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New Updates to drone manufacturer list, Iris automation new ground base system, BlackSwift technologies ground water density measurement system, will we have F1 races in the sky? In our latest episode of the Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest news in the drone industry and bring you the hottest updates from regulations to new drone tech to air mobility. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss all the latest news in the approved manufacturer list starting with Florida's approved manufacturer list and the confusion the list has caused along with discussing the results of an agency survey on manufacturers they use and the problems that the agencies would face with the new list. In our next segment we discuss all about Iris Automation announcement of its ground-based detect and avoid (DAA) surveillance solution, Casia G, that will be made commercially available. We discuss how the Casia G utilizing the same AI and computer vision technology as other Iris Automation’s onboard solu

Updates from Amsterdam Drone Week conference, Texas regulations struck down, Wing and Flighttrack trials In our latest episode of the Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest news in the drone industry and bring you the hottest updates from regulations to drone deliveries to commercial drone application news. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss all the latest news and takeaways from the Drone Week conference in Amsterdam. Miriam just returned from the conference and has all the first hand information for our viewers including European drone regulation updates, Urban Air mobility and Europe's take on all the drone developments. In our next segment we go over Texas drone regulations being struck down by federal courts and its implications. A federal judge had recently struck down a Texas drone law, one of the most restrictive in the country, for violating the First Amendment’s protections of freedom of speech and the press. We discuss the specifics of the case and the application

What are the best practices when using DroneDeploy during mapping missions? Are there any preferred workflows to using DroneDeploy? Today's question is from Justin, who wants to know if DroneDeploy is the software of choice for use in mapping missions and what are some of the best practices around the use of DroneDeploy. We begin today's episode by listing the best resources for pilots undertaking mapping missions and going over the best workflows for an efficient and effective mapping mission. We then discuss how customer requirements can be a game changer to mapping projects deliveries and why pilots need to often consider this aspect when planning flight missions. We study DroneDeploy and its benefits and compare it with another leading mapping software solution, the Optelos, and delve into which software is better for today's mapping demands. A true assessment of a software is not complete by reviewing its application in mapping projects and we precisely trim down the comparisons between commercial and

Are there any preferred drones for measuring the height and width of buildings? What factors should pilots keep in mind when purchasing a drone? Today's question is from Jannik, who is performing photogrammetry missions and for his requirements needs to measure the height and width of buildings, however he would like to know what drone is best suited for his requirement, a drone that can effortlessly provide accurate measurements We begin our response to Jannik by going over the many requirements of performing a mapping mission and how pilots need to consider them for ensuring quality deliverables. We then delve into accuracy of mapping missions and what factors influence accuracy and how pilots need to keep them in mind while purchasing a drone. We also delve into the technical aspects of performing linear and vertical measurements using a drone and how pilots can effectively use their drone to perform such measurements. Lastly we discuss about the most important driving factor of mapping missions - the cl

Can pilots fly drones that have not been flown in a while? What pre-flight checks should they conduct to ensure safe operations? Today's question is from Adam, who would like to know what pre-flight checks are required for his drone that's been on the shelf for a while. Our show today is different from usual shows where we answer questions from pilots who possibly use their drone quite actively. However today, we focus on the drones that haven't been flown in a while and the critical things that pilot need to keep in mind when using them. We start off with a discussion about the most critical part of the drone that might have been impacted from long disuse and that's the batteries. We elaborate on battery checks that pilots must undertake to check worthiness. We then begin discussions on 2 aspects of a drone - the hardware and the software side of operations and pre-flight checks. We discuss firmware checks, how some of the older drones have unique differences in terms of their firmware and how the recent

How can pilots make the best of Drone U's in-person classes? What should pilots be aware of prior to joining a class? Today's question is from Ike, who would like to know about Drone U's in-person classes and what it takes to make the best of these classes and the intended audience for the classes. A fair question, considering these are the most common questions we receive about our classes. We discuss the expectations in-person class attendees have and how they can make the best use of our classes. We believe having a strong understanding of the expectations helps us provide value for their time and investment in our classes. We then discuss if Drone U's mapping classes are meant for beginners and things for pilots to practice prior to attending the mapping classes. We then provide a breakdown of courses that pilots can go through which are readily available through membership and flight practice exercises to master prior to attending the mapping classes. Lastly, we discuss and share the experience of pi

Does the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Advanced offer more value than the Mavic 3? Is it a good buy? Today's show is about the battle of the Mavics - the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Advanced vs the Mavic 3. Our question for today is from James, who would like to know if the Mavic 2 EA is a better option and if DJI is shifting its product strategy to enterprise drones. We start off the episode discussing the recent evolution of Mavic drones and discuss the features of the new M30 drone from DJI. we discuss the many differing features in these 3 drones from construction of drones to lenses and resolutions. We then discuss DJI's product line up and innovation strategy and if DJI is shifting slowly towards the enterprise edition route and what it means for drone pilots. We then look into product features and pricing factors that pilots consider when purchasing a drone and when comparing drones on the market. Dont miss this show ! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this

DJI Launches new M3 drone with docking station, review of ARC recommendations for BVLOS flights In our latest episode of the Drone Life News show, we cover 2 new updates in the Drone industry - DJI's launch of the M30 Enterprise drone featuring a docking station and a review of ARC's recommendation for BVLOS flights and what it means to the industry. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss DJI's latest drone which is their next generation of enterprise solutions.  DJI introduced a suite of new enterprise products: the Matrice 30 Enterprise, along with the DJI Dock for remote operations, a new RC controller, and the new Zenmuse H20N sensor, giving “starlight vision” to the DJI M300 RTK drone. DJI calls the new products “an all-in-one solution for professional drone operators” combining a sophisticated, cutting edge aircraft with a “fully remote fleet management system and an autonomous docking and recharging station and we discuss all the waves the drones can make in the drone world. In

As pilots keep up with increasing mapping demand should they choose Propellor or Pix4D and what are the implications of choosing either? With mapping continuing to be a critical drone application in the drone world, what software should drone pilots to ensure accuracy and high precision deliverables? In today's show we discuss and compare in detail, 2 key software in the drone mapping world - the Propellor and Pix4D, and how choosing either can impact precision, accuracy, budget, ease of convenience and a whole lot more. Our question for today, is from Bob, who would like to specifically know if he should opt for Pix4D or Propellor for his photogrammetry requirements. We start off the episode discussing how zoom affects marking your available flight data and driving accuracy in mapping. We then detail the Pix4D mapper's performance on generating topography maps. We also discuss limitations of using cloud software in generating aerial maps and the ways in which pilots can mitigate them. Before delving into

BVLOS ARC releases recommendations for BVLOS flights, FAA opens applications for LAANC and WING drone delivery comes to Dallas Fort worth In our latest episode of Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest updates in the drone industry - from updates on BVLOS to drone deliveries. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss the news of the BVLOS ARC recommendations for BVLOS flights. The recommendations come in the light of how the FAA needs to structure its BVLOS regulations with the ARC even specifically recommending FAA to develop medical qualifications for UAS pilots and other crew members conducting drone flights. Miriam and Paul discuss the implications of these recommendations and how they can structure the regulations in the drone world. In our next story, we talk about FAA's notice on opening new LAANC application for providers. The FAA has announced that an application period for new LAANC providers will be opened on May 2, 2022. Our regular listeners know how the development of

BVLOS updates, FAA administrator resigns and what the future holds for Drone Industry In our latest episode of Drone Life News show, we cover all the latest updates in the drone industry - from updates on BVLOS waivers to Steve Dickson's resignation as FAA administrator and the future of the drone industry in light of these latest changes. In our first news segment of the drone life news, we discuss all the latest from the world of BVLOS waivers and talk about the companies that have received BVLOS waivers. We talk how the waivers are helping multiple industries and domains such as emergency care, search and rescue missions. Learn how BVLOS can drive innovation in automated flights and what potential this holds for the drone industry. In our next story, we talk about Steve Dickson stepping down as FAA administrator and what potentially led to him stepping down. We discuss if candidates with heavy manned flight experience make a good choice as an Administrator who could drive growth of Drone industry. Next

What drone should pilots choose if they intend on taking close-up aerial photos and videos? With multiple drones available in the market today, what qualifies to be the preferred drone for pilots intending to take close up aerial images and videos? Today's question is from Earl who would like to know the preferred drone for close up aerial shots and videos. We answer Earl's questions by first addressing the noise generated from a drone when performing close to subject missions for aerial photo shots and the absolute need for pilots to plan such missions considering all the subjects in the vicinity of the shot. Next we discuss some options available to drone pilots taking close-up aerial shots and how these options can aid a drone pilot to take better aerial images. We then discuss some of the drone options available for pilots including the Mavic 3, Inspire 2 with X7, Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual Advanced. Paul also discusses some options available on the Mavic 3 relevant for close aerial shoots (more can be fou

Are major TV and Film events now being captured by DSPs or do Media houses have their own drone crew? Today's show is about Drone Service Providers (DSP) and if they continue to be in demand to contract and fly for major events and film crews or if the market has shifted towards media houses staffing their own crew for such events. Our question for today is from Ken in New Jersey, who would like to know if DSPs get the higher end tv and film drone jobs and to understand the opportunities available for DSPs. A very relevant question in today's context as events - major and local, are increasingly utilizing aerial shoots to enhance the experience of viewers. Considering the recent events such as Superbowl where a fleet of drones were used to provide aerial imagery and live entertainment. Paul and Rob start responding to today's question by talking about companies covering major events such as Super Bowl/ NASCAR races that continue to be DSP but how these DSPs have evolved over time. Specifically we address h

Is Christian Mollica's book "FPV Flight Dynamics" a good read for drone pilots and how can it help them? Today's show is a quick one to respond to a question on whether Christian Mollica's book is a good read for drone pilots. We respond to Zane's question, who recently viewed our podcast with Christian Mollica where we reviewed DJI's FPV drone and also went over Christian's book. Zane would like to know if Christian Mollica's book "FPV flight dynamics" is a good and essential read for drone pilots and if it can help drone pilots improve their flying skills. Christian Mollica is renowned in the Drone industry for his acclaimed book "FPV Flight Dynamics" and we discuss in specific what drone pilots can learn from the book. We also discuss the evolution of drone industry and the developments that helped shape the drone industry. Order Christian Mollica's book on Amazon today - https://amzn.to/3p8iS2i You don't want to miss this show ! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by

As drone hardware reaches a plateau, can developments in Drone software drive the industry forward with new applications for drones? Today's show addresses a critical question which is if developments in drone software can lead to new developments and applications in the drone industry? Our caller for today, Chris, would like to know what the future hold for drone software development and if this can lead to new applications for drones. An excellent question relevant to today's state of the drone industry which has seen hardware levelling itself in terms of drone configurations, parts and build. In our answer to Chris' question, we start off first by listing current hardware in the drone world and its development in the last decade while also expressing our view on how most drone software development companies have had limited impact in driving new applications. Next we look at the automotive industry history as an analogy to the drone industry and how the automotive industry in its formative years starte

Does the Mavic 3 possess a global shutter and what applications can it be used for? Today's show is a quick one to respond to questions from our earlier podcast on the Mavic 3 and whether the Mavic 3 possesses a global shutter or not. We thank everyone for the overwhelming support and comments from our latest podcast on the Mavic 3. One question on everyone's mind from the podcast was if the Mavic 3 possessed global shutter and we would like to clarify and clear these doubts and highlight the applications of the Mavic 3. You don't want to miss this show ! 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://itune

As pilots what are some of the best ways to know a market and understand its pain points? Today's show is about all the efforts that pilots need to put in to understand an industry better so to allow them to provide better service to their customers and increase their overall effectiveness for their business. Today's question for the day is from Robert who would like to know some ways by which he can enhance his knowledge about an industry and stay better informed about the problems faced by the customer. We discuss if there is one single way to understand an industry or domain in the drone industry and if pilots can actually use one common methodology to identify customer pain points. While we do agree there is no secret sauce to do this, we address today's question by what it really means to understand customer pain points and how pilots can go about doing this. An integral component of understanding customer pain points involves actually having conversations with customer and we address how pilots can e

How can pilots make smart SD card purchases and is it really worth it? Today's show is about a well discussed topic here at Drone U and also in the drone world. It's about SD cards but it's worth taking a look at SD card considering all the new developments in the tech world. Our question for today, from Tom, who would like to make smart choice on the purchase of an SD card and how pilots can make informed purchasing decisions based on the configuration of the SD card. First, we look into the most important aspect of SD cards, that of understanding and differentiating between read and write speeds and how knowing these can assist in making the right SD card purchase. Next we look into why pilots should avoid purchasing SD cards from discount marketplaces such as Costco and the experiences of pilots (including Paul) who purchased SD cards from such stores. We also look into the meaning of 'Classes' for SD cards and how SD cards are labeled for Classes. Lastly we understand why it is a good strategy to mult

Does the latest firmware update bring any improvements to the Mavic 3? Today's show is about the Mavic 3's latest firmware update and if the latest updates bring significant improvements to the Mavic 3 and how pilots can make the best out of the latest updates. Our question for today, from Tom, is about the latest update from DJI for its drone Mavic 3. Tom would like to know if the latest firmware update did actually bring about improvement for the Mavic 3 or if its better to stick to DJI's last update for the Mavic 3 We respond to Tom's question by highlighting the performance of the Mavic 3 when it first launched. We delve deep to understand DJI's decision of timing the market with Mavic 3's launch and how DJI possibly navigated through supply chain constraints and what it meant for the Mavic 3's performance. We then dig into the changes the new firmware update bring in to the Mavic 3 and how drone pilots can make the best of them by making purchases such as the FlyMore combo. We also look into how the M

What benefits does using sophisticated GCPs bring? Can naturally occurring markers replace them? Today's show is all about understanding the use and importance of sophisticated GCPs and their importance in ensuring quality deliverables. Our question for today, from DeWayne, is about using sophisticated GCPs. DeWayne is observing his co-workers and team rely more on naturally occurring markers to make do with their mapping missions. He would like to know if they are indeed effective and if pilots can get away using naturally occurring markers or stand-in markers such as paints and pinstripes A very valid question and we answer the question by first addressing the need for conducting effective geo-referencing in mapping projects. We then dig deep into the use of sophisticated GCPs and the rules that pilots need to consider while carrying out missions. We then list out all the possible errors that can occur in georeferencing due to poor selection of GCPs and how it can impact final deliverables and follow it