Ask Drone U

Do newer Mavic models hold an advantage over the Mavic 3? What are the new features of the different Mavic 3 models? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U courses. With over 41 courses covering range of topics, from business growth, safe flying to wedding videography, Drone U courses have been tailored to give you the best value for your membership. Know more about Drone U courses and how our membership can give you access to all courses. Today's show is regarding the newly launched models of Mavic 3, the Mavic 3 Enterprise and the Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal, and what features they have to offer and if they are worth the cost. Our question for the show is from Tom, who would like to know the differences in these models and if it's worth purchasing one and what missions can be flown using the Mavic models. On today's show we first discuss about the features of each of the models and how the models differ from the Mavic 3. We also discuss camera features of the Mavic and if the drones can be deployed f

How can drones effectively support and aid rescue missions during disaster relief? What other aspects should pilots know when getting into search and rescue missions? Today's episode is brought to you by PROPS programs. Props is Drone U's exclusive offering to give organizations the ability to distribute UAV training to pilots effectively and efficiently. PROPS allows the leader of a drone program, to assign the appropriate courses according to your program's needs and timeframes. And perhaps more importantly, it allows you as the program leader to monitor the progress of each pilot within one convenient platform. Our PROPS program has a special course on a host of domains including mapping, public safety and our exclusive Don't Crash courses. Today's show is on disaster relief and how drones can aid disaster missions. As we see the devastating damage from Hurricanes in recent times, we wanted to talk about drone missions and technology that can greatly aid and improve relief efforts in impacted areas and ho

Today's show is an exclusive one as we are joined by John Wakey, host of our new podcast under the PROPS platform, the new PROPS public safety podcasts. John has been working a few years with Drone U on developing our public safety programs and public safety courses under the PROPS platform and will now host the all new public safety podcasts. We talk to John about his illustrious career as a firefighter spanning over 2 decades and his experience with robotics and drones in the public safety domain. We go over key aspects of John's career, how he got into firefighting and how and why John curated the public safety programs under PROPS. John shares his experience of common roadblocks faced by public safety team, how public safety team can focus their attention on priorities during rescue missions with drones and the impact of drones in the public safety domain. John talks about lives saved by drones and how public safety teams that utilize drones are better equipped to save lives and have improved their qualit

Is it worth the investment when agencies offer to provide SEO services? Is SEO something that a business owner can accomplish by themselves? Today's episode is brought to you by PROPS programs. Props is Drone U's exclusive offering to give organizations the ability to distribute UAV training to pilots effectively and efficiently. PROPS allows the leader of a drone program, to assign the appropriate courses according to your program's needs and timeframes. And perhaps more importantly, it allows you as the program leader to monitor the progress of each pilot within one convenient platform. Our PROPS program has a special course on host of domains including mapping, publics safety and exclusive Dont Crash courses. Today's question is from Justin, who is frequently being approached by SEO agencies on services being offered to perform SEO activities for him at charges as high as $200 per month (or must we say low compared to the quotes offered to Drone U). Justin would like to know if its worth the investment or

When providing deliverables to clients, how long should the deliverables be stored for? What are the costs involved with storing content? In today's episode we discuss a topic that most pilot seems to discount for in their service offering and that's about storing deliverables for clients? Most pilots today provide their final deliverables to their clients via cloud storage to allow a client to download them. Today's hi-res deliverables could run into GBs of data and this means valuable cloud storage space. So how long should pilots save them for a client who may be busy and forget to download the deliverable? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U courses. Over many years on developing comprehensive training content for developing skilled pilots, Drone U has developed over 40+ courses over diverse applications and domains. Access them all through single Drone U membership. Visit our Drone U course page for more details on available courses.   Learn More about our Membership Price Increase... and how

Is it advisable to use LiDAR on an I2? What are the challenges and is it viable? In today's short episode we discuss if an LiDAR/RTK can be added on to an Inspire 2 and if there are benefits to doing so? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U courses. Over many years on developing comprehensive training content for developing skilled pilots, Drone U has developed over 40+ courses over diverse applications and domains. Access them all through single Drone U membership. Visit our Drone U course page for more details on available courses. Today's question is from Steve, who would like to know if it's feasible to add LiDAR to an I2 to generate mapping deliverables. Thanks for the question Steve. In this short episode we quickly answer the question if LiDAR / RTK can be added on to an I2 for generating Mapping deliverables and if it is a viable option for pilots. We address first, the potential value addition to the drone deliverable that a unit can add to the I2 and if such a value addition is truly requ

Does age play a role to achieve success in drone business? Is there an inherent bias involved? In today's episode we discuss if age plays a role to seek business in the drone industry? Are older people considered to be mature operators in the industry? Today's episode is brought to you by LUCID drones. Today's cleaning and maintenance industry are seeing a spurt in use of drone technology. The Lucid C1 cleaning drone was engineered with safety and efficiency in mind. Designed to clean exterior surfaces without the need for putting workers in dangerous situations. Our PROPS program has a special course on the use and application of LUCID drones. Tune in to our special podcast on LUCID. Today's question is from Shea, who would like to know if age plays a role in achieving success in the drone industry. Thanks for the question Shea. In today's episode we address if age plays a role in a client's decision to choose a drone service provider. We answer common questions on the common perceptions in the industry,

Today's show is an exclusive one as we are joined by PJ Kirkpatrick, our new Director of Operations. PJ is not new to those who have been members with Drone U or have taken some of his in-person classes. PJ comes with years of experience in the drone industry, having trained individual and enterprise clients over a range of domains. In our show today PJ shares his experiences, his beliefs and what excites him about his new role at Drone U and PROPS programs. Paul, Rob and PJ also discuss specifics of the drone training industry and share their views on delivering Drone U courses, in-person training, best drones to fly and what makes an effective trainer and why training is important for success in the drone industry. Tune in to learn more about all these exciting stories and hear it first hand from PJ. 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

With so many compelling priorities, what is the best way to get started in the drone business? In today's episode we discuss the optimal way for drone pilots to get started with their drone business. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U courses. Over many years on developing comprehensive training content for developing skilled pilots, Drone U has developed over 40+ courses over diverse applications and domains. Access them all through single Drone U membership. Visit our Drone U course page for more details on available courses. Today's question is from Andrew, who would like to know the best way for pilots to get started in the drone business and what are some of the factors that need to be kept in mind when starting one. Thanks for the question Andrew. Starting a business in today's inflationary environment is challenging as such and demands a thorough and disciplined approach for the business owner. Drone businesses are no different and require sufficient rigor and passion. In today's episode w

Are base stations an absolute necessary? Can pilots use their drones to reference ground points for mapping missions? In today's episode we discuss the use of base stations and if pilots can make do without one as they work on mapping deliverables. Are there any benefits to doing so? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U courses. Over many years on developing comprehensive training content for developing skilled pilots, Drone U has developed over 40+ courses over diverse applications and domains. Access them all through single Drone U membership. Visit our Drone U course page for more details on available courses. Today's question is from Scott, who would like to know if its possible for pilots to use their drone feed for referencing points from the ground for mapping deliverables and if a base station is not required. Thanks for the question Scott. Today's episode is a short one where we address the use and advantages of using formal gear for GCP as against referencing the ground from video feed/fo

Today's show is a special one as we are joined by Lucid Drone Technologies founder, Andrew Ashur. Ansrew shares the Lucid Drone story informing us of the journey, its mission and the road ahead for the company. Paul and Bobby discuss specifics of business and the industry as a whole, talking about what are Lucid drone, how they came into existence and how the drones are revolutionizing the cleaning and maintenance industry. Andrew also shares his story on the start up story and how Lucid Drones are gearing up for new applications. Andrew also talks about business growth and scaling business discussing about networking and customer focus and how Ycombinator provided the support to the company over its initial years. Tune in to learn more about all these exciting stories and hear it first hand from Andrew Ashur. 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 answere

Can drone pilots fly over roofs in order to scout for opportunities for roofing contractors? What are the regulatory challenges? In today's episode we discuss about a unique strategy of scouting for opportunities for roofing contractors by conducting flights over roofs and identifying roofing opportunities. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referencing, geo-tagging, GPS and more. Visit our Drone U events page for more details on classes and courses. Today's question is from Sam, who is proposing a unique proposal to fly over roofs with the objective for identifying business opportunities for roofing contractors and would like to know our insight into this proposal and understand regulatory challenges. Thanks for the question Sam. In this episode we start off by dis

Can pilots fly in NOAA protected areas? Does NOAA have the ability to regulate airspace? In today's episode we discuss about NOAA protected areas and the rules and regulations in airspace around protected areas. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referencing, geo-tagging, GPS and more. Visit our Drone U events page for more details on classes and courses. Today's question is from Keith, who has come across a NOAA protected area, and would like to know if he can fly his drone and what would be the challenges in flying in a NOAA protected area. Thanks for the question Keith. In this short episode we discuss if the NOAA has the regulatory authority to control airspace and if the FAA recognizes NOAA rules. We also discuss ways by which pilots can seek approval for condu

What are the best ways a pilot can sell their services? How can a pilot make best use of the drones they have? In today's episode we discuss some best strategies for drone pilots to sell their services and how they can make best use of the drones they possess. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referencing, geo-tagging, GPS and more. Visit our Drone U events page for more details on classes and courses. Today's question is from Justin, who wants to know what best practices can he use to sell his services. Justin explains his current process and wants to know robust ways for making sales. He also wants to know how best to make use of his current fleet of drones to improve his business offerings. Thank you Justin for the question, We have strongly believed in a few ke

As a mapper should you opt for cloud solutions which seem easier to work with as against desktop solutions? Are there inherent benefits to desktop tools? In today's episode we review and discuss the common solutions available in drone mapping and if pilots should opt for cloud solutions as against desktop solutions. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referencing, geo-tagging, GPS and more. Visit our Drone U events page for more details on classes and courses. Today's question from Jamie is whether he should be using cloud solutions for mapping processing as against desktop solutions, as cloud solutions allow for faster post processing of mapping deliverables. We delve into details of mapping post processing and explain the difference in delivering mapping solutions

Judge uphelds remote id in RaceDayQuad vs FAA ruling. What implications does this have for pilots and the industry? In today's episode we talk about the outcome of the RaceDayQuad vs FAA on Remote ID as judge upheld remote id. We go over the implications of the ruling and what this means to pilots and the industry at large. RaceDayQuads sued the FAA in April early 2021 and filed the arguments on August 4, 2021. After subsequent replies and arguments, The Department of Justice (DOJ) and RaceDayQuads argued in court in front of a judge and a ruling was made by the judge based on the arguments. To know more about history of the case and relevant details listen to our earlier podcast on the topic. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referencing, geo-tagging, GPS and more.

What options do pilots have if they intend to fly in clear airspace near a designated DJI red zone? Today's question is from John, who is working on a project to conduct flight missions around a prison that is no longer functional yet is classified as a red zone by DJI. John would like to know if Pilots have options to fly in such clear airspace and what they would need to know prior to flying. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referencing, geo-tagging, GPS and more. Visit our Drone U events page for more details on classes and courses. We start off today's show by discussing 3 options that pilots have to effectively fly over red zone while also discussing the approximate times it would take to seek permission. Our option 1 is to apply to FAA to void a red zone and

As the Phantom drones near their end of life, what drones are good alternatives for all round performance? We're back to recording podcasts after a hiatus and in this episode we address a long standing question in drone pilots' mind on what drone would replace the Phantom drones, that have captured every domain of the drone industry through it's value for money and performance. Today's question is from Gary, who would like to know what drone is the go-to choice for pilots now that the Phantoms are being phased out and second hand drones are expensive. Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U mapping events and classes. We talk about some of the new changes we have made to our mapping classes and course curriculum to stay updated with some of the recent trends in the mapping industry such as going over new products for geo-referencing, geo-tagging, GPS and more. Visit our Drone U events page for more details on classes and courses. We start off today's show with why the Phantoms have become renowned for

Should you perform hand catching of drones? Are there practical benefits to it? Or does hand catching just amount to inviting unwarranted injuries? Hand catching a drone - You've possibly seen pilots doing this or seen a social media post of a horrific injury while performing the act but is hand catching really required? Should pilots follow them or is it an unsafe practice that should be avoided? Today, we answer everything we know about hand catching a drone and we would like to thank Tom who's question today is all about hand catching and if there are any benefits to performing them? Today's question is brought to you by the PROPS program, a program specifically designed, and caters to the needs of groups of pilots. It is ideally meant for team of pilots, and organizations that want multiple pilots to progress through their learning curve together. Props allows teams to monitor progress, manage and document learning and ensure a larger audience are progressing together. We start off today's show discuss

When approached by a government official claiming that I am flying illegally how do I explain myself? What precautions should I be taking to address such scenarios? Today's podcasts is flight regulations and airspace approvals. Our question for today is from Frank who was questioned by a government employee who claimed Frank was flying illegally around a lake and dam. Frank had used all FAA's tools and ensured he was well within the law but Frank would like to know how pilots can address such scenarios and what are the best practices for Pilots to follow to stay within legal requirements of drone flights. We answer Frank's question by first addressing the ambiguity of whether drone regulations can be enforced by local governing bodies and what current Drone laws state. A strong emphasis in our response is on the recent status of drone regulations across the US and how laws are being enforced. We discuss the role of local agencies and responsibilities that Drone pilots should be aware of to steer clear of dro