Antuan Barnes grew up hearing stories about his grandfather Eugene Barnes who was a Tuskegee Airman in World War II.

The first Black military pilots inspired the grandson to join the Air Force, too. There, he learned to be an electrician. He fueled his love of flight in simulators and working maintenance in warehouses that stored airplanes.

Later he flew drones as a hobby, but a friend encouraged him to start a business flying them. Barnes earned his FAA Part 107 drone license, and in 2022, he officially opened his drone business. The company name came easy: Tuskegee Drone Pilots.

“Like the Tuskegee Airman helped to protect U.S. bombers, Tuskegee Drone Pilots aim to protect our infrastructure by providing inspections, window cleaning and infrastructure cleaning,” he said.

After discovering drones for window cleaning, he expanded his business. But the cost of equipment increased significantly, so he started a GoFundMe to help with expenses. He needs $1,800 to buy a new specialized pressure washer.

“This has put a strain on my business and made it difficult to keep up with demand and maintain the high standards I set for myself and my clients,” he said.

Barnes has 30 years of experience in cleaning and maintenance. But drones help him to save time and money, and optimize safety. He provides aerial inspections also. He is based in Crown Point.

Learn more about Tuskegee Airman here.