

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

Aug 6, 2021 • 31min
ADU 01204: RTK vs PPK GPS – Which is the Best Option for You?
RTK vs PPK GPS - Which is the Best, Most Accurate Option for You?
Today's show is all about 2 GPS correction technologies - RTK and PPK (Post Processed Kinematic GPS). Specifically, which is the best, most versatile option for drone pilots and when they can choose one over the other.
Our caller for today, Trevor from Australia is unsure whether he should go with RTK or PPK GPS.
To help out Trevor, we re-visit the basics of these GPS technologies. We then proceed to discuss the optimum flying environment for RTK and PPK, and the different factors that you must consider when choosing one over the other.
Other topics discussed on today's show include accuracy, the pros and cons of Aeropoints, and some expert tips for countering environmental challenges.
You do not want to miss this information-packed show. Enjoy!
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.
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Timestamps
[0:59] Check out our in-person trainings and upcoming experience training (a one-of-a-kind training comprising flight mastery, complex 3D modelling, advanced aerial videography and much more)
[05:30] Today's question is about PPK vs. RTK GPS
[07:04] Understanding your drone, its capabilities and limitations
[09:04] The 3 Factors affecting the accuracy in photogrammetry
[10:24] Drone U Recommended RTK and PPK GPS solutions
[13:12] The best environment for RTK
[15:01] RTK vs PPK - we reveal the applications best-suited for both technologies
[16:43] The best flying environment for PPK
[17:46] Is Aeropoints a good option for drone pilots? Discussing the pros and cons
[20:11] In which scenarios do pilots prefer PPK over RTK?
[21:58] Generally speaking, is RTK the better option of the two?
[24:36] RTK or PPK - which is the more accurate option?
[28:32] Paul sums up today's show
[29:22] Check out Drone U landing pads today

Jul 27, 2021 • 19min
BONUS: Drone Life News 005 – Verizon and Skyward Drones, Industrial Drones by GE, American-Made Drones
Verizon, Skyward Drones, and 5G, Industrial Drones by GE, The Rising Popularity of American-Made Drones, DOI Publishes List of Government-Approved Drones
In the fifth edition of Drone Life News, Paul and Miriam McNabb of DroneLife and JobforDrones discuss some of the latest and most exciting news from the world of drones.
Our biggest story this week is about industry major, GE's foray into the drone industry. GE has partnered up with mapping provider Micro Drones as they attempt to gain a foothold in this rapidly growing drone market. With their extensive experience in the aviation and turbine industry, it remains to be seen if GE can succeed in this market where other American drone manufacturers have spectacularly failed.
Next up, you will learn how Verizon's plan to leverage 5G to massively improve drone flight performance.
Don't miss our last story which is about DOI releasing a Blue sUAS list consisting of 5 government-approved drone solutions. With many drone manufacturers misusing the "Made in America" tag, the DOI has finally given some much-needed clarification on this subject.
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 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
[00:32] GE Partners up with Micro Drones to launch industrial drones
[03:10] Verizon, Skyward drones, and 5G
[06:55] Are American-made drones finally gaining a foothold in the drone industry?
[09:17] How FTC is cracking down on drone manufacturers misusing the "Made the America" tag
[10:00] DOI publishes Blue sUAS List consisting of 5 government-approved drone solutions

Jul 27, 2021 • 27min
Bonus: DJI’s FPV Drone Review with “FPV Flight Dynamics” Author, Christian Mollica
DJI FPV Drone Review | Exclusive with Christian Mollica, Author of The Acclaimed Book "FPV Flight Dynamics"
In today's special show, Paul talks to Christian Mollica, the best-selling author of "FPV Flight Dynamics" about the launch of DJI's FPV drone and how it will shake up the FPV world.
DJI, the market leader has just announced their first FPV drone thereby marking their formal entry into the FPV world. But does this new drone live up to all the hype and the rather gargantuan expectations?
You will get some expert tips on how to succeed as an FPV drone pilot in today's show.
We also discuss if this audacious bet will pay off for the Chinese behemoth.
Whether you are just getting into the world of FPV or you are a seasoned pilot, this is a show that you do not want to miss. Tune in now!
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
[01:02] Is DJI's FPV drone a suitable option for drone pilots? Analyzing the pros and cons...
[01:43] How to make a successful foray into the FPV industry
[06:27] How big is the FPV industry?
[11:15] About Christian's book, and how it will help FPV pilots
[14:04] Is DJI's FPV drone suitable for new and advanced pilots alike?
[17:54] The cons - in which areas does DJI's new drone fall short?
[23:45] Where can you purchase a copy of Christian Mollica's book "FPV flight dynamics"?

Jul 15, 2021 • 14min
ADU 01203: Which is the Best and Most Versatile Video Drone For A Commercial Drone Business?
Best Video Drone For The Money
Today's show is about video drones. Specifically, which is the best, most versatile option for a commercial drone business?
Our caller for today, Jordan is looking for a versatile drone that is particularly good at capturing video. He is particularly keen on buying a bird that can safely fly over water.
To help him, we first reveal why the Mavic Air 2S is NOT our preferred choice. We then go on to explain why DJI's flagship drone - the Mavic 2 Pro is the best drone for someone like Jordan who is keen on flying in different environments.
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
[0:42] Today's show is about an absolute best video drone that is available to drone pilots and factors for pilots to consider while deciding to purchase a drone
[01:50] Today's question is about the best and most versatile video drone
[03:35] Drones with unique features that are truly attractive buying propositions
[03:57] Should you rely on cloud-based processing for 3D modeling?
[06:40] Why we do NOT recommend the Mavic Air 2S for video
[08:45] What is the most versatile drone that you can buy for the money? And, which is the best drone for a safe flight over water?

Jul 14, 2021 • 27min
ADU 01202: Best Agricultural Drones – Can You Start a Business If You Are On a Tight Budget?
Best Agricultural Drones | How to Set Up a Drone Business Without Overshooting Your Budget
Today's show is about agricultural drones. What is the best yet most affordable setup for those looking to provide their services to the agricultural sector?
Our caller for today, Ryan is keen to provide drone services to the agricultural sector. But like most new entrepreneurs, he is on a tight budget. Can Ryan meet client expectations with a budget drone? Or does he have to go for an advanced (and expensive) drone from the get-go?
On today's show, you will learn how you can set up your drone agricultural business without overshooting your budget. We wrap up this show by sharing the different benefits of a multispectral drone.
If you are a progressive-minded drone pilot, constantly on the lookout for newer, better business opportunities, today's show will be particularly interesting to you. 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
[0:58] Order your Drone U landing pad today!
[02:30] Today's question is about agricultural drones
[04:07] What are some of the things that clients are looking for when hiring a drone pilot?
[05:34] Will a formal education equip drone entrepreneurs with the necessary skillsets?
[10:32] How to meet client expectations without overshooting your budget
[12:36] Coming to the moot question - which are the best agricultural drones for you?
[14:15] Is agriculture a lucrative option for drone pilots?
[23:00] Do you need a multispectral drone for providing your services to the agricultural sector?

Jul 14, 2021 • 20min
ADU 01201: How to Fly Safely in Areas of Heavy Magnetic Intereference
Drone Safety, and How to Tackle Drone Magnetic Interference
Today's show is about flying in areas with heavy magnetic interference.
Our caller for today, Arturo from Columbia recently started working with the local government to fly missions in the heart of the city. But flight safety is a huge concern for him as he is flying in an interference-heavy environment.
We discuss different options to help Arturo out. From flying Line of Sight to the basics of radiometry to path antennas, we cover a lot in today's power-packed show.
If you are a drone pilot struggling with the challenges of flying in an interference heavy environment, today's show will particularly help you out. Tune in for some drone wisdom!
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
[03:05 ] Do not forget to check out our forthcoming classes
[05:14] Today's show is about dealing with magnetic interference when flying a drone
[07:22] Do not forget this golden rule when in flight
[08:43] Understanding radiometry can help you deal with drone magnetic interference
[11:58] How a patch antenna can help you fly your drone with better control
[13:04] Another great hack for countering magnetic interference
[14:45] Is it wiser to fly at higher altitudes in interference-heavy environments?

Jul 13, 2021 • 17min
ADU 01200: Drone Flight Time Comparison – Why the Phantom 4 Pro is Still the Best Option for Drone Mapping
Drone Flight Time Comparison - Phantom 4 Pro vs. Inspire 2 vs. Mavic Enterprise
On today's show we do a flight time comparison between some popular drones like Phantom 4 Pro, Inspire 2, and Mavic Enterprise.
Our caller for today, Carl is considering the Phantom 4 Pro, Inspire 2, and Mavic Enterprise for drone mapping missions. But he is not sure if these drones can give him a long enough flight time to conclude his job. And understandably, he is also worried about running out of battery mid-flight.
This is a great question that has not been asked before on Ask Drone U.
To help Carl out, we do an in-depth flight time comparison between these popular DJI drones.
Additionally, on today's show, you will also learn:
How to restart a mission after changing batteries mid-flight
Are the drones intelligent enough to mitigate risk in case of low battery voltage?
Apps to help you operate seamlessly in the above scenarios...
Thanks for the great question, Carl. 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
[00:54] On today's show, we do a drone flight time comparison
[05:42] Our question for today
[07:10] What flight time can you expect from a Phantom 4 Pro and an Inspire 2?
[07:40] DJI Phantom vs. Inspire - why the Phantom 4 Pro remains a perennial favorite
[08:54] Why the Mavic 2 Enterprise is NOT the right drone for mapping
[13:05] Are the drones of today smart enough to fly back home in case of low battery?
[13:34] Apps that allow drone pilots to resume their mission after changing batteries mid-flight
[14:04] Wrap up - Paul shares some parting wisdom to help Carl out

Jul 8, 2021 • 0sec
BONUS: Drone Life News 004 – Parrot ANAFI AI, The All-New Skyfish Drones for Engineering, Google’s Wing App
Google's Wing App, Parrot ANAFI AI, World-Class Skyfish Drones for Engineering and Critical Infrastructure, Made In USA Drones
In the fourth edition of Drone Life News, Paul and Miriam McNabb of DroneLife and JobforDrones discuss some of the latest and most exciting news from the world of drones.
Our biggest story this week is about Parrot's new ANAFI AI drone. This unique drone comes with obstacle avoidance that is inspired by nature's best flyers - insects. Moreover, this is the first commercial drone to be 4G-connected - which means that you can fly easily even in areas of heavy magnetic interference. You will also learn how Parrot has managed to future-proof this drone to account for the fast-changing drone regulations.
Next up, you will learn about Google Wing's new App, OpenSky - a free drone pilot app using which you can easily abide by FAA's regulations. Apart from learning where to fly (and more importantly, where not to fly), you can also use this app to get permission to fly in controlled airspace.
The US-China trade wars have certainly boosted the prospects of various homegrown manufacturers. One such drone manufacturer is the Montana-based, Skyfish. Learn how Skyfish's purpose-built technology is being used to create precise 3D models for engineering and critical infrastructure.
This is a show that you do not want to miss. Tune in now!
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
[00:47] Google Wing's free app, OpenSky makes it easier for drone pilots to comply with regulations
[03:52] Learn about Parrot's new, ANAFI AI drone inspired by...you will never guess it...insects!
[11:30] What's critical infrastructure and how the FAA needs to step up.
[13:01]What is section 2209 and the tasks ahead for FAA
[14:06] What construes "critical infrastructure"? How a lack of clarity is resulting in confusion and eventually non-compliance
[15:07] What are some of the challenges that drone pilots face while flying around critical infrastructure?
[17:21] The responsibility for FAA and how other advocacy groups are interpreting federal authority and rules
[20:30] Skyfish's new world-class drone technology for engineering and critical infrastructure

Jul 7, 2021 • 0sec
ADU1199: Is Drone Surveying a Feasible Option for Small Properties?
Using Drone Surveying for Small Properties
Today's show is about using drone surveying for really small properties.
Our caller for today, Jerry wishes to survey small properties with drones. But, is this even feasible? While surveying with drones might be a cost-effective for large tracts of land, can you use this new-age technology for smaller properties as well?
We cover the basics of photogrammetry, and share some great tips to help you grow and scale your drone surveying business in today's show. Thanks for the great question, Jerry. 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
[01:17] Things that drone pilots should know BEFORE making a foray into the surveying industry
[03:12] Why drone surveying is here to stay
[04:46] Today's question is about using drone surveying for really small properties
[06:10] Challenges that drone pilots face when flying in a city like Houston
[07:58] Back to the basics - understanding the fundamentals of photogrammetry
[10:41] What are the tasks for a surveyor and the challenges involved
[15:15] How to grow and scale your surveying business
[18:24] How to use LiDAR to map an area with dense vegetation
[22:22] Some great business tips to wrap up this show

Jul 7, 2021 • 0sec
ADU 1198: Is the DJI Mavic Mini 2 A Good Option for Real Estate Photography?
Today's show is about using the sub-250 gram drone, DJI Mavic Mini 2 for real estate photography.
Our caller for today, Carl intends to make a foray into the real estate photography business with the DJI Mavic Mini 2. But, while Carl might limit his upfront investment with this starter DJI drone, can he compete with pilots who fly larger (and more expensive) drones like Phantom and Mavic?
We reveal the pros and cons of this much-loved DJI drone in this short but highly informative show. This show will be particularly useful to drone pilots providing their services to real estate folks. Thanks for the great question, Carl. 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
[01:36] This show is brought to you by Drone U's in-person classes
[02:52] Check out our all-new member's community now!
[03:14] Today's question is about using the DJI Mavic Mini 2 for real estate photography
[04:06] Want to learn how to fly the DJI Mavic Mini 2? Check out our Don't Crash Course today!
[04:43] Are there ample opportunities for drone pilots in the real estate market?
[08:42] What are some of the biggest challenges that drone pilots face while starting a new drone business?
[10:12] Can you run a profitable drone business with a beginner DJI drone like the Mavic Mini 2?
[14:14] Pro Tip - How to get a steady stream of work from the real estate market
[17:17] Some expert business tips for Mavic Mini 2 pilots
[19:43] Any reason why you should fly the Mini 2 with prop cages?