Your Drone Questions. Answered.

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered. In this episode, we're diving into the exciting world of tethered drones—how they're being used today and where they're headed in the future.We cover:What tethered drones are and how they differ from traditional UAVsLegal and regulatory considerations in the U.S. as of Q1 2025The main benefits of tethering (continuous power, data streaming, mobility)Real-world use cases: public safety, temporary security, event coverage, and broadcastFreefly’s innovative Flying Sun product for mobile aerial lightingChallenges and technical lessons from building tethered drone systemsThe future of tether tech, including UI/UX advancements and industry-specific solutions

Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered. Today we are answering the question 👉 "What equipment do I need to start drone mapping?"Or more specifically… "What drone should I buy for mapping?"In this episode, we cover:🚁 Key drone features for mapping (automated missions, mechanical shutter, RTK/PPK compatibility)🧠 What to consider if you're using consumer-grade drones like the Mini 4 Pro📸 Sensor types, resolution, and why they matter for mapping quality🌐 Choosing the right mapping software (DroneDeploy, PIX4D, DJI Terra, etc.)🧰 Sample gear packages (from entry-level to enterprise setups)🔌 Must-have accessories like GNSS receivers, RTK modules, and ground control gear💻 Hardware + computing power you'll need for processing___🚨 BONUS: We just launched the Advanced Drone Mapping & Modeling Certificate Program. Be sure to check out the course here- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/admm/

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove and special guest Hansel Brand discuss the essential best practices for drone pilots operating near airports. Learn about:The importance of communicating with airport managersRecommended safety distances from airportsUnderstanding airport traffic patternsUsing CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency)Handling helicopter encountersThe value of visual observers when flying near busy airports

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove provides a follow-up to last week's interview with Ravi Suneja about the ASPRS positional accuracy standards.Chris walks through a real-world example of calculating vertical positional accuracy using actual drone data from a community college campus. Learn how to:-Understand the components of the ASPRS 2024 vertical accuracy standardSee how product fit to checkpoints is measured in practice--Observe the importance of having 30+ checkpoints for proper validationCalculate the combined accuracy using both product fit and control network accuracy-Properly report whether your data was "tested to meet" or "produced to meet" standards📍 Have a drone question? Submit it at YDQA.io or email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com

🚁 Drone Mapping Standards Explained: What Every Aerial Mapper Needs to Know!In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Ravi Soneja to dive deep into the critical world of industry accuracy standards for drone-derived mapping products.Key Highlights:Discover the latest 2024 ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards updatesLearn the difference between ground control and checkpointsUnderstand vertical accuracy reporting for drone mapping projectsGet insights from a professional with extensive aerial mapping experienceWhat You'll Learn:The role of ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing)Critical changes in mapping standards for UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems)Best practices for checkpoint collection and accuracy reportingSoftware recommendations for accuracy testingRecommended Resources:https://www.asprs.org/https://www.asprs.org/revisions-to-the-asprs-positional-accuracy-standards-for-geospatial-data-2023https://www.mckimcreed.com/aerial-lidar-photogrammetry/

Join host Chris Breedlove as he interviews Eric Richard from Drone Sports, Inc. to explore the fast-growing world of drone soccer - an action-packed, educational sport combining STEM skills with competitive gameplay!In this episode, you'll discover:What drone soccer is and how it's played (think Quidditch with drones!)How this innovative program teaches students technical skills while developing crucial teamwork abilitiesThe accessible, plug-and-play design that lets students build, program, and repair their own dronesHow schools across 35 states are implementing drone soccer in classrooms and as after-school programsCompetition opportunities from local matches to international tournamentsWays for schools, educators, and parents to get involvedWhether you're an educator looking for engaging STEM activities, a drone enthusiast curious about new applications, or a parent seeking innovative programs for your children, this episode offers valuable insights into a sport that's creating pathways to future careers.Learn more at dronesoccer.us or contact Eric directly at eric@dronesports.us

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove interviews Craig Haire from Neptune Turf Solutions and Aerial Drone Dynamics about the emerging use of spray drones for golf course maintenance.Craig shares his journey from golf course superintendent to specialized spray contractor, and discusses how drone technology is revolutionizing turf management. Learn about:The practical applications of spray drones on golf coursesSafety benefits of drone spraying versus traditional methodsRegulatory requirements including Part 137 certification and state licensesChallenges of implementing this cutting-edge technologyFuture possibilities with NDVI imaging and targeted applicationsWhether you're a drone pilot looking for new business opportunities or a golf course manager interested in more efficient maintenance solutions, this conversation offers valuable insights into this specialized drone application.Contact Craig at craighaire4@gmail.com to learn more about golf course spray drone operations.

Join host Chris Breedlove and special guest Calvin Rikard, a veteran law enforcement officer with 17+ years of collision reconstruction experience, as they explore how drones are revolutionizing crash and crime scene documentation.In this episode, discover:-The evolution of crash scene documentation - from 100-foot measuring tapes to modern drone technology-Critical factors in capturing court-admissible drone evidence-Best practices for nighttime operations and challenging conditions-How ground control points and photogrammetry software ensure accuracy-Opportunities for drone service providers in forensic documentationCalvin shares valuable insights from his extensive career with the South Carolina Highway Patrol and discusses how modern drone technology is making scene documentation more efficient while saving departments time and resources.Whether you're in law enforcement, a drone service provider, or simply interested in public safety applications of drone technology, this episode offers practical knowledge from real-world experience.Connect with Calvin:Duncan Parnell Public Safety: https://www.duncan-parnell.com/public-safety/public-safety-solutions?srsltid=AfmBOoqHj4QSImxyyQ3amj7nFEqzM8jZEGqQMDfs1cgm64kBkgd5b3Ao 📧 Have a question for the show?Email: chris@dronelaunchacademy.comAsk a question here: YDQA.io

Are you confused about drone compliance in the United States? In this episode of Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove breaks down the complex landscape of drone regulations, including:🚁 Compliance Tiers for Drone Buyers:Hobbyist & Private Sector OptionsAmerican-Made and Allied Country DronesNDAA ComplianceDIU Blue ListAUVSI Green ListKey Insights:Understanding supply chain security requirementsDifferences between various compliance standardsImplications for commercial drone usersState-level legislation impactsResources mentioned in the video:https://www.diu.mil/blue-uas-cleared-listhttps://www.auvsi.org/cleared-list❓ Questions? Submit at YDQA.io or in the Drone Launch Connect Community!

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, we welcome Chris Breedlove, who will be taking over as the new host of the show! Chris brings over a decade of experience in geospatial technology and two years of specialized drone industry expertise.We dive deep into DJI's recent removal of geofencing restrictions - a significant change that's making waves in the drone community. Chris and David discuss:What geofencing is and why it mattersThe timing and potential reasons behind DJI's decisionHow this change might impact drone pilots and the industryWhy other manufacturers never implemented similar restrictionsThe balance between technological restrictions and pilot responsibilityHave questions about drones? Submit them at YDQA.io, through the Drone Launch Connect community, or email Chris directly at chris@dronelaunchacademy.com.