

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

Sep 19, 2024 • 17min
YDQA: Ep 78- "How To Produce A Drone Light Show?"
Ever wondered what goes into creating those mesmerizing drone light shows? In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host John Dickow sits down with Jacob Howard, CEO of Illuminate Drones, to uncover the world of drone light shows.Key topics covered:The journey from amateur drone enthusiast to professional light show creatorDifferences between indoor and outdoor drone showsThe complex systems and software behind coordinating hundreds of dronesDesign process and challenges in creating a drone light showMaintenance and preparation required for large drone fleetsCosts involved in starting a drone light show businessAdvice for aspiring drone professionalsJacob shares insider insights on the technology, creativity, and passion driving this emerging industry. Whether you're a drone enthusiast or simply curious about those dazzling aerial displays, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of drone light shows.Don't forget to submit your own drone questions at YDQA.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community for more drone insights!#DroneShow #DroneIndustry #AerialDisplay #DroneTechnology #YourDroneQuestionsAnswered

Sep 12, 2024 • 14min
YDQA: Ep 77- "How Can Contractors Find Drone Work?"
In this episode, John Dickow of Drone Launch Academy talks with Gavin Dillon, owner and chief pilot at Golf Delta Aerial Services, about how to find your first clients when starting a drone business.Key points covered:Gavin's journey from getting his pilot's license to starting his drone businessThe importance of having an online presence, even a minimal oneHow to leverage Google profiles and social media to attract clientsTips for finding your niche in the drone industryThe value of starting as a subcontractor to build your portfolioAdvice for new drone entrepreneurs on pacing their business growth🔗 Check out Gavin's work: https://fly.golfdeltaaerialservices.com/Have a drone question? Join our Drone Launch Connect community or submit your question at ydqa.io!#DroneBusinessTips #FindingClients #DronePilot #AerialServices #YDQA

Sep 5, 2024 • 12min
YDQA: Ep 76- "What’s involved in drone delivery today?"
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host John Dickow sits down with Shyon Samadi, an sUAS flight operator with Wing and owner of Virginia Drone Shots, to discuss the current state of drone deliveries.Key points covered:The progress of drone deliveries from concept to realityMajor players in the drone delivery space, including Walmart's partnershipsHow drone deliveries work, from order placement to deliveryTechnological advancements like Wing's auto-loader systemLimitations and challenges facing the industry, including climate and regulationsTypes of drones used for deliveriesAdvice for those looking to enter the drone delivery industryShyon provides insider insights into this rapidly evolving field, comparing its current state to "going from elementary school to middle school." Whether you're a drone enthusiast or simply curious about the future of deliveries, this episode offers valuable information on where the industry stands in 2024 and where it's headed.Don't forget to submit your own drone questions at YDQA.io or through our Drone Launch Connect community!

Aug 29, 2024 • 14min
YDQA: Ep 75- "Best Consumer Drones Not Made in China?"
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, John Dickow and David Young tackle a tough but common question: What are the best consumer drones made in the US or not made in China?Key points covered:The scarcity of high-quality US-made consumer dronesWhy US drone manufacturers focus on enterprise and military marketsDiscussion of enterprise drone options (Skydio, Brinc, Wingtra, etc.)The economic factors behind the lack of US consumer drone optionsDJI's dominance and potential legislative challengesBrief mention of alternatives like XO drones and their limitationsAdvice for consumers and potential actions to takeWhether you're a drone enthusiast concerned about Chinese-made products or just curious about the state of the US drone industry, this episode provides valuable insights into the current market dynamics.

Aug 22, 2024 • 13min
YDQA: Ep 74- "How To Fly Drones In A Neighborhood Legally?"
In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered", David tackles the common question of whether you can legally fly your drone in your neighborhood. He covers the key federal, state, and local laws and regulations you need to be aware of, including FAA airspace restrictions, privacy laws, and specific examples from states like California, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.David also provides practical tips and best practices for being a considerate drone pilot, such as introducing yourself to neighbors, wearing a reflective vest, and respecting people's privacy. Even if you are following all the rules, he acknowledges that you may still encounter some unreasonable neighbors, so understanding your rights is important.This episode is a must-watch for any drone pilot looking to fly safely and legally in residential areas. Learn how to navigate the legal landscape and be a good neighbor when operating your drone. Check out the links below for the specific laws and regulations mentioned in the video.https://advance.lexis.com/open/document/openwebdocview/Cal-Civ-Code-1708-8/?pdmfid=10[…]ontentItem%3A5J6R-DR41-66B9-80J3-00000-00&pdcomponentid=4867http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0900-0999/0934/Sections/0934.50.htmlhttps://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/offices/police/policies/UASFAQs.pdfhttps://www.ncleg.net/sessions/2013/bills/senate/pdf/s744v9.pdf (page 227)_____If you want to dive deeper into Drone Launch Academy and level up your drone skills, here are some links to some of the online drone courses we offer:Part 107 Exam Prep Course- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-exam-study-course/Drone Mapping and Modeling Fundamentals- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-mapping-and-modeling-fundamentals/Aerial Video A to Z- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/aerial-video-a-to-z/Aerial Photo Pro- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/aerialphotopro/Real Estate Media Pro- https://drone-launch-academy.webflow.io/Drone to $1K- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-to-1k-2023/Aerial Roof Inspection Pro- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/aerial-roof-inspection-pro/

Aug 15, 2024 • 15min
YDQA: Ep 73- "Tips For Shooting Commercial Drone Videos For Clients"
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host John Dickow interviews David Beedy, founder of Beedy Media, about shooting commercial drone video for clients. With over 30 years of video production experience, David shares valuable insights:What clients are looking for in commercial drone footageCombining conventional drone shots with FPV drone footageUsing the DJI Avata for indoor shootingTips for stabilizing shaky FPV footage in post-productionBest practices for sharing and delivering drone video to clientsAdvice for new drone pilots looking to work with clientsLearn how to elevate your drone videography and satisfy commercial clients in this information-packed episode. Whether you're an aspiring drone pilot or experienced professional, you'll gain practical tips to improve your craft and grow your business._____If you want to dive deeper into Drone Launch Academy and level up your drone skills, here are some links to some of the online drone courses we offer:Part 107 Exam Prep Course- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-exam-study-course/Drone Mapping and Modeling Fundamentals- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-mapping-and-modeling-fundamentals/Aerial Video A to Z- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/aerial-video-a-to-z/Aerial Photo Pro- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/aerialphotopro/Real Estate Media Pro- https://drone-launch-academy.webflow.io/Drone to $1K- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-to-1k-2023/Aerial Roof Inspection Pro- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/aerial-roof-inspection-pro/

Aug 8, 2024 • 14min
YDQA: Ep 72- "Tips For Capturing Drone Video At Night"
In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host John Dickow welcomes back Dave Downey, Senior Event Specialist at BCC Live, to discuss tips for capturing quality drone footage at night.Key topics covered:Challenges of shooting with prosumer drones at nightImportance of filming lit subjectsUsing dusk/dawn lighting tricksPros and cons of auto settings vs manual controlHigher-end drone options for night shootingConsiderations when filming fireworks displaysThe value of practice and test flightsDave shares insights from his extensive experience using drones for live event production. Whether you're a hobbyist or aspiring professional, learn how to reduce graininess and capture better nighttime drone video.Got a drone question? Submit it at YDQA.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community!#DronePhotography #NightDroneFootage #DroneTips

Aug 1, 2024 • 10min
YDQA: Ep 71- "What Is The Best App For Waypoint Missions? "
Discover the top applications for planning and executing drone waypoint missions with David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy. Learn about options ranging from affordable apps like Litchi to more advanced solutions like DroneLink and DroneDeploy. Whether you're a hobbyist or professional drone pilot, this episode covers free and paid options to automate your drone flights, capture perfect orbits, and streamline your workflow.Key topics covered:Popular waypoint mission apps: Litchi, DroneLink, DroneDeployFree options for beginners: Pix4D CaptureEnterprise solutions: DJI Pilot, UGCSPlanning missions on computer vs. mobileApplications for construction, inspections, and videographyCompatibility with different drone modelsLearn how to take your drone flying to the next level with automated waypoint missions!#DroneWaypoints #FlightAutomation #DroneApps #Litchi #DroneLink #DroneDeploy #DJIPilot #Pix4DCapture #DroneMissions #DroneMapping #ConstructionDrones #DroneInspections #DroneVideography #DJIDrones #DroneLaunchAcademy #DroneAutomation #WaypointMissions #DroneOrbits #DroneFlightPlanning #DroneTechnology

Jul 25, 2024 • 9min
YDQA: Ep 70- "How To Fly Drones At Night In Class D Airspace?"
Can you fly your drone at night in Class D airspace? David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, breaks down the rules and requirements for nighttime drone operations in controlled airspace.Key points covered:Part 107 nighttime flying regulationsRequirements for anti-collision lightingDifferences between controlled and uncontrolled airspaceHow to get authorization for night flights in Class D airspaceOverview of airspace classes (B, C, D, E, G)Whether you're a new drone pilot or looking to expand your operations, this episode provides essential information on navigating FAA regulations for nighttime flights.Got a drone question? Submit it at ydqa.io or join our Drone Launch Connect community!#drones #Part107 #FAAregulations #nightflying #controlledairspace

Jul 18, 2024 • 10min
YDQA: Ep 69- "What Features Are Needed In A Drone To Measure Plant Health?"
Discover the essential drone features for measuring plant health on golf courses and beyond! 🌱🏌️♂️🚁In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, John Dickow interviews Kendall Marquardt, founder of Precision Drone Mapping Services, about:Multispectral drone technology for assessing turf healthDJI Multispectral Enterprise 3 drone capabilitiesPost-flight data processing and analysis platformsColor-coded plant health indicatorsArbor Pearl software for tree managementTips for aspiring drone business ownersLearn how drones are revolutionizing golf course maintenance and resource management. Whether you're a drone enthusiast, golf course superintendent, or aspiring aerial mapping professional, this episode provides valuable insights into the latest plant health measurement techniques.Subscribe for more drone industry tips, technology updates, and expert interviews!#DroneMapping #GolfCourseMaintenance #MultispectralImaging #PlantHealth #DroneBusiness #DJIEnterprise3 #AerialSurvey #TurfManagement #DroneIndustry #YourDroneQuestionsAnswered