Ask Drone U

In today's episode, we discuss the best apps that will help you determine where you can fly. Which are some reliable applications for checking airspace restrictions? How do you check for NOTAM's and TFR's? Which are some important weather parameters that you should check?

 Is Skyward.io a better resource for checking NOTAM's than Airmap? Which is a good resource for checking TFR's? You also need to know how to read airspace maps. How can Drone U help you better understand airspace?

Be sure you check weather or you will crash your bird. Tune in to find out the importance of monitoring KP-index and dew point spread. We thank Houston for the question. Fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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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Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

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App for checking general airspace - https://skyward.io/

App for checking airspace maps - https://skyvector.com/

Website for checking NOTAM's and TFR's - http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html

Timestamps

Today's question is about the information that you need to check before you fly your drone

What are the advantages of using Skyward.io? How does Skyward compare to Airmap?

Discussing the importance of correctly reading sectional maps

How can you check for TFR's?

Why should you refer Skyvector before setting flight?

How can Drone U help you get better at reading sectional maps?

Which app can you use to check weather?

Learn why the dew point spread is really important

What is KP-index? Why should you monitor this parameter?

Discussing the importance of record keeping

Today, we review the DJI Mavic Air. What are the pros and cons of this new DJI drone? Should you buy the Mavic Air? Or, should you rather wait for Mavic Pro 2?

Because this drone is targeting beginners, good build quality is important. Does the Mavic Air score well on this front? This new DJI product is compact and easy to travel with. But, can you generate ample speed? Is the transmission range good enough?

We discuss if serious pilots should consider purchasing this new drone. How does this drone compare to the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 Pro? Can you capture buttery smooth footage using this drone? Is Atti mode available on the Mavic Air?  Can you shoot at 60 fps? Tune in and hear Rob and Paul thoroughly review this new DJI offering. We thank Kevin from Minnesota for the question. Fly safe!

Don’t forget to pick up a charger from Colorado Drone Chargers.  Use the promo code DRONEU85 to get yourself a killer deal. Those guys make high-quality quadchargers to help you maximize your flight time!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://thedroneu.com/

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Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

 

We talk about the huge untapped potential in the drone business

Paul shares information about our new Drone U course, "Editing with Final Cut Pro"

Today's question is about the latest DJI offering, Mavic Air

Is the Mavic Air a good drone for beginners?

Is the Mavic Air a good replacement for the Mavic Pro? Is it is a good drone for professional pilots?

Discussing the various Pros of the Mavic Pro

How does the Mavic Pro compare to Mavic Air as far as maneuverability is concerned?

What is the capacity of the Internal SSD card in the Mavic Air?

Discussing Mavic Air's controller quality

Is the Mavic Air's camera good enough? Can you shoot in 4K footage and capture intricate details?

Learn about the issue faced while transferring MP4 files

Is it necessary to use USB-C cables for data delivery?

Can you fly in Atti mode on the Mavic Air?

Discussing the Mavic Air's gimbal quality

Which filters should you use with the Mavic Air?

How does Mavic Air's image quality compare to that of Mavic Pro?

Does the Mavic Air offer good transmission range?

Is it worth buying the Mavic Air?

Today, we talk about BVLOS waivers. How can BVLOS waivers benefit the drone industry? Will BVLOS waivers encourage technologies like LiDAR?

It is possible to scan large areas with great speed using LiDAR. Because it is mandatory to maintain visual line of sight, using LiDAR is an expensive and inefficient proposition. How will opening up of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) resolve this issue? We also discuss how giant corporations like FLIR and BNSF managed to obtain BVLOS waivers. Are these case studies relevant to the rest of the industry?

We also discuss how FAA is impeding commerce by not granting BVLOS waivers. Is FAA's stance a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act? How can simpler rules benefit solo drone operators? Check out Paul's article where he has discussed these issues at great length. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Timestamps

Paul states today's agenda

How does LiDAR compare to photogrammetry?

What is a drawback of using LiDAR for creating models?

Can you map large tracts of land using LiDAR?

How does the the line of sight issue impede the use of LiDAR?

Discussing how BVLOS is impeding commerce

How did FLIR and BNSF manage to get BVLOS waivers?

Is it practical to daisy chain multiple Visual Observers (VO's) while mapping a large tract of land?

We talk about FLIR and BNSF getting BVLOS waivers; learn why these examples are not representative of the larger drone industry

Is there a specific system for granting BVLOS and other complex waivers?

How many BVLOS waivers have been given out by FAA?

Discussing the need to open up BVLOS in order to encourage small businesses

Is FAA violating the Sherman Act by not granting BVLOS waivers?

Can FAA's reluctance to grant a BVLOS waiver result in a small business folding up?

Today's episode is about 2018 FAA UAS Symposium. Drone U Chief Pilot Paul Aitken headed off to Baltimore to attend this conference. Paul talks about the various issues that were discussed at the Symposium. Section 336, Remote ID's, BVLOS waivers, Univeral Traffic Management (UTM) and Complex Waivers are some of the important topics that we touch upon in today's episode.

In Episode 747, we discussed how enforcement actions by the FAA against illegal drone operators are almost non existent. Is the FAA looking for ways to conduct enforcement actions? Will the FAA consider changing Section 336 to make enforcement actions easier against hobbyists?

We also talk about Remote ID's. Because you can know who, want and where something is flying, this technology might pave the way for granting complex waivers such as BVLOS and flying at night. Can we expect Remote ID's to become a law anytime soon? Universal Traffic Management (UTM) is another topic that we delve into. Will the introduction of UTM lead to safer skies? Another glaring fact was the lack of representation for the small business owner at the UAS Symposium. Check out Paul's article where he goes into all these issues in great detail. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Timestamps

Today Paul will be sharing his takeaways from the 2018 FAA UAS Symposium

Will the FAA come up with stricter enforcement's?

Is the Section 336 resulting in lax compliance? Will FAA change Section 336?

Will the introduction of Remote ID's benefit the drone industry?

How many complex waivers have been given out by the FAA?

Can the introduction of Remote ID's result in more complex waivers being given out?

Will the introduction of UTM (Universal Traffic Management) result in safer skies?

How have large commercial entities like CNN and BNSF managed to get complex waivers?

Is your DJI drone equipped with Remote ID?

Which are some of the tracking systems via which you can track Remote ID's?

Is it right on FAA's part to get feedback from giant corporations?

Discussing the need for a small business panel at the next FAA UAS Symposium

Today, we talk about setting up your drone business. Should you offer free services when you are starting off your business? Is offering free footage a good marketing strategy?

Our caller, Ryan has received an opportunity to shoot the Vulcan, a colossal statue in Birmingham, Alabama. Because this is a prestigious project, Ryan is considering offering free footage in order to get his foot in the door. Is this advisable?

We would advice Ryan to reconsider his position. It is important to have confidence in your work in order to get the rates that you rightly deserve. What are some ways for building confidence? What negotiation strategies can Ryan use to get the best possible deal? Tune in and get some great insights from Rob and Paul. Thanks to Ryan for the question. Fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Timestamps

Today's question is about offering free services to attract a new client

Rob and Paul answer today's question

Cultivating the need to develop a confident mindset

Learn to find your niche in order to develop confidence

Is it wise to offer a hefty discount if you are starting out in the drone business?

Is it difficult to get permission to shoot a public place?

Discussing various negotiation strategies to eke out a good deal from a client

Today, we talk about external hard drives. Which are some cost effective options to store your drone data? What are some of the best practices for ensuring safe data storage?

Because data safety cannot be compromised, it is important to go for a quality storage solution. We discuss two alternatives: Synology and Drobo. While Synology is good for networking, Drobo is suitable for archiving data. How much will these drives cost you? What is the upload speed that you can expect? Are these reliable storage solutions?

We also discuss compatibility issues, USB-C docks by OWC and External SSD's by Samsung. Thank you for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members.  Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

Energen A40 Model:  DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model:  DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode:  DRONEU P40

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Drobo 5d3 for newer computers using USB C - http://amzn.to/2F58ROq

Drobo 5c for older computer users using USB - http://amzn.to/2FJl3Bs

Timestamps

Today's question is about the best external hard drives to store drone footage

Paul recounts his experience which highlights the importance of backing up data

We discuss drives by Synology and Drobo; we talk about applications, upload speed, cost and data security

Learn why Drobo 5C and 5D3 drives are so well suited for archiving data

We talk about the importance of backing up your data, especially in case of unforeseen emergencies

Why should you avoid overloading your drive with data?

Are Synology and Drobo cost effective solutions?

What is the advantage of using the USB-C dock by Other World Computing?

Reviewing the Samsung Evo T5 SSD

Today, we talk about Certified Flight Instructors. Is it mandatory for a drone school to have Certified Flight Instructors (CFI's)? Is there any value at all in getting trained from a Certified Flight Instructor?

A certification does not guarantee good training skills. Wouldn't you rather learn from someone who has some real world flying experience? We also talk about Drone U Elite. Because our vetting process is based on real world parameters such as experience and revenue earned, Drone U Elite trainers are among the best in the industry. We thank Ken for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members.  Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

Energen A40 Model:  DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model:  DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode:  DRONEU P40

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Contribute to Energen's Kickstarter Campaign - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1931326714/dronemax-360-portable-drone-and-multi-purpose-powe?ref=470f3d

Timestamps

Today we question whether a drone school needs to hire CFI's as trainers

We discuss why it is better to learn from a trainer with real world experience

Are CFI's experienced in flying drones?

Learn about the rigorous vetting process at Drone U Elite

Is there any merit to getting a flight instructor certification?

Paul shares how a need to offer better education led him to start Drone U

Today, we talk about waivers. Can you apply for a night waiver as a LLC? Is there any benefit to applying for a waiver as a corporate entity?

Because you might have multiple drone pilots working in an organization, it is better to apply for a waiver as a LLC. Who is responsible for safe flight in case a waiver is granted to a LLC? Should the responsible person be present during flight operations? Tune in to find out. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Timestamps

Today's question is about applying for a night time waiver as a LLC

Is there any benefit in applying for a night time waiver as an entity?

Does the responsible person in an entity have to be present during flight?

Today, we talk about the average life expectancy of a drone battery. What are some of tips and tricks for getting maximum battery life?

Because batteries are prohibitively expensive, it is important to care for them in the best manner. Deep cycling your batteries is critical to ensure a long life. What is the correct way to deep cycle your battery?

We also discuss why you should avoid letting your batteries sit idle for too long. Paul also shares a great hack for fixing a DJI battery with a bad cell. We thank our caller for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Timestamps

Today's question is about the average life expectancy of a LiPo battery

How many cycles can you expect from a drone battery?

Tips and tricks to prolong your battery life

How will your flying habits affect your battery life

What is the correct way to deep cycle your battery?

Learn how charging can affect the life of your battery

Should you set your battery on auto-discharge?

How many cycles can you expect from your drone battery?

Will a Mavic battery last as long as a Phantom battery?

Paul suggests a hack to fix a drone battery with a bad cell

Today's question is about zoom lenses and Pix4D. Can you use a zoom lens if you are processing data with Pix4D? How do you ensure that your dataset is not compromised?

Our caller is using Pix4D for processing his mapping data. He wishes to use the Inspire 1 with an X5 camera and a Panasonic Lumix 1442 lens. Is the X5 ideal for mapping jobs? We also discuss if you can use variable zoom on a mapping mission. Thanks to the caller for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Go Professional Cases are offering a special discount for Drone U members. GPC designs the highest quality professional cases for your drone and GoPro. And they will even custom design a case for you. Use the promo code DRONEU15 to avail a killer deal.

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: http://askdroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

Follow us:

Site - http://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

Get your copy of "Livin’ the Drone Life" - http://amzn.to/2nalUDH

Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide - http://amzn.to/2omQatT

Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston - http://bit.ly/HoustonMapping

Check out our Drone Maps - https://sketchfab.com/models/e9c198e166ce4f92a7eb0a085ba83d1a

Timestamps

Paul shares information about Drone U's upcoming webinar

Today's question is about using a zoom lens when processing data with Pix4D

How can you use a zoom lens with Pix4D?

Can you use variable zoom on a project?

How does focal length vary if you are using a crop sensor?

Why should you always set your zoom to maximum?

Should you use the X5 camera on mapping jobs? And, can you capture better detail with a zoom lens?