Ask Drone U

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Ask Drone U episodes

October 20, 2017 ADU 0675: How do you equip a Phantom 4 Pro for mapping?
Today, we discuss mapping with the Phantom 4 Pro. Johnny called in from St Louis to ask about setting his P4P up with the appropriate mapping equipment. Because he wants to start mapping for golf courses and real estate, Johnny wants to make sure he's got the right tools.

In the past, we've talked about the high costs of mapping apps for drones. However, there are solutions available for the Phantom 4 Pro. Additionally, the Yuneec H520 offers a great alternative for those pilots trying to get into the field.

We talk about battery life, payloads and flexibility when it comes to buying the right mapping equipment. Furthermore, we discuss the intricacies of the mapping process and why having the best mapping equipment is so important.

Thanks for the question Johnny! Fly safe!

Are you interested in making money mapping with your drone? Stay tuned for our Intermediate/Advanced Mapping Course!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Also, make sure to head over to Videoblocks.com. A subscription gives you full-access to all of the royalty-free music you need to make killer drone videos! Use the promo code "droneu8" to receive a special discount!

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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Timestamps

Today we talk about equipping a Phantom 4 Pro for mapping
Are the Phantom 4 Pro and Yuneec H520 suitable for mapping golf courses?
What is the payload that you should be using for Phantom 4 Pro?
We talk about the importance of weather while mapping
Is it okay to shoot in RAW and convert to JPEG?
Is it possible to shoot with great accuracy with a Phantom 4 Pro? What are some of the factors that affect accuracy?
What is the issue with using drones for crime scene mapping? Is the data accuracy maintained?
We talk about how weather complexities can affect mapping data
Can you use LIDAR for your mapping missions?
Paul sums up today's episode
Can you use SiteScan to get better details for your mapping data?
21 min
October 19, 2017 ADU 0674: What are the best mapping apps and data platforms?
Today, we talk about mapping apps and data platforms. Which one is the best?
With so many data platforms out there, how do you choose the right one for you? DroneDeploy, Pix4D, Maps Made Easy and PrecisionHawk all have their upsides and downsides, but which one is going to suit the needs of your drone business?
In order to help you choose the best data platform for drone mapping, we take a call from Rob. Rob is in the process of becoming a full-time drone pilot. He wants to get into drone inspections, agricultural mapping and other fields. While there are a number of mapping apps for him to pick from, each has benefits in terms of cost and mapping capability.
When choosing a mapping app, remember that your deliverables are as important as your mapping skills. The ability to deliver useful, actionable maps is the key to running a successful drone business. As a result, you’ll want to choose a mapping app that enables you to deliver aerial maps can really use. Which data platform is the best for delivering aerial maps? Listen to find out!
Thanks for the question Rob! Fly safe!
Today's episode is sponsored by Colorado Drone Chargers. When heading out on mapping missions, you'll want to stay fully charged. These guys have the quad chargers you need! Use the promo code "droneu8" at checkout to receive a special discount.

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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Timestamps

Today we talk about mapping apps and data platforms
What are the pros and cons of using PrecisionHawk?
Can you map large areas through Pix4D capture?
What are some of the alternatives to PrecisionHawk for mapping missions?
Which data platforms can you use for cross hatching missions?
What are the benefits of using Yuneec Typhoon H520 and its DataPilot software over Pix4Dcapture? Find out why the resulting JPEG imagery is of superior quality
We talk about the benefits of using DroneDeploy for doing NDVI. Find out why DroneDeploy scores over Pix4D as far as client deliverables are concerned
Is Maps Made Easy a good alternative to Pix4D capture?
Why is PrecisionHawk the best solution if you are catering to high level clients?
Is the Yuneec Typhoon H520 a better alternative to Phantom Pro for mapping missions?
We discuss SiteScan and its perimeter scan function for oblique and orbit imagery. Can you use Ground Station Pro's orbit mode and vertical mode instead?
17 min
October 17, 2017 ADU 0672: How do I practice precision flying without crashing my drone?
Precision flying can be scary. You can crash your drone and watch your hard-earned money go right down the drain. For that reason, many pilots are scared to practice precision flying.

At the same time, however, learning to fly precisely through gates and around obstacles can be extremely beneficial. It can help you get amazing aerial shots and distinguish you from other drone pilots.

But how do you practice precision flying?

Today, we talk to Bill in Oklahoma about precision flying. Bill calls in to ask how he can practice without crashing. While it requires overcoming mental obstacles and perfecting the fundamentals of flight, enough practice will have you flying like a pro in no time.

Thanks for the question Bill! Fly safe!

If you need stock footage, head on over to Videoblocks.com/drone!

If you're looking for a quad charger to keep you flying all day, make sure to check out Colorado Drone Chargers. Enter promo code DRONEU8 upon checkout for a special discount!

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

Timestamps

Today's question is about practicing precision without crashing your drone
Why is practicing with gates such a good idea?
Listing some of the important practical steps that you need to follow in order to master flying, and how can the various Drone U courses help you?
We suggest a great resource for purchasing gates, and provide some tips and tricks to practice with them
Understanding the importance of flying in FPV flight mode and mastering small moments
Is it important to learn to fly in FPV mode as well as line of sight?
We discuss the wisdom of starting off with a cheaper drone
How can you build confidence and bring precision into your flying?
Debating the necessity of pushing yourself in order to improve your flying skills
Does DJI Care Refresh provide good service?
Paul provides some details of the next Drone U Fly in
19 min
October 17, 2017 ADU 0673: Which light should I use when flying at night?
It can be difficult to find a drone light that meets the FAA's standards. After all, the FAA requires any drone flying during twilight to be equipped with a light that can be seen from three miles away.

Today, we talk to Isaiah from Minnesota. He recently received his Part 107 and wants to know our drone light recommendations. Luckily, we recently found the PicoMax by Aveo Engineering. We discuss the benefits of the PicoMax and why it's the best light for flying during twilight.

Congrats on the 107 Isaiah! Fly safe!

If you need stock footage, check out Videoblocks. A subscription gets you unlimited access to the Videoblocks catalogue as well as full access to the Audioblocks catalogue.

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/
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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

Timestamps

Today we talk about nighttime operations and the difficulty of finding the right light that meets FAA standards
Paul reviews PicoMax by Aveo engineering; we talk dimensions, capabilities and pricing
Is it important to be able see your drone light from the ground?
Are there cheaper proven alternatives that meet FAA guidelines?
9 min
October 16, 2017 ADU 0671: I’m a Part 107-certified police officer. Does my agency need a COA?
We often get questions about COAs for police officers and firefighters. As someone working in public safety, how do you obtain a COA? Does your department need one if already have a Part 107?

Because COAs can be somewhat confusing, we explain how they work. There are a few variations on the COA. Each one applies to different pilots in different circumstances. If you're wondering which COA your public safety agency needs, listen up!

Also, we'll be offering drone training for public safety in the near future. Keep an eye out and fly safe!

This episode is sponsored by Videoblocks. If you need stock footage for your videos, make sure to check them out.

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

Timestamps

Paul provides some information about the forthcoming Drone U classes
Today's question is about COA's for public safety officers and firefighters
Paul discusses the different ways through which public safety officers can carry out public operations
We discuss the various details of public COA's and benefits of getting the same
Is self certification possible if your agency has a public COA?
Paul shares some details about the forthcoming Drone U course on public safety
What are the benefits of flying under civil or part 107?
Which are the different laws that govern different types of operations?
What are the public aircraft requirements under different laws?
What are some of the benefits of public COA's over civil or Part 107?
Discussing the need for a law agency to avail a COA in spite of having Part 107 certified pilots
What are some of the rigorous maintenance and medical standards that you need to maintain if you are planing on getting a COA?
How long are the COA's good for? Is it possible to get extensions?
What is a drawback of flying under a public COA over part 107?
Learn how lawmakers can deal with restrictions on their drones by getting a Crystal Sky monitor; Paul provides details of the forthcoming webinar which will deal with this topic
20 min
October 13, 2017 BONUS EPISODE: Waivers for flying over people (with Vic Moss)
Recently, we got our hands on some documents that suggest the FAA might have some exciting news. Soon, it may be possible to apply for a waiver to grants permission to fly over people. Currently, the FAA Part 107.39 regulation prohibits any drone pilot from operating over human beings.

At the moment, we don't know what the waiver application process will look like. However, this document outlines which drones will qualify for a waiver to fly over people. Today, we discuss the types of drones listed by the FAA and talk about the effects this could have in the drone industry.

Thanks for listening and for your continued support! Fly safe!

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Get access to the Virginia Tech Study - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10439-017-1921-6

Timestamps

Today we discuss an exciting development which might soon make it possible to apply for a waiver to fly over people
Paul reads out excerpts from the FAA document which details what you need to do in order to get a waiver to fly over people
Which are the five categories for which you can get waivers to fly over people?
What are the details of the First category waiver? We discuss the possibility of a home-built drone satisfying the requirements of Category One
We go over the requirements of a Category Two waiver
Will you need prop cages instead of prop cages in order to get a waiver?
We attempt to explain the meaning of "transferring 11 foot pounds of kinetic energy to a human being"
Paul and Vic discuss the Virginia Tech Study: "Ranges of Injury Risk Associated with Impact from Unmanned Aircraft Systems"
Would a Mavic Pro with prop cages meet the requirements of category B?
What are the requirements for getting a waiver under Category C? Can you fly over concert venues under this category?
Would a Phantom meet the requirements of a Category C waiver?
We debate the inclusion of "enhanced aeronautical knowledge and experience", a requirement for Category C
Vic explains why he is against have a practical test for Part 107
Would you need a Visual observer if you get a waiver under Category C?
Discussing the permissiblity of drones to fly over motion picture sets and the abolishment of Motion Picture And Television Flight Operations Manual (MPTOM)
Discussing the possibility of filming "sports or live entertainment events where the public is already restricted from operational areas"
Reading out excerpts of Category Four and discussing it's requirements
Discussing the possibility that drone manufacturer's will come up with self-certified drones which fulfill the requirements of a waiver
Interpreting the exemptions under Part 107.39; we discuss the possibility of flying over people in emer...
38 min
October 11, 2017 ADU 0670: Can I use my drone to aid hunters?
Can drones legally be used to help hunters find game? Is using drones for hunting morally sound? Could a commercial drone pilot work as a hunting spotter? Today, we have a heavy conversation around drones and hunting.

Bill calls in from PA to ask about drones and hunting. As a commercial drone pilot, Bill wants to know if he could make money flying drones for hunters. This sparks an interesting debate between Paul and Rob. While thermal cameras could be used for this purpose, is it ethical?

To answer the question, we discuss different ways that drones and thermal mapping could be used to help hunters. We talk about the ways that drone technology might offer benefits for hunting range owners, as well.

Thanks for asking such a good quesiton Bill! Fly safe!

Make sure to take advantage of the discount over at Colorado Drone Chargers. Enter the promo code "droneu8" to save on some amazing chargers!

If you need stock footage for your videos, head over to Videoblocks for some killer content!

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/
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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

Timestamps

Today we discuss the legal implications and debate the moral corectness of using drones in hunting
What are laws in the state of New Mexico with regards to using drones to find game for hunting? We discuss laws in different states as well
Can drones be used to create visual maps which provide a count of game on the property?
Learn how the combined thermal plus IR capabilities offered by the CGO camera in the Yuneec H520 renders it apt for creating thermal maps
Discussing the moral soundness of using drones to aid hunters
Debating moral correctness and difference, if any between using a FLIR Vue Pro strapped to a gun and to a drone
What does Part 107 say about using drones to find hunting game?
Is there a federal law which prevents us from using drones for hunting? Do you need a permit to hunt on BLM land or national forest land?
Would it be okay to scout game and hunt at a later stage?
0 min
October 10, 2017 ADU 0669: Should I buy a Yuneec drone?
Yuneec Quadcopters are a great alternative to the DJI Phantom 4. Many drone pilots find that Yuneec drones offer capabilities not found in DJI's machines. However, we are often asked by pilots if Yuneec drones are really comparable to drones like the Phantom 4.

Today, we take a question from Pavlov in Greece. Pavlov wants to know if we would recommend buying a Yuneec drone. In order to answer Pavlov's question, we discuss the pros and cons of the Yuneec H520 and some other models. Additionally, we talk about the benefits of Yuneec drones for mapping and how Yuneec products present a challenge the the industry titan that is DJI.

Thanks for the question, Pavlov! 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

Timestamps

Paul shares some information about Drone U's forthcoming "Light Painting" class
Today's question revolves around Yuneec quadcopters and how they compare to DJI drones
Paul reviews the Yuneec Typhoon H520 and explains why it is far better than other Yuneec drones; we discuss size, flight times and applications
How does the Yueneec H520 sensor compare to the Phantom 4 Pro?
How do the mapping capabilities of the Yuneec Typhoon H520 compare with other drones in the market?
Can you land the Yuneec Typhoon H520 if you lose a blade?
Learn how the replaceable batteries in the Yuneec Typhoon H520 can prove to be really advantageous
How does the effective range of the Yuneec Typhoon H520 compare with that of the Phantom 4 Pro?
How do the noise levels of the Yuneec Typhoon H520 compare to other DJI machines?
How does the Yuneec H520 compare with the Phantom 4 Pro in terms of agility?
Can the Yuneec H520 be used for subject tracking?
How does the Yuneec H520 score in terms of stability?
Is geo-fencing available for the Yuneec H520?
Learn why firmware updates in the Phantom 4 Pro are a tricky issue; find out how Yuneec H520 owners are at an advantage
Paul shares pricing information for the Yuneec H520
What are some of the ideal applications for the Yuneec H520? Learn about some of the advantages of using DataPilot, the custom Yuneec software
Learn how the enhanced camera abilities of the Yuneec H520 can result in multiple advantages
Can you download third party apps on the Yuneec remote?
Paul lists some of the shortfalls with the DJI platform when compared to Yuneec; we discuss firmware updates, geofencing, flight times, camera control

35 min
October 09, 2017 ADU 0668: How can golf courses utilize drones?
As mapping technology becomes more advanced, the potential uses of drones for golf courses only increases. While some golf courses have used drones and drone pilots to shoot aerial photographs for advertising purposes, this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are far more sophisticated ways for golf courses to use drones. In fact, mapping and 3D modeling could potentially revolutionize the age-old game of golf.

On today's episode, we take a question from Brian. Brian wants to know what kinds of drone services he can offer golf courses and how to market a drone business. While we discuss marketing and pricing, we spend much of this episode talking about the potential ways that golf courses can use drones and mapping technologies. There are so many opportunities! If you're a drone pilot looking to work with a golf course, you won't want to miss this episode!

Thanks for the question Brian! Fly safe!

The SketchFab models we refer to can be viewed here and here.

If you need a landing pad, make sure to check these out!

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

Timestamps

Today's question is about the potential for golf courses to utilize drones
Learning to adopt the right attitude while marketing your services
Understanding the importance of having marketing material to sell your services to golf courses
Which are the different services that you can potentially offer to golf courses? How can you provide greater value add?
Which cameras should you ideally use while doing interactive mapping?
Tips and tricks to create interactive maps for golf courses using Sketchfab
What is the hardest part when marketing your drone services to golf courses?
Should you include mapping elements in your footage?
Is it a good idea to go door-to-door to market your services?
Should you price your services by the hole?
Paul plays a demo reel
Pros and cons of using SketchFab
Learn to use the right language to market your services effectively to golf courses
Learn how Drone U can help you master mapping and create interactive models and maps
0 min
October 06, 2017 ADU 0667: How should I start editing drone videos?
If you're a professional drone pilot, you'll need some editing skills. This can be very intimidating for those pilots that have never edited video before.

Today, we take a question from Josh in Kentucky. Josh is a new drone entrepreneur and wants to know how to get started editing his videos. We talk about editing drone videos and give some tips on the best editing software. Additionally, we discuss why hiring an editor may be the best approach to take.

Congrats on making the leap, Josh! Fly safe!

If you need stock footage for your videos, make sure to check out Videoblocks.

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

Timestamps

Today's question is about the different ways through which you can develop your editing skills
Should you consider hiring someone to edit your videos?
Learn how increased flexibility has made editing much easier
Learn why it is advisable to start off with a cheaper, alternative editing tool before opting for a premium one
Is it cheaper to use Final Cut Pro over Premier Pro?
Is mastering video editing a time consuming process?
Paul shares some information about Drone U's upcoming class on Adobe and Final Cut Pro
Some tips and tricks to make editing less troublesome
Find out how you can edit 4K footage on your 2013 5K iMac with a i4 quad-core processor

15 min

About Ask Drone U

From the publisher's feed

We’re Drone U, a group of guys who have turned their passion for flight into a profitable business. We love hearing from our fans, and we love helping by answering their questions. That’s why we…