Ask Drone U

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 pilot need to keep in mind when using them. We start off with a discussion about the most critical part of the drone that might have been impacted from long disuse and that's the batteries. We elaborate on battery checks that pilots must undertake to check worthiness. We then begin discussions on 2 aspects of a drone - the hardware and the software side of operations and pre-flight checks. We discuss firmware checks, how some of the older drones have unique differences in terms of their firmware and how the recent developments in the drone world can impact such firmware updates. We delve into critical components of the drone such as motors, props, and mechanical motions of the drone. From a software perspective, we discuss about software updates to apps, controller options and other third party applications that have had their fair share of developments. Lastly we summarize all the pre-flight checks that a drone pilot would need to conduct for drones that haven't been flown in a while and present workflows for pilots to follow. Whether you have a drone that has not been in use for a while or if you are planning to 'store' your drone or if you intend to understand how developments in the drone world can impact your drone and operations, this is one 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 [03:15]Today's question from Adam on pre-flight checks for drones that haven't been flown for a while [04:57] Checking batteries of drones that haven't been used in a while [06:10]Other checks that's very relevant to your drone [06:33] What workflows to follow for firmware updates [08:12] Updating applications and performing compass calibrations [10:46] Spinning motors and checking motor movement and cleaning the drone [12:50] Summarising all pre-flight checklists before flight

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 classes. We believe having a strong understanding of the expectations helps us provide value for their time and investment in our classes. We then discuss if Drone U's mapping classes are meant for beginners and things for pilots to practice prior to attending the mapping classes. We then provide a breakdown of courses that pilots can go through which are readily available through membership and flight practice exercises to master prior to attending the mapping classes. Lastly, we discuss and share the experience of pilots who have gone through our in-person classes and how they were able to build their knowledge and expertise and network by participating in our classes. You don't want to miss this show to know all about our in-person classes how they can help you take your deliverables to the next level ! Drone U has specific in-person classes and courses to take your skills to the next level. 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 [01:40] Today's question from Ike - Who are Drone U's in-person classes designed for? [03:08] Drone U's expectation from student pre class [03:45] Course participant expectations and how these help one be successful [05:07] Are Drone U's mapping classes meant for beginners? [05:44] Things to do before attending Drone U mapping class [06:15] Course practice for learning to fly [07:30] Paul shares class participant experience and student experience [11:40] Other requirements for Mapping classes

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 the many differing features in these 3 drones from construction of drones to lenses and resolutions. We then discuss DJI's product line up and innovation strategy and if DJI is shifting slowly towards the enterprise edition route and what it means for drone pilots. We then look into product features and pricing factors that pilots consider when purchasing a drone and when comparing drones on the market. Dont miss this show ! 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 [05:02] Today's question on Mavic 2 Enterprise DA - Is the Mavic 2 EDA a good buy? [07:22] Is DJI shifting to newer Enterprise equipment? [08:08] Does the new DJI M30 take enterprise drones to a new level? [11:35] Factors that influence drone purchasing decisions

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 introduced a suite of new enterprise products: the Matrice 30 Enterprise, along with the DJI Dock for remote operations, a new RC controller, and the new Zenmuse H20N sensor, giving “starlight vision” to the DJI M300 RTK drone. DJI calls the new products “an all-in-one solution for professional drone operators” combining a sophisticated, cutting edge aircraft with a “fully remote fleet management system and an autonomous docking and recharging station and we discuss all the waves the drones can make in the drone world. In our next segment we go over ARC's recommendations for BVLOS flights and our take and insights on the recommendations and what BVLOS operators can expect from an upcoming NPRM on BVLOS flights. 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 [01:09] DJI launches new enterprise drone - M30 with drone docking station [08:20] BVLOS recommendations and how the new feature rich DJI drone positions itself in the market [15:52] Key takeaways from ARC recommendations for BVLOS

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 convenience and a whole lot more. Our question for today, is from Bob, who would like to specifically know if he should opt for Pix4D or Propellor for his photogrammetry requirements. We start off the episode discussing how zoom affects marking your available flight data and driving accuracy in mapping. We then detail the Pix4D mapper's performance on generating topography maps. We also discuss limitations of using cloud software in generating aerial maps and the ways in which pilots can mitigate them. Before delving into a direct comparison of Pix4D and Propellor we also discuss key concepts in mapping such as the use of aeropoints, PPK vs RTK comparison and why pilots need to understand these key aspects to enable them to use software effectively. Lastly, we discuss why Pix4D Mapper can provide you the best maps for your projects including specifics on the tools and how you can work with Pix4D react and manage customer expectation and deliverables. You don't want to miss this show to know all about common mapping solutions and how they can help you take your deliverables to the next level ! Drone U has specific courses for Mapping and in-person classes to take your skills to the next level. 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 [01:40] How much of zooming in on marking your data helps drive accuracy in mapping results [06:30] Upcoming Drone U in-person classes [07:10] Today's question on comparing Pix4D vs Propellor for photogrammetry requirements [08:28] Pix4D mapper's performance on topography maps [09:22] Limitations of using Cloud based software [10:03] Using aeropoints vs GCPs for collecting data [11:33] A comparison of PPK vs RTK [13:00] Comparison of Propellor vs Pix4D [19:42] Working with Pix4D react and managing customer expectation, deliverables. [21:58] Drone Deploy updates and new release features [23:21] Why Pix4D mapper can provide you the best maps for your projects

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 with the ARC even specifically recommending FAA to develop medical qualifications for UAS pilots and other crew members conducting drone flights. Miriam and Paul discuss the implications of these recommendations and how they can structure the regulations in the drone world. In our next story, we talk about FAA's notice on opening new LAANC application for providers. The FAA has announced that an application period for new LAANC providers will be opened on May 2, 2022. Our regular listeners know how the development of LAANC has been critical to the drone industry. know more about how the new application schedule has been set and what it means for the drone industry. In our last segment on the show, we talk about WING's launch in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). Wing, the subsidiary of Alphabet that has pioneered drone home delivery service in cities in Australia as well as Helsinki, Finland; and Christiansburg, Virginia, is planning to launch its service later this year in the densely populated Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex region in Texas. WING gave an update of the company’s plans, which will allow residents of the DFW area to order goods from a number of businesses and to have the products delivered directly to their homes via drone. 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 [00:45] BVLOS ARC releases reports for BVLOS operations [03:15] 5 key takeaways from the ARC recommendations [08:04] What implications do the recommendations have with Remote ID and Part 107 regulations [11:43] FAA opening up to add new providers under LAANC [13:11] Wings Drone delivery come to Dallas Fort Worth area

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 BVLOS waivers. We talk how the waivers are helping multiple industries and domains such as emergency care, search and rescue missions. Learn how BVLOS can drive innovation in automated flights and what potential this holds for the drone industry. In our next story, we talk about Steve Dickson stepping down as FAA administrator and what potentially led to him stepping down. We discuss if candidates with heavy manned flight experience make a good choice as an Administrator who could drive growth of Drone industry. Next up, we discuss potential nominees for being the next FAA administrator including what is desired from an administrator who could support the drone industry. 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 [02:05] BVLOS flight waivers from FAA - total automation and operations beyond human LOS [08:30] Steve Dickson steps down as FAA administrator [15:00] Do experts with heavy manned flight experience make a good choice for driving drone regulations from an FAA perspective? [17:03] Potential nominees for the next FAA administrator and what is desired from an administrator for supporting the Drone industry.

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 shots and the absolute need for pilots to plan such missions considering all the subjects in the vicinity of the shot. Next we discuss some options available to drone pilots taking close-up aerial shots and how these options can aid a drone pilot to take better aerial images. We then discuss some of the drone options available for pilots including the Mavic 3, Inspire 2 with X7, Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Advanced. Paul also discusses some options available on the Mavic 3 relevant for close aerial shoots (more can be found on Drone U's review of the Mavic 3). Lastly, we discuss about Optical and Digital zoom and lens options that can assist drone pilots and the relevance of understanding editing vs no-editing option and how this can drive drone selection and how pilots can fly for logistical purposes. Aerial Imagery and close shots are a requirement most drone pilots desire and you don't want to miss this show to know all the options available ! 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 [09:20] Today's question on best drones for close-up aerial and video shots [13:45] Addressing the noise generated from drone flights during events and the importance of planning [17:18] Shooting aerial photos and the options pilots have for aerial imagery [18:17] Mavic 3 as a preferred drone for aerial photos [18:43] Inspire 2 with an X7 and flight options available for pilots [20:40] Optical zoom vs Digital Zoom and lens options [23:22] Mavic 2 E Dual Adv and other alternatives for capturing aerial imagery

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 available for DSPs. A very relevant question in today's context as events - major and local, are increasingly utilizing aerial shoots to enhance the experience of viewers. Considering the recent events such as Superbowl where a fleet of drones were used to provide aerial imagery and live entertainment. Paul and Rob start responding to today's question by talking about companies covering major events such as Super Bowl/ NASCAR races that continue to be DSP but how these DSPs have evolved over time. Specifically we address how drone skills are evolving, now that DSPs are increasingly adapting to meet such requirements. We also discuss how Media houses are purchasing footage and why heavy team based DSPs are winning contracts. Whether you are an individual drone pilot or planning to starting off as a DSP, You don't want to miss this show ! 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 [01:50] Today's question from Ken in New Jersey, is if Drone Service Providers get the higher end tv and film drone jobs [04:10] Paul talks about Beverley Hills Aerials who covered Super Bowl and NASCAR and who function as a DSP [04:30] Evolution of drone skills in today's modern DSP [05:10] Jobs that DSPs are being offered and how types of DSPs in today's drone world has evolved [08:14] How Media is purchasing footage and why heavy team based DSP are winning contracts

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 pilots and if it can help drone pilots improve their flying skills. Christian Mollica is renowned in the Drone industry for his acclaimed book "FPV Flight Dynamics" and we discuss in specific what drone pilots can learn from the book. We also discuss the evolution of drone industry and the developments that helped shape the drone industry. Order Christian Mollica's book on Amazon today - https://amzn.to/3p8iS2i You don't want to miss this show ! 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 [05:15] Is the FPV Flight Dynamics Book by Christian Mollica something regular drone pilots should read [06:00] What pilots can learn from Christian's book [07:07] The evolution of drones over the last decade [10:23] How can pilots improve their outlook to allow superior deliveries by reading Christian's book