Landscape of US Drone Industry: DJI Ban, equipment, tech and future of the industry.

On today's episode we talk with Bobby Sakaki, UAV expert and CEO of UAS Nexus. We discuss with Bobby on the current state of the UAV industry and his insights on critical topics such as DJI Ban, US politics on the industry, latest tech and impact of supply chain and geopolitics in drone industry. Learn all about the topics and events in the industry that can impact drone pilots in today's uncertain environment.

5-Day Free Course: Thriving Drone Real Estate Business

Transform your drone operations into a thriving real estate-focused business. Learn client management, pricing for profit, and creating high-value deliverables.

Grow My Drone Business

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.

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Timestamps:

[01:23] Is a tariff based strategy good for the US Drone Industry

[03:00] Discussions and thoughts on DJI ban

[05:57] Are the efforts for growing the UAV industry on the right track?

[10:20] Who are the upcoming players in the drone industry that are promising to be key players in the future and why - Quantum Systems, FreeFly, Firestorm

[16:25] Are US companies equipped to replace or compete with DJI?

[24:23] Is DJI's strategy working on providing high value equipment during the transition to US drones?

[34:22] Section 1709 - Can federal government enforce an operational ban

[01:04:10] What is UAV Nexus - Bobby's company and how does it help pilots

Whats all with recent news of drone swarm? Are there people who are aware of these drones and their flight missions?

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 very recent news event of drone swarm recently observed in NJ and discuss the various theories surrounding the incident. On Sunday, New Jersey was under a 'siege' of drone swarm with its mission objectives unknown and incidents of it following a US coast guard ship. Adding to the mystery was the origin of the drones, the intention of flight and the overall perception and theories floating around the drone swarm. We discuss about the timeline of events and what is known in the public domain along with discussing the theories currently in the industry, the government and the general public. We review the details of these flights and what are the implications for drone pilot and what the US government can do and not do in this scenario.

Tune in today to know more about the event and its implications for the industry as a whole.

Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF

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.

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Timestamps:

[03:09] Today's discussion on the NJ Drone swarm

[07:33] Is the incident an intelligence failure or a communication problem with various stakeholders

[09:33] timeline of events and theories around the drone flights

[15:10] Other theories surrounding the drone swarm

[18:33] Why does NJ and NY have high radiation readings and are the drones nuclear drones?

[25:56] Key takeaway from the incident

Interview with Adam Bry, comments, feedback and more on the DJI Ban.

On today's episode we discuss about some of the recent feedback we received from the online community about our recent interview with Skydio's Adam Bry. We discuss certain comments received about their take on Skydio and Adam Bry and elaborate on our view in the larger fight on DJI, Chinese technology and bans in the US. We discuss blanket bans and the overall need for having comprehensive knowledge prior to making decisions that impact the industry as a whole.

FY 2025 NDAA Conference Text: What Happened with the “Countering CCP Drones Act”

Real Estate Series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccAYtgfG_68&list=PL9QgOnFmIV8jTsMILdpQ32nQg6fcAoJpr&index=3

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

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YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps:

[01:54] Listen to the feedback we received after our podcast with Adam Bry from Skydio episode

[04:25] The discussions on Adam Bry's take on China and being pro-Skydio

[08:41] Why we need to understand the decisions behind the ban and how intelligent response is required

[14:35] The ongoing division between the US departments and DJI bans

[16:22] Solutions available in the community for addressing ways to work in the absence of DJI

[28:05] How do we ensure a stable future without a ban while having companies like Skydio exist as well

[32:43] Can ban become null and void with a new incoming government and the outcome of the TikTok case in Supreme court currently

[35:57] How you as a smart business person be ready for a potential change in the drone industry

Navigating the Drone Industry's Geopolitical Crossroads: Security, Innovation, and the role of Skydio in minimizing reliance on DJI.

In this episode of Ask Drone U, Skydio CEO Adam Bry discusses public perception, the challenges and geopolitics of the drone industry, from national security concerns surrounding Chinese drones to Skydio’s efforts to build a strong U.S. manufacturing presence. He explores the tensions between innovation, security risks, and the future of global drone markets.

Tune in to this great episode and do not miss out on some great Cyber Monday deals !!

5-Day Free Course: Thriving Drone Real Estate Business

Transform your drone operations into a thriving real estate-focused business. Learn client management, pricing for profit, and creating high-value deliverables.

Grow My Drone Business

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/

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Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

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YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Learn about some of the best Black Friday deals currently live.

Happy Thanksgiving from Drone U and go-live of our Black Friday offers.

On today's episode we talk about some of the awesome Black Friday deals that we have found in the market that would be great buy for drone pilots or make a great gift for the holiday season. Whether you are choosing to purchase a drone or add on valuable drone accessories, we'll go over some of the best value for money Black Friday deals that we have come across.

Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U Black Friday deals. Drone U is currently having a great Black Friday deal giving you the chance to grab all of our courses and content at a great discount. Purchase today or Gift a subscription.

Tune in to this episode to not miss on great Black Friday deals !!

Free Video Series: Unlock Your Drone's Profit Potential in Real Estate

Discover how to create compelling real estate photos, videos, and walk-throughs that sell properties fast and command premium rates.

Get Free Instant Access 

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:

[09:04] Best Black Friday deals in the market now

[13:07] Low price on the SD card and card holder - a good gift / a great purchase

[13:47] Anker Black Friday deal

[15:37] Action camera deals

[17:41] 360 camera deals

[21:16] Drone U Black Friday deals and the value from Drone U courses and content

[26:43] New courses and content coming to Drone U membership

Role of drones in the construction industry, how data and analytics is used in the construction industry and managing drone projects

On Today’s podcast, we have a special guest, Joshua Marriott, Director of VDC and Field Solutions at the Weitz company, talking to us about the role of drones in the drone industry.

Today's podcast is brought to you by the December 6th Drone Mapping and Flight Mastery class. Out special bootcamp is a 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 12 exercises to master the workflow for various deliverables. The goal is to map and build models of this training's location. We have only 2 seats available and to sign up please reach out to Rob.

We invite our special guest, Joshua Marriott, to our studio today to discuss about drones in the construction industry. Joshua comes with many years of managing challenging projects in the construction industry and is an expert at managing drone programs and projects. We discuss very important of construction industry and the role drones and drone data plays in ensuring the operational efficiency of the industry is maintained. We discuss about data, technology, use cases, data analytics, hard lessons learnt, GCP use and also the potential impact of DJI ban on the drone industry.

Free Video Series: Unlock Your Drone's Profit Potential in Real Estate

Discover how to create compelling real estate photos, videos, and walk-throughs that sell properties fast and command premium rates.

Get Free Instant Access 

Tune in to this comprehensive episode to learn valuable insights from Joshua and understand better about the role of drones in the construction industry. Tune in today !!

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:

[00:45] What does VDC stand for and Learn more about our Dec Mapping class

[06:55] Why VDC is valid for the entire lifecycle of the project as against specific phases of a project

[13:27] How does bedrock mapping avoid expensive additional work and time in industries such as solar

[14:26] How is data being used in the construction industry for savings, legalities and many more use cases

[18:43] How do companies determine the value of using a drone vs deploying traditional project practices and costs and technology involved

[32:21] How difficult is it for companies like Skydio to bring out data analytics solutions

[37:25] What are the some of the hardest lessons learnt in managing drone projects and teams

[51:57] Is there a list of when to use and not use GCPs on projects

[55:03] How does a DJI, Autel Ban impact the role of drones in the drone industry?

Yoshi Schechter from Alamo Airborne and discussions on drones, business, drone services and the art of being successful in multiple domains.

On Today's podcast, we welcome Yoshi Schechter from Alamo Airborne. Yoshi is a Senior Business Director at Alamo Airborne with rich experience in the drone industry. No introduction can do justice to the depth and detail of Yoshi's entrepreneurship and business drive and experience. We are fortunate to have Yoshi on our podcast today, where we discuss about Yoshi's experience, his journey in the drone industry, his business expertise and about Alamo Airborne. Learn valuable insights from Yoshi's conversations with Rob to learn more about operating diverse businesses, scaling your knowledge and the art of successfully running a business.

Link: https://careers.alamoairborne.com/

Tune in today !!

Free 5-Day Course: The $250M+ Drone Real Estate Formula

Discover how you can leverage your drone expertise to land high-paying jobs in the real estate market. 

Get Free Course

Tune in today !!

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:

[02:31] Today's interview - Introduction of our guest Yoshi Schechter from Alamo Airborne

[11:35] Yoshi speaks about his education, experience, companies and drones

[15:29] What is the benefit of having thermography certification, experience

[22:35] Learn more about Alamo Airborne, Yoshi's journey in the world of drones

[32:31] Yoshi speaks about his experience with pricing a drone job

[38:01] How business can add value and price their services in packages adding value to offerings

[46:51] Yoshi speaks about avoiding the contractor model and his business approach to running a drone business free from contractors and his mindset to executing drone jobs

[55:54] Yoshi and Rob discuss about industry updates surrounding DJI Autel and its impacts on the drone industry

[01:01:01] Yoshi speaks about M30, his favorite drone and and reasons its his favorite drone

[01:05:13] Discussions on Drone training and effectiveness as pilots and individuals that Yoshi usually hires

[01:14:45] What are the opportunities that are available for individuals who would like to work for Alamo Airborne

[01:21:08] How can you apply to Alamo and reach out to Yoshi for drone jobs

What are the best equipment and parameters for success in a busy construction/mapping world?

Today's episode has been sponsored by Drone U's October Mapping bootcamp. 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. Register for our October Mapping bootcamp HERE

Today's episode is also brought to you by FreeFly drones. FreeFly Drones allow pros around the world are rigging their Freefly gear to capture shots that used to be impossible. Reach out to Drone U to learn more about FreeFly drones and how their systems and technology is creating new trends in the world of drones.

Free 5-Day Course: The $250M+ Drone Real Estate Formula

Discover how you can leverage your drone expertise to land high-paying jobs in the real estate market. 

Get Free Course

On Today's podcast, we discuss equipment, softwares and drones that pilots can use to achieve financial success in the construction world and how drone business can plan their business model. Our question for today is from Giona in Italy who would like to know our suggestions for achieving success in the construction world. he would like to know the MVP for deliverables and aspects that drone pilots can keep in mind while working with construction clients.

Tune in to learn about how you can plan pre, during and post construction business models and packages that you can offer. We discuss drones, softwares and multiple deliverables that you can explore to entice and offer to your clients and the costs involved to achieve financial success in the world of drones in construction. Tune in today !!

Other Links to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgVKvqTItto

Drone U's review of the Anafi AI drone

Rick Scott Bill Amendment: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/services/files/A6BB2664-F497-4CEE-8599-33227DDBE060

Tune in today !!

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:

[03:46] Today's show is about equipment and parameters for success in today's busy construction and mapping world

[10:09] Today's question on launching a successful drone business in construction world and minimum parameters for success.

[12:29] Can you achieve a great deal with used drones in construction?

[15:35] What are the minimum equipment required and the packages we recommend offering to clients along with augmenting deliverables

[21:31] Ensuring construction companies stay relevant with exceptional deliverables from drone contractors

[29:59] Stuff that pilots can deliver to construction companies using these software, data sets and drones.

[35:14] What are important post construction deliverables can drone companies offer to construction companies

[40:27] Summary of deliverables that pilots can offer to their clients to get big dollar jobs

DJI Ban  - what can i do to help my business survive the ban ?

On Today's podcast, we discuss the DJI ban and how things are evolving in the industry. Will you and your business survive this evolution of the drone industry, how you can navigate this scenario if it happens and what drones are going to be right for you ? Join us as we discuss all this and much more on this exciting and informative episode.

Today's episode has been sponsored by Drone U's October Mapping bootcamp. 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. Register for our October Mapping bootcamp HERE

Other Links to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgVKvqTItto

Drone U's review of the Anafi AI drone

Rick Scott Bill Amendment: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/services/files/A6BB2664-F497-4CEE-8599-33227DDBE060

Tune in today !!

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:

[02:28] What are the implications of the steps taken for DJI Ban and how to navigate and mitigate the impact

[07:01] Learn more about the Drone U Mapping Bootcamp in Loveland, CO

[09:09] Today's question is on DJI Ban, alternatives available

[12:40] What is the difference between the NDAA blue and non blue versions of drones

[15:31] The history of the DJI ban and the multiple bills in place for a DJI ban

[27:29] Navigating the ban and making sense of steps to counter the DJI ban and how business pricing gets impacted with costlier alternatives

[32:40] What are some of the best alternatives to DJI drones - Parrot Anafi, ACSL drones, Skydio X10, Inspire Flight Drone, FreeFly Astro

[44:40] Understanding cost accounting and analyzing your expenses and revenues and Drone U's upcoming class on business planning.

The current status of the American Drone Market - who are the front runners?

On Today's podcast, we discuss the current status of the American drone market, automation and drone systems. Paul and Rob also touch on the Freefly systems and why they believe it provides one of the best platforms in the industry and can meet the expectations that DJI has set in the drone industry.

Register for our In-person Training events HERE

Tune in today !!

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:

[01:02] The current state of the US drone market, automation, drone systems and designs in the drone industry

[08:01] Why the Freefly Astro drone is probably one of the best in the industry right now

[13:57] Is there a need for multiple platforms in the Freefly system?

[20:30] What is the payback for American Drones like Freely Systems