ADU 0701: How do I get drone jobs while traveling?

December 5, 2017 by narinder

Today, we talk about getting drone jobs on the road while traveling. Our friend Taylor in New York is taking off on a road trip and wants to know how he can make money with his drone along the way.

First, we want to congratulate Taylor on setting out to truly live the Drone Life. We can’t tell you how excited (and jealous!) we are that he’s taking his drone business international. Making money with your drone while traveling is a real possibility for many people and we’re happy to see you giving it a shot. Of course, you’ll have to pitch hard and show people that your drone services can really add to their business.

In order to get drone jobs along the way, you’ll need to reach out to the businesses you come in contact with. Hotels, for example, have a great need for drone services. By showing them the value that you can provide, you should be able to pick up a number of drone jobs as you travel.

If you’re looking to while traveling, this episode is for you. However, if you’re just looking for some advice on networking, pricing and making money with your drone, you’ll also enjoy this one. Fly safe!

P.S – Our friends at Videoblocks are currently offering a “Triple Bundle” package, which gives you full-access to copyright-free video, audio and images for only $149 per year! Make sure to check them out!

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Timestamps

[04:42] Today, we talk about getting drone jobs on the road while traveling
[06:36] We talk about the traveling and living the drone life
[07:52] We discuss how you can negotiate and work out a good deal
[11:10] Is it a a good idea to check out drone job sites for work?
[11:43] Apart from hotels and resorts, who are the potential prospects that you can reach out to?

Tags: Business, drone, drone job, drone jobs, drone life, drone service, entrepreneur, FAA, make money, multirotor, networking, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0700: Drone Maintenance Checklist | Tips for Building a Comprehensive List

December 4, 2017 by narinder

Important Drone Maintenance Checklist Tips for a Long Drone Life

Today, we talk about building a drone maintenance checklist. If you want your drone last as long as possible, after all, you need to take care of it. This includes changing propeller blades, maintaining batteries and keeping the motor in good shape.

In order to help you all prevent breaking your drone, we talk about a few key aspects of drone maintenance. Replacing propeller blades, maintaining the motor and switching out the batteries when necessary will ensure that your drone lives a long, happy life.

Thanks to Mark in Pittsburgh for the question! We’re glad to have you on board Mark! 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:

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Timestamps

[05:12] Today’s question is about building a drone maintenance checklist and ensuring that your drone lasts as long as possible
[07:34] When should you consider changing your propeller blades?
[09:01] Does flying at higher elevation affect the performance of your drone?
[10:09] What are some of the telltale signs that you should bring your drone down?
[10:36] What are some of the battery tests that you can perform to gauge battery health?
[12:35] Drone Maintenance Checklist Tips: What are the chances of a motor failure? Is it a concern?

Tags: Batteries, battery, blades, drone, drone maintenance, FAA, maintenance, Motor, multirotor, propellors, props, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0699: Can I monetize YouTube videos recorded while I was still hobbyist?

December 1, 2017 by narinder

Oftentimes, hobbyist pilots upload drone videos to YouTube with no intention of monetizing them. However, they usually want to make money off of these videos once they get their Part 107.

Today, we talk about this problem. Can you monetize YouTube videos you shot as a hobbyist pilot?

Well, it all depends on the content of the videos. Of course, the video can’t contain footage of you doing anything illegal with your drone. If you were flying in restricted airspace, for example, you won’t want to use the footage for business purposes. Otherwise, you should be fine.

Thanks to Neal in Colorado for calling in with today’s question! Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[01:57] Today’s question is about monetizing videos recorded while you were a hobbyist
[03:21] Can a hobbyist, upon receiving his Part 107 monetize a video that he shot in restricted airspace?
[04:30] Is it okay for a hobbyist to monetize a video shot with no commercial intent?
[05:36] Is it possible to prove that a video was shot with commercial intent?

Tags: authorization, Business, drone, FAA, hobbyist, monetization, monetize, money, multirotor, part 107, quadcopter, Safety, uav, youtube

ADU 0698: Can I obtain a night waiver if I don’t know which drone I’ll be flying?

November 30, 2017 by narinder

Today, we talk about obtaining a night waiver from the FAA. Earlier this week, we received a call from a listener who has a very specific question about drone waivers.

As a Part 107 pilot, he has a registered drone of his own. However, he was recently approached by a company seeking his drone services. Currently, he can’t disclose what the work entails, but it will most likely involve flying at night. Our caller wants to know if he can obtain a night waiver from the FAA even if he doesn’t know where exactly he’ll be flying. More importantly, he wants to know if he can apply for a night waiver if he doesn’t know which of the company’s drones he’ll be flying. What can he do?

Fortunately, the process of obtaining an FAA night waiver is easier than it used to be. We have a video about night waivers here:

How to Apply for an FAA Night Waiver

In that video (and this episode), we explain why our caller’s problem isn’t as complicated as it seems. In the end, it should be pretty simple! We hope you enjoy! Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[02:53] Today’s question is about night waiver from the FAA
[04:43] Paul suggests checking out the YouTube video, “How to Apply for an FAA Night Waiver”
[05:28] Can you obtain a night waiver if you don’t know where you will be flying and which drone you will be flying?
[07:55] Will having an individual night time waiver give you an edge over others in your company?

Tags: authorization, coa, drone, FAA, mapping, modeling, multirotor, night, part 107, quadcopter, Safety, uav, waiver

ADU 0697: How much should I charge to map a 1,000 acre property?

November 29, 2017 by narinder

Today, we talk about mapping and modeling a one-thousand acre property. Adrian calls in with a few questions about a drone job he’s been hired for. In addition to how much he should charge, Adrian wants to know what the best equipment for a modeling job this size would be. Also, he asks for tips on completing the job successfully.

In this case, the equipment, pricing and best practices all depend on what the landscape looks like. Depending on whether the property is covered in trees or contains buildings, Adrian will have to use different equipment. He may be using lidar, photogrammetry or some combination of the two. Furthermore, the cost and equipment will be determined by the industry Adrian is working in.

Do you have a big drone job and don’t know where to start? This episode might be helpful! Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[04:27] We discuss the recent security issues with DJI products
[07:00] What are some of the advantages of using LIDAR technology on a mapping mission?
[09:51] Today’s question is about mapping and modeling a one-thousand acre property
[10:44] Why should you opt for LIDAR over photogrammetry if your mapping site is covered with dense foliage?
[11:30] How do you deal with clients who want buildings to appear lifelike in the final deliverable? Can you use LIDAR as well as photogrammetry?
[12:08] Will using LIDAR result in significant time savings on a mapping mission?
[13:16] Can you use photogrammetry to map an area of 1,000 acres?
[14:00] What will be cost of batteries if you attempt to map a large 1,000 acre area?
[14:26] We discuss why it is not feasible to shoot for longer duration in winter
[15:24] Will your effort and hence, charge go up if your client demands the final deliverable as an object file?
[16:15] How much should charge for mapping a 1,000 acre area if you are using LIDAR? What about photogrammetry?
[17:28] What are the some of the considerations if your mapping mission has an agricultural purpose?
[17:50] In which instances would a fixed wing drone like PrecisionHawk be a good solution?
[19:00] Is it better to quote a Package price for a mapping job of such large scale? Is it better than making an itemized quote?
[19:17] Why is it important to define requirements of your final deliverable before bidding for job? Should you consider offering multiple packages?
[23:45] We talk about tips and tricks to negotiate with a prospect without offending them
[25:01] Should you consider opting for a home-built fixed wing drone for a similar large scale mapping job?
[26:27] We share information about the forthcoming mapping classes on Drone U

Tags: Business, drone, drone job, entrepreneur, equipment, FAA, mapping, modeling, multirotor, pricing, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0696: I want to map with my P4P+ but can’t download third-party apps. What should I do?

November 27, 2017 by narinder

Today, we talk about the Phantom 4 Pro Plus and third-party apps. Those of you who own the Phantom 4 Pro Plus probably know that it doesn’t work with third-party apps. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to use for mapping and modeling.

Unfortunately, our friend David in El Paso just purchased a Phantom 4 Pro Plus and wants to get into the mapping business. Of course, he found out quickly that he couldn’t download any third-party apps like Pix4D. He wants to know what he should do.

Honestly, it may be his best option to exchange his new drone for a regular Phantom 4 Pro. In that case, he’ll be able to use his phone to download Pix4D and get to making maps and models. Due to the fact that David purchased the drone within the past week, he should be able to do so just fine.

Let us know how it works out for you, David. Fly safe!

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Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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Timestamps

[02:20] Today’s question is about Phantom 4 Pro Plus and third party apps
[03:35] Can you use third party apps with the Phantom 4 Pro Plus?
[04:03] Is the Android version of Pix4D better than the iPhone version? If yes, why?
[04:37] Can you download third party apps using your CrystalSky monitor? Are there any issues while doing so?
[06:29] Can you return a DJI product that you buy from Amazon?

Tags: autopilot, DJI, drone, equipment, FAA, mapping, modeling, multirotor, phantom 4 pro plus, phantom 4 pro plux, pix4d, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0695: How can I build a drone business in a rural area?

November 24, 2017 by narinder

Today’s episode is for those of you drone pilots who work in rural areas with low populations. Bill called in to ask us about running a drone business in a place with a relatively small community.

Of course, any drone business in a smaller area is going to face some challenges when it comes to finding clients and getting work. At the same time, however, the process of finding clients will generally be the same.

Remember, drones can help businesses everywhere. Real estate agencies need aerial photographs. Construction companies love progression maps. Tourist bureaus can use drone footage to advertise the area and entice people to come visit. Photogrammetry is something that has growing value in a ton of industries.

All in all, you’ll just have to make a demo reel showcasing your drone skills and get it in front of the right people. Focus on the niches where you think you can really shine, show your potential customers how you can help them and don’t give up. Whether you’re in Manhattan or the rural Midwest, businesses need the skills that you have to offer.

Thanks for the question Bill! Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[02:48] Today’s question is about starting a business in a rural area
[04:02] Are online platforms good sources for getting drone jobs?
[04:22] Paul urges anyone thinking of getting into the drone business to make a compelling demonstration video
[04:48] What are some of the possible areas that you can consider if you planning to enter the drone business?
[05:11] Paul explains how you can systematically and strategically build your drone business
[05:37] Paul shares some online sites where you can get work and kick start your drone business
[06:25] Should you consider looking for work outside your city?
[07:03] Rob explains why marketing your drone services through your city’s Chamber of Commerce is a great idea

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

ADU 0694: How lucrative is 3D imaging? How much should I charge?

November 22, 2017 by narinder

Today’s episode is about 3D imaging. We talk to Paul, a drone entrepreneur in Arkansas, who wants to know how much pilots are making through mapping and modeling. In his words:

I see a lot about Pix4D, DroneDeploy and what-have you. I’m wondering what people are doing out there, if anything, and how much they’re charging.

Great question, Paul! But yes, there are plenty of pilots out there making a good amount of money doing 3D imaging, mapping and modeling with drones. From progression reports for construction companies and 3D models for real estate to mapping film sets and volumetric measurements, there are plenty of opportunities out there for the right pilots.

Of course, 3D imaging requires a fair amount of training and a potentially costly investment. Depending on what field you want to work in, mapping and modeling equipment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. At the same time, however, there are still plenty of opportunities to get your feet wet in the field of 3D imagery.

Keep your eye out for our intermediate modeling class! It’s on the way! Fly safe!

We hope you enjoy the episode! Fly safe!

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Energen M10 Model: DRONEU M10

Energen P40 Mode: DRONEU P40

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Timestamps

[03:35] Paul shares some details of the forthcoming Drone U classes
[05:16] Today’s question is about 3D imaging
[07:26] What are some of the applications of 3D models?
[08:52] What is the difference between photogrammetry and LIDAR?
[10:04] We explain why LIDAR is better suited for government work
[11:00] What is a drawback of using LIDAR?
[12:04] What is the cost of a drone equipped with LIDAR technology?
[13:04] How much can you potentially make with a LIDAR drone unit?
[14:32] We discuss some of the possible applications and wide potential for photogrammetry units
[18:40] Should you opt for desktop processing over cloud processing for your mapping data?
[19:44] We explain why packaged pricing is always better than itemized pricing

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

ADU 0693: I nearly had a collision with a jet. Was it my fault?

November 20, 2017 by narinder

Today, we talk about MOAs and restricted airspace. Austin called in with a near-collision story and wants to know if he was in the wrong.

I contract my services out to an oil and gas company just south of San Antonio, where there are a lot of beautiful rolling hills. Normally, I do photogrammetry and surveying data, but today I was getting a cinematic shot of a pipeline. Before I got my bird in the air, I checked the airspace and found myself smack-dab on the border of two MOAs. Upon doing some digging, I found that both MOAs were active during the time that I wanted to fly. The minimum operational altitude of the one closest to me was 8,000 feet and the one that I was going to be flying into was 7,000 feet.

I figured, “Okay, I’ve covered my bases and made sure to be out of their airspace. Everything’s good”. However, once I was in the air shooting, not very much time went by before I started hearing jets behind me. When I turned around, I saw two jets flying very low to the ground, only 400 or 500 feet off the ground. They were coming up behind me heading straight toward my drone. Obviously, I yield right away and lose altitude as quickly as possible.

It was a very scary and interesting experience. I imagine that those jets were trying to fly below the MOA, as well, and were just skimming the ground to take a look at the pipeline stuff. Thankfully, no one got hurt.

Honestly, it sounds like Austin did everything right. However, many pilots make simple mistakes that get them into dangerous situations. In order to avoid violating airspace regulations and potentially damaging your drone, it is important to understand the difference between MOAs and restricted airspace. Remember, military pilots have the right to fly to their heart’s content. Luckily, you can always check NOTAMs or use an airspace app to see the traffic in your area.

Glad you made it out alive, Austin! Keep flying safe!

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Timestamps

[02:44] Today’s question revolves around MOA’s and restricted airspace
[04:42] Can you fly in MOA’s? Is there a difference between MOA’s and restricted airspace?
[05:00] Can military air crafts go dark and fly without lights in MOA’s?
[06:01] Can you see manned traffic on the new upgraded DJI Go app?
[06:42] Is it likely that you will have to fly above 300 feet on a drone job?
[07:34] How are MOA’s and restricted areas depicted on sectional air charts?

Tags: airspace, Business, drone, FAA, gas, multirotor, oil, quadcopter, regulation, Safety, uav

ADU 0692: I’m twelve years old and want to start a drone business. What can I do to prepare?

November 17, 2017 by narinder

Henry is twelve years old and already thinking about starting a own drone business. Obviously, he is too young to obtain a Part 107 and can’t legally make money flying drones yet. However, Henry is lucky in many ways. Because he is so young, he has years to perfect his flight skills and learn about what it takes to run a drone business.

After all, it takes more than just proper training and fantastic skills to become drone entrepreneur. The most successful drone business owners understand the industry inside and out. They understand the value that drones can provide and know how to connect with potential clients. They’ve thought long and hard about what they do and why they do it. Of course, this requires research and reading in the pursuit of knowledge.

Thanks for the question Henry. We’re excited your thinking about your drone business so early on in life. Luckily, there’s more information available than ever before. Go learn everything you can! Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[05:53] We share information regarding our forthcoming mapping and modeling class
[06:46] What are some of the current trends in the modeling and mapping industry?
[08:15] Which are some of the forthcoming Drone U classes?
[12:34] Today’s question is about a twelve year old who wants to eventually enter the drone industry
[13:21] We discuss the importance of meticulous planning while starting a new business
[14:11] Paul recommends “Grit” by Angela Duckworth for anyone aspiring to start their own business
[15:01] Learn how discovering your passion can help you become successful in business
[15:37] We share details about our forthcoming business course titled “Business in a box”
[16:30] Some tips and tricks for running a business as a one man team
[18:30] We discuss the importance of mastering your flying skills if you plan on getting into the drone business
[19:27] What are some of the resources that can help you hone your entrepreneurship skills?
[20:46] How can experiencing failure help you run your business better?
[22:01] Discussing the importance of integrating systems into your business
[22:11] We discuss the difference between having a 9 to 5 job and running your own business
[24:00] Can you avail free courses from prestigious university to build your skills?
[25:41] We recommend some podcasts that will help you hone your entrepreneurship skills