

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

Jan 26, 2024 • 0sec
ADU 1340: What can drone pilots do with Cinewhoop drones?
What can pilots achieve using Cinewhoop drones? How do pilots get better at FPV flights?
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 using Cinewhoop drones and how pilots used to flying regular drone missions with DJI can fly and achieve with Cinewhoop drones. Today's question is from Justin who is looking to pivot from regular drone flights and looking to explore what opportunities he can pursue using FPV and Cinewhoop drones. Justin would like to know more about handling and managing the dizziness associated with first time FPV flights.
Thank you for the question, Justin. We get started discussing the aspect of pilots feeling dizzy when getting started with FPV and switching from regular drone flights to FPV flights. We elaborate on how pilots can get accustomed to FPV flights and the tips and tricks to managing FPV flights and the use of FPV goggles including the challenges in managing orientation.
We then discuss about jobs available for pilots who fly Cinewhoop drones. We talk about opportunities and how pilots can pursue high paying jobs in the drone industry. We talk what are the best ways for drone pilots to get accustomed to FPV flights, train and practice FPV with DJI Avata and ways to manage and control Cinewhoop controls and flights while also discussing regulations, airspace and limitations.
Click HERE to watch Drone U's Cinewhoop video for the Isotopes
Click HERE for the behind the scenes for our Cinewhoop videos
Tune in today to know more about FPV flights using Cinewhoop, jobs and getting better at FPV flights !!
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:
[01:32] the current situation with drone delivery in US
[04:39] Discussion on how pilots can carryout Cinewhoop missions
[06:48] What jobs make the most for drone pilots?
[09:50] Today's question on cinewhoop and using FPV goggles
[12:01] What can pilots used to flying DJI expect when using Cinewhoop drones?
[19:41] What kind of work is available for pilots who fly Cinewhoop drones?

Jan 14, 2024 • 0sec
ADU 1339: Can I carry a drone on a cruise without it getting confiscated?
Can equipment be confiscated on cruises? Are there any regulations or laws that allows parties to confiscate?
On today's episode we discuss about travelling with drones on cruise and how pilots can avoid getting their equipment from being confiscated. Today's question is from Craig who had his drone confiscated on a recent cruise and wants to know how pilots can travel with drones.
Thank you for the question, Craig. While it has been discussed at length in public forums and also on our podcast on travelling with drone in airline, there is some learning for pilots that travel with a drone on cruise. Pilots risk getting their drones confiscated and on today's podcast we discuss what are the options available to pilots to carry their drones on cruises.
We discuss the rules and laws that are applicable on cruises and how guests waive some of their important rights when they signed the dotted lines on cruise agreements. Terms and Conditions in cruise agreements allow cruise authorities to conduct matters differently from how laws are structured inland and hence decisions by cruise authorities are largely binding on all guests. We talk about past incidents and events on cruises and highlight important factors to be considered when travelling on cruises and also how pilots can avoid getting their equipment confiscated in general and what options pilots have in the event of confiscations.
Tune in today to know more about travelling on cruises with your drones and how you can stay clear of any inconvenience !!
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:
[03:09] Today's question on carrying drones on a cruise
[05:47] How do the laws of the US differ from the T&C signed by you
[06:41] Theft and crime on cruise ships
[07:55] Are there ways to avoid getting your drone confiscated while on a cruise?
[10:03] Important factors to consider while travelling on a cruise
[11:03] How to avoid getting your equipment from confiscation everywhere else?

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?