ADU 0837: Is DJI’s Ronin S the Best Solution for Shooting Real Estate Interiors?

July 20, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about shooting real estate interiors. Is the DJI’s Ronin your best bet for shooting real estate interiors? What about DJI’s Osmo and Movi?

Our caller from Atlanta is planning on venturing into the real estate market. However, he feels that the market for UAV pilots is limited. And hence, he has serious reservations about investing in tools like the Osmo Plus. What is Paul and Rob’s take on this?

We also discuss whether you should use the Ronin for shooting real estate interiors. Is Ronin a cost effective and elegant solution for shooting real estate interiors? Tune in to learn more. Thanks to our caller from Atlanta for the question. Fly Safe!

The 2018 Drone U Fly-in is your opportunity to build community, get inspired and fly better. Get practical, hands-on flight instruction from industry’s best. Use Promo Code “LASTCHANCE” to get $100 off on EACH course. Limited spots available. Reserve now!

Make sure to get yourself a 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 subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us really 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.

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” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[00:51] Some solid reasons you WANT to be at the Drone U Fly-in
[01:39] Today’s question is about real estate interior videography
[03:13] Can you get enough business as a drone pilot to afford tools like the Osmo Plus?
[04:49] Do the DJI Osmo and Movi give good results in low light? What about the Ronin?
[06:00] Benefits of using DJI’s Ronin S compared to DJI’s Osmo
[07:46] Has the Ronin made other solutions obsolete?
[09:10] Should you still buy the DJI Osmo for shooting real estate interiors?

Tags: camera gimbal, DJI, DJI Osmo, drone, FAA, movi, multirotor, osmo plus, quadcopter, real estate videography, ronin s, Safety, uav

ADU 0836: Which App Should I Use to Organize My Drone’s Flight Data?

July 19, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about the right app to organize your flight data. How can you access your flight data? And, is it mandatory under Part 107 to organize your flight data?

Our caller, Jack is not sure how he can access his flight data. Paul shares how he can do just that. Further, we discuss if it is mandatory for Jack to keep records. And, is there any app which can help him organize his flight data in a systematic manner? Tune in to find out.

Also, do not forget to check out Paul’s Favorite Books. Whether you are looking for some career guidance, or just some life advice, Paul has curated some awesome options just for you. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Also the folks at Schedudrone are offering a special discount just for Drone U listeners. Schedudrone is a great App that will take care of your invoicing, contracts and pricing so that you can FOCUS on your business. Use promo code drone u to get yourself a killer deal (25% off for life!) on a cool product.

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[03:21] Can you hack your Mavic Pro?
[03:55] Learn about our cool sponsor, Schedudrone
[04:55] Today’s question is about organizing your flight data
[05:46] How to access your flight data on your DJI drone
[06:25] Does Part 107 require you to keep logs?
[07:43] Drone U recommended App for storing and organizing your flight data
[09:32] Paul recommends some great books which can help you better manage your business and life

Tags: airdata, drone, drone laws, drone rules, FAA, flight app, flight data, multirotor, part 107, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0835: Are “FAA Certified Drone Instructors” a Myth or Reality?

July 18, 2018 by narinder

Today’s question is about FAA certified drone instructors. Does FAA certify instructors for unmanned systems? Fact or Fiction?

Our caller from Detroit is looking for clarification. The local police department in Detroit recently purchased some DJI Mavics for search and rescue and accident investigation. And, they received their training from a “FAA certified drone instructor”. Is there such a thing? Or, is someone trying to con them? We clear the air. Tune in to this informative episode now. Fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Do not forget to check out Dynnex Drones. Dynnex Drones, an authorized DJI retailer is offering some really affordable drone financing options. Use the coupon code Drone U Save 25 to get 25 bucks off!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[01:42] Learn about our sponsors, Dynnex drones
[02:15] Today’s question is about FAA certified drone instructors
[04:04] Paul answers today’s question; watch, learn and do not be conned
[05:50] How can Drone U help you prepare for your Part 107 recency test? Learn how Ted Wilson, a FAA certified flight instructor will help you learn about airspace, and prepare for your recency
[08:39] Reasons why Drone U is heads and shoulders above the rest

Tags: drone, drone instructor, drone school, FAA, multirotor, part 107 recency, part 107 test prep, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0834: Can I Get Accurate UAV Mapping Data by Using Plywood Ground Control Points (GCP’s)?

July 17, 2018 by narinder

Today’s question is about using ground control points in UAV mapping. Can you use plywood GCP’s instead of smart GCP’s such as Aeropoints?

Our caller, Kyle was going through our construction mapping course. And, he is wondering if he needs to invest in expensive Ground Control Points such as Aeropoints in order to build an accurate UAV mapping model. In order to answer Kyle’s question, we discuss the different GPS options and their varying capabilities.

Is your GPS data prone to error? How does earth’s topography make it challenging to acquire accurate GPS data? Why is it important to have a proper ground control point system to get accurate UAV mapping data? Tune in to find out. Thanks to Kyle from Vancouver for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[00:42] Paul shares an important update pertaining to the “Tort Law Relating to Drones Act” proposed by Uniform Law Commission (ULC)
[02:06] We share details about our sponsor, Schedudrone
[03:08] Today’s question is about using Ground Control Points (GCP’s) for UAV mapping
[04:10] Discussing different GPS options and their varying accuracy levels
[04:35] Learn why earth’s topography makes it challenging to get accurate GPS data
[05:05] Is GPS data prone to error?
[05:55] Will you get more accurate UAV mapping data if your GPS unit is higher off the ground?
[06:27] Is it worth buying a M600 Pro or M210 RTK?

Tags: 3D mapping, drone, drone mapping, FAA, gcp, ground control point, multirotor, quadcopter, RTK GPS, Safety, uav, UAV mapping

ADU 0833: Can You Use DJI’s M600 with DSLR for UAV Mapping?

July 16, 2018 by narinder

Today’s question is about using DJI’s M600 for UAV mapping. Is it worth spending thousands of dollars for a M600 plus DSLR? Can you get survey grade data using a high end drone system such as this?

Our caller, Ken from NJ is wondering if the M600 with a DSLR is ideal for UAV mapping. Are there any challenges with using high end drones like the M600? Which are some good drone cameras that you can consider? We discuss costs and data quality. Does the data quality justify the high cost? Thanks to Ken from NJ for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[01:24] Some solid reasons you do NOT want to miss the Drone U Fly-in
[03:36] Today’s question is about using the M600 for UAV mapping
[04:16] Can you deploy your DSLR on the M600?
[04:29] What are some of the challenges with using bigger drones?
[05:40] What are some of the high end cameras that work with the Ronin MX and the M600?
[06:37] How much will a M600 drone system end up costing you?
[06:58] How does the Sony a73 compare to the Sony a7R Mark III?
[08:37] Will you get survey grade data using a high end drone like the M600?
[11:28] Paul concludes the episode

Tags: 3D mapping, DJI, drone, drone camera, drone mapping, FAA, m600, matrice, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav, UAV mapping

ADU 0832: Should You Use NDVI Mapping for Golf Course Maintenance?

July 13, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about NDVI mapping. Should you use NDVI mapping for golf course maintenance? Or, are you better off relying on traditional practices and tools?

Our caller, Ken from NJ has again come up with a great question. Ken is questioning if it is feasible to use NDVI mapping for golf course maintenance. Why do golf courses still rely on traditional tools like probes to measure moisture? We discuss if there any practical benefits to replacing these traditional tools with drones. We also discuss the immense potential of drones in sports analytics. Tune in to this extremely informative episode now. Thanks to Ken from NJ for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[01:53] Learn about our sponsor, Dynnex Drones
[02:31] Today’s question is about using NDVI mapping for golf course maintenance
[05:05] Can you get better data by using a multi spectral camera?
[05:28] How NDVI can help you determine unhealthy plants
[05:48] Discussing the benefits of using multi spectral cameras over NDVI mapping
[07:38] Will using simulated or false NDVI result in inferior data?
[08:13] Do you really need NDVI mapping to determine bad grass in a golf course?
[09:31] Why are age old practices and tools still being used for golf course maintenance?
[11:09] Can NDVI mapping help farmers?
[12:20] Is it economically feasible to use drones for golf course maintenance?
[14:04] Learn about two drone applications for golf course marketing and maintenance – Videography and Mapping
[14:28] Discussing the immense potential of drones in sports analytics
[16:06] How can Drone U help you clear your Part 107 recency test

Tags: drone, drone mapping, drone videography, FAA, golf course maintenance, multirotor, ndvi, quadcopter, Safety, uav, UAV mapping

ADU 0831: Should Drone Pilots Use a VPN to Protect Their Data?

July 12, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about using a VPN for running flight applications on your drone. Can you protect your data by using a VPN? Are there any alternatives to using a VPN?

Our caller, Kevin is wondering if he should use a VPN to protect his data. Is your data safe when you are using a VPN? How do you set up a VPN? We also discuss if alternative measures such as using a Faraday cage and a DJI CrystalSky monitor will help ensure data security. And, we wrap up this episode by speculating if drone pilots will increasingly resort to using VPN’s in the coming years.Thanks to Kevin for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[01:30] We share information about the forthcoming Drone U Fly-in; Paul shares details about the search and rescue presentation
[01:45] Learn about the Pix4D’s demonstration at the forthcoming Fly-in
[02:05] You will also learn about thermography with RMUS’s Jon McBryde at the Fly-in
[02:34] Learn about the awesome Counter UAS technology presentation that will be made at the Drone U Fly-in
[03:17] We share details about our sponsor, Schedudrone
[04:15] Today’s question is about using VPN’s for flight applications in your drone
[04:53] What is a VPN? Is your data safe when you are using a VPN?
[07:33] Can you access your computer remotely with a VPN?
[07:58] Which are the different applications that you can use for setting up a VPN?
[09:19] Are VPN’s important for the drone industry?
[11:28] Discussing how encrypted data transferred via VPN’s is critical for data security
[12:15] Learn why Paul uses a DJI CrystalSky monitor
[12:52] Can you hack the Phantom 4 V2?
[15:52] Is Paul using a VPN to run flight applications on his drones?
[16:09] Should you encapsulate your phone in a Faraday cage to assuage privacy concerns?
[17:01] Benefits of using the DJI CrystalSky monitor
[18:26] Will the usage of VPN’s increase due to data security concerns?
[19:07] Is it safe to use Public WiFi?
[20:27] How can Drone U help you build your business?

Tags: data security, drone, FAA, multirotor, privacy, quadcopter, Safety, uav, VPN

ADU 0830: Do You Need Part 107 Certification for Flying a Tethered Drone?

July 11, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about tethered drones. Do you need a Part 107 license to fly a tethered drone? And, can tethered drones be used for surveillance?

Our today’s caller is wondering if he needs a Part 107 certification to fly a tethered drone. Watch and learn as we share what the FAA has to say about this. We also discuss how tethered drones can be used for security surveillance. Can such sophisticated surveillance technologies be misused? And, can regulations ensure responsible use? Tune in now as we discuss all this and much more. Thanks to our caller for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[00:38] Do Part 107 rules apply to tethered drones?
[03:04] Be a part of the Drone U Fly in – Do not miss out on this last opportunity!
[05:10] Learn about all the eminent speakers at the Drone U Fly-in
[05:28] Learn about our sponsor, Dynnex drones
[06:02] Today’s question is about tethered drones
[06:50] Do Part 107 rules apply to tethered drones?; learn what the FAA has to say about this
[07:35] According to FAA, what is the definition of a balloon? Can a tethered drone be classified as a balloon?
[09:32] Why would you tether your drone? Learn how tethered drones are critical for security surveillance
[11:14] Are tethered drones being currently used for surveillance?
[12:41] Learn about sophisticated facial recognition technology that can be used for surveillance
[13:02] The importance of regulating surveillance technology
[15:43] Discussing the need of corporations to responsibly use sophisticated surveillance technologies

Tags: drone laws, drones, FAA, multirotor, Part 101, part 107, quadcopter, Safety, security surveillance, tethered drones, uav

Dealing with Unlicensed Drone Operators

July 10, 2018 by narinder

From Drone U to You – July 16, 2018.
“Dealing with Unlicensed Drone Operators”

Good Morning fellow drone enthusiasts!

Today I want to talk a bit about a common theme that is popping up repeatedly in many of the UAS online threads. This occurs in both commercial and hobby threads. That commonality is what to do when you see illegal or dangerous flights. And remember, these are not always the same thing.

Let’s first talk about operators who fly commercially without a Remote Pilot Certificate (commonly called a 107).

Yes, it’s frustrating and technically illegal. But the reality of things says the FAA isn’t staffed to do anything about this. Odds are these fliers will eventually crash their birds, or just go out of business. And remember, even if they are carrying insurance (which they probably aren’t), since they are not flying within the rules of commercial drone operations, I can pretty much guarantee that their insurance won’t pay out if there is a claim.

And this is probably your best approach when dealing with clients who hire them. Let them know that if there is an “incident”, the client will be included in the inevitable lawsuit filed by the person who ends up injured or with property damage during that “incident”. Ask them if they’re really willing to save a bit of money and take that chance. It’s all about risk vs. reward. And they’re likely to have much deeper pockets than that particular illegal operator.

That is your best course of action when dealing with this objection from clients. If they still don’t care, you don’t want those type of clients anyway. Tell them “Good luck” and move on.

You can also attempt to educate that offending operator, but odds are that won’t go anywhere.

Now let’s talk a bit about dangerous operations. This is a MUCH more serious issue, and this is where the FAA has said they’d like our help. And by “help”, that doesn’t mean going on Facebook and exposing them to fellow droners. That’s just public bitching, and that never accomplishes anything positive.

So what do we do? We report them. But only after we try and educate them.

Much like the old R/C days, and CB Radio days, it really is about education. So how do we educate? Simply go up and start talking. You’re a fellow droner, I’m sure they’d love to talk to you. But wait until they land. Ignorance of the rules is probably the one single largest reason for so many rules violations, and it’s all about approach. If you approach them with an air of superiority and outrage, it’s not going to end well. Heck, it won’t even start out well. Ask them if they were aware that what they are doing is probably a really bad idea, and then explain why. If that doesn’t work, take step two. Or if they are arrogant about it, also go to step two.

Step two is simple. Take out your phone and start filming them fly. See if you can get close enough to get their face and registration number on the bird. You may even want to film them before you approach them. Just in case.

Then, upload that video to YouTube and make it private or at least non-public. Then report them. Go here: https://hotline.faa.gov and fill out the report. But ONLY if it’s a dangerous situation. And ONLY if you have evidence. The FAA investigates all reports, and it you just file one without any evidence, you’re wasting their time and taking it away from investigations that can actually produce results. Be as through as possible in your report.

But remember, the FAA doesn’t want you to report each Bobby or Suzy who just bought a drone on Amazon and started a drone business sans 107. It’s just not a priority, and it takes away from real issues. But if you see truly dangerous situations, and can safely do something about it (it’s important to not put yourself in danger too), then follow the above steps to address the situation.

I hope this helps in our constant attempt to drive this industry forward.

Good luck, and fly safe.

Vic Moss

[email protected]

303-748-1133

Moss Photography/Drone U

BONUS EPISODE: How to Conduct Search and Rescue Missions with Drones

July 5, 2018 by narinder

In today’s episode, we discuss systems and processes that can help make search and rescue missions with drones more efficient. PJ KirkPatrick from Terra Vigilis joins Paul on this extremely informative episode.

PJ recently undertook a search and recovery mission. But unfortunately, he was unable to find the missing person. What did PJ learn from this mission? What are the various things that can go wrong on a SAR mission? Is there a better way to conduct search and rescue? PJ shares some great information and some new ideas that will help increase the success rate of a search and rescue mission.

We discuss a new scanning software that can potentially reduce the total time for a search and rescue operation from hours to minutes. Tune in to learn more. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[00:24] Paul introduces PJ KirkPatrick from Terra Vigilis
[00:35] Discussing how a Search and Rescue mission going wrong highlighted the need for proper protocols
[02:26] PJ shares information about his Search and Rescue (SAR) mission
[03:00] Learn why PJ could not use thermal cameras on his SAR mission
[04:28] Learn how PJ zeroed in on the search area for his SAR mission
[06:25] At what elevation did PJ fly for this Search and Rescue mission?
[07:56] PJ rolls out various statistics pertaining to his SAR mission; learn about area covered, images captured and total time in the air
[08:31] PJ shares a simulation of his mission images
[08:51] What challenge did PJ face while manually reviewing images?
[10:32] PJ highlights the importance of collaborating with local law enforcement officials
[11:07] Did PJ end up finding the person? Where was the individual finally located?
[11:46] Key takeaways from PJ’s Search and Rescue mission
[12:30] Highlighting the huge responsibility that comes with taking on a Search and Rescue mission
[12:56] We speculate if there are better ways to conduct a Search and Rescue mission
[15:00] Learn how PJ managed to locate a software capable of scanning and recognizing individual color profiles; can PJ’s find significantly bring down the total search and rescue time?
[20:01] PJ shares how he has been testing the capabilities of this new software
[20:30] Which drone is ideal for Search and Rescue missions?
[21:53] PJ shares his contact information