johns drones

About Me: The Brutal Truth Behind the Drones

Welcome to johnsdrones.net – the digital home of one man, one drone, a campervan called Vanilla, and more gear than an Apple Store on Black Friday. I’m John Nickolls, and this is the uncensored, semi-sarcastic story of how I ended up here—flying drones, baking bread, dodging potholes, and occasionally working nights for AP Webb.

A Life Less Beige

Born as Andrew John Nickolls, I quickly dropped the formalities and answered to “John,” “Dad,” or, during a brief and chaotic period in the Navy, “Oi, you.” The Royal Navy taught me how to iron things I didn’t know could be ironed, survive on lukewarm tea, and find humour in the darkest places (like inside a ship’s heads during rough seas).

I’ve since worn many hats: husband, father, haulier, drone pilot, brioche baker, and reluctant handyman. I’ve also driven enough miles in lorries and campers to qualify for my own motorway junction. And if you’ve ever eaten a full English on a folding chair while watching the sun rise over Loch Linnhe—you know the vibe.

The End of the Road... And the Beginning of the Skies

For years, I ran the legendary H Nickolls & Son (Milford) Ltd, a family business with more grit than a quarry and more red tape than a Christmas wrapping session. After nearly a century, the business bowed out—dignified, defiant, and slightly oily.

So, what did I do? I picked up a DJI Mavic 2 Pro, slapped “John’s Drones” on a digital banner, and took to the skies. From Cannock Chase to Cornish cliffs, I’ve been capturing aerial beauty with the same precision I once applied to reversing a flatbed trailer through a cattle gate.

Vanilla: Not Just a Campervan, A Lifestyle

Let’s talk about Vanilla, my trusty VW T6.1 campervan. Bought in April 2024, she’s not just a vehicle—she’s a rolling sanctuary, video editing suite, bed on wheels, and occasionally, a mobile kitchen. She’s been everywhere from Scotlandto Route 66, with a laser projector fitted for nights when Netflix beats nature (just).

Inside Vanilla, you’ll find everything from drone kit and camera gear to a fully operational Ninja Soup Maker and enough ginger shots to make your throat beg for mercy. Vanilla’s not just a van—she’s a vibe.

Bread, Beats & Bearded Dragons

Outside the drone zone, I’m a man of many passions. I bake brioche and sourdough like I’m auditioning for Bake Off: Staffordshire Edition. I use my Cricut Explore 3 to make stickers and logos, mostly for myself, but also for anyone needing a Villa-themed van decal.

I make ginger shots under the name Nix Shots, blending health with horror—celery, chilli, spinach, and enough ginger to strip paint. I also share a home with Fawkes, a bearded dragon who gives fewer sh*ts than I do on a Monday night shift.

Musically? I'm all about Apple Music. If it’s moody, synth-heavy, or featured in an ‘80s nightclub scene, I’m in. Think Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, Dire Straits, and the occasional Underworld binge when the bread proves or the drone charges.

The Crew and the Craic

My adventures are rarely solo. I’ve got a solid squad—Guy, Bill, Simon (plus his Vizsla, Chester), Bradders, and Dave. There’s also Rousey and Gary, my co-pilots on the Route 66 RV adventure—35 feet of chaos rolling across America like Top Gear on a budget.

And then there’s Fiona—my brilliant, platonic travel mate. We’ve toured Rome, seen the Colosseum, chucked coins in the Trevi Fountain, and walked miles without a single romantic subplot. Just friends. Seriously. Stop asking.

Work, Wanderlust, and Wifi

These days I work part-time night shifts for AP Webb. It keeps the gears oiled, both financially and literally. But my heart’s out there—on the open road, in the clouds with the drone, or editing footage in Vanilla while sipping a ginger shot that could wake the dead.

This website, johnsdrones.net, is where I share it all. Photos, flight paths, travel blogs, and whatever random adventure comes next. It’s not just a hobby—it’s my story in motion.

Final Thoughts (Until the Next Flight)

So that’s me. John Nickolls: drone pilot, dad, haulier turned creative, part-time night owl, full-time sarcastic optimist. I’ve had ups, downs, breakdowns (both emotional and mechanical), but I’m still here—documenting it all from 400 feet above your average day.

If you like scenic drone shots, campervan escapism, and brutally honest storytelling laced with just enough heart to stop it all collapsing into nonsense, stick around. Watch, read, subscribe. Or just pop in to say hello.

I’ll probably be up editing reels, brewing ginger shots, or watching the moon rise from a muddy field near somewhere beautiful.

Cheers for visiting,John