In today’s drone news show, we discuss drone delivery services, the latest DJI news, DJI rumors, Drones in films and much, much more. Will we see a new DJI drone on May 15th? Tune in to find out!

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Part 107 License Renewal

Today’s question is about the Part 107 recurrent knowledge test. With FAA’s utter lack of enforcement, why should you even bother renewing your Part 107 license? Check out our show to find out WHY!

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What Is the Best Drone for Posting on Instagram, YouTube, and the Other Social Media Platforms?

Today’s show is about the best drone for posting to Instagram and other social media. We discuss the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom, Phantom 4 Pro, and Autel Evo, and recommend the best option for you.

Our caller Richard is from the beautiful country of Ireland. Wishing to capture the beauty of his country through aerial photography and videography, Richard is looking for a capable drone that is easy to travel with. Moreover, Richard wishes to post his drone imagery to Facebook and Instagram without any hassles.

Is DJI Mavic 2 Pro the Best Beginner Drone in Terms of Flexibility and Specs?

The first drone that we discuss is the DJI Mavic Air. While DJI Mavic Air might be foldable and easy to travel with, can you really capture high-quality imagery with this entry-level drone? Next, we highlight the Pros and Cons of the Mavic 2. The Mavic 2 comes in three variants: Pro, Zoom, and Enterprise. Each variant has distinct advantages and disadvantages that every drone pilots should be aware of.

Can you capture best-in-class imagery with DJI Mavic 2 Pro’s Hasselblad sensor? As far as aerial imagery is concerned, is the DJI Mavic 2 Pro a better option than the Phantom 4 Pro? If you are primarily doing aerial videography, the Mavic 2 Zoom is a great option for you. But will you enjoy more creative freedom if you buy the higher-priced Mavic 2 Enterprise? Do the additional accessories justify the higher price tag?

Towards the end of the show, we also discuss if the Autel Evo is a good option to DJI drones. When you are flying non-DJI drones, you do not have to contend with DJI’s geo-fencing system and no-fly zones. But, how does Autel compare to flagship DJI drones like the Phantom and Mavic in terms of specs and capabilities? We also speculate about some latest industry rumors, which if true, could mean that a new Autel Evo is just around the corner. Tune in to our latest show now!

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Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events

Timestamps

• [01:53] Today’s question is about the best drone for posting to social media
• [03:36] Can you use the Mavic Air for outdoor aerial photography and aerial videography?
• [05:10] Is DJI Mavic 2 Pro the most flexible drone?
• [06:00] Are drone pilots facing issues while downloading H265 images from DJI Mavic 2 Pro to their phones?
• [06:25] Can you shoot in 4K 60fps with the Mavic 2 Pro?
• [06:53] DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs Phantom 4 Pro – Can you grab better imagery with the Mavic Pro?
• [07:11] DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs Mavic 2 Zoom – Which is a better buy?
• [07:30] Is it worth buying the higher-priced Mavic 2 Enterprise?
• [10:13] Is the Autel Evo a good option to the Mavic 2 Pro?

Effective Marketing and Pricing Strategies for a Drone Business

Today’s question is about how to start a drone business. What marketing and pricing strategies should drone pilots adopt in the initial stages of their business?

Our caller, Ian, is an ambitious 15-year old who is planning on getting his drone pilot license next year. Ian is worried that clients will not take him seriously because of his age. Should Ian under-price his services to build up his client base? What other strategies can he employ to gain traction early on in his business?

To answer Ian’s questions, we first talk about marketing. Marketing is core to the success of a business – and especially for a new business with zero visibility. We share how building a strategic marketing funnel can help Ian find and retain customers for his drone business. Folks like Ian who are thinking of starting a drone business (or have recently started one) will find our Drone Business Course particularly useful.

Apart from marketing, we also highlight the importance of continuous learning. For a fast-evolving niche like drone technology, it is imperative to stay attuned with the latest technologies which might become mainstream in the future.

Thanks for the great question, Ian. Fly Safe!

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.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events

Timestamps

• [02:55] Today’s question is about how to start a drone business
• [04:03] How to create a drone demo reel
• [06:25] Can a website help your market your drone business?
• [07:15] Pricing strategies for drone pilots
• [07:33] Can building a marketing funnel help aspiring entrepreneurs like Ian?
• [09:19] Drone U’s Business course is a good starting point for aspiring entrepreneurs like Ian
• [11:48] How can you gain traction in the initial stages of your business?
• [13:36] Is it easy to set up an LLC for your drone business?
• [14:06] Continuous learning is the key to finding success in business

How Can I Segue into the Drone Mapping Business? What Are Some Client Deliverables That I Should Be Aware Of?

Today’s show is about using drones in construction. You will learn how to use drone mapping for creation of 4D BIM models, hyperlapses, and volumetric measurements.

Our caller, Trent, after attending our Austin mapping class is thinking of starting a drone mapping business. Trent already has some clients in the construction and real estate industry for whom he is doing aerial photography and videography. Which mapping services can Trent provide to his existing clients? What are some lucrative and innovative mapping deliverables for the construction industry?

4D BIM and Hyperlapses

To answer Trent’s question, we first discuss how drones can be used for construction marketing. Using drones, it is possible to build 3D maps at different stages of a construction project. Capturing a fourth element, time, will allow drone pilots to create a beautiful hyperlapse – an innovative way of marketing a construction project. Of course, you will need to spruce up your video editing skills to piece together a construction hyperlapse. Drone U Members can check out the different video editing classes by going HERE.

Further, we also reveal how drone technology can be leveraged to build 4D BIM models. BIM or Building Information Modeling is the future of construction. Using BIM, it is possible to facilitate greater collaboration between the numerous stakeholders in a construction project. Using drone technology and BIM, you can build accurate and lifelike 4D models. Apart from time, you can also incorporate cost (5D BIM) and functional characteristics (6D BIM) into a drone model.

Volumetric Assessment Using Drones

Listeners will also learn how drone technology is being used for volumetric stockpile assessment in construction. While this is slowly becoming the norm, drone pilots are still not adopting the best practices for making the most accurate stockpile calculations. You can check out our comprehensive drone mapping software guide for further information on this topic.

Marketing Strategies for Growing Your Drone Business

Towards the end of the show, we have Rob sharing some valuable marketing strategies that will help drone pilots grow their drone business. Drawing from his two-decades of business experience, Rob shares some creative marketing tactics which will help you stand out, even in an intensely competitive market. Traditional marketing vs. Digital marketing – which is the best option for you? Tune in to find out. Thanks for the great question, Trent. Fly Safe!

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.

Looking for simple, fast, and transparent coverage that gives you peace of mind? Our friends at Skywatch are offering affordable on-demand drone insurance that rewards YOU for flying safely. Check them out NOW! Both hourly and monthly options available.

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – http://amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – https://amzn.to/2omQatT//amzn.to/2omQatT
Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://www.thedroneu.com/droneu-events

Timestamps

• [02:18] Today’s question is about how to segue into the drone mapping business
• [04:15] Mapping deliverables that a drone pilot can make to a client
• [04:33] How to create a hyper lapse for marketing a construction project
• [05:25] How cloud-based drone mapping software allows you to create an interactive drone model
• [05:40] Leveraging drone technology for BIM in construction
• [06:55] How can a client interact with a Pix4D drone model?
• [07:48] How to create a 4D drone model by capturing the time element
• [08:42] Using 3D drone models for volumetric estimation in construction
• [09:11] Collaborating with project engineers is crucial for building an information-rich and accurate drone model
• [11:30] How can you learn more about different drone mapping software? We have an excellent and comprehensive guide just for you
• [13:57] Best mapping drones and cameras for mapping farms and ranches
• [14:45] What are the two main benefits of using drones in construction?
• [17:41] Traditional marketing vs Digital marketing – Which is the best way to find clients for your drone business?

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BIGGEST Drone News Story of This Week: Has DJI Killed the Iconic Phantom Series? Will We Ever See a DJI Phantom 5? And a Showdown: The Mavic 2 Pro vs. Phantom 4 Pro

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Can an Unlicensed Drone Pilot Fly Under the Supervision of a 14 CFR Part 107 Licensed Pilot?

In today’s show, we discuss IF an unlicensed drone pilot can fly under the supervision of a 14 CFR Part 107 licensed pilot. If yes, what are the dangers of doing so?

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Today we discuss drone laws in restricted areas like Virginia and DC. How can you fly in such sensitive and controlled areas?

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Can I Replace a Phantom with a DJI Inspire or Mavic 2 Pro?

In today’s show, we reveal some of the best drones for beginners and discuss their pros and cons in great detail.

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