ADU 0728: Do cities have the legal right to enact drone ordinances?

January 18, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about drone ordinances and city regulations.

Drone ordinances are being enacted by cities around the country. However, the FAA is the organization that governs our airspace. Is it legal for cities, therefore, to create and uphold drone laws of their own?

Well, no. Given the fact that the FAA is the only organization allowed to govern airspace, cities cannot legally enact a drone ordinance. As long as the pilot is following FAA guidelines, they are legally allowed to fly.

What should you do if your city is trying to stop you from flying? Tune in to find out! Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[03:54] Paul shares details about forthcoming Drone U courses
[04:46] Today, we talk about drone ordinances and city regulations
[05:07] We talk about city ordinances banning drone activities
[05:38] Do cities have the right to issue drone ordinances?
[06:46] We discuss the importance of diligently researching the law
[08:15] Can you take off and land from a public area? What about taking off and landing in private areas?
[10:06] Discussing the importance of communicating properly with the police
[12:32] Learn how you can fly over private property using the Legal Flyer app

Tags: drone, FAA, law enforcement, laws, multirotor, ordinance, quadcopter, Regulations, Safety, uav

ADU 0727: How do I price on-call drone services?

January 17, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about freelancing. As the cost of benefits goes up and permanent positions become more scarce, many people find themselves working on their own. This can be a great way for drone pilots to make a living, particularly when travel is involved.

When working in fields like public safety, however, freelance drone pilots may be required to show up at the drop of a hat. When it comes to emergencies, after all, time is of the essence. How do you price your drone services when working as an on-call freelancer? Do you charge by the hour? A day-rate?

This is a great episode for anyone currently or thinking about working as a freelancer. We discuss how to price your services as well as how to make sure you have the equipment necessary to make it on your own. There are plenty of opportunities out there! 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

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

[01:29] We talk about the rising trend of freelancing and the expertise that you need to build to succeed
[03:17] Is it becoming more expensive to hire people and provide benefits?
[05:38] We talk about the different challenges that come with retirement
[10:50] Today’s question is about freelancing
[11:30] Can you consider freelancing for the fire department?
[13:07] What kind of gear will you need if you wish to take up freelance drone jobs?
[14:17] Is it valuable to have a radiometric thermal camera if you wish to work for the fire department?
[14:51] Would live feed be important for public safety officers? We share how you can set it up
[16:08] Is it advisable to use Lume cubes with the Mavic?
[16:40] Is the Matrice 210 with thermal and zoom camera a good solution for high level federal jobs?
[18:30] Can you drop an object from a drone?

Tags: Business, drone, emergency, entrepreneur, FAA, fire, freelance, multirotor, police, public safety, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0726: CES 2018 | DJI, Yuneec, Sony & Emerging Drone Tech

January 16, 2018 by narinder

Today’s episode is about CES 2018. CES, of course, is the premiere drone marketplace exhibition. Every year, manufacturers migrate to the expo to show off the latest innovations in drone technology. Drone U Chief Pilot Paul Aitken headed up to Las Vegas to have a look at the newest drone technology that companies like DJI, Yuneec and Sony had to offer. This episode contains a recap of CES 2018 and the products on display as well as some interviews with industry-leading companies. We hope you enjoy! 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

[00:22] Paul welcomes tech expert, Jason to the show
[00:52] Is it likely that the technology behind LIDAR will become cheaper?
[01:53] We state our views on net neutrality
[02:46] Reviewing the new Sony RX0 camera; how does it measure up to GoPro?
[03:56] We review the $100 Tello drone
[04:45] Paul introduces DJI designer, Paul Pan to listeners
[04:56] What is new with the Ronin S?
[06:00] Does the Ronin S motor succeed in not blocking the screen?
[06:50] Are there any chances of breaking the camera lens while balancing the new Ronin S Gimbal?
[07:20] Discussing the auto tune feature on the Ronin S
[08:23] Will there be multiple ways of mounting the Ronin S?
[09:22] We talk about the capabilities of the Ronin S battery
[09:58] Reviewing Airlango’s Mystic drone
[10:27] Is the Splash drone developed by Swellpro really waterproof?
[11:23] Paul reviews the solar drone developed by National Taiwan University
[12:27] Is the new Typhoon H with the E90 camera coming out any time soon?

Tags: CES, drone, equipment, FAA, multirotor, products, quadcopter, Safety, technology, uav

ADU 0725: Are there lenses made specifically for interior shots?

January 15, 2018 by narinder

Today, we discuss camera lenses. While certain lenses work well for exterior shots, you may want to use a special lens to photograph interiors. After all you’ll want the widest possible view when shooting interiors like homes and other real estate properties.

There are a few great options for drone pilots. The Sony E-Mount, for example, will help you to widen your shots. It does, however, come with a high price tag. At around $800, you may want to consider something a bit cheaper. The Rokinon 12mm Ultra Wide Angle lens is a great alternative if you’re looking to cut down on costs. Around $300, it will help you get the dynamic, wide-angled shots that real estate agents love.

Thanks to Eric for the question! Fly safe!

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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

[02:02] Today, we discuss camera lenses
[03:03] What are some of the popular camera lenses for shooting interiors?
[03:16] Can you use a kit lens for interior shots?
[03:20] Which lens should you use to make rooms look wider than they actually are?
[04:21] Paul shares the camera lenses that he currently uses. Which are some of the lenses that he can use for higher quality shoots?

Tags: camera, drone, equipment, FAA, indoors, interior, lens, multirotor, products, quadcopter, Real Estate, Safety, uav

ADU 0724: Do tracking devices interfere with GPS?

January 12, 2018 by narinder

Today, we discuss tracking devices. Should you attach one to your drone? Will it interfere with your GPS signal?

Whether or not you need (or should use) a tracking device depends on the type of drone you’re using. Many new drones come pre-equipped with tracking devices. If you’re flying a Phantom 4 Pro or Mavic Pro, for example, you can use DJI Go to track your drone. This applies to a number of DJI’s newest models. It even works in the case of a flyaway. If, somehow, you lose the battery, DJI Go will let you know where the GPS was last transmitted. Therefore, you may want a tracking device. However, you’ll only need one if you have an older model drone.

Thanks to Mary Ann for the question! 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

[02:38] Today, we discuss tracking devices
[04:38] Do you need to attach a tracking device to your drone?
[04:56] Can you track your drone even after a crash?
[05:23] Will a tracking device interfere with the GPS signal of your drone?

Tags: DJI, DJI GO, drone, equipment, FAA, gps, interference, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, tracking, tracking device, uav

ADU 0723: What is photo bracketing and should I be doing it?

January 10, 2018 by narinder

Today, we talk about bracketing photographs. In case you don’t know, bracketing is when you shoot the same photo with multiple exposures and combine them to create a higher quality picture. These photos tend to be more dynamic than those shot in a single exposure.

Bracketing photos isn’t difficult. However, you will need to learn Adobe Lightroom. Luckily, Vic Moss (everyone’s favorite Drone U pilot), teaches a course on Lightroom. With a bit of training, you’ll be able to provide your clients with amazing HDR photographs. They’re going to love them! Fly safe!

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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

[02:40] Today, we talk about bracketing photographs
[03:23] Is there a significant difference between bracketed photographs and non bracketed photographs?
[04:18] Defining bracketing
[05:17] Find out why it is always better to underexpose rather than overexpose your photographs
[05:34] We explain how you can stack multiple sets of images together
[06:18] Explaining how HDR images are created
[07:05] Why should you be working on Raw images rather than JPEG images?
[07:56] Paul discusses some efficient and productive ways of editing images in Adobe Lightroom
[08:58] What do you mean by auto toning an image? What are its benefits?
[10:09] Should you consider bracketing for every client? Or, should you provide this service only to high end clients?

Tags: adobe, aerial photography, bracketing, drone, FAA, images, lightroom, multirotor, photographs, quadcopter, quality, Safety, uav

ADU 0722: Will deep-cycling when it’s cold out improve drone battery life?

January 9, 2018 by narinder

How to Prolong your Drone Battery Life and get Maximum Flight Time in Cold Weather

Today, we talk about deep-cycling your batteries. It is important, especially during winter, that you do what you can to maintain their drone battery life.

One of the problems, however, is that it can be hard to deep-cycle batteries when it’s cold outside. You may notice that the voltage drops, for example. This can cause problems in their endurance and limit the lifespan of your batteries when it’s cold outside.

In order to help you keep your batteries alive, we offer some advice on how to deep-cycle them properly. We also discuss some of the problems you may encounter during winter and how you can work through them. Thanks to Eric for the question! Fly safe!

Energen A40 Model: DRONEUA40

Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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

[02:12] Today, we talk about deep-cycling for increasing your drone battery life
[02:41] Paul answers the question
[02:46] Can deep cycling batteries result in reduced drone battery life?
[03:01] What is the correct way to deep cycle your batteries?
[03:14] At what voltage should you bring your drone back?
[03:51] Will you get a really short drone battery life in really cold weather?
[04:13] What is dew point temperature differentiation? How can it affect flight?
[05:00] Paul provides some great tips for flying the Inspire 2, Yuneec and Phantom 4 Pro in cold weather
[05:40] What should be your battery temperature for optimum output?
[06:10] Paul suggests using hand warmers with stick patches while handling your drone remote

Tags: cold weather flying, drone, drone battery life, FAA, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0721: How do I manage the changing resolution of my maps and models?

January 8, 2018 by narinder

Today, we offer some advice on making high-quality maps and models. If you’re starting to make 3D models with your drone, you’ll find this episode helpful.

Obviously, we want our models to be high-quality. We want them to have high resolution. However, topographic changes in the landscape often shift the resolution of the image. As your elevation changes, the quality of your image will change as well.

Luckily, there are tools designed to help with this. Apps like Maps Made Easy are designed to deal with changing elevations. Drone settings such as Terrain Awareness, as well. If you need help making better 3D models, this episode is for you!

Thanks to Mark in upstate NY for the question! 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

[01:56] Today’s question is regarding changing resolution of maps and models
[04:21] Is it advisable to use Maps Made Easy to take into account the difference in topography?
[04:28] Would accuracy go down if you are flying one particular elevation that is representative of the takeoff location?
[07:00] Will you get better accuracy if you fly a terrain response flight path?
[07:08] Should you start at the highest point possible?
[07:37] Does Pix4D have terrain response awareness?

Tags: 3d model, accuracy, application, apps, drone, elevation, equipment, FAA, mapping, Maps, modeling, models, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, surveying, terrain, uav

ADU 0720: Setting goals, increasing margins and being more productive

January 5, 2018 by narinder

Living the drone life isn’t always easy. In order to successfully run your drone business, you need to be setting goals and meeting them.

Today, we talk about how to achieve your goals in 2018. How do you stay productive? What types of things can you do to stay on track?

We offer some advice and discuss a number of books that might help you this year. Fly safe!

Check out these books:

Law 101
Unshakeable
Contagious
Grit
Undoctored
Everybody Lies
Start With Why
Silent Sales Machine
Super Forecasters
5 Love Languages
Photogrammetry
Plant Paradox
Never Split the Difference
How to Win Friends and Influence People

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
Access UVA’s paper on “Writing S.M.A.R.T. Goals” – //www.hr.virginia.edu/uploads/documents/media/Writing_SMART_Goals.pdf

Timestamps

[01:10] Paul shares some information about forthcoming Drone U classes
[02:10] We set the agenda for today’s podcast: Setting goals and meeting them
[06:38] Discussing the importance of setting “Smart” goals
[08:20] Developing commitment is critical to attaining goals
[08:51] We talk about the wisdom of setting achievable goals
[10:07] Learn to make attaining goals a fun filled process; working outdoors will help you make this a fun process
[11:51] We talk about how being passionate towards your work increases your chance of attaining success
[12:14] Pushing through and riding out the difficult times in order to progress
[13:34] We talk about the importance of holding yourself accountable in order to achieve success
[14:50] Discovering your “Why” is critical to achieve success
[19:32] Rob and Paul share an anecdote from Rockefeller’s life which highlights the importance of writing down your goals
[22:07] Paul shares how he successfully set and achieved his weight loss goals: we talk about getting started,showing commitment, and sticking to your habits
[28:34] Discovering your “what”, “why” and “how” will help you achieve success
[30:37] Rob shares Drone U’s goals for 2018
[31:32] Making database decisions instead of emotional ones for enhanced success
[32:31] Continuous learning is the key to success
[35:02] Paul shares some resources that will help you set and achieve goals

Tags: Books, Business, drone, entrepreneur, FAA, goals, multirotor, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0719: How can I educate a fire department that thinks I’m flying illegally?

January 2, 2018 by narinder

As long as you have your Part 107 and you’re operating within legal bounds, you shouldn’t have any trouble flying your drone, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. As our caller, Scott in Hermosa Beach, points out, local fire departments aren’t always educated about FAA regulations and may try to prevent you from flying. In order to help those of you who are being hassled by your fire departments, we discuss how to handle a situation in which your being hassled. We talk about educating your local fire department while remaining respectful of the fact that they’re just trying to do their job.

Thanks for the question Peter! 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

[02:31] Today, we talk about convincing the fire department that you are on the right side of the law while flying
[03:46] Rob suggests some approaches for dealing with the fire department
[04:55] Do you actually need to register your drone if you wish to fly on Hermosa beach? We discuss drone rules in California
[06:09] Can you legally fly on Hermosa beach if you Part 107 certified? Do you need a permit if you are filming a production? What about real estate?
[11:31] Paul shares information about forthcoming Drone U classes