Commercial aerial work
Photography and videography for construction, real estate, infrastructure, utilities and agriculture. Aerial perspectives that help people understand a property, a project or a place.
The art of autonomy · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
John Zagi Jones
Drone Photography PittsburghFlight · Intelligence · Education
A higher
perspective.
Drone pilot. Robotics educator.
AI & autonomous systems speaker.
Command of the technology.
A vision for what comes next.
From the skies above Pittsburgh to the conversation about the future of work. Commercial flight expertise, hands-on technical education and a clear voice on autonomous systems.
FAA Part 107Commercial drone pilot
15+ yearsDrone & autonomous systems experience
Carnegie Mellon2026 conference speaker
Pittsburgh Technology CouncilMember
01 / ExpertisePrecision in the air.
Precision in the air.
Perspective on the ground.
AI & autonomous systems
Speaking on the relationship between emerging technology, workforce readiness and ethical AI integration. Turning complex developments into a clear conversation for educators, leaders and communities.
Drone & robotics education
Practical instruction in drone building, safe operation, navigation and robotics. Programs that connect technical curiosity with real-world skills, from student teams to teacher development.
02 / In the room where the future is discussedFrom Classroom
From Classroom
to Skies.
February 25, 2026 · PittsburghThe AI Effect
The AI Effect
at Carnegie Mellon University
A featured panelist for Global Careers: AI and the Future of Work, John brought the perspective of an aerial-systems practitioner and educator to the World Affairs Institute conference at Carnegie Mellon.
His presentation, From Classroom to Skies, connected AI-driven drones, STEM education and workforce development—placing Pittsburgh’s autonomous future in a practical, human context.
AI & the future of workSTEM education innovationAutonomous systemsEthical AI integration
03 / Knowledge that takes flightBuild the machine.
Build the machine.
Build the capability.
John’s teaching connects technical foundations with the confidence to use them. His work includes Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers drone instruction and robotics coaching at University Prep Milliones through M-Powerhouse.
Teach the teachers.
Drone construction and instruction toward The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), bringing practical flight knowledge into the educational community.
Develop the next generation.
Hands-on drone and robotics learning at University Prep Milliones through M-Powerhouse, including the Milliones Mechacats #9004 team.
04 / A Pittsburgh perspectiveA city seen
A city seen
from possibility.
Original aerial films from John’s flight archive. Landscape, architecture and motion, seen through the eye of a practicing pilot.
Real estate · Construction · Infrastructure · Utilities · Agriculture · Events & celebrations
05 / In conversationThe story behind
The story behind
the perspective.
Read John’s original features on his work, technical interests and commitment to education.
Explore John’s complete original photo collection 12 photographs & features ↓
Autonomous Systems Speaker—has dedicated 15+ years to mastering drones and teaching autonomous systems. Students work hands-on with autonomous systems, reinforcement learning and navigation challenges as graduate-level technical work.
A Pittsburgh Technology Council member, John spoke on Feb. 25th at
Carnegie Mellon (CMU), sponsored by the World Affairs Institute & Rotary Districts, at ‘The AI Effect’ Conference 2026 on AI workforce development and ethics.
As a licensed drone pilot, he specializes in aerial photography/videography for weddings, corporate events, sports, celebrations, real estate, construction, golf courses, utilities and agriculture.
Keynote topics: Al workforce development, STEM education innovation, autonomous systems integration
www.canvasrebel.com/meet-john-zagi-jones
In the article, I delve into my passion for drones, a fascination that’s been soaring for over a decade. My YouTube channel chronicles this adventure, capturing the breathtaking views and technical challenges that come with flying these incredible machines.
The article provides a detailed look at how I’ve honed my skills, embraced cutting-edge technology and explored the world from angles most people never get to see.
Beyond my personal journey, I’ve been dedicated to turning this passion into something impactful, particularly by inspiring and educating underprivileged children in Pittsburgh through M-Powerhouse. It’s been a rewarding experience to use my platform to uplift and empower the next generation of tech enthusiasts.
I invite you all to read about my story, where passion meets purpose, and hopefully, it resonates with you.
Check out the full article:
www.boldjourney.com/meet-john-zagi-jones
As a panelist for “Global Careers: “AI and the Future of Work,” he’ll be unpacking the power of autonomous aerial systems — AI-driven drones — and their role in reshaping STEM education, workforce agility, and Pittsburgh’s emergence and permanence as a global hub for autonomous innovation.
John’s presentation, ‘From Classroom to Skies,’ will explore how these technologies are not just tools but catalysts—unlocking potential in unexpected places, accelerating scalable learning models, enabling real-time operational deployment and forging strategic advantages in high-stakes sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure and national security.
This is about harnessing frontier tech to build resilient, future-proof ecosystems that redefine industry standards.
Details:
www.worldpittsburgh.org/institute
Scholarships available:
www.tinyurl.com/WAI55-Scholarship
It grants individuals the legal authority to operate drones for commercial purposes, subject to certain regulations and restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Bring the right
perspective.
Commercial aerial projects. Speaking invitations. Education partnerships.
Start with a conversation about the work you have in mind.
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · A distinct voice within the TARA-PERI house.