

Ask Drone U
Drone U
We’re Drone U, a group of guys who have turned their passion for flight into a profitable business. We love hearing from our fans, and we love helping by answering their questions. That’s why we started the Ask Drone U podcast in 2015. Since then, we are one of the largest, most popular DAILY drone podcasts out there. Each episode features an actual question submitted from someone just like you! We wish we could answer everyone’s question(s), but we’ll do our best to get through as many of them as we can. So plug in those headphones because it’s time to learn together about everything drone: FAA, insurance, business strategies, videography, drone tips, flight techniques, drone tricks, expert advice, cameras, gimbals, and so much more. #askdroneu
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2022 • 14min
ADU 01261: What’s the deal with NFTs?
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 marketplaces to create and sell NFTs along with discussion on the inherent value of NFTs and if they mean anything to the end user. We also discuss new market offerings from marketplaces and companies such as Coinbase and talk about future of NFTs.
Tune in to learn more about NFTs and what value they hold for you.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[1:05] Today's question on NFT and if pilots should go down this path
[1:43] What are NFTs?
[2:18] One of the biggest issues with NFTs
[4:46] Coinbase's new offering on NFT on their platform
[7:45] Do NFTs inherently possess value for the buyer?

May 19, 2022 • 49min
ADU 01260: How can pilots decide on using a particular software?
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 this very important question for pilots today, going over the many softwares that are available and how you can choose one over the other.
We start off today's episode introducing Drone U's mindmap for navigating the drone industry landscape giving pilots a clear career path to pursue as they progress through their development. The mindmap has been shared on the Drone U community and we are sharing the map for our podcast viewers.
We then briefly discuss how the combination of flight skills, software and having a consistent drive enables pilots to be successful in the drone industry. Thereafter we delve into a comprehensive analysis of the mindmap, showing and describing the software, their application and use in the industry.
In our last segment we touch upon the best practices when conducting a drone business and how entrepreneurs can achieve success through simple but critical business decisions such as delegation and customer-centric business solutions.
This podcast is by far our most comprehensive analysis of the drone industry, the skills you require to hone, the softwares required and you do not want to miss this one !
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[1:00] Drone U's mind map on skills+software+industry to navigate the drone business space
[4:00] Today's question on ways to navigate the many softwares available in the drone market for drone applications
[6:45] How flight skills integrate into a pilot's ability to produce quality deliverables
[12:00] Mapper and DroneDeploy software for mapping and opensource OpenDroneMap
[13:20] Why Drone U teaches mapping using Mapper and a brief synopsis of each software
[26:35] Where are thermal maps being used in the drone industry?
[32:43] Parameters that drive software purchase decisions
[35:22] The importance of delegation and its ability to power growth
[38:00] Recommendations for pilots to dive deep in a certain vertical

May 17, 2022 • 38min
ADU 01259: What do we know about the soon to be launched Inspire 3?
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 how the drone industry is poised for growth and how we wanted to be at the centre of it. Tune in to hear more details on our move, the search for a suitable home and all that Drone U has planned for the future.
We then delve into Inspire 3 launch rumours and how these have peaked in recent times with DJI launching a slew of drones in the recent past and the need for pushing new features and technology advancement in the market. We talk of expected features such as specifications, camera features, new technology and also cover the set of new accessories to hit the drone market along with the Inspire 3. We also discuss possible price points and how DJI's product portfolio provide options for drone pilots and if there are any opportunities for American manufacturers to fill any gaps left by DJI.
Tune in to learn more about our move and DJI's market strategy.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[12:19] - Today's question on Inspire 3 and what we know about it
[13:00] - Is Drone U moving to Colorado?
[14:00] - Drone U's move to Colorado - Why the move, What can you expect from our move and future plans at the new location
[22:55] - Latest news on Inspire 3 launch - specs and camera options, resolutions, features
[25:55] - Inspire 3 accessories
[30:41] - can American manufacturers fill the gaps that DJI has left wide open

May 15, 2022 • 18min
ADU 01258: How should pilots react to Washington state’s law requiring registration of drones?
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 so often. Is Washington state's legislation on drone registration relevant for drone pilots considering all of drone regulation is covered federally through the FAA?
We address common questions around this topic - should pilots expect other states to follow Washington state in this new legislation? Should state attempt to generate revenue from such legislation ? possible reaction from drone advocacy groups, and how we as drone pilots can stay up-to-date on drone laws using Drone U's drone advocacy kit.
Stay updated on drone laws. Being a well informed drone pilot can help you address challenging legalities that you may come across during drone flights. Tune in to learn more.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[2:57] - Today's question on Washington state's legislation on certified pilots having to register their drone with the state
[4:30] - Is this a trend that pilots can expect from other states?
[5:12] - How do states attempt to generate revenue from drone registration and what the federal laws state?
[12:18] - How do different drone advocacy react to Washington state's action

May 13, 2022 • 7min
ADU 01257: Where can I find Inspire 1 batteries?
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 Inspire 1 batteries and if 9 marketplaces like Amazon and Ebay are worth utilizing for purchasing an Inspire 1 battery.
We delve into 2 important aspects of drone batteries that pilots need to know about and share the hack of rental services that allow pilots to rent batteries prior to purchasing them thereby allowing pilots to validate and check a battery before spending $$ on them.
Watch this short and quick podcast covering important aspects of drone batteries that will help you avoid the anxiety of purchasing batteries for legacy drones like the Inspire 1.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[1:20] - Today's question on the Inspire 1 battery issues
[2:23] - Assessing a battery's performance based on voltage reading
[2:53] - Inspire 1 batteries on Amazon/Ebay - are they of value?
[3:25] - 2 things to know about used batteries
[4:17] - Renting batteries before purchasing pre-owned batteries

May 12, 2022 • 46min
ADU 01256: How did we put the Isotopes’ Cinewhoop shoot together?
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 latest camera with superior stabilization than its predecessor models and how it has been designed for Cinewhoop videos. We then delve directly into Tom's question by first talking about what cinewhoop entails and the legalities around such shots. We discuss how pilots need to plan flight plans and equipment for a perfect shot and this is critical in the overall success for a production shot.
We then delve into specifics of how Paul landed a Cinewhoop project for Isoptopes, a local baseball club, and how he went about planning and executing the production. We discuss important aspects of shooting such videos including parameters like flying through people, legalities and regulations and working with FAA, planning takes and flying practice and discussing aspects for a successful flight.
We also discuss how Drone U through its experience of working directly with manufacturers are planning on rolling out training videos for effective training of pilots. Stay tuned for our upcoming class on Cinewhoop and access the LUCID Props platform for using Lucid Drones.
Stay tuned till the very end of the podcast for the final production of the Cinewhoop video or watch it on Instagram and this is an episode you don't want to miss.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[0:56] - GoPro launch of new camera for Cinewhoop FPV drone
[7:59] - Today's question on cinewhoop and legalities on performing such shots
[9:28] - Planning and Practicing your shot and equipment
[14:33] - Drone U's work with LUCID technologies
[16:40] - Cinewhoop videos - planning paths, shots and execution
[26:08] - Flying and taking shots besides people
[30:13] - Important factors for conducting a smooth and successful flight
[37:49] - Upcoming Drone U class on Cinewhoop videos
[38:49] - FAA regulations for conducting shoots
[43:39] - Cinewhoop video footage

Apr 29, 2022 • 19min
BONUS: Drone Life News 025 – Approved Drone Manufacturer list updates, Latest tech in Drone World and F1 racing in the sky?
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 Florida's approved manufacturer list and the confusion the list has caused along with discussing the results of an agency survey on manufacturers they use and the problems that the agencies would face with the new list.
In our next segment we discuss all about Iris Automation announcement of its ground-based detect and avoid (DAA) surveillance solution, Casia G, that will be made commercially available. We discuss how the Casia G utilizing the same AI and computer vision technology as other Iris Automation’s onboard solutions, will offer full optical 360° degree field of view to detect, alert and enable operators to avoid both co-operative and non-cooperative aircraft for safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight.
In our next segment, we discuss Lexie Janson, social media personality and FPV drone pilot, will take part in the first first-person view (FPV) drone races, and will train to race flying cars – first as unmanned vehicles, and later as a pilot aboard the aircraft itself. Janson recently joined Australia-based Airspeeder EXA Series, the world’s first racing league for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles, otherwise known as flying cars.
In our last segment we discuss about Colorado-based Black Swift Technologies who initiated the commercial launch of an un-crewed aircraft system (UAS) equipped with a novel soil moisture sensor that will change the game for water management in agriculture and emergency response and what these applications mean to the drone world.
Catch up on all the latest drone news and developments and stay updated on all the latest news.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Enjoy!
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[1:02] - Latest news on approved drone manufacturer list for drone programs
[6:40] - Iris automation's new ground base sense and avoid system
[10:58] - F1 racing in the sky? FPV pilot Lexi Jenson recruited for air speeder races
[14:05] - Blackswift technologies and solutions to m easuring water density from the ground

Apr 27, 2022 • 18min
BONUS: Drone Life News 024 – Drone delivery news, Amsterdam Drone Week conference updates, New Acting FAA administrator
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 has all the first hand information for our viewers including European drone regulation updates, Urban Air mobility and Europe's take on all the drone developments.
In our next segment we go over Texas drone regulations being struck down by federal courts and its implications. A federal judge had recently struck down a Texas drone law, one of the most restrictive in the country, for violating the First Amendment’s protections of freedom of speech and the press. We discuss the specifics of the case and the applications that were allowed by Texas's now struck down law and how it was unconstitutional.
In our next segment, we discuss Billy Nolen's recruitment as acting administrator of the FAA and his background and possible ruling/considerations that the drone world can expect under his leadership. Will Billy, with years of experience in aviation safety have different views on the regulations compared to his predecessor, Steve Dickson, who brought years of commercial aviation experience?
In our last segment we bring all the latest updates from the drone delivery world - Wing's latest trials and Flighttracks commercial tests and what these means to the drone delivery business and drone world as a whole.
Catch up on all the latest drone news and developments and stay updated on all the latest news.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Enjoy!
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[00:39] - Key takeaways from Amsterdam drone week conference
[02:24] - Drone regulations in the state of Texas struck down
[08:30] - New acting FAA administrator, Billy Nolan, and commercial drone applications
[13:46] - All the updates and latest news in drone delivery - Wing Trials, Flighttracks commercial trials

Apr 21, 2022 • 0sec
ADU 01255: Is DroneDeploy the best option for mapping?
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. We then discuss how customer requirements can be a game changer to mapping projects deliveries and why pilots need to often consider this aspect when planning flight missions.
We study DroneDeploy and its benefits and compare it with another leading mapping software solution, the Optelos, and delve into which software is better for today's mapping demands. A true assessment of a software is not complete by reviewing its application in mapping projects and we precisely trim down the comparisons between commercial and residential applications of mapping missions and how software plays a critical role in such projects.
In our last segment we focus on how Pix4D is better suited for 2D applications and summarize the workflow for pilots to follow when pursuing a mapping mission.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran in the mapping world or looking to get started into drone mapping, this is an episode you don't want to miss.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us.
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[1:17] Learn more about Drone U's PROPS roof inspection training
[3:05] Today's question on DroneDeploy for mapping and what are the best practices and workflow for using DroneDeploy mapping
[5:24] Best resources for workflow process for mapping and measurements
[5:36] Best processing software for mapping projects and how client requirements play an important role in choosing a software
[7:21] DroneDeploy vs Optelos and which software is better
[9:02] How does a commercial mapping project differ from a residential mapping project from a software aspect
[9:36] Using Pix4D react for 2D mapping
[11:36] Workflow requirements for drone pilots conducting mapping projects

Apr 14, 2022 • 0sec
ADU 01254: Which drone should be used for measuring height & width of houses?
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 requirements of performing a mapping mission and how pilots need to consider them for ensuring quality deliverables. We then delve into accuracy of mapping missions and what factors influence accuracy and how pilots need to keep them in mind while purchasing a drone.
We also delve into the technical aspects of performing linear and vertical measurements using a drone and how pilots can effectively use their drone to perform such measurements. Lastly we discuss about the most important driving factor of mapping missions - the client's requirements, and how knowing this can help navigate through legal requirements while performing measuring missions.
Whether you looking out to purchasing a drone or have one that you want to extract the best from, you do not want to miss this episode.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[04:10] What drone is suitable for measuring height and length of residential property for photogrammetry purposes
[5:53] Factors to consider when starting off on performing mapping
[6:57] Parameters that impact accuracy and how pilots need to balance these parameters when purchasing a drone
[9:51] performing linear and vertical measurements using a drone
[13:03] Understanding client's requirements to navigate through legal requirements of performing measurements
[14:01] Summarising our response based on the requirements posed in today's question