
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

Dec 19, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1336: How can pilots effectively use Checkpoints?
How to effectively use checkpoints? How can pilots ensure the accuracy of checkpoints?
Today’s episode is also brought to you by Colorado Drone Chargers, specialists who offer drone charging systems that charge multiple batteries and a flight controller at the same time, offering the fastest, and most efficient drone charging solutions on the market.
On today's episode we discuss about checkpoints and their use in drone missions. There has been ample discussions on GCP in the industry and also on our podcasts but today's question, from Martin, is on checkpoints. Martin would like to know how to effectively use checkpoints. On today's episode we discuss what checkpoints do for your missions, why pilots use them and we detail into how checkpoints can be used effectively. We talk about natural references, accuracy in mapping and how the latest versions of mapping software can assist pilots in effective use of checkpoints.
Tune in today to know more about this effective tool for excellent mapping results !!
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:
[01:52] Today's question on GCPs and checkpoints
[04:31] What do checkpoints do against GCPs and dealing with accuracy
[07:51] How to use checkpoints effectively
[09:42] Using softwares for GCP and Checkpoints measurements
[12:11] Understanding your environment while taking measurements

Dec 15, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1335: What is a good upgrade from the Mini SE?
What are the best ways to get started in the drone industry. Best jobs to pursue?
Today’s episode is also brought to you by Colorado Drone Chargers, specialists who offer drone charging systems that charge multiple batteries and a flight controller at the same time, offering the fastest, and most efficient drone charging solutions on the market.
On today's episode we discuss the best drone to upgrade from the Mini SE. Out question for today is from Levi who has amazed us with his use of the Mini SE and would like to know what is a good drone that he can upgrade to. Thank you for the question Levi.
We discuss whats special and unique about using small drones and talk about the benefits of using a small drone in today's drone industry. We also share DJIs take on small drones and third party applications as DJI drones are now released on to the market with their own controller. We then delve into what are the best drones currently available in the market for mapping and why you should get them while also discussing the M30T vs M3T debate.
Tune in today if you're looking to upgrade your drone in 2024 !!
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:
[03:02] Today's question on what's a good upgrade from the Mini SE
[05:25] What is commendable about using a small drone
[06:22] What are the benefits of some of the new smaller drones
[06:42] DJIs stand on using third party apps
[08:47] What is the best drone currently available for 3D modelling and mapping
[09:15] M30T vs M3T - Why should you prefer the M30T over M3T
[12:43] A summary of sensible drones you can upgrade to

Dec 7, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1334: What are the best ways to get started in the drone industry. Best jobs to pursue?
What are the best ways to get started in the drone industry. Best jobs to pursue?
Today’s episode is also brought to you by Colorado Drone Chargers, specialists who offer drone charging systems that charge multiple batteries and a flight controller at the same time, offering the fastest, and most efficient drone charging solutions on the market.
This Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, join us at Westminister High School for Community Drone Day events and celebrations. The school gym will be a buzzing hub of aerial activity, as Westminster High School and Westy PD jointly present the first-ever Community Drone Day. The event promises to feature a wide range of activities, including fan-favorite drone soccer, surveillance demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, flight simulations and much more. This event is free and open to all ages! Whether you are new to drones or an experienced pilot, you won’t want to miss this event. The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Westminster High School, 6933 Raleigh St.
On today's episode we discuss the best ways to get started in the drone industry and the best ways to go about getting successful in running a drone business. We discuss about the important aspects that new and experienced drone pilots should be aware of, as they get started in the drone world. We cover skill building, business environment impacts, utilizing your network and more. Tune in today to leverage all the many years of our experience of running a drone business.
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:
[01:42] Right trajectory for entering drone business and monetize as soon as possible
[08:01] learn more about upcoming drone event to learn about Community Drone Day at Westminster High School on Dec 9
[10:43] Today's question on areas to focus as pilots start out in the drone industry
[12:07] Mindset required for commercial success in the drone industry
[13:50] Factors that can influence success and growth in the industry
[16:33] Using your current contacts and network to build sales
[18:41] Steps that Paul would take to build a successful business - skills and why
[23:30] How your current environment can help you decide about services that you can offer
[27:15] Other factors that drone business operators can explore to find opportunities
[29:33] Paul summarizes the ways to extract success the most in limited time

Nov 24, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1333: What is ESRI and can drone pilots use it for mapping?
We talk about ESRI, its benefits, its similarities to Pix4D and should drone pilots use it for mapping?
Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U Black Friday deals. Why pay per course when you can have the ENTIRE Drone U library for one low price.
This is the LOWEST PRICE we offer for our Annual and Lifetime Memberships and your BEST opportunity to purchase access to the largest library of Drone Training courses on the internet. You'll receive UNLIMITED ACCESS to EVERYTHING….our Pilot Community, Courses & ALL Content on the Drone U Site; including all future courses. Currently includes access to over 40 courses, taught by instructors who do what they’re teaching. Learn from their experience…and, most importantly, their mistakes. Visit Drone U Black Friday deals today !!
Today's episode is also brought to you by Colorado Drone Chargers, specialists who offer drone charging systems that charge multiple batteries and a flight controller at the same time, offering the fastest, and most efficient drone charging solutions on the market.
We discuss about the ESRI platform and its use cases. ESRI has been a preferred choice for large and government agencies for their mapping needs and projects and on today's episode we explore what the platform is about, its advantages and if the platform is meant for drone pilots.
Tune in to this short episode to learn more about ESRI !!
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:
[02:45] Today's question on ESRI platform for drone mapping
[04:25] What is ESRI
[05:37] What are the benefits of ESRI, it similarity and differences from Pix4D
[07:38] Should you prefer the Pix4D over ESRI
[10:31] Who needs ESRI

Nov 22, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1332: What are the best Black Friday deals that are available for drone pilots this year?
This Black Friday, learn all the best deals for drones, accessories and training.
Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U Black Friday deals. Why pay per course when you can have the ENTIRE Drone U library for one low price.
This is the LOWEST PRICE we offer for our Annual and Lifetime Memberships and your BEST opportunity to purchase access to the largest library of Drone Training courses on the internet. You'll receive UNLIMITED ACCESS to EVERYTHING….our Pilot Community, Courses & ALL Content on the Drone U Site; including all future courses. Currently includes access to over 40 courses, taught by instructors who do what they’re teaching. Learn from their experience…and, most importantly, their mistakes. Visit Drone U Black Friday deals today !!
On today's show we discuss about all of the best deals available for drone pilots this Black Friday. We summarize all the deals available for drones, drone accessories, drone trainings and more !!
We discuss the huge DJI discount on the DJI Avata and the Mini 3 Pro and then go over some of the awesome deals for consumables such as storage cards, storage boxes and more. Softwares make an essential part of drone pilots armory to tackle challenging projects and we discuss the best deals for drone software before finally discussing about drone training including Drone U exclusive Black Friday deals that not only cover membership but also in-person training. This year, we have published our entire 2024 training calendar and we're running promotions on them that you definitely do not want to miss.
Tune in today to learn more and save more through Black Friday deals !
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[1:17] The best drone deals you can get on Black Friday
[02:38] DJI Avata deal this Black Friday
[03:44] Deals on the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 SE and fly more combos
[05:23] DBFCM deals on consumables - SD cards, hard drives and accessories
[08:23] Deals on softwares
[09:11] Deals on In-person training from Drone U for 2024

Oct 31, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1331: How do I develop a blueprint while starting my drone business?
How should you plan your business plan? What factors should you considering while selecting a niche?
Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U In-person Events. If you're looking to enhance your flight skills (and who among us doesn't need to enhance our flight skills), we are hosting our last in-person mapping training in November in beautiful Colorado. This is our three-day boot camp plus one-day Flight Mastery Training. We will be introducing and flying a variety of data acquisition types followed by discussion and instruction on how to process the acquired data. From Pix4d Mapper to Pix4d React, to Drone Deploy and Optelos. Students will go through a total of 7 exercises to master the workflow for various deliverables. The goal is to map and build models of this training's location. Join us today !!
On today's show we discuss about developing a blueprint for your drone business and what are the best ways to achieve a solid blueprint.
Our question for today is from Sebastian from Costa Rica who would like to know what would be the best way to get a drone business started and how he can effectively plan a blueprint and decide on the domain that he can venture to run a successful business.
Thanks for the question Sebastian. On today's episode we delve into the many factor new and old business owners need to consider while running a drone business. We start off discussing about regulations, certifications and developing a business acumen for running a drone business. We then discuss the first few steps of doing a business and how business owners can perfect their craft. Lastly we also discuss about choosing a domain, the benefits of working in a domain and bootstrapping and working your way up a domain.
Tune in today to learn more and discover the steps to running a successful business !
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:
[0:51] Overview of today's episode on running a drone business
[02:40] Today's question on developing a blueprint for a drone business
[04:44] Getting certified and developing business acumen for running a business
[07:01] Determining and working on the first few steps in your business
[10:01] Choosing your domain and working in a niche and being systematic in your approach
[13:21] Bootstrapping, getting a drone and working your way up - financial aspects

Oct 29, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1330: Can you use RTK without GCPs?
How to obtain accurate mapping data? RTK use without GCPs?
Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U In-person Events. If you're looking to enhance your flight skills (and who among us doesn't need to enhance our flight skills), we are hosting our last in-person mapping training in November in beautiful Colorado. This is our three-day boot camp plus one-day Flight Mastery Training. We will be introducing and flying a variety of data acquisition types followed by discussion and instruction on how to process the acquired data. From Pix4d Mapper to Pix4d React, to Drone Deploy and Optelos. Students will go through a total of 7 exercises to master the workflow for various deliverables. The goal is to map and build models of this training's location. Join us today !!
On today's show we discuss about RTKs, GCPs and mapping accuracy and conducting successful mapping missions.
Join us for today's episode where we discuss mapping in detail and go over the need for using RTK, GCPs. Our question from John today is about knowing more on RTKs, GCP and mapping data accuracy. Thanks for the question John, there has always been the need for pilots to be mindful of the many parameters for obtaining great mapping data and in today's podcast we go over all of them. We address John's question on using RTK without GCPs and provide the process for executing a perfect mapping mission and gather accurate data.
Tune in today to learn more !
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps:
[01:55] Overview of today's episode on GCP, Mapping, data acquisition accuracy
[03:33] Today's question on GCP, RTK and accurate data collection
[06:20] Marking GCP and the process involved
[14:01] Using an RTK unit and steps to obtain data accurately

Oct 25, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1329: Are Phantom drones still relevant in the industry?
Is the P4A/ P4P relevant? What use cases is it being used? Will DJI continue to support it?
Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U In-person Events. If you're looking to enhance your flight skills (and who among us doesn't need to enhance our flight skills), we are hosting our last in-person mapping training in November in beautiful Colorado. This is our three-day boot camp plus one-day Flight Mastery Training. We will be introducing and flying a variety of data acquisition types followed by discussion and instruction on how to process the acquired data. From Pix4d Mapper to Pix4d React, to Drone Deploy and Optelos. Students will go through a total of 7 exercises to master the workflow for various deliverables. The goal is to map and build models of this training's location. Join us today !!
On today's show we discuss P4P, P4A, the Mavic3Pro for 3D Modeling and use cases for these drones.
Our question for today is from Mike who would like to know if the P4P is still relevant in the industry. Thanks for the question Mike, we start off our discussion about the argument between professional drones, consumer drones and enterprise drones. We discuss budgeting, use cases and 3D modeling software and drones and new company along with the many technical specifications of these drones and their use cases that pilots should know. Mike also wanted to know about heating issues and we answer ways to address the heating issues.
Tune in today to learn more about getting the best bang for your buck and how to effectively chose and purchase your drone.
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:
[01:55] Is the P4P/P4A still relevant in the industry?
[02:55] Today's question from Mike on P4A, P4P and heating issues
[06:07] Using the Mavic3Pro for 3D Modeling
[10:11] Are P4A still being used? And why?

Oct 19, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1328: How can drone pilots safely navigate Remote ID?
How can pilots address the requirements of remote ID?
Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U In-person Events. If you're looking to enhance your flight skills (and who among us doesn't need to enhance our flight skills), we are hosting our last in-person mapping training in November in beautiful Colorado. This is our three-day boot camp plus one-day Flight Mastery Training. We will be introducing and flying a variety of data acquisition types followed by discussion and instruction on how to process the acquired data. From Pix4d Mapper to Pix4d React, to Drone Deploy and Optelos. Students will go through a total of 7 exercises to master the workflow for various deliverables. The goal is to map and build models of this training's location. Join us today !!
On today's show we discuss about the deployment of remote ID and how pilots can navigate the requirements of the remote ID mandate.
Our question for today is from Jason who would like to know how to address FAA requirements on remote ID when registering their drones. Thanks for the question Jason. With FAA rolling out the requirements for Remote ID, pilots are now faced with understanding and interpreting the requirements on remote ID. We delve into the details of the regulatory requirements of remote ID, FAA's mandate on the policy and what we believe is the FAAs plan for rolling out such a regulatory model. We deep dive into how pilots can legally go about addressing these regulations using solutions that are available in the market.
Tune in today to learn more about Remote ID and how as a drone pilot you can stay compliant.
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:
[03:44] Details on the last mapping in-person class for the year
[05:29] The drones we commonly see in our mapping classes
[09:47] Today's question on registering drones and dealing with remote id
[14:03] What we believe is the FAAs take on remote id
[19:31] Can we legally comply with remote ID using products in the markets?

Oct 3, 2023 • 0sec
ADU 1327: How important is it to be found in Voice search?
Is voice search critical to getting business? How do pilots go about being found via voice search?
Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U In-person Events. If you're looking to enhance your flight skills (and who among us doesn't need to enhance our flight skills), we are hosting our upcoming Experience training in October in beautiful Colorado. In this unique training event, limited to ONLY 8 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. Learn from experienced pilots to get the most out of your drone. Also, build repeatable systems to scale your business. Join us today !!
On today's show we discuss about the use of voice search to be found in search results from common voice search tools and devices such as Siri, Echo, Chat GPT and more
Our question for today is from Justin in Vermont who would like to know if voice search is critical to be being found by customers. On today's show we discuss about the relevance of voice search and if voice search is truly a method used by customers, specifically those of drone pilots to find business. We speak about the three key things in SEO that pilots need to be mindful about setting up their business and website. We then discuss about the databases that feed into voice search and discuss ways and techniques about getting into voice search in different mediums.
Tune in today to learn more about voice search and its potential for business growth!
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:
[03:23] Using voice search in today's modern world and setting up your business on voice search
[06:36] Today's question on whether voice search is crucial for business marketing
[09:02] 3 key points for SEO for drone business
[16:05] Is voice search relevant for today's business and how much does voice search brings business
[18:11] Getting into databases and listings to get into voice search