Its a weird industry. I can believe there are a few that make large sums of money.
Historically (when I started in the industry) you required considerable skill in engineering and flying to make these machines work. Things have changed so much, as someone mentioned a £1000 phantom will pretty much fly itself and is fairly idiot proof.
The issue is that some of the larger companies particularly in the oil and gas industry would rather stick with the £100,000 a year companies rather than actually looking to see who else is out there offering similar services for less. (Often with newer and higher quality equipment).
In many regards its just like the helicopter industry (which I left 10 years ago) in that its a case of who you know, not how good you are!
I have worked on some pretty big TV shows and worked for some huge brands flying toy helicopters with cameras under them and I certainly don't earn that kinda money
