BONUS: Drone News – Security Weakness in DJI Drones, Skydio X2 Specs, Drone Spraying, Drone Deliveries, Drone Powerline Inspections

July 27, 2020 by narinder

Security Weakness in DJI App, New Skydio X2 Drone to Come with Super Zoom, Drone Powerline Inspections in California, Drone Crashes, Mystery Drones in North Denver

Our biggest story this week is about DJI. Last week, New York Times published a front page story about a potential security weakness with DJI’s app. As per the article, researchers have contended that the app collects large amount of personal data that could be exploited by the Chinese government. This development certainly spells more trouble for the world’s largest drone-maker. To hear what DJI’s Brendan Schulman has to say about this, do not forget to check out this segment of the show.

Our next story is about the Skydio X2. If you listened to last week’s drone news, you might recall that Skydio has decided to make a foray into the industrial drones market with the Skydio X2D and the Skydio X2E. In today’s show, we reveal some more updates about these new Skydio drones. Specifically, you will learn about their much-touted feature – 360 degree super zoom.

Other stories covered in this week’s show include drone spraying in the wake of the pandemic, how drone deliveries are set to commence in North Dakota and North Carolina, powerline inspections in California, and much, much more…

Enjoy! Fly Safe!

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Timestamps

[00:35] – More trouble for DJI – NY Times reports security flaw in DJI drones
[07:05] – Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual used to save a man and three children from drowning in James River, Virginia
[08:51] "]– Skydio X2 drones to come with precision mode and 360-degree superzoom
[12:00] – DJI’s ADS-B technology, DJI Airsense averts a potential drone-helicopter crash
[14:08] – Internal emails and memos show confusion over mystery drones flying over North Denver
[16:50] – How many crashes have we witnessed between manned and unmanned aircraft?
[17:58] – Drones for good – drones used for spraying disinfectants and fighting the virus outbreak
[21:04] – Flytrex to bring drone deliveries to North Dakota and North Carolina
[23:48] "]– PG&E resorts to drone powerline inspections in California
[29:21] – Police uses drones to monitor nude sun bathers in Twin Lakes, Minnesota

ADU 01115: How Can Drone Pilots Assist Their Local Police Department?

July 22, 2020 by narinder

Today’s question is about drone pilots assisting the police.

Our caller for today, John from Omaha has a question about flying drones for the police. It is becoming increasingly common for police departments to use drones for various applications. Recently, John assisted the police in a search and rescue operation. And he found the experience to be extremely rewarding.

John is now wondering if he can do his bit for the society by taking on more of such assignments.

With many police departments yet to build in-house drone teams, this certainly seems to be a good idea. But, how can you build relationships with police officers so that they can get in touch with you when the need arises? Does the law permit drone pilots to help out public safety officers? And, can helping out the police benefit you in any way?

For all this and much, more, tune in to our latest show now!

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Timestamps

[09:57] "]Today’s question is about drone pilots assisting the police
[11:08] Discovering your why
[12:05] Are drone pilots legally allowed to help out the police?
[12:14] Do you need certification when you are flying drones for the police? Are drone laws still applicable?
[14:05] Does the police deparment need assistance for expert pilots for a drone search and rescue?
[17:13] Tips for building relationships with police officers
[18:00] "]Can helping out the police help you further your career in any way?

Tags: drone, FAA, multirotor, police drones, Safety, uav

Drone News: Skydio X2, DOD Funding & Drone Safety

July 20, 2020 by narinder

Skydio announces the new X2 series of drones, DOD releases $84.4 million in funds for small drone manufacturers, NTSB concludes drone crash investigation

In today’s news show, we have some exciting industry updates to share. DOD recently released $84.4 million in funds, $13.3 million of which will benefit small drone manufacturers. Airmap and Skydio are among the drone industry players who will receive a portion of these funds. This move is certainly a part of the US government’s broader push towards creating an all-American, DJI alternative.

Our next story is on similar lines.

After the immensely successful, Skydio 2, the American drone manufacturer has decided to target the industrial market with its X2 series of drones. The X2E is an enterprise drone while the X2D is tailored for the defense sector. With GPS and LED’s for night-time flying, 4K camera, and the ability to get a 360-degree aerial perspective, this drone seems quite promising. It remains to be seen how the Skydio X2 holds up against the DJI line-up.

In yet more drone news, you will learn about NTSB’s investigation on the latest drone crash, details about our ongoing Aerial Intelligence survey, Switzerland’s UTM system, increased usage of drones in public safety, and much, much more…

We hope you enjoy this show.

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes – and make the most of this downtime! – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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Timestamps

[01:29] "]– NTSB confirms drone crash with news helicopter flying in Los Angeles
[08:27] – Help us help you better; please take some time out to fill out this Aerial Intelligence Survey
[08:56] – Does the FAA need to clearly define navigable airspace?
[10:23] – Survey shows that 65% of drone pilots have been working full-time during the virus outbreak
[10:57] – Recent incidents highlight the need to define navigable airspace
[12:23] – DOD releases $84.4 million for small drone manufacturers and a space firm; Airmap and Skydio among those to benefit
[14:01] – Parrot and Skydio among those who qualify for strict DOD requirements
[15:35] – Why should drone pilots refrain from using Airmap?
[17:10] "]– American drones to have enhanced flying capabilities and better security
[20:00] – Skydio gets $100 million in funding
[20:39] – Skydio targets the growing industrial market with two new drones, X2D and X2E
[26:51] – Chula Vista police deparment gets approval to find BVLOS
[30:27] – Switzerland working on a UTM system to get drones to “talk” to each other and enhance airspace safety
[32:20] – $260,000 worth of drones donated to the Blue Mountain Community College by Digital Harvest

Tags: drone crash, drone industry, FAA, public safety drones, skydio, skydio 2, uas

ADU 01114: Can We Expect the DJI Mavic 3 to Release in 2020?

July 16, 2020 by narinder

DJI Mavic 3 Rumors – Can We Expect a 2020 Release for This New DJI Drone?

Today’s question is about the DJI Mavic 3. Are the rumors about this new DJI drone true? Can we expect DJI to launch this new drone in 2020?

Our caller for today, Mordy is waiting for the DJI Mavic 3. There have been rumors swirling around for quite some time about when DJI is planning to release this much-awaited drone. Initially, we were expecting DJI to release this new drone in April 2020. However, owing to strong Mavic 2 Pro sales, DJI pushed back their plans for the DJI Mavic 3.

Regular Drone U followers might also recall our detailed Mavic 3 article where we had shared the rumored specs for this new drone. Recently, we had also revealed how inspired by the Phantom and Inspire, the DJI Mavic 3 might come with an H frame design for increased stability, speed, and accuracy.

So, is there any credence to all these rumors? Should you wait for the DJI Mavic 3? Can we expect a 2020 release for the DJI Mavic 3? Tune in for the latest updates. Thanks for the great question, Mordy! Fly Safe!

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Timestamps

[02:53] Today’s question is about the DJI Mavic 3
[03:12] DJI Mavic 3 release date – do we really know when this drone is coming out?
[03:50] Are the DJI Mavic rumors 3 true?
[05:32] Can we expect the DJI Mavic 3 to release in September 2020?

Tags: dji mavic 3, dji mavic 3 release date, new dji drone

BONUS: Drone News – The All-New Anafi USA, Skydio 2 Updates, Near Drone Crash with Helicopter, Drone Deliveries

July 11, 2020 by narinder

Our first story for this week is about the all-new Anafi USA. The French drone maker, Parrot has announced this new drone which is meant mainly for government use. Touted to give some tough competition to the DJI Matrice 210, this new drone comes with 32x zoom capabilities, awesome stabilization, and a thermal sensor by FLIR. Tune in to this segment of the show to get the entire scoop on this exciting development.

Our next story is about Skydio 2. This autonomous drone was instantly lapped up by drone lovers. However, this meant long waiting times lasting as long as a year. This situation was further exacerbated by the virus outbreak. However, it is heartening to note that Skydio has dealt with these issues and managed to ramp up their production capabilities. Moreover, they have made some improvements to their software which significantly improves the flying experience.

Other stories covered in today’s show include a near drone crash in Oklahoma and drone deliveries in Mexico. Tune in for the latest and most exciting updates.

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes – and make the most of this downtime! – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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Timestamps

[03:03] Drone almost crashes with a police helicopter in Tulsa, OK
[09:00] Do you need a civil strobe when you are flying during civil twilight?
[09:48] Drone Deliveries – Mexico uses drones for flying PPE
[12:25] National Geographic to use drones to detect remains of Andrew Irvine, the British mountaineer who scaled Mount Everest back in 1924
[15:17] Drone pilot captures breathtaking footage of the 9/11 memorial
[17:13] Anafi USA announced – Will this new drone give DJI a run for its money?
[24:54] "]Skydio 2 ramps up production after the virus outbreak and announces important improvements

Tags: parrot, skydio 2

ADU 01113: Is the Phantom 4 RTK More Efficient and Accurate than the P4 Pro for Mapping?

July 9, 2020 by narinder

Today’s question is about using the Phantom 4 RTK for drone mapping. Compared to the Phantom 4 Pro, is the Phantom 4 RTK a better option for drone mapping?

Our caller, Chris from North Carolina has a question about using the Phantom 4 RTK in drone mapping. We have always maintained that the Phantom 4 Pro is the “Honda Civic of Drones”. You can use the Phantom 4 Pro across a gamut of applications ranging from photography to drone mapping. Now, is the Phantom 4 RTK more accurate compared to the Phantom 4 Pro when it comes to drone mapping? Is it worth spending thousands of dollars more to buy the Phantom 4 RTK?

To answer, Chri’s question we first explain the basic of Real Time Kinematics or RTK. Next, we explain the different variables that affect drone mapping accuracy when using RTK drones. Considering these variables, in which situations will the use of Phantom 4 RTK result in a more efficient workflow and a more accurate output? Other topics discussed on today’s show include the importance of using natural markers, difference between relative accuracy and absolute accuracy, the pros and cons of using different RTK drones, the use of natural markers in drone mapping, and much, much more…

We hope you enjoy this show. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes – and make the most of this downtime! – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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

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Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

Timestamps

[02:40] How to measure accuracy in drone mapping
[07:45] Today’s question is about using the Phantom 4 RTK for drone mapping
[08:34] How your application determines the choice of your drone equipment
[09:05] In which situations should you use the Phantom 4 RTK for drone mapping?
[09:19] Paul explains why you can make accurate RTK corrections in a state like Florida
[10:08] Paul explains RTK in simple terms
[10:43] In which situations is the workflow for RTK drones simpler?
[11:38] "]What are some variables that affect your mapping accuracy when using RTK drones?
[12:50] What is the difference between relative accuracy and absolute accuracy?
[13:29] So, can you get more accuracy by flying the P4P RTK?
[14:03] "]What is ground sampling distance (GSD)? Which are the three factors that affect your GSD?
[17:46] Should you use the P4P RTK if you are surveying large tracts of land?
[19:40] Do you always need GCP’s for 3D modeling?
[24:00] Is it a good idea to refer natural markers when creating a drone map or model?
[25:19] Is it a good idea to use the M600 RTK for drone mapping?

Tags: drone mapping, phantom 4 pro, phantom 4 rtk

ADU 01112: Is the DJI Inspire 1 with the X5 a Good Option for Inspections?

July 8, 2020 by narinder

Today’s question is about using the Inspire for building and solar inspections.

Our caller for today, Eduardo is thinking of using the DJI Inspire 1 with the X5 for building and solar inspections. But, is it possible to capture accurate datasets using an outdated drone like the Inspire 1? And is the X5 a good drone camera for inspections? Do you need a dual camera setup (both EO and thermal) for this job?

We discuss all this and much more in today’s show. Thanks for the great question, Eduardo. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes – and make the most of this downtime! – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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Timestamps

[10:23] Today’s question using the Inspire 1 for building and solar inspections
[12:00] Do you need two cameras – EO and thermal for solar inspections?
[12:50] Is it a good idea to use the X5 camera for building inspections or solar inspections?
[14:52] Which camera should you pair with the Inspire 1 for conducting roof inspections?

Tags: dji inspire 1, drone, Inspire 1, x5

BONUS: Introducing Pix4Dcatch – A Revolutionary App that Simplifies 3D Modeling

June 29, 2020 by narinder

In today’s show, we are joined by Angad Singh of Pix4D to discuss their new app, Pix4Dcatch. This app gives you the ability to 3D scan objects using Apple devices.

Regular ADU listeners might be aware that we are huge proponents of Pix4D’s drone mapping software. Their latest product, Pix4Dcatch goes a long way in simplifying 3D modeling, and gives users a much-needed, affordable alternative. In today’s show, you will learn how public safety and small businesses can benefit by using Pix4Dcatch.

Tune in to learn more about this amazing app that puts the power of 3D scanning into your pocket. Fly safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes – and make the most of this downtime! – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

Timestamps

[00:40] "]What are some common challenges that mappers face during data acquisition?
[03:40] Making data acquisition super simple; Angad explains how Pix4Dcatch works
[05:25] What is Paul’s favorite feature on the Pix4D Capture?
[06:13] Angad explains how Pix4Dcatch can be used for crime scene reconstruction
[08:12] How using Pix4Dcatch can make your overall drone model better
[09:38] How the ability to recognize and calibrate colors in Pix4D can help you in accurate MTP construction
[11:20] What are some different uses of Pix4Dcatch for small businesses?
[13:28] Is it becoming cheaper to model using LiDAR and photogrammetery?
[14:13] Does Pix4Dcatch work with iPad Pro LiDAR unit?
[14:47] How Pix4Dcatch can be used for facility inspections
[15:52] "]How does Pix4Dcatch compare to Matterport?
[18:18] What is the ONE thing that the Pix4Dcatch can be immensely useful for?
[20:03] How can general contractors utilize Pix4Dcatch?
[21:07] Can you add annotations and share models using Pix4Dcatch?

Tags: drone software, uav, UAV mapping

Drone News: Police Crash, Amazon Delivery & Trends

June 25, 2020 by narinder

Drone Helicopter Crash in Canada, Amazon Drone Delivery Yet to Take Off, How to Film a Protest Without a Waiver, Changing Dynamics of the Drone Industry, Drones for Good

Our first story is about a drone crash. This collision happened earlier this year in British Columbia when a Royal Canadian Mounted Police helicopter crashed with a police surveillance drone. Ironically enough, both the helicopter and drone were being used on a joint mission. The RCMP SkyRanger R60 surveillance drone is a tethered drone costing nearly $100,000. Luckily, no one was injured in this helicopter-drone crash. This incident certainly highlights the importance of communication procedures between manned and unmanned aircraft’s.

Our next story is about the drone delivery industry. Back in 2013, Amazon boss, Jeff Bezos famously predicted that drone delivery would become commonplace by 2018. We are in 2020. And Amazon drone delivery is yet to take off in a substantial manner. However, in a delightful little story, we share how Wing Aviation used their drone to deliver textbooks to school kids in the Montgomery school district.

Other topics discussed in today’s story include the changing dynamics of the drone industry, latest updates on the 2018 Gatwick fiasco, filming a protest with a drone, and much, much more…

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes – and make the most of this downtime! – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

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

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

Timestamps

[00:36] Police helicopter collides with a $100,000 tethered drone in Canada
[02:53] Wing Aviation uses drones to deliver textbooks to more than 600 school kids in Montgomery county school district
[05:02] Years after Jeff Bezoz’s prediction, Amazon drone delivery yet to take off in a substantial manner
[08:18] How to film a protest without a waiver
[11:20] Department of Homeland Security invites comments from people regarding the use of drones in emergency situations
[14:10] Parrot calls out DJI in their marketing campaign for their new drone
[17:20] Has Autel scored a definite legal victory over DJI?
[21:29] Couple arrested during Gatwick fiasco in 2018 gets awarded 200,000 pounds
[25:57] Drones help rescue father and daughter after canoe capsizes in San Joaquin river in Central California

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1h8XQ-qBsg

Tags: drone crash, drone deliveries, drone industry, gatwick, uav

ADU 01111: Will the Mavic Air 2 Randomly Move the Gimbal On You?

June 19, 2020 by narinder

Today’s question is about the Mavic Air 2. Specifically, are there any issues with Mavic Air 2’s gimbal that you should be aware of?

Our caller for today, Bob has a question about the Mavic Air 2. This new DJI drone has caused immense excitement within the drone community inspite of the ongoing pandemic. However, Bob has heard from certain drone pilots that the Mavic Air 2’s gimbal tilts up and down when ascending or descending in point of interest mode.

Are these rumors true? Are there any other Mavic Air 2 issues that you should be aware of before buying this drone? Additionally, we also discuss the commercial viability of this new DJI drone. Thanks for the great question, Bob. Fly Safe!

Hone your drone skills by signing up for one of our webinars or online classes – and make the most of this downtime! – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events/

Check out the DJI Mavic Air 2 Brutally Honest Review that Paul references in the above podcast.

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

Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!

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Timestamps

[02:47] Today’s question is about the Mavic Air 2
[04:16] Were there any issues with the old Mavic Air’s gimbal?
[04:53] Can you hack the Mavic Air 2?
[05:28] Does the Mavic Air 2 gimbal tilt up and down in particular flight movements?
[06:16] Is the Mavic Air 2 a commercially viable drone?