Can drone pilots fly over roofs in order to scout for opportunities for roofing contractors? What are the regulatory challenges? In today's episode we discuss about a unique strategy of scouting for opportunities for roofing contractors by conducting flights over roofs and identifying roofing opportunities. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with s...
Sep 01, 2022•23 min
Can pilots fly in NOAA protected areas? Does NOAA have the ability to regulate airspace? In today's episode we discuss about NOAA protected areas and the rules and regulations in airspace around protected areas. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referenc...
Aug 18, 2022•11 min
What are the best ways a pilot can sell their services? How can a pilot make best use of the drones they have? In today's episode we discuss some best strategies for drone pilots to sell their services and how they can make best use of the drones they possess. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry...
Aug 16, 2022•22 min
As a mapper should you opt for cloud solutions which seem easier to work with as against desktop solutions? Are there inherent benefits to desktop tools? In today's episode we review and discuss the common solutions available in drone mapping and if pilots should opt for cloud solutions as against desktop solutions. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updat...
Aug 15, 2022•38 min
Judge uphelds remote id in RaceDayQuad vs FAA ruling. What implications does this have for pilots and the industry? In today's episode we talk about the outcome of the RaceDayQuad vs FAA on Remote ID as judge upheld remote id. We go over the implications of the ruling and what this means to pilots and the industry at large. RaceDayQuads sued the FAA in April early 2021 and filed the arguments on August 4, 2021. After subsequent replies and arguments, The Department of Justice (DOJ) and RaceDayQu...
Aug 03, 2022•21 min
What options do pilots have if they intend to fly in clear airspace near a designated DJI red zone? Today's question is from John, who is working on a project to conduct flight missions around a prison that is no longer functional yet is classified as a red zone by DJI. John would like to know if Pilots have options to fly in such clear airspace and what they would need to know prior to flying. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new...
Aug 02, 2022•14 min
As the Phantom drones near their end of life, what drones are good alternatives for all round performance? We're back to recording podcasts after a hiatus and in this episode we address a long standing question in drone pilots' mind on what drone would replace the Phantom drones, that have captured every domain of the drone industry through it's value for money and performance. Today's question is from Gary, who would like to know what drone is the go-to choice for pilots now that the Phantoms a...
Jul 29, 2022•27 min
Should you perform hand catching of drones? Are there practical benefits to it? Or does hand catching just amount to inviting unwarranted injuries? Hand catching a drone - You've possibly seen pilots doing this or seen a social media post of a horrific injury while performing the act but is hand catching really required? Should pilots follow them or is it an unsafe practice that should be avoided? Today, we answer everything we know about hand catching a drone and we would like to thank Tom who'...
Jun 25, 2022•17 min
When approached by a government official claiming that I am flying illegally how do I explain myself? What precautions should I be taking to address such scenarios? Today's podcasts is flight regulations and airspace approvals. Our question for today is from Frank who was questioned by a government employee who claimed Frank was flying illegally around a lake and dam. Frank had used all FAA's tools and ensured he was well within the law but Frank would like to know how pilots can address such sc...
Jun 25, 2022•16 min
Can you share key learnings from Drone U Experience Training? Today's podcasts is all about the recently concluded Drone U's Experience training and we share all the highlights, learnings and our experience from the training. We start off by sharing top insights from the training focusing first on the location, the team and the environment and discussing how the natural set up of the location helped students hone their skills in flight control. We also discuss key highlights from student experie...
Jun 10, 2022•22 min
What are NFTs? Are they worth exploring to a drone pilot? Today's question is from Tom who is looking to learn all about the latest sensation in the crypto world, Non Fungible Tokens or commonly known as NFTs. Tom would like to know about them and how one can get started with creating and selling NFTs We start today's episode by jumping straight into what NFTs are all about and what it means to drone pilots and other users alike. We discuss common pitfalls of the technology while also going over...
May 21, 2022•14 min
With multiple software packages available in the drone industry, how do pilots decide on using one? Today's question is from Felipe on how pilots can choose a particular software, considering there are many options available for a single application in the drone industry. Pilots today are spoilt for choices on using drone software for a particular application leading to complex purchasing decisions and the follow up learning curve with these softwares for related business deliveries. We address ...
May 19, 2022•49 min
What do we know of the Inspire 3 launch? What spec and features can we expect? Today's question is from Marshall who has 2 questions for us - He would like to know what we know about the Inspire 3 and why we are moving our HQ to Colorado. We start of today's episode by answering Marshall's question on our move, from New Mexico to Colorado, and highlight our rationale to do so. We discuss what we intend to have and how these will help future drone pilots taking Drone U courses. We also highlight ...
May 17, 2022•38 min
Washington State announces legislation on certified pilots having to register their drone with the state? Is it legal? How should pilots react? Today's question is from Laska, about Washinton State's new legislation requiring certified part 107 drone pilots to register drones with the state. She would like to know how to deal with this legislation and what pilots should make of it. Today's podcast directly addresses the frequent state vs federal legislation situation that pilots have faced ever ...
May 15, 2022•18 min
Where can I find Inspire 1 batteries and how can I assess their performance? Today's question is from Jonathan, who has recently purchased a used Inspire 1 along with accessories and batteries but is finding the batteries being unable to hold their charge during flights and would like to know where one can find Inspire 1 batteries and how one can assess them. We first answer Jonathan's question if the Inspire 1 batteries he possesses have any life left in them. We then talk where he can find Ins...
May 13, 2022•7 min
What are the best practices to put together Isotopes' Cinewhoop shots? How can pilots plan such shots? Today's question is from Tom, who wants to know how pilots can put together Cinewhoop shots and what goes into planning and execution of such shots. We are fortunate to have performed a Cinewhoop production video for a local baseball club Isoptoes and happy to answer Tom's question today straight from our hands-on experience of performing a shoot. We start our response by highlighting GoPro's l...
May 12, 2022•46 min
New Updates to drone manufacturer list, Iris automation new ground base system, BlackSwift technologies ground water density measurement system, will we have F1 races in the sky? In our latest episode of the Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest news in the drone industry and bring you the hottest updates from regulations to new drone tech to air mobility. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss all the latest news in the approved manufacturer list starting with Flor...
Apr 29, 2022•19 min
Updates from Amsterdam Drone Week conference, Texas regulations struck down, Wing and Flighttrack trials In our latest episode of the Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest news in the drone industry and bring you the hottest updates from regulations to drone deliveries to commercial drone application news. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss all the latest news and takeaways from the Drone Week conference in Amsterdam. Miriam just returned from the conference and...
Apr 27, 2022•18 min
What are the best practices when using DroneDeploy during mapping missions? Are there any preferred workflows to using DroneDeploy? Today's question is from Justin, who wants to know if DroneDeploy is the software of choice for use in mapping missions and what are some of the best practices around the use of DroneDeploy. We begin today's episode by listing the best resources for pilots undertaking mapping missions and going over the best workflows for an efficient and effective mapping mission. ...
Apr 21, 2022
Are there any preferred drones for measuring the height and width of buildings? What factors should pilots keep in mind when purchasing a drone? Today's question is from Jannik, who is performing photogrammetry missions and for his requirements needs to measure the height and width of buildings, however he would like to know what drone is best suited for his requirement, a drone that can effortlessly provide accurate measurements We begin our response to Jannik by going over the many requirement...
Apr 14, 2022
Can pilots fly drones that have not been flown in a while? What pre-flight checks should they conduct to ensure safe operations? Today's question is from Adam, who would like to know what pre-flight checks are required for his drone that's been on the shelf for a while. Our show today is different from usual shows where we answer questions from pilots who possibly use their drone quite actively. However today, we focus on the drones that haven't been flown in a while and the critical things that...
Apr 13, 2022
How can pilots make the best of Drone U's in-person classes? What should pilots be aware of prior to joining a class? Today's question is from Ike, who would like to know about Drone U's in-person classes and what it takes to make the best of these classes and the intended audience for the classes. A fair question, considering these are the most common questions we receive about our classes. We discuss the expectations in-person class attendees have and how they can make the best use of our clas...
Apr 03, 2022
Does the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Advanced offer more value than the Mavic 3? Is it a good buy? Today's show is about the battle of the Mavics - the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Advanced vs the Mavic 3. Our question for today is from James, who would like to know if the Mavic 2 EA is a better option and if DJI is shifting its product strategy to enterprise drones. We start off the episode discussing the recent evolution of Mavic drones and discuss the features of the new M30 drone from DJI. we discuss...
Mar 29, 2022
DJI Launches new M3 drone with docking station, review of ARC recommendations for BVLOS flights In our latest episode of the Drone Life News show, we cover 2 new updates in the Drone industry - DJI's launch of the M30 Enterprise drone featuring a docking station and a review of ARC's recommendation for BVLOS flights and what it means to the industry. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss DJI's latest drone which is their next generation of enterprise solutions. DJI introdu...
Mar 28, 2022•27 min
As pilots keep up with increasing mapping demand should they choose Propellor or Pix4D and what are the implications of choosing either? With mapping continuing to be a critical drone application in the drone world, what software should drone pilots to ensure accuracy and high precision deliverables? In today's show we discuss and compare in detail, 2 key software in the drone mapping world - the Propellor and Pix4D, and how choosing either can impact precision, accuracy, budget, ease of conveni...
Mar 24, 2022
BVLOS ARC releases recommendations for BVLOS flights, FAA opens applications for LAANC and WING drone delivery comes to Dallas Fort worth In our latest episode of Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest updates in the drone industry - from updates on BVLOS to drone deliveries. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss the news of the BVLOS ARC recommendations for BVLOS flights. The recommendations come in the light of how the FAA needs to structure its BVLOS regulations ...
Mar 23, 2022•19 min
BVLOS updates, FAA administrator resigns and what the future holds for Drone Industry In our latest episode of Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest updates in the drone industry - from updates on BVLOS waivers to Steve Dickson's resignation as FAA administrator and the future of the drone industry in light of these latest changes. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss all the latest from the world of BVLOS waivers and talk about the companies that have received BV...
Mar 14, 2022•26 min
What drone should pilots choose if they intend on taking close-up aerial photos and videos? With multiple drones available in the market today, what qualifies to be the preferred drone for pilots intending to take close up aerial images and videos? Today's question is from Earl who would like to know the preferred drone for close up aerial shots and videos. We answer Earl's questions by first addressing the noise generated from a drone when performing close to subject missions for aerial photo s...
Mar 09, 2022•30 min
Are major TV and Film events now being captured by DSPs or do Media houses have their own drone crew? Today's show is about Drone Service Providers (DSP) and if they continue to be in demand to contract and fly for major events and film crews or if the market has shifted towards media houses staffing their own crew for such events. Our question for today is from Ken in New Jersey, who would like to know if DSPs get the higher end tv and film drone jobs and to understand the opportunities availab...
Mar 09, 2022•12 min
Is Christian Mollica's book "FPV Flight Dynamics" a good read for drone pilots and how can it help them? Today's show is a quick one to respond to a question on whether Christian Mollica's book is a good read for drone pilots. We respond to Zane's question, who recently viewed our podcast with Christian Mollica where we reviewed DJI's FPV drone and also went over Christian's book. Zane would like to know if Christian Mollica's book "FPV flight dynamics" is a good and essential read for drone pil...
Feb 24, 2022
