In this compelling episode of Hangar X Studios, host and former fighter pilot John Ramstead sits down with Doug McDonald, founder of isight Drones, for a deep dive into how drones are reshaping commercial industries. From wind blade inspections to agriculture and life-saving medical delivery, Doug shares firsthand insights on real-world drone applications, the challenges of drone logistics, and the evolving regulatory and manufacturing landscape. Recorded live at The Hive in Grand Forks, North Dakota, this conversation spotlights the practical side of drone deployment and the future of advanced air mobility.

[00:00:00] Doug explains how drones replace dangerous manual inspections on wind turbines
[00:01:52] Overview of isight Drones and its 30+ pilot national operation
[00:03:09] The reality of drone logistics: equipment, redundancy, and deployment
[00:04:18] Using LiDAR and optical sensors to inspect wind blades
[00:04:45] Clients don’t want data, they want insights — like “delamination at 34 meters”
[00:05:28] Precision agriculture: stand counts, weed detection, and smart spraying
[00:07:06] Rock mapping for farming: a costly problem solved efficiently
[00:08:49] Drone delivery for rural healthcare and VA patients
[00:10:39] Hybrid aircraft: 7-hour range, 70mph, 400–500 miles per flight
[00:11:31] Supply chain reality: DJI dominance vs. American drone complexity
[00:13:56] Battery supply issues and emerging U.S. manufacturers like Badlands Batteries
[00:14:48] Building the next DJI in North Dakota? Opportunities for drone entrepreneurs

Doug McDonald is the founder of isight Drones, a drone service provider specializing in inspections of critical energy infrastructure across 47 states and 7 countries. With a background rooted in the rugged landscape of North Dakota, Doug brings practical, grounded leadership to the drone industry. isight Drones serves sectors including wind energy, solar, agriculture, and medical logistics, and is recognized for its deep expertise in deploying scalable drone solutions. Doug’s approach blends advanced sensor technology, robust field operations, and a clear-eyed view of drone regulation and manufacturing.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-mcdonald-1139007/ 

isight Drones is a leading drone service provider specializing in inspections and data collection for critical infrastructure across the energy, agriculture, and construction sectors. Operating in 47 states and 7 countries, the company deploys a fleet of advanced drones equipped with LiDAR, thermal, and optical sensors to deliver actionable insights for clients. With a team of over 30 skilled pilots, isight Drones supports everything from wind blade and solar panel inspections to precision agriculture, rock mapping, and medical supply delivery. Their mission is to replace dangerous, time-consuming, and costly manual processes with safe, efficient aerial solutions.

“Historically, it was always dirty, dull, and dangerous. That's what drones are for.”
– Doug McDonald

“We’re really a logistics company that happens to fly drones.”
– Doug McDonald

“They don’t want a mountain of data. They want to know what the problem is.”
– Doug McDonald

“If one goes down and you've only got one, you're done for two or three weeks.”
– Doug McDonald

“There’s a huge opportunity right now because DJI could be replaced by an American company.”
– John Ramstead