Ask Drone U

Dec 2

Drone Security: Opportunities and Challenges Don't miss out on our exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Drone U Black Friday Deals page! Whether you're flying for fun or profit, now's the time to elevate your skills with our top-notch courses. Our episode today is brought to you by Drone U Black Friday Deals - available great discounts on our monthly, annual and lifetime membership and also exclusive discounts on our in-person training, available just during our Black Friday promotions this year. Hurry and sign up today !! Join us on the Ask Drone U podcast as we delve into the world of drone security. Discover the potential service-based opportunities for security drones, the challenges of persistent surveillance, and the latest advancements in drone technology. Whether you're a drone enthusiast or a professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of drone security. Tune in to learn from Paul and Rob and from their years of experience in the Drone industry and stay ahead in this dynamic field. 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. Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes ! 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/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work? Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [02:50] - Cyber Week / Black Friday Training Deals [04:38] - Listener Question [05:42] - Heat Mapping & Variable Analysis [06:37] - Drone-in-a-Box Solutions for Untethered Security [07:44] - Security & Thermal Mapping Drone Options [11:00] - Mapping-Only Solutions [12:20] - Advanced Mapping/Larger Area Solutions [13:58] - Summary & Market Insight

Nov 27

How should pilots navigate the ever evolving drone industry? Don't miss out on our exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Drone U Black Friday Deals page! Whether you're flying for fun or profit, now's the time to elevate your skills with our top-notch courses. Our episode today is brought to you by Drone U Black Friday Deals - available great discounts on our monthly, annual and lifetime membership and also exclusive discounts on our in-person training, available just during our Black Friday promotions this year. Hurry and sign up today !! In this insightful episode of Ask Drone U, hosts Rob and Paul tackle the pressing issues facing the drone industry today. As the December 23rd deadline looms, they explore the potential implications of new FCC regulations on drone purchases and the broader market. The discussion delves into the risks and rewards of investing in drones like the Matrice 4T, especially in light of possible bans and the evolving landscape of American drone manufacturing. With a focus on the creative and technical aspects of drone operation, the episode also highlights the unique training opportunities available through DroneU, from CineWhoop flying to mastering gimbaled cameras. Whether you're a public safety professional or a drone enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities in the drone industry. Tune in to learn from Paul and Rob and from their years of experience in the Drone industry and stay ahead in this dynamic field. 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. Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes ! 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/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work? Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [00:50] - Learn about Drone U Black Friday Deal [01:01] - Drone U Experience Class - Our in-demand in-person event [03:09] - Today's question on investing to get Matrice 4T or DJI products [03:09] - FCC Regulations and Market Impact [09:27] - Investing in Drones: Risks and Rewards [15:17] - Challenges for American Manufacturers [21:21] - DroneU Training Opportunities [27:31] - Creative and Technical Aspects of Drone Operation [33:01] - Conclusion and Insights

Nov 24

What opportunities and drone options should pilot explore before/after DJI Ban? In this episode of Ask Drone U, Paul and Rob tackle one of the most common questions surfacing around the proposed DJI ban: Which drone should you buy before the ban takes effect — the Mavic 4T or the 4E — especially if you’re entering telecom inspections? Our episode today is brought to you by Drone U Black Friday Deals - available great discounts on our monthly, annual and lifetime membership and also exclusive discounts on our in-person training, available just during our Black Friday promotions this year. Hurry and sign up today !! They break down the real business needs of telecom companies, the surprising lack of demand for thermal imagery in this niche, and why global shutters matter more than most new pilots realize. You’ll learn the key differences between the 4E and 4T, how mapping efficiency can make or break your profitability, and why “being able to map with it” isn’t the same as being competitive. Paul and Rob also discuss market trends, misconceptions about thermal work, the hidden bottlenecks that kill scalability, and how to think strategically when choosing gear for long-term business success — all while reminding listeners about Drone U’s Black Friday deals and upcoming training opportunities. If you're starting a drone business, exploring telecom inspections, or debating thermal vs. non-thermal aircraft, this episode gives you the no-nonsense breakdown you need. 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. Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes ! 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/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work? Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [00:35] – Why the DJI ban keeps coming up and how it creates both shake-ups and opportunity. [01:20] – Black Friday Announcements and Drone U Black Friday Deals Overview - 30% off in-person training; 50% off memberships. [02:20] – Today's question on using M4T for Telecom Inspections [04:15] – Where Thermal is Actually Used in Drone Industry [05:09] – Why Utility companies rarely ask for Thermal solutions [06:17] – Mapping Requirements Changingand AI and Data Processing Trends in mapping [07:20] – Mapping Realities: Global Shutter vs. Rolling Shutter [07:49] – Comparing the Parrot Anafi AI vs. Phantom 4 Pro [08:30] – Why power matters at altitude and how insufficient thrust reduces flight time [09:41] – Final Verdict: 4E vs. 4T on mapping and what provides greater business advantage [10:58] – Understanding The Reality of Thermal Work and who performs thermal work in the industry [11:25] – Why the M4T can hurt your business workflow [12:57] – Can you map with any drone, is it viable and profitable?

Oct 18

How should pilots navigate the fast changing drone industry? In this episode of ADU, hosts Paul and Rob discuss the evolving landscape of drone programs, focusing on employment trends, measuring success, and the importance of quality inspections over quantity. They emphasize the need for effective training and development within drone programs to enhance efficiency and productivity, ultimately leading to better decision-making and revenue generation. Key Takeaways Businesses are shifting between hiring drone contractors and in-house pilots. Quality of inspections is more important than quantity. Drone program managers must articulate the value of quality inspections to their superiors. Efficiency in drone operations can lead to significant cost savings. Training and recurrent training are key performance indicators for drone program success. Drone programs should focus on generating revenue, not just saving costs. Effective communication is essential for drone program managers. Macro efficiency is crucial for the value of drone programs. Understanding the specific needs of the industry is vital for success. Collaboration and learning from others can drive success in drone programs. Tune in today as we discuss the importance of efficiency over sheer quantity in drone inspections, and how quality data can lead to better decision-making. Whether you're a drone enthusiast or a program manager, this episode offers valuable insights into maximizing the success of your drone initiatives. Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the drone industry. 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. Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes ! 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/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work? Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction to Drone Programs [03:26] Trends in Drone Employment [08:36] Measuring Success in Drone Programs [12:41] Quality vs. Quantity in Inspections [15:23] Training and Development in Drone Programs

Oct 2

In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, host Paul Aitken speaks with Cameron Goldberg, a renowned FPV drone pilot known for his stunning aerial shots at Red Rocks. They discuss Cameron's journey into drone flying, the challenges of operating in various environments, and the importance of building relationships in the drone industry. Cameron shares insights on the technical aspects of flying, the legalities surrounding drone operations, and the future of drone cinematography. The conversation highlights the artistry and skill involved in FPV flying, as well as the evolving landscape of drone technology and regulations. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to Elevating Drone Life [00:52] Cameron Goldberg: The Red Rocks Pilot [02:08] The Power of FPV Drones [05:31] Cameron's Journey into Drone Flying [09:40] Navigating Regulations and Waivers [12:23] Building a Successful Drone Business [17:27] The Importance of Relationships in Business [20:40] Future Trends in Drone Filming [23:30] Mastering Indoor and Outdoor Drone Flying [30:23] The Impact of Regulations on Drone Technology Want to Make Money Flying Drones? DroneU gives you the blueprint to start and grow a real drone business: FAA Part 107 prep 40+ courses on flight skills, real estate, mapping, and business Pricing guides, client acquisition, and weekly coaching Supportive community of top-tier drone pros Start here https://www.thedroneu.com Know someone ready to take the leap? Share this episode with them !! Stuck between a safe job and chasing your drone dream? Download our FREE Drone Pilot Starter Kit Includes: FAA checklist, pricing template, and plug-and-play proposal to help you land your first client with confidence. https://learn.thedroneu.com/bundles/drone-pilot-starter-kit Stay Connected Hit Like if you learned something new / Subscribe and turn on notifications / Share this with a pilot or creative stuck at a crossroads

Sep 20

Discover how Skylights Tech has transformed the art of storytelling through drones, creating breathtaking aerial displays that captivate audiences worldwide. In this captivating episode of "Elevating Drone Life," we take you behind the scenes of the mesmerizing world of drone shows with the visionary team from Skylights Tech. Join host Rob Burdick as he sits down with Luis Sanchez, Clara Canino, and Israel Canino to explore their incredible journey from university friends to pioneers in the drone entertainment industry. Discover how Skylights Tech has transformed the art of storytelling through drones, creating breathtaking aerial displays that captivate audiences worldwide. From their humble beginnings in Mexico to executing large-scale shows for global brands like Coca-Cola and Six Flags, the team shares their insights on the technical and creative processes that make each show a unique spectacle. Learn about the challenges they face, such as navigating international regulations and overcoming technical hurdles, and how they continue to innovate with new technologies like pyrotechnics and interactive experiences. The episode also delves into the importance of teamwork and the role of creativity in pushing the boundaries of what's possible with drone shows. Whether you're a drone enthusiast, a tech aficionado, or simply curious about this cutting-edge form of entertainment, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to hear how Skylights Tech is not just elevating drones, but elevating unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact on audiences around the globe. Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to Skylights Tech and Drone Shows [10:00] The Journey of Skylights Tech [20:01] The Logistics of Drone Shows [29:57] Designing a Drone Show [40:02] Technical Aspects of Drone Operations [50:00] Challenges and Safety Measures [59:48] Clientele and Market Opportunities [01:09:57] Future of Skylights Tech and Innovations Want to Make Money Flying Drones? DroneU gives you the blueprint to start and grow a real drone business: FAA Part 107 prep 40+ courses on flight skills, real estate, mapping, and business Pricing guides, client acquisition, and weekly coaching Supportive community of top-tier drone pros Start here https://www.thedroneu.com Know someone ready to take the leap? Share this episode with them !! Stuck between a safe job and chasing your drone dream? Download our FREE Drone Pilot Starter Kit Includes: FAA checklist, pricing template, and plug-and-play proposal to help you land your first client with confidence. https://learn.thedroneu.com/bundles/drone-pilot-starter-kit Stay Connected Hit Like if you learned something new / Subscribe and turn on notifications / Share this with a pilot or creative stuck at a crossroads

Sep 17

What should you know about the FAA Part 108 and how can it impact your drone operations? Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. We are announcing bootcamps in November and December. Sign up today before we are sold out !! This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4 days of Desktop and Cloud Based Mapping training. In this unique training event, we cover desktop and cloud based mapping techniques. Our Desktop-Based Mapping Class is designed for drone professionals looking to gain expert-level skills in processing, analyzing, and manipulating mapping data. This intensive course utilizes Pix4DMapper, Pix4DReact, and Pix4DMatic, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience in advanced drone mapping techniques. Cloud-Based Mapping Class is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience with modern drone mapping techniques using Site Scan by Esri. Over the course of 1.5 intensive days, you'll learn how to create high-quality 2D maps, orthomosaics, and geo-referenced models while mastering the essential principles of data acquisition and processing We have classes in November and December, Click HERE to book your seat today !! In this episode, we break down what the DJI ban means for drone pilots and the key considerations to keep in mind before it takes effect. We tackle today’s big question—how to work around the ban—and explore alternatives like the Freefly Astro and Sitescan compared to DroneDeploy. You’ll hear insights on costs, profitability, and what the math really looks like when running your drone business. Finally, we share options for those who continue with DJI and wrap up with our top suggestions to prepare before the ban is in place. Tune in to stay informed and ahead in the world of drones! 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. Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes ! 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/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work? Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [1:24] - A summary of what the ban means for Drone pilots [4:21] - what should pilots be considering before ban? [7:15] - today's question on how to work around the DJI ban [9:10] - Freefly Astro is a good replacement and cost involved [16:10] - Is sitescan a viable option and comparison to DroneDeploy [19:33] - The math behind cost and money making using your drone [24:23] - What are the options for drone pilots who choose DJI [31:00] - Summary of our suggestion for pilots before ban comes into place.

Sep 8

What should you know about the FAA Part 108 and how can it impact your drone operations? Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. We are announcing bootcamps in November and December. Sign up today before we are sold out !! This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4 days of Desktop and Cloud Based Mapping training. In this unique training event, we cover desktop and cloud based mapping techniques. Our Desktop-Based Mapping Class is designed for drone professionals looking to gain expert-level skills in processing, analyzing, and manipulating mapping data. This intensive course utilizes Pix4DMapper, Pix4DReact, and Pix4DMatic, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience in advanced drone mapping techniques. Cloud-Based Mapping Class is designed to give you a complete, hands-on experience with modern drone mapping techniques using Site Scan by Esri. Over the course of 1.5 intensive days, you'll learn how to create high-quality 2D maps, orthomosaics, and geo-referenced models while mastering the essential principles of data acquisition and processing We have classes in November and December, Click HERE to book your seat today !! In today's episode, we delve into the transformative impact of the FAA's Part 108 regulations on drone operations. Discover how these new rules are reshaping the landscape for drone enthusiasts and professionals alike, enhancing safety and innovation in the skies. We explore the intricate world of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) regulations and the hurdles they present to drone operators. From navigating complex legal frameworks to understanding the technological requirements, we uncover the challenges that come with pushing the boundaries of drone capabilities. We tackle the pressing concerns surrounding the future of drone delivery and the broader implications for industry innovation. As technology races ahead, we examine the hurdles that could stall progress, from regulatory challenges to public perception. Join us as we explore the opportunities and challenges that come with navigating this evolving regulatory environment. Tune in to stay informed and ahead in the world of drones! 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. Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes ! 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/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work? Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [01:10] Introduction to Part 108 and Its Importance [03:11] Understanding Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations [06:01] The Impact of Part 108 on Small and Medium Operators [08:44] Navigating the Complexities of BVLOS Regulations [12:01] The Role of Comments in Shaping Regulations [14:45] The Future of Drone Operations and Safety Concerns [14:43] What does don't operate dangerously mean for recreational pilots [18:01] The Dichotomy of Pilot Responsibility and Corporate Accountability [20:49] The Need for Simplified Regulations [24:12] Community Reactions and Industry Perspectives [27:01] Final Thoughts and Call to Action