Branding and Marketing Strategies to Grow a Drone Business Today's show is about business strategy and branding. Our caller for today, Bob is building out a website for his drone business. And while he primarily focuses on the construction industry, Bob is wondering if he should target other verticals as well. Is it better to go broad? Or is it better to niche down and focus just on your core skill? On today's show, we discuss the pros (and cons) of going broad and offering a range of services. ...
Apr 13, 2021•16 min
Today's question is about drone remote-id. How can you make your drone "remote-id compatible"? Is this something that you should be even worrying about right now? Our caller for today, Jack has a question about drone remote-id. Back in December 2020, drone remote-id rules were finalized by the FAA. Once these restrictive rules kick in, it will become mandatory to broadcast your drone's location via remote-id. So, is your drone already compatible? And if not, are there any modules that you can at...
Apr 09, 2021•23 min
Today's show is about using software for mapping the interiors of a building. Our caller for today, Gary is a long-time ADU listener. He just happened to tune in to one of our older shows where we talked about using the Insta 360 for mapping the interiors of a building. So, Gary went ahead and purchased the Insta 360 for his next drone job where he is doing construction progress monitoring for an interior buildout. However, recent updates to a mapping software makes it far easier to use your dro...
Apr 06, 2021•15 min
Today's show is about flying drones in National Parks. Back in January, US Filmmaker Gordon Price sued U.S. Attorney General William Barr. The contentious issue was the fees that Gordon had to pay to shoot in a National Park. The outcome of this case left many in the drone industry confused, and wondering if they can or cannot fly in National Parks with the right permits. On today's show, we break down the outcome of this civil court case to reveal what it means for the drone industry. You will ...
Apr 02, 2021•42 min
Today's question is about flying the same shot on multiple days and seasons. Our caller for today, Ryan from Indiana is a landscape photographer who has come up with a great question about flying the same shot on multiple days or seasons. Is it possible to get your drone to fly the same path and shoot at the same angles again and again? On today's show, you will learn how to do exactly that using the Litchi app. Additionally, you will also learn how to eliminate variables so that you can get con...
Mar 26, 2021•13 min
Today's show is about flying drones in areas of heavy interference like NYC. Our caller for today, Guy from NYC has come up with an interesting question. As you may be aware, an old avigation law makes it illegal to fly drones in NYC. However, we might see this archaic law being scrapped shortly. So, Guy is wondering if he can use drones to conduct visual facade inspections of tall buildings. On today's show, you will learn the best and safest drones to fly in areas of heavy interference such as...
Mar 18, 2021•13 min
Today's show is about marketing a new drone business. Our caller for today, Ian is all of 16, and he just got his Part 107 license. Like most drone pilots, Ian wishes to start off with real estate before moving on to more complicated (and lucrative) jobs. But, he is finding himself discouraged by the intense competition. How can Ian make a dent in a marketplace dotted with older, far more experienced pilots? And how can he come up with a great and irresistible offer? Drawing from their considera...
Mar 15, 2021•26 min
Today's show is about drone mapping software and acquisition strategies. Our caller for today, Bob has come up with a great follow-up question today. Bob listened to our previous show, "Which Pix4D Version Should I Use for Mapping a Roof?" And he has some in-depth questions about mapping software and acquisition strategies. Specifically, how can you prevent jagged lines in drone models? Can the use of manual tie-points help you create better-looking models? On today's show, you will learn that y...
Mar 11, 2021•23 min
Today's question is about free drone mapping software. Our caller, Ken from NJ wants to get into drone mapping. And while he wants to improve his mapping skills, understandably, he does not want to spend hundreds of dollars after mapping software right now. So, are there any free mapping software that Ken can use as a practice tool? On today's show, we discuss different options like Open Drone Map, Capture Reality, and even Pix4D and Drone Deploy. This show will be particularly useful for those ...
Mar 10, 2021
Today's show is about the DJI Mavic Air 2. Can you build a long-term, profitable business with this entry-level DJI drone? Our caller for today, John is a new drone pilot who has recently invested in the DJI Mavic Mini 2. John is facing buyer's remorse as he feels that he should have gone for a more powerful, sophisticated drone instead. While he was looking for a commercially viable option, he is worried that he has wasted his money after a "toy". Has John made a wrong purchase? Can he carve ou...
Mar 10, 2021•19 min
Today we compare different drone mapping software and reveal the most accurate option so that you can avoid any legal liabilities. Our caller for Trav is from Australia and has a question about drone mapping. And specifically, drone mapping software. Trav wants to know which processing software can produce the most accurate drone maps so that he avoid any legal liabilities. Great question, Trav. This question is particularly relevant to drone uses like surveying. More and more drone pilots are g...
Mar 06, 2021•33 min
Today's show is about flying at night without a waiver. Our caller for today, Bob has called in with an extremely relevant question today. Bob's question is about flying at night without a waiver. With daylight waiver to fly at night all set to become history, is there any benefit to applying for a Wide Area Authorization? Additionally, he is also wondering about the procedure to fly in controlled airspace near an airport that is not LAANC-enabled. With the recent changes to Part 107, drone pilo...
Mar 03, 2021•39 min
Today's question is about the upcoming changes to the Part 107 test. Will it be harder for you to clear the new and updated test? Our caller for today, Bob has come up with a particularly relevant question today. The Part 107 test is all set for a revamp in March. And rather than being one of the first people to attempt the new and updated test, you are certainly better off giving the test right now. You will learn about some of the most important changes to the Part 107 test. Particularly, you ...
Mar 01, 2021•18 min
Today's show is about mapping entire towns with drones. Is this a cost-feasible and legally permissible option? Our caller for today, Ryan from Utah wishes to survey an entire town with a drone. Legally speaking, is this even a possibility? Can Ryan get the necessary permissions to fly over people and BVLOS if required? On today's show, we share how Ryan can legally map large swathes of land without filing a waiver at all. We also compare mapping with drones to mapping from planes and reveal if ...
Feb 24, 2021•14 min
Today's show is about running an LLC alongside flying a drone for your W-2 employer. Our caller for today, Adam flies drones as a part of his W-2 job profile. Additionally, he recently started his LLC. Adam is using his personal drone to fly jobs for his LLC and his employer. For accounting and insurance purposes, it is a must that Adam keep the flight data for his business separate. But, given that he is using the same drone, how can Adam do so? Being a drone entrepreneur himself, Paul also has...
Feb 24, 2021•30 min
Today's show is about drone mapping software. Which is the best and most capable software to map a roof? Our caller for today, Garrett from Ohio is confused with the myriad of mapping software out there. He plans on taking up a roof mapping job and is considering using Pix4D. But, should Garrett opt for Pix4DMapper or Pix4D Cloud? Apart from Pix4D, we also discuss other options like DroneDeploy, Eagleview, and the latest entrant in the market, Skydio 3D Scan. You will also learn how your final d...
Feb 22, 2021•21 min
On today's show, we have Colorado wedding photographer, Kara Cavalca who shares with us her wisdom on how to successfully manage and scale a photography business. Wedding photography is a tough and competitive business. But Kara has managed to grow and scale her one-woman show to the next level. You will learn how she is using an all-in-one software, Sproutstudio to manage all her business needs ranging from invoicing to digital storage. Additionally, this software, which is specially built for ...
Feb 18, 2021•41 min
Today's question is about launching/landing a drone autonomously from a flatbed truck. Our caller for today, Renn is from Australia and has called in with an interesting question that has not been asked on Ask Drone U before. Renn's question is about launching/landing a drone autonomously from a flatbed truck. On today's show, we present two solutions to help Renn out. First, you will learn about a tethered drone system that can be flown from a moving vehicle. The next solution is particularly i...
Feb 17, 2021•17 min
Today's question is about the new Part 107 rules for drone pilots. Our caller for today, DJ has come up with a great question about the new Part 107 drone rules. DJ is confused by these new rules and wishes to know how they impact him as a Part 107 pilot. The FAA recently announced some significant changes to Part 107 rules which might change the way you fly. On today's show, you will learn how these changes will impact 1) Part 107 Test 2) Part 107 Recurrency 3) Flying at Night, and 4) Flying ov...
Feb 17, 2021•36 min
On today's show, we have Andrew Dennison, Director of Enterprise Services at DroneDeploy who shares with us the latest and most exciting trends from the drone mapping world. We start this show with Andrew sharing the workflow used by a majority of DroneDeploy pilots. You will learn how drones are being increasingly used as an image sharing tool in construction. We also discuss the big push towards onsite processings and future trends such as LiDAR. Andrew shares DroneDeploy's big plans for the i...
Feb 09, 2021
Today's show is about using drones in the oil and gas industry. Our caller for today, Jason from Texas wishes to leverage his experience in the oil and gas industry. He is wondering about the best way to market his drone services to industry stakeholders. In today's show, we discuss regulations, safety concerns, and marketing tactics. Thanks for the great question, Jason. Fly Safe! Drone Regulations for the Oil and Gas Industry - epa.gov Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained techni...
Feb 08, 2021•13 min
Today's show is about extinguishing a drone battery fire. We dispel some common misconceptions and reveal the best solution so that you can avert any disaster. Our caller for today, Bob tuned in to our previous show, Can You Get Into Trouble for Not Retrieving Your Drone After a Crash? And after listening in, he has come up with a great follow-up question. Bob's question is about extinguishing a fire caused by a LiPo drone battery. On today's show, you will learn the ONE thing that you should ne...
Feb 02, 2021•10 min
Today's question is about the new executive order issued by President Trump on January 18, 2021. Just before President Trump ended his term, he signed a bunch of executive orders - one of them being Executive Order 13981 on January 18, 2021. Titled "Protecting United States from Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems", this order places restrictions on the use of drones and drone spare parts manufactured in certain countries. And this order also enforces additional flight restrictions. But, with the ...
Feb 01, 2021•31 min
Today's show is about the current drone industry trend that has become really popular lately. Our caller for today, Tom has come up with a great question that has not been asked on Ask Drone U before. Tom's question is about the current drone industry trend where manufacturers are charging extra for add-on services and accessories. While this trend is now catching on in the drone industry, subscription-based services are already popular in industries like automobiles and OTT. In today's show, we...
Jan 28, 2021•21 min
Today's question is about drone laws. Specifically, what should a drone pilot do when flying near manned aircraft? Our caller for today, German is from Florida. Recently, when flying his drone at a 200 feet altitude, he came dangerously close to a helicopter. So, can helicopters legally fly at such low altitudes? And, should drone pilots always yield to manned aircraft even if they are flying with all the necessary permissions? With drone deliveries set to take flight, we also discuss if there i...
Jan 22, 2021•23 min
Today's show is about the DJI Crystalsky. Experienced pilot and Drone U's newest instructor, Tom has called in with a great question today. Considering the US's toughening stance towards Chinese companies, is it still safe for you to buy DJI equipment? Specifically, the DJI Crystalsky. Is it true that DJI Crystalsky is nearing its end of life? Can you still update your apps and get adequate support if you are using this DJI monitor to fly your drones? For all this and much more, tune in to our l...
Jan 21, 2021•24 min
Today's show is about the all-new Sony Airpeak Drone. Recently, Sony unveiled a new prosumer grade drone at CES 2021. This new drone, The Sony Airpeak comes with an FPV camera, obstacle avoidance, and an impressive payload. Mounting troubles for DJI have thrown up some interesting possibilities for other drone manufacturers who wish to jump into the fray. And considering Sony's past partnership with DJI and their impressive production capabilities, they are well-positioned to fill this market ga...
Jan 19, 2021•24 min
Today's show is about the commercial viability of the DJI Mavic Air 2. Our caller for today, Matt files a DJI Mavic Air 2. Matt is wondering if he can use this beginner drone for commercial drone photography and videography. Can Matt compete with drone pilots who fly more expensive drones like the Mavic 2 and Inspire 2? The different options discussed today include the Mavic 2 Pro, the Mavic 2 Zoom, and the Inspire 2-X7 combo. Additionally, we also share the pros and cons of the sub-250 gram, DJ...
Jan 18, 2021•20 min
Today's show is about a drone crash. Can you get into trouble for NOT retrieving your drone after a crash? Our caller for today, Gavin recently crashed his DJI Mavic Air 2 in a canyon. Notwithstanding his lost investment and footage, should Gavin retrieve his lost drone? What are the risks of leaving your drone out in the wild? You will learn how to retrieve your lost drone and the dangers of overheated batteries. Enjoy! Logic Labs is accepting registrations for their new Mastermind, and an excl...
Jan 12, 2021•14 min
In today's show, we share our predictions for the drone industry in 2021. 2020 was a particularly turbulent year for the drone industry. Along with the pandemic, we also witnessed a significant increase in the anti-China rhetoric which compounded troubles for industry leader, DJI. But with the end of the pandemic finally in sight, can we expect things to finally turn a corner in 2021? Can we expect a slew of new drones to be launched in 2021? What about the DJI Mavic 3? And, are there any indust...
Jan 04, 2021•20 min
