ADU 0756: Part 107 Waiver | Can You Apply for a Night Waiver as a LLC?

March 6, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about Part 107 waivers. Can you apply for a night waiver as a LLC? Is there any benefit to applying for a waiver as a corporate entity?

Because you might have multiple drone pilots working in an organization, it is better to apply for a Part 107 waiver as a LLC. Who is responsible for safe flight in case a waiver is granted to a LLC? Should the responsible person be present during flight operations? Tune in to find out. Fly Safe!

Click HERE for Step-by-Step instructions on how to apply to apply for a Part 107 waiver using the FAA Drone Zone.

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Timestamps

[02:03] Today’s question is about applying for a Part 107 waiver as a LLC
[03:26] Is there any benefit in applying for a night time waiver as an entity?
[04:18] Does the responsible person in an entity have to be present during flight?

Tags: drone, FAA, faadronezone, multirotor, nighttime waiver, part 107 waiver, quadcopter, Safety, uav, waiver

ADU 0755: Drone Battery Life | How Long Do Drone Batteries Last?

March 5, 2018 by narinder

How Long do Drone Batteries Last?

Today, we talk about the average life expectancy of a drone battery. How can you prolong your drone battery life?

Because batteries are prohibitively expensive, it is important to care for them in the best manner. Deep cycling your batteries is critical to ensure a long life. What is the correct way to deep cycle your battery?

We also discuss why you should avoid letting your batteries sit idle for too long. Paul also shares a great hack for fixing a DJI battery with a bad cell. We thank our caller for the question. Stay tuned and 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

[03:41] Today’s question: how long do drone batteries last?
[05:11] How many cycles can you expect from a drone battery?
[05:47] Tips and tricks to prolong your drone battery life
[06:16] How will your flying habits affect your battery life
[07:33] What is the correct way to deep cycle your battery?
[08:36] Learn how incorrect charging can affect your drone battery life
[10:03] Should you set your battery on auto-discharge?
[10:56] How many cycles can you expect from your drone battery?
[11:20] Will a Mavic battery last as long as a Phantom battery?
[11:53] Paul suggests a hack to fix a drone battery with a bad cell

Tags: battery, Battery Life, deep cycling, drone, drone battery life, FAA, how long do drone batteries last, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0754: Can You Use a Zoom Lens When Processing Data with Pix4D?

March 2, 2018 by narinder

Today’s question is about zoom lens and Pix4D. Can you use a zoom lens if you are processing data with Pix4D? How do you ensure that your dataset is not compromised?

Our caller is using Pix4D for processing his drone mapping data. He wishes to use the Inspire 1 with an X5 camera and a Panasonic Lumix 1442 lens. Is the X5 ideal for drone mapping jobs? We also discuss if you can use variable zoom on a mapping mission. Thanks to the caller for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Also, the folks over at Go Professional Cases are offering a special discount for Drone U members. GPC designs the highest quality professional cases for your drone and GoPro. And they will even custom design a case for you. Use the promo code DRONEU15 to avail a killer deal.

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
Check out our Drone Maps – https://sketchfab.com/models/e9c198e166ce4f92a7eb0a085ba83d1a

Timestamps

[02:55]Paul shares information about Drone U’s upcoming webinar
[06:32] Today’s question is about using a zoom lens when processing data with Pix4D
[08:21] How can you use a zoom lens with Pix4D?
[09:21] Can you use variable zoom on a project?
[10:30] How does focal length vary if you are using a crop sensor?
[11:20] Why should you always set your zoom to maximum?
[12:07] Should you use the X5 camera on mapping jobs? And, can you capture better detail with a zoom lens?

Tags: drone, FAA, inspire1, multirotor, Panasonic Lumix 1442, pix4d, quadcopter, Safety, uav, x5, zoom, zoom lens

ADU 0753: Part 107 Drone License | Can You Fly Your Drone Above Clouds?

March 1, 2018 by narinder

Part 107 Drone License – Little-known Facts

Today’s question is about a Part 107 drone license. If you hold a valid license, are you permitted to fly your drone above clouds? Can you fly above clouds if you maintain visual line of sight at all times? What does the FAA say about flying above clouds?

For folks with a Part 107 drone license, it is illegal to start your flight below clouds and then go above them. However, our caller presents a different and interesting scenario. Since he wishes to start his flight from a mountain top, he is always flying above clouds. This enables him to maintain visual line of sight.

Is this legal? Does flying your UAS above clouds pose a greater risk to manned aircraft? We also discuss flight visibility requirements that are applicable in this scenario. We thank our caller for the question. Stay tuned and fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[01:52] Today we question if you can fly your drone above clouds
[03:08] Are you likely to endanger manned aircraft if you fly your drone above clouds?
[04:28] Can someone with a Part 107 drone license fly above clouds?
[05:34] Can you take off below clouds and then fly above them?
[06:56] What does FAA say about maintaining flight visibility in Section 107.51 (C) of 14 CFR Part 107?

Tags: drone, FAA, flying above clouds, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav, visual line of sight

ADU 0752: How Should You Charge If Your Drone Footage Is Used by Multiple Clients?

February 28, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about pricing strategies for drone footage. How much should you charge if you have multiple clients interested in using the same footage? Should you offer a discount? How much should you charge for exclusivity?

Our caller has multiple realtors interested in using the same drone footage. Business acumen dictates that he attempts to strike a deal with each of these clients. We discuss pricing strategies and a need for a tight, ironclad agreement. Should you consider giving the client full rights of ownership? Stay tuned and fly safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[02:06] Today’s question is about establishing a fair price if your footage is used by multiple clients
[04:19] Discussing the need for having iron clad agreements
[05:05] Can you make more money by offering the same video to multiple realtors?
[06:30] Should you consider giving a realtor full rights to your drone footage?
[09:06] Rob and Paul share some details about Drone U’s forthcoming business course

Tags: drone, exclusivity, FAA, licensing, multirotor, pricing, quadcopter, realtor, Safety, uav

ADU 0751: Drone Rules | Can you Fly near a Hot Air Balloon?

February 27, 2018 by narinder

Drone Rules for capturing the Balloon Fiesta

Today, we talk about flying your drone near a hot air balloon.Do drone rules permit pilots to fly near a hot air balloon?

It is tempting to fly your drone near a hot air balloon and get some awesome footage. However, flying irresponsibly can pose a serious risk. What are the consequences of crashing your drone into a hot air balloon? Is it mandatory to yield to a hot air balloon?

Remember that you should always maintain a safe distance at all times. Can you get good footage by filming from such great distance? We also discuss whether it is possible to fly your drone at events such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Stay tuned and fly safe!

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

Timestamps

[05:47] Today’s question is about drone rules, and flying near a hot air balloon
[06:59] Do you need special permission to fly during a balloon fiesta?
[07:12] Which source should you refer to for checking TFRs?
[07:26] Paul shares details about the Drone U Fly-in
[08:01] Which are the drone rules you need to be aware of while flying near a hot air balloon?
[09:45] Precautions to be observed while flying near a hot air balloon
[10:01] Is there a significant risk if a drone crashes into a hot air balloon?
[11:10] Does a drone pilot need to yield to a hot air balloon?
[13:03] How much distance should you maintain between the hot air balloon and your drone?
[13:18] Is the X7 camera a good option for shooting a hot air balloon?
[14:15] How can you negate any investigation action while shooting a balloon fiesta?

Tags: balloon fiesta, drone, FAA, hot air balloon, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, tfr, uav

ADU 0750: Drone 3D Mapping | What Is the Benefit of Using Oblique Imagery?

February 26, 2018 by narinder

Nuances of Drone 3D Mapping

Today, we talk about oblique aerial imagery in drone 3D mapping. What are oblique images? And, when should you shoot oblique images?

Our caller is wondering about the difference between obliques and orbits. We also point out the difference between nadir and oblique imagery. Do weather conditions affect the quality of your mapping data? Drone U members can learn more about this topic in our Comprehensive Mapping class. Thanks to Cord for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[02:12] Today’s question is about oblique imagery in drone 3D mapping
[03:22] Defining oblique imagery
[03:49] What is the benefit of using oblique imagery in drone 3D mapping?
[04:45] Can weather affect the quality of your mapping data?
[05:10] How can Drone U help build up your mapping skills?

Tags: drone, FAA, mapping, multirotor, oblique, orbits, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0749: What Is the Best Screen for Your Drone?

February 23, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about the best screens for your drone. Should you opt for DJI’s CrystalSky monitor? How about controlling your drone with your iPhone or iPad? Can you use the screen that comes with your drone?

Your location and climate determines the choice of your screen. We discuss the various benefits of using the CrystalSky monitor. When is it okay to use the iPad as a screen? Tune in to find out. Thanks to Zac for the question. Fly Safe!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[01:41] Today’s question is about the best screens for your drone
[02:25] Does your location and climate determine the choice of your screen?
[04:48] Is the CrystalSky apt for hot climates?
[05:23] Would you recommend using Plus, the Phantom 4 controller?
[05:54] Can you use the iPhone or iPad with your drone in mild climate?
[06:37] Learn how using the CrystalSky makes it easier to playback footage

Tags: crystalsky, drone, FAA, ipad, iphone, multirotor, phantom 4, quadcopter, Safety, screen, uav

ADU 0748: Rules for Flying in Class E Airspace

February 22, 2018 by narinder

What Are the Rules for Flying in Class E Airspace?

Today we are talking about regulations for flying in Class E airspace. Can a hobbyist fly in Class E or Class Echo airspace? Are there restrictions against flying in parks? Does FAA need to come out with more common sense regulations?

Because our caller is from Phoenix, we discuss where you can fly and cannot fly in the city of Phoenix. Which rules do you need to follow if you flying under Part 101? Can the city of Phoenix prevent you from flying in public spaces? Tune in and listen to Paul and Rob provide their take on this topic. 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

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

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

Timestamps

[03:00] Today’s question is about flying in Class E airspace
[05:18] Does the city of Phoenix control your flying in public spaces?
[06:47] Can a hobbyist fly in Class E airspace?
[08:11] Does the FAA need to come out with common sense regulations?

Tags: Class E airspace, drone, FAA, hobbyist, multirotor, Part 101, quadcopter, restricted airspace, Safety, uav

ADU 0747: How Many FAA Enforcement Actions Have Been Taken Against Illegal Drone Operators?

February 21, 2018 by narinder

Discussing Findings of Drone U’s Investigation | FAA Enforcement against Unlicensed Drone Pilots

In today’s show we discuss the findings of Drone U’s investigation to the FAA and enforcement actions taken against drone operators across the United States. How many illegal drone operations have actually been stopped? What effect will this investigation have on the industry as a whole? Will we see more FAA enforcement against drone pilots?

We discuss the value of Part 107 in light of our findings. We also talk about the role of insurance companies in regulating the drone industry. Is increased FAA enforcement a good thing for the drone industry? Will this lead to a safer environment? Tune in and listen to Vic and Paul provide their perspective on this important topic. Fly Safe!

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

[00:59] Today we talk about Drone U’s investigation into enforcement actions taken against illegal drone operators
[04:58] How many FAA enforcement actions have been taken against illegal drone operators?
[05:47] Paul shares details about the enforcement actions that have been taken
[10:52] Does the 107 still hold value in spite of minimal enforcement actions? Paul and Vic debate
[11:16] We discuss how insurance companies are the true regulators of the drone industry
[12:57] Are enforcement actions, and hence their cost likely to go up?
[14:26] Is increased FAA enforcement a good thing?
[15:47] Is a higher entry barrier good for the drone industry?
[17:38] Discussing the benefits of self-policing
[19:51] Will increased FAA enforcement lead to a safer environment?
[20:55] Does FAA carry out enforcement actions against companies as well?
[24:20] Can you claim damages from your insurance company if you do not have your Part 107?
[27:50] Is there a need to increase FAA enforcement actions against willful defaulters?
[30:26] We recount FAA’s action against a 11 year old flying his drone on a beach
[31:42] Paul and Vic wrap up today’s episode
[35:55] Vic shares his contact details