

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

Sep 29, 2021 • 21min
ADU 01220: How to Start and Scale a Drone Mapping Business Even if You are on a Tight Budget
Getting Started in Drone Mapping, Recommended Mapping Workflows, Pix4D vs. DroneDeploy vs. CaptureReality
Today's show is about starting and scaling a drone mapping business even if you are a limited budget.
Our caller for today, Brandon wishes to move to drone mapping - an industry vertical which can be incredibly lucrative for drone pilots possessing the right skillsets. But, Brandon wishes to make this foray without making a large upfront capital investment.
From data acquisition to processing, we reveal the best drone mapping workflow to help Brandon out. We recommend how you can lower your costs WITHOUT compromising on the quality of your deliverables. Topics discussed today workflow for mapping software like DroneDeploy, Pix4D, and Capture Reality. Additionally, you will learn how to get the most out your computing system so that you can process mapping datasets in the most efficient manner.
Thanks for the great question, Brandon. Fly Safe!
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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Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[00:46] Today's show is about building a successful drone mapping business even if you are on a tight budget
[04:36] Drone U Recommended drone mapping workflow for Pix4D desktop
[05:33] Processing data on the cloud? We have some great tips to help you out
[08:38] How to manage your mapping datasets effectively in DroneDeploy
[12:45] Expert tips for creating beautiful, lifelike models in CaptureReality
[14:45] Wondering how you can grow and scale your business in a competitive marketplace? Learn how 3D interactive modelling can help you do exactly that
[16:11] How to leverage the power of autonomous systems for your drone business

Sep 25, 2021 • 35min
BONUS: How to Accelerate the Success of Your Drone Business with Glenn Labay
Drone Business Secrets REVEALED - Interview with Drone U Student, Glenn Labay
Today's show is a special one as we interview Glenn Labay of Aerial Camera Services LLC who shares with us his distilled wisdom on growing and scaling a drone business.
Glenn, a Drone U student owns a thriving aerial photography and videography business. He reflects back on his entrepreneurial journey and reveals some of the biggest things that have helped him find success.
You will learn how to develop advanced flying skills and carve out your own niche in a competitive market. Additionally, Glenn reveals some of his biggest business struggles and how he has managed to overcome them.
And towards the end, Glenn shares some interesting details about the different jobs that he currently working on. This is a show you do not want to miss. 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
[00:26] Today's show is about growing and scaling a drone business
[01:38] Glenn's background information
[03:25] How can a drone pilot develop advanced flying skills?
[06:00] How to best tackle geofencing issues
[08:23] Do you need significant capital investment to create high-quality deliverables?
[10:07] How long did it take Glenn to grow and scale his drone business?
[11:18] How to get lucrative drone jobs that truly take your business forward
[16:01] What is the ONE big challenge that drone pilots typically struggle to overcome?
[] How learning the latest in drone technology can catapult you ahead of the competition
[22:15] What are some of the jobs that Glenn is currently working on?
[24:10] Leveraging experience, and learning from your past mistakes
[26:50] Learning to fly like a pro
[30:45] Our flight checklist can help you mitigate risk and fly safely
[31:46] Is the FAA showing preferential treatment for manned pilots?

Sep 23, 2021 • 25min
ADU 01219: How to Unlock Your DJI Drone, Procure Flight Waivers
How to Unlock Your DJI Drone, Get Necessary Flight Waivers (Without Hacking or LAANC)
Today's show is about getting flight approvals without going through DJI's application system or LAANC.
Our caller for today, Jared, would like to custom hack his DJI drone so that he does not have to deal with DJI red zones.
On today's show, we reveal various alternatives to help Jared out. Specifically, you will learn how you can get your authorization through night-time waivers, and DJI certificates.
Tune in now!
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
[01:10] What is the lawsuit against FAA all about?
[10:13] Reasons for supporting Raceday Quads against FAA
[12:39] Today's question is about unlocking your DJI drone (without using LAANC)
[15:15] Getting wide area authorization through night time authorizations
[17:44] Some alternate ways for applying for flight authorization
[20:55] Using iTouch to validate DJI certificates

Sep 21, 2021 • 20min
ADU 01218: How to Buy An Enterprise-Level Drone Without Going Over Budget
How to Buy the Best Enterprise-Level Drone for Mapping and Inspections Without Overshooting Your Budget
Today's show is about purchasing the right drone for your business. Can you find a capable enterprise-level drone even if you are a tight budget?
Our caller for today, Cody needs help purchasing a good drone for inspections, thermal imaging, and 3D mapping. He wants to create exceptional deliverables for his client without exceeding his budget.
That's a tough ask, but certainly not an impossible one.
To help Cody out, we discuss the pros and cons of popular enterprise-level drones like the Inspire 2 and Matric 300. You will learn the various things that you need to watch out for when purchasing a new drone. Additionally, you will also learn how excellent skills and experience can successfully fly complex missions even if you don't have the latest, most up-to-date equipment.
This is a show you do not want to miss. Thanks for the great question, Cody. Fly Safe!
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
[01:27] Today's question is about buying the best drone for mapping and inspections
[03:38] Can you find a good mapping drone if you are on a tight budget? And, can your skills and experience make up for your lack of the latest equipment?
[04:46] Will you incur significantly higher maintenance costs if you are using an enterprise-level drone?
[05:12] Will your image resolution significantly differ if you fly farther away?
[07:20] Tune in here if you are an Inspire 2 pilot
[11:23] Drone U Recommended high configuration thermal camera for the M300
[12:20] How bettering your flying skills can help you grow and scale your drone business
[14:11] Why you should never over-rely on your sensors. Never.
[15:18] Experience vs. Drone Equipment - which is the single-most-important attribute for a successful drone business?

Sep 16, 2021 • 23min
ADU 01217: How to License an Image, and What To Do In Case of Illegal Usage
How to License an Image - Inking Contractual Agreements, and How to Handle Violations
Today's show is about licensing rights of videos and images and how owners can ensure rights are not violated.
Our caller for today, Kent needs help with photography licensing. Specifically, he is wondering how he can enforce the license, and the steps to take in case of violations.
On today's show, you will learn about the different kinds of photo licensing agreements, so that you can ink an agreement that suits your purpose to the T. 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
[00:41] Today's show is about how to license an image
[02:05] Red flags to watch out for when prepping your commercial photography contract
[03:22] Today's question
[06:05] How to enforce your image licensing
[07:26] Can one license for internal use only and cons of doing so
[11:00] Should you give a perpetual license to a client?
[13:55] How image licensing might evolve in the near future
[15:14] Why you should always bound your client contractually
[19:00] Need help growing and scaling your drone business? Check out our forthcoming courses now!

Sep 15, 2021 • 15min
ADU 01216: Drone Battery Maintenance – Pre-Flight Checks for Ensuring Safe Flight
Important Pre-Flight Checks for Drone Batteries
Today's show is about drone batteries and how pilots can check their drone batteries to ensure a safe flight.
Our caller for today, Carcherri would like to know what are some of the most important pre-flight checks for batteries.
To help him out, we share important battery configurations and reveal how you accurately assess flight time. 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
[01:06] Need help growing and scaling your drone business? Check out our PROPS program now!
[02:10] Today's question is about drone battery maintenance
[03:29] Important insights that you can get from a pre-flight battery check
[04:03] Battery configurations that every drone pilot should be aware of
[05:20] How to accurately assess drone battery life
[12:19] Learn about our forthcoming courses

Sep 13, 2021 • 12min
ADU 01215: Can I Fly My Drone In The Rain?
How to Fly Your Drone In The Rain | Little Known Drone Maintenance Tips to Help You Out
Today's show is about flying your drone in the rain. You will also learn some drone maintenance tips to keep your drone safe and in top flying condition.
Our caller for today, Rob has come up with a great question that has not been asked on Ask Drone U before. Rob's question is about flying your drone in the rain. Specifically, what should you do if it starts raining mid-flight? Is it prudent to complete your mission?
Additionally, we also share some little-known drone maintenance tips so that you can prevent water damage. 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
[01:15] Today's show is about flying your drone in the rain
[02:10] Today's question
[03:27] What should you do if your drone gets wet after flying in the rain? We have some great drone maintenance tips to help you out
[04:37] Is it a good idea to use compressed air to dry your drone?
[05:01] Weather parameters to watch out for
[06:22] Can you continue your mapping mission if it starts raining mid-flight?
[07:22] Tips and precautions for drying the different components of your drone
[07:56] Which is the best drone for flying in the rain?
[09:11] Don't forget to check out the forthcoming Experience Course

Sep 10, 2021 • 0sec
ADU 01214: Can You Grow and Scale Your Drone Business with a DJI Mavic Air 2?
Can You Run a Large Drone Business With a Beginner DJI Drone Like the Mavic Air 2?
Today's show is about the Mavic Air 2. Can you run a large drone business using a beginner DJI drone like the Mavic Air 2?
Our caller for today, Gary from NY flies a Mavic Air 2. But he is planning on upgrading to a larger, more expensive drone since he cannot take on many of the lucrative jobs out there.
On today's show, you will learn how your drone can impact your ability to grow and scale your business to the next level. As an added bonus, Paul opens up his sales playbook, and reveals the importance of cultivating a stellar mindset to be successful as an entrepreneur.
This is a show you do not want to miss.
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
[01:17] Need help growing and scaling your drone business? Check out our new classes now
[01:13] Today question is about using the Mavic Air 2 for a commercial drone business
[03:08] Opinions on the Mavic Air 2 from a fellow drone pilot
[04:14] Can you really scale your drone business if you are flying a Mavic Air 2?
[06:52] What is the one thing without which you cannot grow and scale your drone business?
[07:46] Paul opens up his sales playbook
[09:56] The tiered approach to buying drones for pilots
[10:32] Reasons why the Mavic 2 Enterprise is a good starter drone for your inspection business
[12:16] Drone U Recommended drones for a commercial drone business

Sep 9, 2021 • 15min
ADU 01213: When To Replace Your Drone Props
Drone Props - Everything You Need to Know
Today's show is about drone props. What are some of the telltale signs which help you determine that it's time to change your propellers?
Our caller for today, Kit has come up with a question that has not been asked on ADU before. Kit is wondering whether the newly-designed drone props are superior and have a longer life span compared to their predecessors.
You will learn how to determine the life of your props by listening to the sound generated by your drone. Additionally, we also compare Phantom and Mavic props in today's show. Tune in for some excellent drone maintenance tips. Fly Safe!
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
[02:05] If you want to master a lucrative, niche skill-set, you might want to check out our training's on solar inspections
[04:08] What are some of the biggest benefits of using a Drone U landing pad?
[04:51] Today's question is all about drone props
[07:52] Are the new Phantom props much better in comparison to the Mavic props?
[08:38] A telltale sign to help you determine that it's time to change your drone props
[09:17] How to visually inspect your drone props and some expert tips for buying a used drone
[10:11] Do the newer drones have a longer propeller life?
[11:28] 9450 props vs newer props - which is the better option for drone pilots?

Sep 8, 2021 • 1h 36min
BONUS: FAA Sued for Illegal Remote ID
FAA Sued for Illegal Remote ID | Lawsuit Outcome to Impact UAS Policy, UTM, and UAS Integration
Today's show is about RaceDayQuads, a hobby shop with a large financial stake in the sUAS do-it-yourself world, filing a lawsuit against FAA over Remote ID. They argue that Remote ID violates Constitutional guarantees.
RaceDayQuads sued the FAA in April early 2021 and filed the above arguments on August 4, 2021. Next, the FAA will reply to the argument in writing, which is due September 3, 2021. Then, RaceDayQuads will reply to their reply, due September 23, 2021. After that, The Department of Justice (DOJ) and RaceDayQuads will argue in court in front of a judge, which will likely happen this winter. The ruling is expected in the Spring of 2022.
The outcome of this lawsuit will impact UAS policy, UTM, and UAS integration into the NAS. Updates will come as the lawsuit continues
What is the Lawsuit About?
The argument alleges that tracking and recording GPS location violates the Fourth Amendment.
The lawsuit cites Carpenter v. United States to assert that Remote ID is “more intrusive” than technology “already recognized as unconstitutional.”
The argument alleges that the concept of FRIAs create a forced association with a private, dues-collecting organization to exercise privilege in the public airspace. This, the suit argues, is a violation of the First Amendment.
The argument alleges that a private entity being able to deny access to public services violates Fifth Amendment protections.
RaceDayQuads goes on to argue over the actual authority of the FAA. They assert that Congress has authorized the FAA to regulate “navigable airspace”…“above minimum altitude,” but that the Remote ID rule uses broader terminology than their authority, allowing themselves to regulate “airspace of the United States” (e.g., to the ground). The suit claims that backyards or below tree lines et cetera do not count as navigable airspace. As an aside, the suit also complains about not being able to register a park or one’s back yard as a FRIA.
Donate, and Support the cause: https://www.gofundme.com/f/savefpv
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] - What the lawsuit against the FAA is all about?
[3:40] - What are the main arguments in the lawsuit against FAA?
[4:06] - Why is GPS collection a 4th amendment violation?
[10:00] - Is the remote ID a masked surveillance program by the FAA?
[13:30] - Is the FAAs definition of navigable airspace a constitutional and regulation issue?
[18:01] - Does the NPRM fail to meet its purpose? Is it an illegal rule-making process?
[22:43] - Is the FAA hiding details from drone pilots?
[29:42] - Is FAA's remote-id regulation a violation of the first amendment?
[33:56] - Is a backyard navigable airspace and does data from the drone a breach of constitutional rights?
[38:18] - Why are carriers like T-Mobile and Comcast on the FAA panel and how is it a breach of individual constitutional rights? And what can the lawsuit aim to achieve?
[46:28] - Does the lawsuit potentially delay the rollout of drone regulations and what are its implications?