Ask Drone U

Today's question is about flying the same shot on multiple days and seasons. Our caller for today, Ryan from Indiana is a landscape photographer who has come up with a great question about flying the same shot on multiple days or seasons. Is it possible to get your drone to fly the same path and shoot at the same angles again and again? On today's show, you will learn how to do exactly that using...

Today's show is about flying drones in areas of heavy interference like NYC. Our caller for today, Guy from NYC has come up with an interesting question. As you may be aware, an old avigation law makes it illegal to fly drones in NYC. However, we might see this archaic law being scrapped shortly. So, Guy is wondering if he can use drones to conduct visual facade inspections of tall buildings. On t...

Today's show is about marketing a new drone business. Our caller for today, Ian is all of 16, and he just got his Part 107 license. Like most drone pilots, Ian wishes to start off with real estate before moving on to more complicated (and lucrative) jobs. But, he is finding himself discouraged by the intense competition. How can Ian make a dent in a marketplace dotted with older, far more experien...

Today's show is about drone mapping software and acquisition strategies. Our caller for today, Bob has come up with a great follow-up question today. Bob listened to our previous show, "Which Pix4D Version Should I Use for Mapping a Roof?" And he has some in-depth questions about mapping software and acquisition strategies. Specifically, how can you prevent jagged lines in drone models? Can the us...

Today's question is about free drone mapping software. Our caller, Ken from NJ wants to get into drone mapping. And while he wants to improve his mapping skills, understandably, he does not want to spend hundreds of dollars after mapping software right now. So, are there any free mapping software that Ken can use as a practice tool? On today's show, we discuss different options like Open Drone Map...

Today's show is about the DJI Mavic Air 2. Can you build a long-term, profitable business with this entry-level DJI drone? Our caller for today, John is a new drone pilot who has recently invested in the DJI Mavic Mini 2. John is facing buyer's remorse as he feels that he should have gone for a more powerful, sophisticated drone instead. While he was looking for a commercially viable option, he is...

Today we compare different drone mapping software and reveal the most accurate option so that you can avoid any legal liabilities. Our caller for Trav is from Australia and has a question about drone mapping. And specifically, drone mapping software. Trav wants to know which processing software can produce the most accurate drone maps so that he avoid any legal liabilities. Great question, Trav. T...

Today's show is about flying at night without a waiver. Our caller for today, Bob has called in with an extremely relevant question today. Bob's question is about flying at night without a waiver. With daylight waiver to fly at night all set to become history, is there any benefit to applying for a Wide Area Authorization? Additionally, he is also wondering about the procedure to fly in controlled...

Today's question is about the upcoming changes to the Part 107 test. Will it be harder for you to clear the new and updated test? Our caller for today, Bob has come up with a particularly relevant question today. The Part 107 test is all set for a revamp in March. And rather than being one of the first people to attempt the new and updated test, you are certainly better off giving the test right n...

Today's show is about mapping entire towns with drones. Is this a cost-feasible and legally permissible option? Our caller for today, Ryan from Utah wishes to survey an entire town with a drone. Legally speaking, is this even a possibility? Can Ryan get the necessary permissions to fly over people and BVLOS if required? On today's show, we share how Ryan can legally map large swathes of land witho...

Today's show is about running an LLC alongside flying a drone for your W-2 employer. Our caller for today, Adam flies drones as a part of his W-2 job profile. Additionally, he recently started his LLC. Adam is using his personal drone to fly jobs for his LLC and his employer. For accounting and insurance purposes, it is a must that Adam keep the flight data for his business separate. But, given th...

Today's show is about drone mapping software. Which is the best and most capable software to map a roof? Our caller for today, Garrett from Ohio is confused with the myriad of mapping software out there. He plans on taking up a roof mapping job and is considering using Pix4D. But, should Garrett opt for Pix4DMapper or Pix4D Cloud? Apart from Pix4D, we also discuss other options like DroneDeploy, E...

On today's show, we have Colorado wedding photographer, Kara Cavalca who shares with us her wisdom on how to successfully manage and scale a photography business. Wedding photography is a tough and competitive business. But Kara has managed to grow and scale her one-woman show to the next level. You will learn how she is using an all-in-one software, Sproutstudio to manage all her business needs r...

Today's question is about launching/landing a drone autonomously from a flatbed truck. Our caller for today, Renn is from Australia and has called in with an interesting question that has not been asked on Ask Drone U before. Renn's question is about launching/landing a drone autonomously from a flatbed truck. On today's show, we present two solutions to help Renn out. First, you will learn about...

Today's question is about the new Part 107 rules for drone pilots. Our caller for today, DJ has come up with a great question about the new Part 107 drone rules. DJ is confused by these new rules and wishes to know how they impact him as a Part 107 pilot. The FAA recently announced some significant changes to Part 107 rules which might change the way you fly. On today's show, you will learn how th...

On today's show, we have Andrew Dennison, Director of Enterprise Services at DroneDeploy who shares with us the latest and most exciting trends from the drone mapping world. We start this show with Andrew sharing the workflow used by a majority of DroneDeploy pilots. You will learn how drones are being increasingly used as an image sharing tool in construction. We also discuss the big push towards...

Today's show is about using drones in the oil and gas industry. Our caller for today, Jason from Texas wishes to leverage his experience in the oil and gas industry. He is wondering about the best way to market his drone services to industry stakeholders. In today's show, we discuss regulations, safety concerns, and marketing tactics. Thanks for the great question, Jason. Fly Safe! Drone Regulatio...

Today's show is about extinguishing a drone battery fire. We dispel some common misconceptions and reveal the best solution so that you can avert any disaster. Our caller for today, Bob tuned in to our previous show, Can You Get Into Trouble for Not Retrieving Your Drone After a Crash? And after listening in, he has come up with a great follow-up question. Bob's question is about extinguishing a f...

Today's question is about the new executive order issued by President Trump on January 18, 2021. Just before President Trump ended his term, he signed a bunch of executive orders - one of them being Executive Order 13981 on January 18, 2021. Titled "Protecting United States from Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems", this order places restrictions on the use of drones and drone spare parts manufactur...

Today's show is about the current drone industry trend that has become really popular lately. Our caller for today, Tom has come up with a great question that has not been asked on Ask Drone U before. Tom's question is about the current drone industry trend where manufacturers are charging extra for add-on services and accessories. While this trend is now catching on in the drone industry, subscri...

Today's question is about drone laws. Specifically, what should a drone pilot do when flying near manned aircraft? Our caller for today, German is from Florida. Recently, when flying his drone at a 200 feet altitude, he came dangerously close to a helicopter. So, can helicopters legally fly at such low altitudes? And, should drone pilots always yield to manned aircraft even if they are flying with...

Today's show is about the DJI Crystalsky. Experienced pilot and Drone U's newest instructor, Tom has called in with a great question today. Considering the US's toughening stance towards Chinese companies, is it still safe for you to buy DJI equipment? Specifically, the DJI Crystalsky. Is it true that DJI Crystalsky is nearing its end of life? Can you still update your apps and get adequate suppor...

Today's show is about the all-new Sony Airpeak Drone. Recently, Sony unveiled a new prosumer grade drone at CES 2021. This new drone, The Sony Airpeak comes with an FPV camera, obstacle avoidance, and an impressive payload. Mounting troubles for DJI have thrown up some interesting possibilities for other drone manufacturers who wish to jump into the fray. And considering Sony's past partnership wi...

Today's show is about the commercial viability of the DJI Mavic Air 2. Our caller for today, Matt files a DJI Mavic Air 2. Matt is wondering if he can use this beginner drone for commercial drone photography and videography. Can Matt compete with drone pilots who fly more expensive drones like the Mavic 2 and Inspire 2? The different options discussed today include the Mavic 2 Pro, the Mavic 2 Zoo...

Today's show is about a drone crash. Can you get into trouble for NOT retrieving your drone after a crash? Our caller for today, Gavin recently crashed his DJI Mavic Air 2 in a canyon. Notwithstanding his lost investment and footage, should Gavin retrieve his lost drone? What are the risks of leaving your drone out in the wild? You will learn how to retrieve your lost drone and the dangers of over...