BONUS: Drone News – Newark Airport Drone Sightings, DJI Fraud, Firmware Updates to Phantom 4 RTK, Mavic 2 and More by Ask Drone U

January 26, 2019 by narinder

In this week’s drone news, our first story is about a $150 million DJI fraud. According to industry speculations, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and this fraud could, in fact, be much larger. Has this led to a shortage of Phantom 4 drones in North America? And will this have a negative impact on DJI’s plans to come out with an IPO in 2019?

The next big story of this week is about the flight disruptions at Newark Airport due to “alleged” drone sightings. Apparently, flights were halted due to drone sightings 15 miles away at an altitude of 3500 feet! Could this be another Gatwick in the making? Other news includes firmware updates to Phantom 4 RTK, Mavic 2 Pro, Mavic 2 Zoom and a new DJI support program for enterprise customers. Tune in now!

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Timestamps

[00:25] Paul welcomes Haye to the show
[01:13] DJI reports a $150 million loss due to corporate fraud
[02:34] Is the corporate fraud at DJI affecting the supply of Phantom 4?
[03:55] Alleged drone sightings halt flights at the Newark Airport; is this another Gatwick in the making?
[06:19] Firmware update for Phantom 4 RTK allows you to create more reliable drone maps
[09:28] Now, you have the ability to set waypoints on your Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom
[10:41] Can you do away with a third party app like Litchi after the recent firmware update?
[12:00] How pre-programming flights can help you immensely in different drone applications
[13:16] DJI introduces a support program for enterprise customers in North America
[14:20] Is DJI coming out with an IPO soon?

Tags: DJI, drone, FAA, mavi 2 pro, mavic 2, mavic 2 zoom, multirotor, newark, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0936: Can You Create Drone Maps Without a Licensed Surveyor?

January 24, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show we discuss states laws governing drone mapping. Do you really need a surveying license to create drone maps? We clarify what you CAN do and CANNOT do as a drone mapper without a surveying license.

Our caller, Michael recently got into trouble with the North Carolina Board of Surveying. And, for what? Believe it or not, Michael was just trying to create some drone maps for progression reporting. First of all, do states have the right to enact laws? We debate whether or not Michael is legally allowed to take up drone mapping in North Carolina.

Paul and Rob discuss why states should be more accepting of new and fast growing technologies. In order to buttress our argument, we share how the State of California has changed its stance to adopt a more drone friendly approach. Thanks for the great question, Michael. Fly Safe!

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Timestamps

[05:24] Today’s question is about creating drone maps without a surveying license
[06:56] Are states permitted to come up with their own drone licensing and registration programs?
[08:04] Is Michael legally allowed to create drone maps in the state of North Carolina?
[10:15] Like North Carolina, can you can get into trouble for creating drone maps in California as well?
[10:52] A Drone U Community member clarifies that you CAN create drone maps in North Carolina
[11:29] Are drone mappers allowed by law to interpret their maps?
[11:54] Do you need a surveying license to create drone maps for construction progression reporting?
[12:32] Has California adopted a more reasonable stance towards drone mapping?
[17:17] What should be Michael’s next course of action? Should he explore his legal options?
[19:12] Should Michael worry about getting in trouble with the law?
[19:45] Paul clarifies what Michael CAN do and CANNOT do as a drone mapper without a surveying license
[24:18] Is it really commercially sound for states to shy away from adopting new technologies?

Tags: drone, FAA, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0935: Can I Get Accurate Measurements with Previous Surveys and Scale Constraints?

January 23, 2019 by narinder

Today’s question is about drone surveying. Is it possible to create an accurate drone model using previous surveys and scale constraints?

Our caller, Elan from Trinidad has come up with an interesting question today. Elan is wondering if data from previous surveys and scale constraints can be used to get accurate measurements. Can Elan do away with GCP’s altogether by adopting this approach? And, what if traditional survey data is erroneous?

Towards the end of the show, Paul shares a simple yet effective way of checking the accuracy of previous survey. Thanks for the great question, Elan. Fly Safe!

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Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
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Check out our forthcoming Mapping Classes – //bit.ly/DroneMappingClasses

Timestamps

[02:06] Today’s questions is about using measurements from a previous survey and scale constraints
[03:41] Can you build an accurate drone model without GCP’s?
[05:36] How to use the lines of a existing plot survey as a scale constraint for your drone model
[06:34] Can Elan use scale constraints from a previous survey and do away with using GCP’s?
[09:39] Is data from a traditional surveys prone to error?
[12:32] Paul shares a simple way of checking the accuracy of your existing survey data
[14:28] Check out our upcoming mapping trainings

Tags: drone, drone mapping, drone surveying, FAA, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0934: Can You Use the Mavic 2 Zoom for Drone Mapping?

January 22, 2019 by narinder

Today’s show is about the Mavic 2 Zoom. Can you create accurate maps and models using a zoom camera?

Our caller, Joe from Nebraska is unsure if he can use the Mavic 2 Zoom for drone mapping. In order to answer his question, Paul shares his experience with the Mavic 2 Enterprise. Can you really use the Mavic 2 with its rolling shutter for drone mapping? If yes, are there any precautions that you need to take while using a zoom camera.

We also discuss the zoom capabilities of the Z30 camera, and compare it to the Phantom 4 Pro and Mavic 2 Enterprise. You can access all our drone models by clicking HERE.

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Timestamps

[01:11] Paul shares his experience with the Mavic 2 Enterprise
[03:33] Become a Drone U Member and get access to all our awesome content
[03:55] Today’s question is about using the Mavic 2 Zoom for mapping
[05:23] Can you use the Phantom 3 Pro for mapping?
[06:30] How to use the Mavic 2 Zoom for drone mapping
[07:15] Check out our UH 60 drone model
[08:06] Discussing the capabilities of the Z30 drone camera
[08:46] Is the zoom on the Mavic 2 Enterprise powerful enough to capture minute details?
[09:14] How does the M600 – Z30 combo compare to Phantom 4 and Mavic 2 Enterprise
[10:27] Which is the best drone for creating maps and models?

Tags: drone, FAA, mavic 2 pro, mavic 2 zoom, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav, zoom camera

ADU 0933: Can I Take off and Land from a Stationary Vehicle?

January 21, 2019 by narinder

Today’s show is about taking off and landing from a stationary vehicle. Do Part 107 rules rules permit you to do so? And, is it really safe to take off from your own vehicle?

Our caller, Mike from Maryland wants to avoid potential conflict with onlookers as he flies over public land. To address this problem, Mike is contemplating flying from a trailer attached to his vehicle. Is this a smart thing to do? Will Mike end up flouting Part 107 rules by doing so?

We also discuss how Mike can avoid potential conflict by resorting to some common sense measures. As an added bonus, we have some great book recommendations that will help you sharpen your negotiation skills and resolve conflict. Tune in now!

Book Recommendations by Paul: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity and Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

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Timestamps

[02:05] Paul’s Book Recommendations for sharpening your negotiation strategies and resolving conflict
[04:34] Today’s question is about taking off from your own vehicle
[06:41] Can you take off from a stationary vehicle?
[09:25] Will a professional attire help you avoid and resolve conflict while you are out flying?
[10:07] Will you end up flouting any Part 107 rules if you fly from your car?
[12:30] Can you get into trouble with unruly onlookers? Should you carry any weapons to protect yourself?
[13:08] Paul recounts a drone shoot down in Texas
[14:13] Emphasizing the importance of looking legit
[15:02] Do not miss out on our awesome member content – Become a member now!

Tags: drone, FAA, multirotor, negotiation strategies, part 107, quadcopter, Safety, uav

BONUS: Drone News – Flight over People, Night Ops, New Drone Laws in Canada and UK, Indemnis Parachute, Search & Rescue and More by Ask Drone U

January 18, 2019 by narinder

Paul and Haye are back with the most interesting and exciting news from last week. We kickstart this show by talking about the long drawn Government shut down, and how it is affecting the drone industry.

You will also learn how the UK has reacted to the Gatwick drone “incident” by introducing new drone laws. Canada is another country to announce new drone laws. Do these new laws place greater restrictions on drone pilots? And, is the FAA adopting a more scientific approach in comparison?

In addition, we also discuss the big news from last week – FAA’s proposed rules for flight over people and night operations. We discuss how these proposed rules will finally allow applications like drone deliveries to take flight. Other news include Indemnis’s parachute safety systems and drones in Search and Rescue. Tune in now!

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Timestamps

[00:25] Paul welcomes Haye to Ask Drone U
[00:38] How is the Government shutdown affecting the drone industry?
[01:15] Canada introduces new drone laws; do these new drone laws place greater restrictions on drone pilots?
[04:33] After Gatwick and Heathrow, UK announces new drone laws as well
[07:25] Does the FAA’s scientific and risk based approach with regards to drone laws bode well for the drone industry?
[08:33] FAA proposes flight over people and night ops without waivers
[10:12] Indemnis meets safety standards for parachute safety systems
[12:38] A drone Search and Rescue effort saves the life of a 88 year old man in Texas
[14:07] A Mavic Pro being used to transport life vests in Australia
[16:46] Share, Review and Subscribe to the show. Your encouragement keeps us going

Tags: drone, drone laws, FAA, gatwick, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0932: RTK Drone | Can you Capture More Accurate Data?

January 18, 2019 by narinder

Does a RTK Drone on the Market Calculate Camera Sensor Position, and Is High Accuracy Possible Without RTK?

Today’s question is about using a RTK drone for generating greater accuracy. Can you create accurate survey grade maps with non RTK drones as well?

Our caller, Ken from NJ has come up with an interesting question as always. Ken is wondering if you are able to pinpoint accurate positions in real time using this new technology. With the launch of the Phantom 4 RTK drone and then Yuneec RTK, drone pilots have access to this new technology which holds the promise of a shortened workflow and greater accuracy. But, does this mean that you cannot build accurate maps using a non-RTK drone?

We also reveal if you can use non RTK drones for volumetric calculations – and whether the results are comparable to RTK drones. Tune in to discover some great insights. Fly Safe!

Join us for our first intensive weekend of mapping instruction in the New Year from January 18-20, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina.

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

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

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Timestamps

[02:07] Today’s question is about using a RTK drone for generating higher accuracy in drone mapping
[04:13] Does a RTK drone calculate sensor position in real time?
[05:06] Does the new Yuneec RTK drone calculate the sensor position in real time?
[05:30] Does the use of RTK increase accuracy? Which drone will get you the most absolute accuracies while producing survey grade maps?
[06:17] Can you create survey grades maps without a RTK drone?
[07:30] Is Real Time Kinematics the go to solution for creating survey grade maps?
[08:03] Will the use of a non RTK drone affect volume calculations?
[08:35] Do you need GCP’s to calculate volumes?
[10:16] Do not miss out – Get your all new landing pad now!

Tags: DJI, drone, FAA, multirotor, phantom 4 rtk, quadcopter, Safety, uav, yuneec

ADU 0931: The FAA Releases Proposed Rules for Flight over People, Night Ops and Much More

January 17, 2019 by narinder

In today’s show we discuss FAA’s NPRM which might make flight over people and night operations possible.

FAA just released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) which can affect drone operations in a big way. These proposed rules reveal that FAA is planning on doing away with waivers for flying over people and at night. How can you comply with these new rules and qualify to fly at night or over people?

In order make flight over people a possibility, the FAA has divided operations into 3 categories. Which category do you fall under? We reveal the answer.

We also discuss if the new rules will result in greater enforcement by the FAA. Will non compliant pilots be dealt with more strictly on the passage of these proposed rules? For all this and much more, tune in this special show now!

Join us for our first intensive weekend of mapping instruction in the New Year from January 18-20, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina.

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

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

Become a Drone U Member.

Timestamps

[01:27] Takeaways from CES 2019
[02:36] Why is the Mavic 2 Enterprise Paul’s favorite drone?
[03:18] FAA releases a NPRM that might night time flying and flight over people possible?
[04:25] Is the FAA planning on replacing the recurrency exam?
[05:09] Will Part 61 pilots no longer be able to get their Part 107 certification by taking an online PowerPoint test?
[06:42] Should you get your Part 107 before the NPRM solidifies?
[07:53] Is the FAA doing away with night waivers?
[08:13] Drone U represents more than 50% of total night time waivers issued!
[09:04] What are the conditions for allowing night time flight?
[09:58] Will you require additional training for flying at night?
[10:51] How many accident reports have been received by the FAA
[11:56] Will you be able to fly over people?
[12:46] What are the requirements for allowing flight over people?
[14:50] Are there any additional requirements for flying a drone less than 0.55 pounds over people?
[17:30] Will you need to use prop guards for flying over people?
[20:20] Will a safety defect disallow night time flying?
[22:00] Is there an injury threshold for allowing flight over people?
[24:40] What is the distinction between the drones that you can fly in Category 2 and Category 3 operations?
[25:20] Can a drone qualify for category 2 as well as category 3 operations?
[26:00] Can you use your existing drones to fly over people?
[26:32] Can a modified drone be approved to fly over people?
[28:12] How will FAA deal with pilots who are unable to comply with the rules?
[28:42] Are non compliant pilots likely to be fined heavily by the FAA?
[33:15] Will the FAA be ramping up enforcements in light of the new rules?
[34:00] Is the FAA planning on doing away with the recency test?

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

BONUS: CES 2019 – Drone Insights, Yuneec H520 RTK, Autel Evo, Waterproof Spry Drone

January 13, 2019 by narinder

Which were some of the most exciting drone launches at CES 2019?

Join us as we deep dive into the drone space at CES 2019. Yuneec showcases an RTK drone with a thermal dual camera, Autel showcases the Geo fence free Evo. Swell Pro shows off the waterproof Spry.

Join us for our first intensive weekend of mapping instruction in the New Year from January 18-20, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina.

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

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

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Timestamps

[00:20] Paul joins us from CES 2019
[00:45] What are some of the big launches at CES 2019?
[01:08] How will 5G infrastructure impact BVLOS operations?
[01:22] Reviewing DJI’s all-new Smart Controller – Capabilities, Pros & Cons
[02:51] Why the Autel Evo is one of the most exciting launches of this year
[03:41] Discussing the new Yuneec launches at CES 2019; How does the Yuneec H520 RTK compare to the Phantom 4 RTK?
[04:37] Swell Pro launches the Spry Waterproof drone