ADU 0765: Drones for Traffic Accident Reconstruction

March 22, 2018 by narinder

How Do You Use Drones for Traffic Accident Reconstruction?

Today’s question is about traffic accident reconstruction. Which is the best drone for traffic accident reconstruction? Should you use Ground Control Points (GCP’s)?

Our caller is planning on purchasing a good entry level drone. Is the DJI Matrice a good drone for mapping? Or, should he stick to the Phantom 4 Pro or Inspire 2? We also discuss the importance of maintaining the highest accuracy levels. Do you need to follow a specific process in order to get this high level of accuracy?

We also talk about Ground Control Points (GCP’s). Which are the most suitable RTK-GPS systems for placing your Ground Control Points (GCP’s)? We compare systems by Trimble and Emlid. Also, learn how Drone U can help you get accurate survey grade data. Thanks to Andy from Singapore for the question. Fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing portable chargers for all Drone U members. Use one the following promo codes at checkout, depending on which battery you buy, to get a great deal on a killer battery:

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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Timestamps

[02:23] Paul shares information about the forthcoming Drone U webinar
[06:21] Today’s question is about using drones in traffic accident reconstruction
[08:10] Why is it important to maintain the highest accuracy levels while doing traffic accident reconstruction?
[10:40] Is the DJI Matrice suited for mapping jobs?
[11:16] Is the Inspire 2 and X7 combo a good option for mapping jobs?
[11:53] Is the Phantom 4 Pro the best drone for mapping?
[12:16] Do you need RTK-GPS in order to get accurate data?
[12:23] Do you have to use the Trimble RTK-GPS for accident reconstruction?
[13:50] Is the Emlid Reach RS a good option for placing your GCP’s?

Tags: accident reconstruction, drone, FAA, gcp, gps, mapping, multirotor, quadcopter, rtk, Safety, surveying, Trimble, uav

ADU 0764: When Is FAA’s LAANC System Rolling Out?

March 21, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about FAA’s LAANC system. When is Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system coming to you? How does LAANC work?

Our caller has applied for airspace authorizations. But like a lot of folks, his authorizations are in a limbo. He wishes to know the status of the FAA’s LAANC system.

Is the LAANC system rolling out anytime soon? Will LAANC roll out in different phases? Can ATC authorize your flight ? Tune in to learn all there is to know about LAANC. Do not forget to check out the attached links for related information on this topic. Thanks to Robert for the question. Fly safe!

Don’t forget to pick up a charger from Colorado Drone Chargers. Use the promo code DRONEU85 to get yourself a killer deal. Those guys make high-quality quadchargers to help you maximize your flight time!

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
Sign up for our FREE webinar on 3/26 – //bit.ly/2u2XHEE
FAA Notice – https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_JO_7110.746_ATC_Service.pdf
LAANC information – https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/uas_data_exchange/?cid=TW581
LAANC rollout schedule – https://www.thedroneu.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/LAANC-Rollout-Schedule.pdf

Timestamps

[01:20] Today’s question is about the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system
[02:33] What is LAANC?
[02:53] When is the LAANC FAA system rolling out?
[04:20] Does ATC have authority to grant you authorization?
[06:26] How many airports are opening up after the LAANC FAA system roll-out? How do you know if your airport will be opening up?

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

ADU 0763: Where Can You Fly Your Drone? Find out Using These Must Have Apps…

March 20, 2018 by narinder

In today’s episode, we discuss the best apps that will help you determine where you can fly. Which are some reliable applications for checking airspace restrictions? How do you check for NOTAM’s and TFR’s? Which are some important weather parameters that you should check?

Is Skyward.io a better resource for checking NOTAM’s than Airmap? Which is a good resource for checking TFR’s? You also need to know how to read airspace maps. How can Drone U help you better understand airspace?

Be sure you check weather or you will crash your bird. Tune in to find out the importance of monitoring KP-index and dew point spread. We thank Houston 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
App for checking general airspace – https://skyward.io/
App for checking airspace maps – https://skyvector.com/
Website for checking NOTAM’s and TFR’s – //tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html

Timestamps

[03:28] Today’s question is about the information that you need to check before you fly your drone
[04:50] "]What are the advantages of using Skyward.io? How does Skyward compare to Airmap?
[07:07] Discussing the importance of correctly reading sectional maps
[08:32] How can you check for TFR’s?
[08:47] Why should you refer Skyvector before setting flight?
[09:08] How can Drone U help you get better at reading sectional maps?
[09:58] Which app can you use to check weather?
[10:50] Learn why the dew point spread is really important
[11:11] What is KP-index? Why should you monitor this parameter?
[12:40] Discussing the importance of record keeping

Tags: apps, drone, FAA, Hover, KP index, multirotor, quadcopter, restrictions, Safety, skyward, temporary flight restriction, tfr, uav, Weather

ADU 0762: DJI Mavic Air Review – Should You Buy It?

March 19, 2018 by narinder

Comprehensive DJI Mavic Air Review – Specs, Flight Quality, Camera, Mavic Pro Comparison

In this in-depth DJI Mavic Air Review, you will learn the pros and cons of this new DJI drone. Should you buy the Mavic Air? Or, are you better off buying the Mavic Pro 2?

In our DJI Mavic Air Review, we first discuss build quality. Because Mavic Air is targeting beginners, good build quality is important. Does the Mavic Air score well on this front? This new DJI product is compact and easy to travel with. But, can you generate ample speed? Is the transmission range good enough?

We discuss if serious pilots should consider purchasing this new drone. How does this drone compare to the Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 Pro? Can you capture buttery smooth footage using this drone? Is Atti mode available on the Mavic Air? Can you shoot at 60 fps? Tune in to hear Rob and Paul in this thorough DJI Mavic Air review. . We thank Kevin from Minnesota 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

[01:33] We talk about the huge untapped potential in the drone business
[03:44] Paul shares information about our new Drone U course, “Editing with Final Cut Pro”
[09:00] Today’s question is about the latest DJI offering, Mavic Air
[11:20] Is the Mavic Air a good drone for beginners?
[11:36] Is the Mavic Air a good replacement for the Mavic Pro? Is it is a good drone for professional pilots?
[13:02] Discussing the various Pros of the Mavic Pro
[13:13] Mavic Pro vs Mavic Air – How do they compare in terms of maneuverability?
[14:57] What is the capacity of the Internal SSD card in the Mavic Air?
[15:33] Discussing Mavic Air’s controller quality
[16:14] DJI Mavic Air camera review: Can you shoot in 4K footage and capture intricate details?
[17:15] Will you face issues while transferring MP4 files?
[17:50] Is it necessary to use USB-C cables for data delivery?
[18:40] Can you fly in Atti mode on the Mavic Air?
[19:42] Discussing the Mavic Air’s gimbal quality
[20:52] Which filters should you use with the Mavic Air?
[21:31] Mavic Air vs Mavic Pro – Reviewing image quality
[23:32] Does the Mavic Air offer good transmission range?
[24:08] DJI MAVIC AIR REVIEW FINAL VERDICT: Is it worth buying the Mavic Air?

Tags: DJI, dji mavic air review, drone, FAA, Mavic Air, multirotor, quadcopter, review, Safety, uav

BVLOS | Benefits of Flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight

March 14, 2018 by narinder

Should FAA Make It Easier to Get BVLOS Waivers?

Today, we talk about BVLOS waivers. How can flying beyond visual line of sight benefit the drone industry? Will granting waivers encourage technologies like LiDAR?

It is possible to scan large areas with great speed using LiDAR. Because it is mandatory to maintain visual line of sight, using LiDAR is an expensive and inefficient proposition. How will opening up of Beyond Visual Line of Sight resolve this issue? We also discuss how giant corporations like FLIR and BNSF managed to obtain complex Part 107 waivers. Are these case studies relevant to the rest of the industry?

We also discuss how FAA is impeding commerce by not granting BVLOS waivers. Is FAA’s stance a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act? How can simpler rules benefit solo drone operators? Check out Paul’s article where he has discussed these issues at great length. Stay tuned and fly safe!

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

Timestamps

[01:48] Paul states today’s agenda
[02:11] How does LiDAR compare to photogrammetry?
[02:34] What is a drawback of using LiDAR for creating models?
[04:26] Can you map large tracts of land using LiDAR?
[05:18] How does the the line of sight issue impede the use of LiDAR?
[05:56] Discussing how BVLOS is impeding commerce
[06:35] How did FLIR and BNSF manage to get BVLOS waivers?
[06:56] Is it practical to daisy chain multiple Visual Observers (VO’s) while mapping a large tract of land?
[08:19] We talk about FLIR and BNSF getting BVLOS waivers; learn why these examples are not representative of the larger drone industry
[11:28] Is there a specific system for granting BVLOS and other complex Part 107 waivers?
[12:30] How many BVLOS waivers have been given out by FAA?
[13:40] Discussing how flying beyond visual line of sight will encourage small businesses
[14:11] Is FAA violating the Sherman Act by not granting BVLOS waivers?
[15:37] Can FAA’s reluctance to grant a BVLOS waiver result in a small business folding up?

Tags: 2018 faa uas symposium, Beyond Visual Line of Sight, BVLOS, drone, FAA, lidar, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0760: FAA UAS Symposium (2018)

March 13, 2018 by narinder

2018 FAA UAS Symposium Coverage – Important Developments that will Shape the Drone Industry in Coming Years

Today’s episode is about 2018 FAA UAS Symposium. Drone U Chief Pilot Paul Aitken headed off to Baltimore to attend this conference. Paul talks about the various issues that were discussed at the Symposium. Section 336, Remote ID’s, BVLOS waivers, Univeral Traffic Management (UTM) and Complex Waivers are some of the important topics that we touch upon in today’s episode.

In Episode 747, we discussed how enforcement actions by the FAA against illegal drone operators are almost non existent. Is the FAA looking for ways to conduct enforcement actions? Will the FAA consider changing Section 336 to make enforcement actions easier against hobbyists?

We also talk about Remote ID’s. Because you can know who, want and where something is flying, this technology might pave the way for granting complex waivers such as BVLOS and flying at night. Can we expect Remote ID’s to become a law anytime soon? Universal Traffic Management (UTM) is another topic that we delve into. Will the introduction of UTM lead to safer skies? Another glaring fact was the lack of representation for the small business owner at the UAS Symposium. Check out Paul’s article where he goes into all these issues in great detail. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[00:30] Today Paul will be sharing his takeaways from the 2018 FAA UAS Symposium
[01:53] Will the FAA come up with stricter enforcement’s?
[02:38] Is the Section 336 resulting in lax compliance? Will FAA change Section 336?
[03:52] Will the introduction of Remote ID’s benefit the drone industry?
[04:57] How many complex waivers have been given out by the FAA?
[05:41] Can the introduction of Remote ID’s result in more complex waivers being given out?
[06:50] Will the introduction of UTM (Universal Traffic Management) result in safer skies?
[08:21] How have large commercial entities like CNN and BNSF managed to get complex waivers?
[09:51] Is your DJI drone equipped with Remote ID?
[12:35] Which are some of the tracking systems via which you can track Remote ID’s?
[14:40] Is it right on FAA’s part to get feedback from giant corporations?
[15:49] Discussing the need for a small business panel at the next FAA UAS Symposium

Tags: 2018 Direction FAA, 2018 faa uas symposium, drone, drone remote, drones remote id, FAA, FAA direction 2018, FAA upcoming regulations, multirotor, quadcopter, remote id, remote identification, remote identification drones, Safety, uas2018, uav, universal traffic management, UTM

ADU 0759: Should You Offer Free Drone Services to Attract a Client?

March 12, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about setting up your drone business. Should you offer free services when you are starting off your business? Is offering free footage a good marketing strategy?

Our caller, Ryan has received an opportunity to shoot the Vulcan, a colossal statue in Birmingham, Alabama. Because this is a prestigious project, Ryan is considering offering free footage in order to get his foot in the door. Is this advisable?

We would advice Ryan to reconsider his position. It is important to have confidence in your work in order to get the rates that you rightly deserve. What are some ways for building confidence? What negotiation strategies can Ryan use to get the best possible deal? Tune in and get some great insights from Rob and Paul. Thanks to Ryan for the question. Fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[02:04] Today’s question is about offering free services to attract a new client
[04:24] Rob and Paul answer today’s question
[04:51] Cultivating the need to develop a confident mindset
[07:02] Learn to find your niche in order to develop confidence
[07:37] Is it wise to offer a hefty discount if you are starting out in the drone business?
[10:08] Is it difficult to get permission to shoot a public place?
[13:29] Discussing various negotiation strategies to eke out a good deal from a client

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

ADU 0758: Drone Data Storage | Best External Hard Drives

March 9, 2018 by narinder

Which Are the Best External Hard Drives for Drone Data Storage?

Today, we talk about external hard drives. Which are some best practices and cost effective options for drone data storage?

Because data safety cannot be compromised, it is important to go for a quality drone data storage solution. We discuss two alternatives: Synology and Drobo. While Synology is good for networking, Drobo is suitable for archiving data. How much will these drives cost you? What is the upload speed that you can expect? Are these reliable drone data storage storage solutions?

We also discuss compatibility issues, USB-C docks by OWC and External SSD’s by Samsung. Thank you for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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
Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston – //bit.ly/HoustonMapping
Drobo 5d3 for newer computers using USB C – //amzn.to/2F58ROq
Drobo 5c for older computer users using USB – //amzn.to/2FJl3Bs

Timestamps

[03:13] Today’s question is about drone data storage
[04:28] Paul recounts his experience which highlights the importance of backing up data
[06:00] We discuss drives by Synology and Drobo; we talk about applications, upload speed, cost and data security
[06:39] Learn why Drobo 5C and 5D3 drives are so well suited for archiving data
[08:05] We talk about the importance of backing up your data, especially in case of unforeseen emergencies
[08:38] Why should you avoid overloading your drive with data?
[09:10] Are Synology and Drobo cost effective solutions for drone data storage?
[10:50] What is the advantage of using the USB-C dock by Other World Computing?
[11:46] Reviewing the Samsung Evo T5 SSD

Tags: data storage, Drobo, drone, FAA, hard drive, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, synology, uav

ADU 0757: Does a Drone School Need Certified Flight Instructors?

March 8, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about Certified Flight Instructors. Is it mandatory for a drone school to have Certified Flight Instructors (CFI’s)? Is there any value at all in getting trained from a Certified Flight Instructor?

A certification does not guarantee good training skills. Wouldn’t you rather learn from someone who has some real world flying experience? We also talk about Drone U Elite. Because our vetting process is based on real world parameters such as experience and revenue earned, Drone U Elite trainers are among the best in the industry. We thank Ken for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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
Learn about our In-Person Mapping Course in Houston – //bit.ly/HoustonMapping
Contribute to Energen’s Kickstarter Campaign – https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1931326714/dronemax-360-portable-drone-and-multi-purpose-powe?ref=470f3d

Timestamps

[04:12] Today we question whether a drone school needs to hire CFI’s as trainers
[05:45] We discuss why it is better to learn from a trainer with real world experience
[06:38] Are CFI’s experienced in flying drones?
[07:30] Learn about the rigorous vetting process at Drone U Elite
[09:03] Is there any merit to getting a flight instructor certification?
[11:18] Paul shares how a need to offer better education led him to start Drone U