
Ask 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
Latest episodes

Jan 7, 2022 • 40min
BONUS: Interview with Bobby Watts from Watts Innovation on PRISM and latest developments in the drone industry
Today's show is a special one as we are joined by Watts Innovation founder, Bobby Watts. Bobby shares his insights and views on the state of the drone industry and how the industry is set to grow in terms of autonomous flights and changing regulations to permit such flights. Paul and Bobby discuss the Prism, an all-American product from Watts Innovation, that comes with variable propulsions and flexible payloads and how the PRISM its set to lead the disruptive changes in the drone world. We also discuss all the specifics of PRISM Sky, the latest solution from Watts Innovation stable and the thought process behind its development and deployment
In other discussions on the industry, we dig deep into BVLOS regulations, autonomous flights, the Amazon vs Walmart drone delivery battles and much much more. Tune in to learn more about all these exciting developments and hear it first hand from Bobby Watts. 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.
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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
[01:43] Watts Innovation, the Prism, and its use cases for its customers
[03:09] Can the Prism support mapping and other onboarding processes for applications?
[03:58] Details on the Prism Sky, Watts Innovation latest product offering
[05:21] Details of Prism's platform and software development features including its partnership with Alterion for Prism Sky
[09:10] Watts Innovation efforts on plug and play commercial BVLOS applications
[11:16] How important is cellular for BVLOS flights and Bobby's insight on BVLOS and the future of the drone industry
[14:48] What are the top 2 applications of BVLOS flights
[19:11] What are the barriers to applications such as drone deliveries and autonomous flights
[22:06] How are Amazon and Walmart positioned in the drone delivery space
[24:01] Is the FAA building a barrier to advancement in the Drone industry and should pilots be regulated beyond Part 107
[27:52] Dealing with regulations and waivers and ensuring compliance to waivers
[29:44] Biggest use cases for fleets of drones
[35:51] Can modularity in drones help with developing features for drones and how is PRISM helping with scaling solutions

Jan 6, 2022 • 24min
ADU 01235: Can I Use the DJI Mavic 3 For Drone Mapping?
Today’s show is about using the DJI Mavic 3 for drone mapping. Does this new DJI drone have the specs and capabilities required for building an accurate 3D drone map or model?
Our caller for today, David is a new commercial drone pilot and a proud owner of the DJI Mavic 3. Now, he is keen to take on drone mapping jobs, and wants to know if he can use his new drone for the same.
On today’s show, you will learn why the DJI Mavic 3 should NOT be used for drone mapping.
To make things simple for David, we reveal the 4 questions that every drone pilot should ask when buying a mapping drone.
We do a deep-dive into the world of drone mapping, and touch upon topics like thirty-party apps, how to pick the right drone mapping software, and the importance of using a drone with a global shutter.
You will also receive some excellent tips on how to maximize profitability in drone mapping.
Do not 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
[03:19] Today's question is about the DJI Mavic 3
[04:09] Will DJI introduce SDK for the Mavic?
[04:43] 4 Questions every drone pilot should ask before buying a mapping drone
[05:18] Why the DJI Mavic is NOT the right drone for mapping
[10:29] Why you must buy a drone that is compatible with third-party apps
[12:20] How to pick the right drone mapping software
[12:56] Do you need a drone with a global shutter for mapping?
[13:22] How to maximize profitability for a drone mapping mission
[16:13] So, was the DJI Mavic 3 a good buy for David?
[21:11] What make the X7 Paul’s go-to camera?

Dec 23, 2021 • 19min
BONUS: Drone Life News 019 – Heavy Lift drones, Dizi drone launch, Percepto approval for BVLOS flights, Airspace security with drones
Learn everything about heavy lift drones and their applications, Dizi drone launch for nuclear industry, Percepto receives BVLOS flight approval and all the latest in the airspace security domain.
In our latest episode of Drone Life News show we cover all the latest updates in the drone industry - from new launch to fundings, acquisitions.
In our first segment of the drone life news, we discuss everything about heavy lift drones and how they are increasingly becoming an important sector for the drone industry. We talk about its applications and how heavy lift drones are being increasingly used for modern day applications.
In our next story, we talk about Azur's Dizi drone launch at nuclear convention with a focus on radiation detection and advanced application at nuclear sites.
Next up, we discuss CASA's approval for the Percepto drone for carrying out BVLOS flights in Australian airspace allowing autonomous flights in the Australian airspace. Learn how this development is significant for the drone industry.
In our next story, we discuss about the Airspace security domain that is heating up with companies receiving funding, new acquisitions and partnerships. We talk about Skysafe's 35 million $ funding and Axon's partnership with Dedrone for counter drone solutions.
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
[00:33] Everything about Heavy lift drones and their significance in the Drone industry
[05:02] Applications of heavy lift drones for addressing modern day challenges
[09:22] Dizi launch at the nuclear convention for radiation detection
[10:53] Percepto receives approval for BVLOS flights
[11:55] Air space security heating up with companies receiving funding for new projects
[12:21] Skysafe receives 35 million $ funding
[15:24] Axon that provides tools for law enforcement sector, partners with Dedrone to provide drone solutions for security applications

Dec 18, 2021 • 20min
ADU 01233: How to Streamline Operations and Efficiently Manage a Drone Fleet
Managing a Large Drone Inventory, Buying the Right Drone Insurance, and Refining Skillsets
Today’s show is about managing a drone fleet. We talk about team and inventory management, & buying the best and most affordable drone insurance.
Our caller for today, Andrew has some interesting questions for us today about managing a large drone fleet.
Specifically, some of the questions that we discuss today…
Will setting up a drone business LLC shield your personal assets from any potential business liabilities?
Does your insurance policy cover autonomous flights as well?
Should you register your drone under your name or your drone business’s name?
You will also learn about PROPS, a platform by Drone U built specifically to administer large teams of drone pilots.
Do not 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
[01:29] Learn more about the Drone U PROPS program
[02:17] Today's question, Andrew, is about planning registrations and insurance for your drone business and ways to ensure inventory management
[07:07] What are the main benefits of setting up a drone business LLC?
[11:44] How to buy and the most affordable drone insurance; are autonomous flights insured as well?
[14:07] Why upskilling drone pilots is critical for smooth operations
[14:20] How Drone U's PROPS program can help you better manage your inventory
[15:38] As a drone service provider, are you responsible for buying insurance?
[17:08] Should drone businesses buy GL insurance?

Dec 15, 2021 • 32min
ADU 01232: DJI Mavic 3 Review – Should You Buy this new DJI Drone This Holiday Season?
DJI Mavic 3 Review - Does This New DJI Drone Live Up To All the Hype?
We are discussing a red-hot topic on today’s show – the DJI Mavic 3.
Our caller for today, Tom is flummoxed with all the mixed opinions about this newly launched DJI drone.
Difficult market conditions and the onset of covid had pushed up the launch of this much-awaited DJI drone.
And over the past year, we have heard numerous rumors that further contributed to all the hype.
But, now that the Chinese market leader has finally launched the new Mavic, we bring to you the real truth about this drone.
These are some of the things that we touch upon in today’s show:
DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mavic 2 and the Phantom 4 Pro – do the older DJI drones provide more bang for the buck?
How much extra flight time do you get ?
Is the lack of SDK on the DJI Mavic 3 a huge deal for drone pilots?
Should you consider buying the Sony Airpeak instead?
Should you buy the DJI Mavic 3 this holiday season?
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
[03:34] Today's question is about the DJI Mavic 3 – Is this new DJI drone worth buying?
[06:17] About the DJI Mavic 3 specs; what are the different versions that you can choose from?
[07:06] Sony AirPeak vs. the DJI Mavic 3 - which drone is a better buy?
[08:26] Does the DJI Mavic 3 live up to all the hype?
[10:40] Is the lack of SDK a huge deal for commercial drone pilots?
[11:55] How much extra flight time can get from this new DJI drone?
[16:04] Are you better off sticking to older DJI drones like the Phantom 4 and DJI Mavic 2?
[24:03] The final word ~ Does the DJI Mavic 3 provide enough bang for the buck?

Dec 14, 2021 • 8min
ADU 01231: DJI Mini SE Added to the FAA cover list. Should You Still Buy This DJI Drone?
Is the DJI Mini SE Still a Good Buy?
Today’s show is about the DJI Mini SE. If you are considering buying the DJI Mini SE or are already flying one, this show will be particularly interesting to you.
Recently FAA placed the DJI Mini SE on their cover list.
And our caller for today, Marcus, a hobby pilot is wondering if he should still go ahead and purchase this beginner DJI drone.
Does this development impact drone pilots like Marcus in any way?
You will learn whether or not the DJI Mini SE can be made remote-id compliant once new regulations kick in.
Do not miss this one!
Enjoy!
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
[01:31] Today's question is about the DJI Mini SE
[03:35] Is the DJI Mini SE remote id compliant?

Dec 13, 2021 • 15min
BONUS: Drone Life News 018 – Drone Delivery Service Provider, DroneUp acquires AirMap, About Archer Aviation’s New eVTOL Aircraft
Drone Delivery Service Provider, DroneUp Acquires AirMap, Archer Aviation Applies for Air-Worthiness Certificate for its New eVTOL Aircraft ~ Tune in for the Latest Drone News Now!
Our biggest story this week is about the drone delivery industry.
In what could possibly be one of the biggest industry consolidations of 2021, Drone Delivery service provider, Drone Up has acquired AirMap.
How will this development impact the drone delivery space as a whole? And particularly retail major, Walmart? Drone enthusiasts might recall Walmart’s strategic investment in DroneUp sometime back.
Next up, you will learn how Archer Aviation has applied for an FAA airworthiness certificate for its new eVTOL aircraft. In this segment of the show, we discuss at length the different features of this new aircraft.
Don’t miss this one. Fly Safe!
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
[01:33] Drone Delivery service provider, Drone Up acquires AirMap
[02:38] About Drone Up, and why this is a significant development for the drone industry
[06:26] Walmart's strategic advantage in the drone delivery space and how Drone Up can help them capture a larger share of the market pie
[10:24] Archer files its eVTOL aircraft for the FAA airworthiness certificate.
[12:28] Difference between crude and uncrude flights

Dec 8, 2021 • 14min
BONUS: Drone Life News 017 – The Growing Acceptance of Law Enforcement Drones, Renault’s Flying Car, Dronut – the Propeller-less Drone
UK-Based Research Agency Highlights the Growing Acceptance of Law Enforcement Drones, Renault’s Flying Car Retails at a Whopping 4 Million Euros, Dronut – the Drone Without Propellers
Our first story is a heartening one for drone enthusiasts. It's about law enforcement drones.
A research report by a leading UK-based agency highlighted a startling 68% acceptance rate for the usage of drones in law enforcement.
We discuss the findings of this report and share how public acceptance has shown a dramatic increase over the past year.
Our next is about Dronut, a one-of-a-kind drone developed by Cleo Robotics.
Learn how the absence of propellers can enable you to fly the Dronut in complex environments.
Don’t miss the last story of today’s news show – which is about Renault’s Flying Car.
Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the French carmaker, the flying car sells for a whopping 4 million Euros.
Don’t miss this one. Fly Safe!
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
[02:32] Research report by a leading UK-based agency highlights the growing acceptance of law enforcement drones
[06:20] Dronut launches propeller-less drones that can fly in complex environments
[10:23] Renault celebrates 60th anniversary with launch of The Flying Car

Dec 7, 2021 • 50min
ADU 01230: How to Set Up a Successful Drone Business WITHOUT Quitting Your Day Job
Learn the Nuances of Setting Up and Managing a Successful Drone Business
Today’s show is about setting up and managing a successful drone business WITHOUT quitting your day job.
Our caller for Billy is keen on setting up his drone business. However, he does not want to quit his full-time, W-2 job till he has established himself in the industry and built up a steady stream of work.
To help Billy out, we first lay out the most important things that he must consider when making this difficult transition.
You will learn how to master the art of selling on the internet. And how to build your brand while reaching out to your target audience.
Towards the end, Paul also shares some great pointers so that Billy can become more effective at pitching his services.
If you are torn between a W-2 job and setting up a new drone business, this show is for you.
Do not 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
[04:00] Learn all about Drone U's latest offering - classes and courses
[07:25] Today's question is about setting up a successful drone business without quitting your full-time job
[10:17] Is running a drone business significantly different in comparison to a steady, full-time job?
[14:04] How do business owners and clients perceive professionals working part-time on their businesses
[21:18] How to master the art of selling your services on the internet
[31:51] Perfecting your sales pitch
[39:36] How a positive public perception can boost your business revenues

Nov 28, 2021 • 39min
BONUS: Black Friday – Cyber Monday Special Episode: Interview with Drone U’s Editor Steve Delasantos
Drone U Producer - Editor, Steve Delasantos, on livin' the drone life.
In this Black Friday - Cyber Monday special episode we have a discussion with Drone U's Producer - Editor Steve Delasantos on his experience flying drones, his work with Drone U and how pilots can achieve success in the drone world.
We start off discussing Steve's encounter with a fellow drone pilot on showcasing the best practices for flight take off and how these important procedures are often forgotten by most pilots in their hurry for taking off.
We next discuss on the importance of practice and how Steve honed his flying skills through hours of practice specifically from most Drone U courses. Steve also speaks in detail of how spending hours editing and going through Drone U's courses actually helped him understand the nuances of drone flight and understanding critical parameters of drone flight such as pre-flight inspection, battery maintenance and overcoming obstacles.
Steve also highlights the common hurdles that pilots face and the hardest thing that drone pilots encounter and how they can actually overcome them.
Lastly you don't want to miss out on all the announcements on the best Black Friday Cyber Monday offers from Drone U including exclusive offers on in-person training.
Fly Safe!
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
[02:53] Steve's encounter with a fellow drone pilot and going over pre-flight checks
[06:17] The importance of checking battery voltage to ensure a safe return for your drone
[09:10] Dealing with orientation issues and best practices to maintaining the orientation of your drone
[11:26] How regular practice can improve your flying skills and indicators of ones improvements in managing drone flight/moves
[14:08] How Drone U's content has helped Steve transform into a better pilot
[16:30] Steve shares his take on drones and drone accessories. Are they required and do they help pilots
[26:43] Conversations on landing pads and if they help drone pilots
[30:45] Steve shares what he believes is the hardest thing to overcome from Drone Pilots
[37:11] Black Friday/Cyber Monday offers from Drone U