

Your Drone Questions. Answered.
Drone Launch Academy
Have a drone question? We'll answer it. Welcome to "Your Drone Questions. Answered.", the podcast where we bring you the answers to your burning drone-related questions! Each episode, we take questions submitted by our audience and find industry experts to provide insightful and informative answers. Our interviews with these experts are typically 10-15 minutes long, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. From flying techniques and gear to regulations and industry news, we cover it all. Whether you're a drone hobbyist, a professional, or just curious about the world of drones, "Your Drone Questions. Answered." is the podcast for you. So, send in your questions and join us as we explore the exciting world of drones!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 20, 2025 • 15min
YDQA: Ep 94- "How Can Drones Be Used For Golf Course Spray Programs?"
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.

Feb 13, 2025 • 14min
YDQA: Ep 93- "How are Drones Used in Crash and Crime Scene Reconstruction?"
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

Feb 6, 2025 • 18min
YDQA: Ep 92- "What Compliance Requirements Apply to My Drone?"
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!

Jan 30, 2025 • 18min
YDQA: Ep 91- "Is DJI Removing Geofencing Good or Bad for the Drone Industry?"
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.

Dec 19, 2024 • 10min
YDQA: Ep 90- "What’s Really Happening with Drone Sightings in New Jersey?"
Welcome to another episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered! In this video, David Young dives into the hot topic of mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey and New York that have captured the attention of media outlets, educators, and drone enthusiasts alike.We’ll explore:Theories about the sightings: hobbyist drones, law enforcement activities, or something more mysterious?Insights from government agencies like the FAA, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security.Why identifying these drones can be so challenging, even with tools like Remote ID.What the shaky video footage and night-time sightings might reveal.

Dec 12, 2024 • 7min
YDQA: Ep 89- "DJI Drone Ban Update: What You Need to Know Now"
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered we are discussing the latest news on the DJI drone ban, also known as the Countering CCP Drones Act. David breaks down the recent updates from the FY 2025 NDAA, including Section 1709 and its potential impact on DJI drones.Learn what this means for drone sales, business planning, and the future of DJI drones in the U.S.

Dec 5, 2024 • 4min
YDQA: Ep 88- "What is the status of the DJI drone ban in the United States?"
What Is the Status of the DJI Drone Ban in the United States?In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, we dive into the latest updates on the proposed DJI drone ban in the U.S., including details about the Countering CCP Drones Act (H.R. 2864), its progress in Congress, and what it could mean for DJI drone users and future sales. If you're wondering whether to buy a DJI drone or what this legislation could mean for the drone industry, this video has the answers.

Nov 21, 2024 • 11min
YDQA: Ep 87- "How Can Surveyors Use Drones?"
In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, sits down with Rut Patel, a mapping expert who works with survey firms to integrate drone technology into their workflow. They dive deep into how drones are revolutionizing the surveying industry by reducing project timelines, improving data accuracy, and offering cost-effective solutions compared to traditional methods.Root shares insights from his hands-on experience, explaining the step-by-step process of using drones for surveys—from project planning and flight execution to data processing and deliverables. He also highlights the types of drones and software commonly used, such as the Mavic 3 Enterprise with a DRTK station and photogrammetry tools like Pix4D.Whether you're curious about how drones are being used in geomatics, the benefits they offer for surveying, or what the future holds for this field, this episode is packed with practical knowledge and expert advice.Learn how drones are becoming an essential tool for surveyors and discover why this technology is reshaping the industry!

Nov 14, 2024 • 12min
YDQA: Ep 86- "RTK vs. PPK - What They Are and Why They Matter?"
Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this special nighttime episode filmed outdoors at a hotel in Cleveland, we’re diving into an essential topic for drone mapping—understanding the difference between RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and PPK (Post-Processing Kinematic).If you’re not familiar with these terms, they’re methods used to improve the accuracy of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data in drone mapping. We’ll cover why corrections are needed in GNSS data, especially when creating high-precision maps.You’ll learn how RTK works by providing instant corrections, connecting to reference stations, and achieving near-centimeter accuracy. Then, we’ll discuss PPK, which involves post-processing corrections after flights using raw GNSS data and a nearby reference point on-site. Both methods help ensure that mapping coordinates align accurately with the real world, a crucial factor in professional surveying, engineering, and mapping projects.

Nov 7, 2024 • 4min
YDQA: Ep 85- "Is the FAA Tracking Your Drone?"
In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, we’re diving into a question we hear a lot: Is the FAA tracking my drone? The short answer? No, the FAA is not actively tracking your drone like it does with manned aircraft. But there’s something called Remote ID that you might have heard about. We’ll explain what Remote ID is, how it works, and what information it broadcasts.Remote ID acts like a digital license plate for your drone, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals to broadcast details like your drone’s location, speed, altitude, and a unique ID number. If you’re flying in regular, low-security areas, the FAA is likely not tracking you. However, in high-security areas or places with a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) – like major sports events – law enforcement might monitor Remote ID signals to ensure safety.We also discuss the purpose of Remote ID, its limitations, and real-world examples of when it’s been used by authorities. If you’re curious about privacy and safety when flying, this episode is for you. Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on all things drones!


