DJI Mavic 3 Set to Hit Stores Earlier Than Expected, Autel Wins Landmark Legal Judgement Against DJI, DJI Mavic Air 2 Issue, Remote ID to Roll Out in 2021

Our biggest story this week is about the DJI Mavic 3. Regular ADU listeners might be aware that a new DJI drone with enhanced autonomous features has been in the works for quite some time now. Initially, we were expecting the DJI Mavic 3 to be released in summer 2020. However, strong Mavic 2 Pro sales and perhaps, gloomy economic conditions had put this drone on the backburner. But the latest developments might force DJI to come out with this new drone sooner than expected.

In today’s show, you will learn about Autel winning a patent dispute against DJI. Autel’s patent makes it impossible to mount props incorrectly. And from this legal outcome, it is apparent that DJI had blatantly copied this clever engineering that Autel had originally developed. While this prop system is present on all old DJI drones like the Mavic 2 Pro and Spark, the new DJI Mavic Air 2 comes without it – which makes it possible to mount props incorrectly. So, what will the fate of old DJI drones like Mavic 2 Pro and Spark? Will this development prompt DJI to come out with the DJI Mavic 3? And, is this a good opportunity to get DJI drones at a hefty discount?

Our next story is about Remote ID. The latest developments indicate that the FAA is all set to roll out Remote ID on a trial basis by 2021. This restrictive proposal has certainly galvanized the entire drone community – and you might remember how the Remote ID NPRM managed to rack up 54,000 comments. With most of the FAA staff furloughed due to the virus outbreak, how did FAA manage to process all these comments? Is the FAA even paying heeds to the concerns raised by the drone community?

Other topics discussed on today’s show include data security issues and FAA’s technology partners for remote ID implementation.

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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

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Timestamps

• [02:06] – Remote ID to roll out in 2021
• [07:33] – List of technology partners that FAA is partnering with for Remote ID
• [10:52] – How real-time connectivity can give rise to data security issues
• [13:13] – Autel wins patent dispute against DJI
• [14:17] – Read about this DJI Mavic Air 2 issue BEFORE buying the drone
• [15:00] – Mavic Pro, Mavic 2 Pro and DJI Spark to disappear from shelves shortly after DJI loses legal battle against Autel
• [15:38] – Legal developments might prompt DJI to come out with the DJI Mavic 3 sooner than expected

Near Drone Crash During Detroit America Strong Flyover, DJI Drones for Spying?, Brendan Schulman talks about DJI and Data Security, Drone Show in Rotterdam on Liberation Day, Drones for Disinfecting Sports Stadiums

Our big story this week is about a drone that came dangerously close to the Blue Angels during the recent Detroit America Strong Flyover. Drone U’s Vic Moss managed to download this footage from Mr. Lucia, the drone pilot’s FB page before it was pulled down. A TFR was likely in place when the drone pilot illegally captured this footage. Flouting a TFR is a breach of national defense airspace rules and is a federal crime. Currently, multiple agencies are on the lookout for Mr. Lucia. Tune in now for more detailed insights on this story!

In our next story, you will learn that Republican lawmakers have questioned if drones donated by DJI for public safety are being used for spying. Regular ADU listeners might be aware of the intense scrutiny that Chinese manufacturer DJI is facing with regards to data security. After the trade wars, these tensions have been exacerbated by the coronavirus outbreak. But, are these wild and illogical accusations fuelled by patriotic fervor? In a recent podcast, Brendan Schulman talks about the different issues that DJI is facing in the United States. If you are a drone enthusiast, we highly recommend you check out this interview.

Other topics covered in this week’s news show include drone show in Rotterdam, drones for disinfecting sports stadiums, and a sneak-peek into the incredible Mercedes-Benz museum in Germany. Do not miss today’s special 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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

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Timestamps

• [01:35] Drone almost crashes into the Blue Angels during the Detriot flyover
• [13:17] Drones donated by DJI used for spying questions lawmakers
• [17:04] "]Brendan Schuman talks about DJI, data security in an in-depth interview
• [21:10] Drone show in Rotterdam by artist duo on Liberation Day
• [23:52] Plans afoot to use drones for disinfecting sports stadiums
• [29:08] FPV drone gives us a sneak peek into the incredible Mercedes-Benz museum in Germany

Assessing the Image Quality and Commercial Viability of DJI Mavic Air 2

In today’s show, award-winning photographer, Vic Moss reviews the all-new DJI Mavic Air 2.

DJI has been touting this new drone’s ability to capture 48 MP images. But, can you really capture 48 MP images with a half-inch sensor? And, how do these 48 MP images compare to the regular, 12 MP images? Vic edits 12 MP and 48 MP live on the show and presents a detailed side-by-side comparison. By the end of the show, you will be able to determine the commercial viability of this sub-$1,000 dollar.

Do not miss this show! Tune in now!

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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Follow us:
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YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

• [00:58] – Paul welcomes Vic to the show
• [02:22] – Vic explains his editing workflow
• [03:00] – Vic edits 48 MP DJI Mavic Air 2 captures
• [05:23] – Does it take significantly longer to process 48 MP images?
• [06:28] – As far as sharpness and detailing goes, are the 48 MP images good enough for professional photography?
• [07:11] – Is the image sharpness retained on blowing up images?
• [09:15] – Vic reviews 12 MP DJI Mavic Air 2 images
• [11:16] – Side-by-side comparison of 12 MP and 48 MP DJI Mavic Air 2 images
• [14:40] – Vic presents his findings – Is this sub-$1,000 dollar drone a good option for professional photography and videography?
• [16:02] – Are there any issues with the stripped-down DJI Fly App? Can we expect a firmware update anytime soon?
• [18:06] – Is the DJI Mavic Air 2 a commercially viable drone?

Expert Tips for Building Accurate Drone Maps and Models

Today’s question is about ground truthing your drone maps.

Our caller, Jon from Arizona is a new ADU listener who is learning the nuances of drone mapping. Jon’s question today is about ground truthing. How can you ground truth if you are using a drone like Phantom 4 RTK which relies on a NTrip network? Will your mapping accuracy go down if your NTrip network is not stable?

Additionally, we also discuss the best fixed-wing options and workflow for mapping really large tracts of land. Thanks for the great question, Jon. 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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

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/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

• [00:59] – Today’s question is about ground truthing drone mapping
• [05:04] – How can you ground truth your ground control points if you are using a P4P RTK?
• [07:40] – How can Drone U help you create accurate drone maps and models?
• [09:05] – Which is the best fixed drone for mapping really large areas?
• [10:00] – What are some difficulties that you will encounter when you attempt to map really large areas?
• [10:39] – How drone mapping is helping us tackle serious environmental problems

Is the DJI Mavic Air 2 a Good Drone for Commercial Applications Like Videography and Drone Mapping?

Today’s show is about the DJI Mavic Air 2.

Recently, DJI released its new drone, the Mavic Air 2 with much fanfare. We were one of the first ones to report leaked specs and give you a sneak peek even before this drone was released in the market. Now that this new DJI drone has been officially launched, we present the pros and cons of this new drone in far greater depth.

Is it true that you can capture 48 MP imagery with this new DJI drone? How does this new drone compare to its predecessor, the DJI Mavic Air? And can you replace larger DJI drones like the Mavic 2 Pro with this new DJI drone? If you are a Part 107 pilot thinking of buying this new drone for commercial usage, tuning in to this show will give you some great insights!

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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

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/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

• [05:02] – Little-known facts about the DJI Mavic Air 2
• [05:22] – Can you really shoot 48MP imagery with a half-inch sensor?
• [06:45] – Can you use the Mavic 2 Air for drone mapping?
• [07:01] – How does the sensor on the Mavic 2 Air compare with its large
• [07:38] – Does the DJI Mavic 2 Air come with a global shutter or mechanical shutter?
• [08:28] – Is the Mavic 2 Air a good drone for professional videography?
• [10:04] – Can you replace larger drones with the Mavic 2 Air for on-set productions
• [12:05] – Mavic 2 Pro vs. DJI Mavic Air – how do they compare?
• [14:25] – Can you use this new DJI drone for low light photography?
• [15:37] – Watch out for our detailed DJI Mavic 2 Air Review with Vic Moss
• [17:46] – Paul recaps the show
• [18:45] – Can an American drone manufacturer fill up DJI’s rather large shoes?

DJI Matrice 300 Released, DJI Mavic Air 2 Battery Issue, Drone Deliveries Possible Under Part 107, FAA Announces Technology Partners for Remote ID

Our biggest story this week is about the DJI Matrice 300 RTK.

The rumors mills had been abuzz for quite a while now and even we have been sharing regular updates about this enterprise drone on previous shows. All these speculations were finally proven true as DJI released a promotional video announcing the DJI Matrice 300, albeit accidentally.

DJI Matrice 300 Specs:

• Superior AI capabilities
• 55 minutes flight time
• 12 MP Wide, 20 MP Zoom
• Triple payload capability
• 2.7 kg payload
• Thermal option available

You have the option of flying a thermal camera (H22) or a non-thermal one (H20) with this drone. What is surprising is that DJI has chosen NOT to partner with FLIR, the industry leader in the thermal camera segment for this particular drone.

Additionally, it is possible to hand over the controls to another pilot, greatly expanding the range of the drone.   

When it comes to applications, this drone can result in a more efficient workflow for cell tower and power-line inspections. In today’s show, you will learn how you can automate flight paths as well as camera movements when you fly the DJI Matrice 300. Tune in to this segment of the show to learn more about this monster enterprise drone.

Our next big story is about the DJI Mavic Air 2. If you are planning on buying this new drone, you must check out this story where we discuss battery issues that new pilots are currently struggling with.

There have also have been some interesting developments in the remote id space. FAA has gone ahead and announced technology partners for their new restrictive remote id technology. And this list of technology partners does not include a single drone manufacturer. Neither does this list include any organization that is solely representing the interests of drone service providers.

Regular ADU listeners might recall that the FAA’s remote id NPRM had received 54,000 comments from a worried drone community.  Does this new development indicate that the FAA is not paying heed to all our concerns?

Other topics discussed on this show include DJI M210 vs. DJI 600, drone deliveries under Part 107 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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

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/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

• [02:42] – DJI releases the Matrice 300 RTK
• [06:59] – AI capabilities allows drone pilots to automate flight paths
• [07:57] – Can the DJI Matrice 300 RTK be flown by a beginner drone pilot?
• [10:35] – DJI NOT working with FLIR for the DJI Matrice 300
• [12:50] "]– How fixed props caused instability in the earlier DJI Matrice drones
• [18:28] – Do not fly your DJI Mavic Air 2 without learning about this battery issue
• [19:33] – Drone video shows the empty streets of NYC as the city grapples with COVID-19
• [22:13] – FAA announces technology partners for remote id
• [34:10] – Will remote id result in blatant non-compliance?
• [36:05] – Do we need an organization dedicated specifically to unmanned aircraft?
• [42:29] – LiDAR Competition – DJI M210 vs.DJI M600 – which drone is better for you?
• [45:55] – You CAN make drone deliveries under Part 107 – with caveats

Expert Tips for Preventing a Drone Flyaway

Today’s show is about preventing a drone flyaway. What steps can you take to mitigate risk and ensure safe drone flight?

Our caller for today, Tom is dealing with interference issues that almost caused a flyaway – twice. Tom was attempting to takeoff from a construction site, and he lost control of his drone inspite of calibrating his IMU. While Tom managed to save his drone, his camera gimbal was damaged and had to be replaced. Where did he go wrong? Anything that Tom should have done differently?

Flying a drone in an interference-heavy environment is certainly a tricky proposition. Apart from choosing the right takeoff point, you also need to calibrate your IMU in the correct manner. In today’s show, Paul reveals how you can do exactly that. Additionally, we discuss how learning to fly in Atti mode can help you stave off a potential drone crash. Thanks for the great question, Tom. 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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

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/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

• [03:24] Today’s question is about preventing a drone flyaway
• [06:03] Will you face magnetic interference if you take off from an elevated parking structure?
• [06:55] Should you use a spectrometer to detect interference?
• [07:13] Experts tips for calibrating your IMU
• [10:09] Can a landing pad help you reduce interference?
• [11:09] How to safely take off from an elevated position
• [11:20] How Drone U’s Flight Mastery course can help you fly safely
• [11:43] List of errors that Tom made while taking off
• [12:22] Why learning to fly in Atti mode is critical for safe flight

What You Need to Know Before Flying Your Drone Over a National Park

Today’s question is about flying your drone in national parks.

Our caller, Adam has come up with an interesting question about flying drones in national parks. While we know that taking off and landing your drone in national parks is prohibited by the law, can you fly from private property inside a national park? And will you get in trouble with the NPS in case of an emergency landing?

Tuning in today will help you understand how to get the required drone footage without breaking any laws .Thanks for the great question, Adam. 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/

Recently crashed your drone? Unable to find trained technicians who can repair your drone quickly and at a reasonable rate? Don’t fret. The cool folks at Fortress UAV can help you get your drone back up in the air in as little as 7 days! Use Promo Code “DroneU” to get 25% off. Drone U Members get an extra 5% off on total repair costs. Check them out now!

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

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.

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/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps

• [03:48] Learn the nuances of drone mapping by signing up for our VIRTUAL boot-camp!
• [09:58] Today’s question is about flying over national parks
• [10:36] Can you take off from private land in the national park?
• [14:15] Can you get into trouble with the NPS if case of an emergency landing in a national park?
• [15:20] Part 107 Question for Today