BONUS: Drone News – DJI News, DJI Halts Phantom 4 Production, Impossible Drones

March 15, 2019 by narinder

DJI Halts Phantom 4 Production, US-1 by Impossible Aerospace, Drones for Herding Sheep and Spotting Koalas, Free Solo Movie and More by Ask Drone U

In this week’s drone news, we share some important DJI News. Our first big story is about the Phantom 4 Pro. DJI has officially stated that the Phantom 4 Pro is out of production. Why has DJI halted production of their most popular drone? Could it be their recent scandal involving corporate fraud? Or, is DJI gearing up for the Phantom 5 launch?

In our next story, we discuss a unique drone, the US-1 by Impossible Aerospace. A large battery and some clever engineering allow this drone to stay up in the air for up to 2 hours. Priced at $7,000, will this innovative product find acceptance in the drone market? Next, we share how a drone pilot in Georgia was electrocuted while attempting to retrieve his drone from a tree and the safety precautions necessary to avoid that from happening to you.

Our last story is about the Oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo. According to speculations, a drone might have been used to film scenes inside the Yosemite National Park. As you may recall, drones are not allowed inside National Parks unless you take off and land from OUTSIDE the National Park. So, did the film crew indeed flout regulations by flying inside a National Park?

Other stories include drones for herding sheep and spotting koalas in Australia. Tune in now!

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Timestamps

[01:12] Phantom 4 Pro is officially out of production
[05:11] US-1, a drone by Impossible Aerospace, can fly for up to 2 hours
[07:37] Herding sheep with the Mavic 2 Enterprise
[09:34] Drone pilot in Georgia electrocuted when trying to retrieve his drone
[11:13] Drone with thermal cameras used to spot koalas in Australia
[13:46] Was a drone used in Free Solo for capturing some El Capitan scenes?

Tags: drone, FAA, impossible aerospace, phantom 4 pro, quadcopter, Safety, uav

Webinar Replay: Interview with Dronepilots Network’s Brendon and Cassidy Lackey – How to Use Online Forums for Exchanging Ideas, Problem Solving and Promotions

March 15, 2019 by narinder

Originally Aired: Friday, March 08, 2019 at 7 pm EST
In this 03-08-19 webinar, Kara is joined by Brendon and Cassidy Lackey from DronePilots Network, the world’s largest network of drone forums with more than a million users.

You will learn why the DronePilots Network is an excellent problem solving and promotions. What are the various Do’s and Dont’s that you need to observe on an online forum? How is an online forum any different from YouTube or Facebook? What are the various promotional features offered by the DronePilots Network? We also reveal some little-known and innovative uses of online forums that you might not be aware of. Tune in for some excellent insights!

Timestamps

[00:00] Kara welcomes Brendon and Casssidy from DronePilots forum network
[01:32] Brendon and Cassidy share their background information; what led them to founding DronePilots forum network?
[03:09] Brendon and Casssidy venture into the drone accessories business
[04:35] Cassidy reveals that new drone pilots form a large percentage of their total users
[06:31] Providing real value and and problem solving is the best way to grow your user base
[07:48] Cassidy shares some interesting details about the Commercial DronePilots forum which was launched last year
[08:46] Has word-of-mouth marketing helped grow DronePilots userbase?
[10:04] Can you get banned from online forums for being overly self-promotional?
[11:25] Are online platforms good platforms for influencers?
[12:24] Micro vs. macro influencers – understanding the difference
[13:44] How do you promote your drone business on an online forum?
[14:40] How to build up your credibility on an online forum
[15:35] Are foums good platforms to vet a drone pilot?
[16:15] Online forums vs. YouTube – understanding the difference
[18:50] Technology for online forums is old but not easily replaceable
[20:01] How are extremely useful and informative threads given greater visibility?
[20:29] Cassidy reveals that they might introduce social features shortly
[21:34] How can you get more visibility on online forums?
[22:45] How can you advertise on the Drone Pilot Forum Network? Cassidy shares details of the various promotional features?
[23:23] Learn how Epson is using online forums for customer support
[25:02] Online forms are excellent platforms for exchanging innovative ideas
[26:52] Are there any plans to start a legal forum?
[30:27] Steps that new users should take before using an online forum

Tags: drone, FAA, marketing, quadcopter, uav

ADU 0957: As a Professional Drone Mapper, How Do I Differentiate Myself from the Competition?

March 14, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show, we discuss different strategies that skilled and experienced drone mappers can employ to make their business stand out from the competition.

Our caller, Glen, is a professional drone mapper with extensive experience and deep technical knowledge. Glen is livid that inexperienced drone pilots are taking on complex mapping jobs that they are not equipped to do. How can Glen advertise his skills and convince the client to hire him instead?

An effective way of addressing Glen’s problem is through educating the client. Often clients are unaware of the complexities of drone mapping. You will learn how visual and verbal communication can help the client realize that creating accurate maps is not possible without survey-grade equipment and the right mapping workflow.

Paul reveals the various topics of discussion that will help showcase your mapping knowledge to your potential clients. Topics discussed include correctly setting GCP’s, eliminating mean projection error, removing the ellipsoid error, operating mapping software, and much more. Thanks for the great question, Glen. Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[03:45] Today we discuss how professional mappers can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace
[05:55] Can novice pilots with poor technical knowledge find success within the mapping industry?
[07:23] Should professional mappers educate clients who are not aware about the various complexities of drone mapping?
[08:23] How to mark your GCP’s when you do not have any reference images
[09:10] Three ways of educating prospective clients
[09:20] How to make a marketing video that best showcases your mapping skills and addresses your target audience
[11:37] Importance of adhering to a proper workflow for generating accurate drone maps
[12:30] Tips & Tricks for accurately marking GCP’s
[14:00] Can you generate an accurate drone map by using an all-in-one application like DroneDeploy?
[15:48] Importance of getting a thorough education before making your foray into drone mapping
[20:20] Some more tips for accurately marking GCP’s
[20:40] What are some benefits of using the Drone U landing pad?

Tags: drone, drone mapping, dronedeploy, FAA, mapping software, marketing, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0956: How Can I Use Drones for Golf Course Marketing?

March 13, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show, we discuss how you can use drones for golf course marketing.

Our caller sees a massive opportunity in doing flyovers for golf courses. Most of the golf courses in his city are using shoddy marketing footage prepped by novice drone pilots. How can our caller best showcase his creative flying skills to convince the golf course to hire him instead?

To answer the caller’s question, we first discuss how our caller can provide better value to golf courses. You will learn which deliverables will adequately highlight the beauty of a golf course. We also share how providing the right deliverable can help golfers better navigate the course.

Next, we discuss the ART of selling. What are some steps that you can take that will convince the golf course to hire you? You may have heard that sales is a numbers game, but what does that mean for you and your business? We also discuss some effective negotiation tactics guaranteed to give you the competitive edge. Thanks for the great question. Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[08:26] Today’s question is about using drones for golf course marketing
[09:25] What is the best way to showcase your drone footage to golf courses?
[10:15] Tips & Tricks for showcasing the beauty of a golf course
[11:24] Can your drone footage help golfers navigate the course?
[12:51] Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective marketing
[15:06] Will a poorly made marketing video by a novice drone pilot do more harm than good?
[18:04] How to master the ART of selling
[20:08] Are you majorly underselling yourself?
[22:48] How to overcome your fear of selling and rejection
[23:57] Why starting with “no” is an effective negotiation tool

Tags: drone, FAA, golf course marketing, multirotor, negotiation strategies, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0955: DJI Osmo vs. Ronin-S – Which is the Best Option for Shooting Real Estate Interiors?

March 11, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show, we discuss the best option for shooting real estate interiors. Does the Ronin-S have a clear edge over the Osmo when it comes to shooting interior footage?

Our caller has been shooting real estate, events, and weddings for nearly twenty years now. He is wondering if Paul still uses the DJI Osmo for shooting real estate interiors. Paul reveals that he has switched over to the Ronin-S, and states his reasons for doing so. You will learn why the Ronin-S is excellent for shooting real estate interiors, especially if you already own a high-end DSLR.

But, does that mean that the Osmo is no longer a viable option for professionals? We discuss the importance of carefully evaluating client requirements BEFORE purchasing equipment. Towards the end, Paul also shares some great tips for setting up a Ronin-S.

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Timestamps

[01:47] A Special Thanks to our sponsor, Go Professional Cases
[02:05] Today’s question is about shooting real estate interiors
[03:53] Is the Osmo still a good option for shooting real estate interiors?
[04:07] Ronin-S vs. DJI Osmo – which is the better option for shooting real estate interiors?
[07:15] Tips and Tricks for setting up your Ronin-S

Tags: DJI, drone, FAA, multirotor, Osmo, quadcopter, ronin s, Safety, uav

ADU 0954: What Is the Most Practical and Cost-Effective Workflow for Survey-Grade Drone Mapping?

March 8, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show, we reveal the most cost-effective workflow for drone mapping. You will also learn the pros & cons of different drones in terms of their mapping ability.

Our caller wishes to generate survey-grade maps and models WITHOUT spending thousands of dollars after high-grade drone equipment. With the GPS technology necessary to complete these types of jobs being prohibitively expensive, this is undoubtedly a difficult task. But not an impossible one.

To answer this question, we share different GPS systems and their capabilities. Do you need a GPS system that can connect to a network? Is Reach RS by Emlid a practical solution for drone mappers? What about high-end GPS systems by Leica and Trimble? You will learn how you can limit your capital expenditure by renting high-grade GPS systems. In fact, Drone U members shall be able to rent Leica GPS systems at highly affordable rates in the near future!

We also discuss the pros and cons of using Aeropoints in drone mapping. While this may be a cost-effective option, will drone mappers find it challenging to get a surveyor to sign off on their maps?

Towards the end, Paul recommends an alternative mapping workflow that will result in greater reliability. Thanks for the great question. Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[01:40] Today’s question is about the most cost-effective workflow in drone mapping
[02:13] Do you need a GPS with network connectivity?
[03:17] How GCP’s can help eliminate vertical inaccuracies
[03:34] What accuracies should you achieve in survey-grade photogrammetry?
[04:37] Is Reach RS by Emlid a practical solution for drone mappers?
[05:29] Can you reliably and accurately make network corrections with the Phantom 4 RTK?
[06:19] Are Leica and Trimble GPS systems easy and intuitive to work with?
[07:17] Do you need a cellular AND corrections network for RTK GPS?
[07:55] Drone U members will be able to rent Leica GPS systems at affordable rates.
[08:58] Is Aeropoints a feasible solution for drone mapping?
[09:24] Will a surveyor sign off on your maps if you are using Aeropoints?
[11:20] Can do away with GCP’s entirely if you are using Aeropoints?
[12:02] Do you need a corrections network if you are using Phantom 4 Pro and Aeropoints?
[12:21] How long does it take Aeropoints to post-process mapping data?
[13:30] Paul reveals how you can create greater reliability in your mapping workflow
[16:00] Paul sums up today’s show

Tags: aeropoints, drone, FAA, gps system, multirotor, phantom 4 rtk, ppk gps, quadcopter, RTK GPS, Safety, uav

ADU 0953: How to Select the Best Hardware and Software for Drone Mapping and Inspections

March 7, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show, we discuss the hardware and software options for drone mapping and inspections.

Our caller, Donahue, is calling from outside the United States. Donahue is interested in taking up cell tower mapping jobs with his new Inspire 2 Pro. He also wishes to provide his drone services to the construction and surveying industry. Is the Inspire 2 Pro the right drone for Donahue? And, which is the best mapping application given his rather unique requirements?

To answer this question, we first break down mapping applications into three major categories – data acquisition, data processing, and all-in-one solutions. Should you acquire and process data using an all-in-one solution like DroneDeploy? You will learn why you are better off using applications like Pix4D, MapsMadeEasy, or GSPro.

We also debate if it is more cost-effective to execute mapping jobs using a consumer drone like the Phantom 4 Pro. For all this and much more, tune in to our latest show. Thanks for the great question, Donahue. Fly safe!

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Check out our upcoming Mapping Classes – https://thedroneu.clickfunnels.com/drone-u-mapping-classesEO

Timestamps

[03:17] Today’s question is about the best hardware and software for drone mapping and inspection
[05:30] Is there an application specifically for cell tower mapping?
[06:17] What is the main advantage of using DJI Ground Station Pro for cell tower mapping?
[06:48] Paul breaks down mapping applications into three MAJOR categories
[07:05] Should you use an all-in-one mapping application like DroneDeploy?
[07:42] Main considerations for choosing a mapping application for data processing
[08:20] Should you use the Inspire 2 for mapping and inspections? Which drone camera should you pair with the Inspire 2?
[10:10] Are drone users preferring consumer drones over enterprise drones?
[12:11] Good training and education is crucial for executing complex mapping jobs
[14:23] Paul shares some interesting details about our new Comprehensive Mapping Class
[15:24] Do you need a CrystalSky monitor to run DJI Ground Station Pro?
[15:46] What is the main benefit of using MapsMadeEasy?
[16:50] Which is the best application for processing mapping data?
[17:20] What are some main disadvantages of using a cloud-based application like DroneDeploy?

Tags: drone, FAA, inspire 2, mapsmadeeasy, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

BONUS: Kittyhawk Launches Dynamic Airspace – A Comprehensive Solution That Gives Drone Pilots Greater Control Over Airspace

March 6, 2019 by narinder

In today’s very special show, we are joined by John and Josh from Kittyhawk to discuss their new Dynamic Airspace Platform, a comprehensive all-in-one solution for enterprise users. You will also learn about Kittyhawk’s plans to rehaul FAA’s B4UFLY app.

Kittyhawk’s Dynamic Airspace Platform is an enterprise compliance and planning solution that distills airspace complexity to an easy to use format. Features such as color-coded maps, mobile access for LAANC, and a customizable experience will allow pilots greater control over airspace. But, can you view the status of airspace authorization on this new platform? And, will you be able to determine non-LAANC airports? You will also learn how this new platform will greatly benefit enterprise users with complex needs.

Next, we reveal Kittyhawk’s plans to redevelop the B4UFLY App. Aimed at hobbyist pilots, the B4UFLY App tells you where you can fly. Will we see some significant modifications to this app? Tune in to find out. Fly Safe!

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Timestamps

[00:24] Paul welcomes John and Josh from KittyHawk to the show
[01:17] Kittyhawk launches the new Dynamic Airspace platform
[01:54] Has KitthyHawk partnering with another company for this new airspace platform?
[02:55] Can you customize this new platform to your needs?
[03:43] Color coded airspace ensures ease of use
[04:25] Can you ascertain the status of your airspace authorization on this new platform?
[04:53] Can you determine non-LAANC airports on this new platform?
[05:36] How will Kittyhawk’s new platform benefit safety officers with multiple COA’s?
[06:02] Kittyhawk to rehaul FAA’s B4UFLY App
[06:30] What plans does KittyHawk have the B4UFLY App?
[10:01] Can you fly a DJI drone and keep track of your flights using this new platform?
[11:12] Things to consider when setting up your in-house drone operation
[13:13] What sort of automated tools will be added to Kittyhawk?
[14:02] Learn how an energy company in Texas is using Kittyhawk to manage their drone fleet
[15:20] What kind of information can enterprise users garnish from the Kitthyhawk platform?
[17:36] Hobbyist pilots to use LAANC?

Tags: b4ufly, drone, dynamic airspace, FAA, laanc, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0952: Can I Fly Under the Same Part 107 Daylight Waiver If I Start Working at a Different Company?

March 5, 2019 by narinder

Today’s question is about Part 107 daylight waivers to fly at night.

Our caller, Devin, is changing jobs. At his previous organization, he was listed as the RP on the Part 107 daylight waiver for flying at night. However, the waiver also listed the name of his previous organization.

When Devin starts working for his new employer, can he fly under this same waiver? Can he get into trouble with the waiver office for doing so? Tune in and hear us recommend a suitable course of action for Devin. Thanks for the great question. Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[01:17] Today’s question is about Part 107 daylight waivers
[02:16] Can Devin use the same daylight waiver even after changing jobs?
[03:10] Should Devin inform the waiver office that he is switching jobs?

Tags: daylight waiver, drone, drone laws, FAA, multirotor, part 107 waiver, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0951: Do I Need a Formal Degree to Become a Drone Pilot?

March 4, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show, we discuss if formal education is necessary for becoming a successful drone pilot.

Our caller, Josh from New York is thinking of getting a formal degree in drone technology. Should Josh go ahead and invest thousands of dollars in formal education? Does a four-year degree matter when you enter the marketplace? This question creates an interesting standoff between Paul and Rob.

While Paul places more importance on real-world experience, Rob feels that getting a formal education is a must. Do universities teach you the latest and most relevant content? Can getting a four-year degree help you overcome the professional challenges that you will face as a drone pilot? Tune in to find out if Rob and Paul can arrive at a consensus. Thanks for the great question, Josh. Fly safe!

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

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

Become a Drone U Member. Access over 30 courses, resources, plus our incredible community. Try it for $1.

Timestamps

[01:05] Today’s question is about getting a formal UAS degree
[01:37] Do universities offer the latest and most relevant content?
[03:28] Should you go to college for the networking opportunity?
[05:13] Best university for studying UAS technology
[06:49] How is Drone U helping out other universities?
[07:51] A Harvard research explores how a drone-based VOC sampling system can be used to gain atmospheric insights
[09:13] Can a four-year degree in UAS technology help you in the marketplace?
[09:54] Are real-world skills more important than formal education?
[12:50] Will you have a job that is related to your major?
[19:48] Is there an absolute answer to this debate?
[20:10] Is it really worthwhile spending thousands of dollars after student loans?
[22:34] Paul and Rob sum up today’s show