototypes with engineers in Maryland, Stonecipher demonstrated a working model to FAA officials in 2021. The approval he received from the agency’s UAS Integration Office marked a significant turning point in his endeavors.
By 2022, Sustainable Skylines had relocated its operations to Miami, home to one of the busiest aerial advertising markets in the United States. The company launched its first prototype flights and began working with local clients to refine its technology. In November 2023, Sustainable Skylines achieved its first FAA-approved demonstration, towing a banner for 10 miles over Miami Beach. This achievement marked a major milestone in the company’s journey towards commercial viability.
The following spring break, Sustainable Skylines completed its first paid campaign for a sunglasses company, signaling that drone-powered aerial advertising could transition from concept to commercial reality. The company has since opened a production facility to scale operations, with $2.8 million in seed funding secured and institutional fundraising planned. With this momentum, Sustainable Skylines is positioning itself as a pioneer in a market long overdue for disruption.
While banner towing is the company’s entry point, Stonecipher sees broader potential for its drone technology. His team plans to explore additional applications for their drones, including government solutions. The impact of Sustainable Skylines’ FAA approval highlights how drones can transform legacy industries that have seen little innovation in decades.
The ability to replace noisy, fuel-intensive aircraft with electric drones offers clear environmental and safety benefits, while opening a new market for drone manufacturers and advertisers alike. Sustainability is a core aspect of the company’s mission, as highlighted by Stonecipher, who said, “Building this business has been way harder than I anticipated, but it’s been the greatest ride of my life.”
Scalability will be the next challenge for Sustainable Skylines. The company must build drones that handle longer flight times, heavier payloads, and more complex regulatory requirements. If successful, this model could set a precedent for other commercial drone applications. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor the company’s progress and assess the potential of drone technology in various sectors.
The approval granted to Sustainable Skylines marks an exciting development in the world of aerial advertising. With its innovative approach to traditional banner planes, the company is poised to disrupt an industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades. As the use of drones becomes more widespread, it will be fascinating to see how Sustainable Skylines continues to expand its operations and explore new applications for its technology.
Sustainable Skylines’ achievement serves as a testament to the growing potential of drone technology in various industries. As the industry matures, we can expect to see more innovative solutions emerge, transforming the way we advertise, transport goods, and conduct various tasks.
The future of drone technology holds much promise, with Sustainable Skylines leading the charge. The company’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability positions it for long-term success, as it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with drone technology.