Recently, it has become more common for police, firefighters and other public safety agencies to use drones in law enforcement. As a result, we often get questions about police drones from folks in law enforcement. Today, we take a call from Kevin, a police officer looking to purchase a law enforcement drone for his agency.
Police officers should have a good idea of what their drone will be used for before they make any purchases for their department. There are a number of good options, each offering certain benefits to law enforcement agencies.
In order to help Kevin, we talk about some of the ways in which law enforcement might use drones. We discuss the various law enforcement drones and cameras that might help them to protect and serve. Additionally, we outline the potential costs of purchase drones and outline ways to train and equip a department on a budget.
Good luck Kevin! Fly safe!
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Timestamps
Today, we talk about Attitude Mode. Lance from New Jersey wants to learn to fly in Attitude Mode, so he called in to ask for some tips.
Currently, Lance flies a Mavic Pro. He wants to get the smooth, buttery shots that Attitude Mode can provide. Of course, his main problem is that the Mavic Pro doesn’t feature Attitude Mode. The Mavic Pro does have a Cinematic Mode as one of its Intelligent Flight Mode options, but how does it compare?
Truthfully, Mavic’s Cinematic Mode is not a strong substitute for Attitude Mode. While it does facilitate smoother shots, it does not offer the variety of benefits that Attitude Mode provides. The Mavic Pro’s manual mode, on the other hand, is a better alternative.
However, there is no true substitution for Attitude Mode. It enables you to be flexible and versatile in a way that no other flight mode does. Luckily, we’ll be offering an exclusive webinar on 11/29/17 for Drone U members on getting Attitude Mode for your drone.
Undeniably, you’ll need to learn to fly in Attitude Mode at some point. It will help you to become the best pilots you can be. Ultimately, flying in GPS Mode is like flying with the training wheels on.
We hope that we answered your question, Lance. Thanks for the call! 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!
Also, the folks over at Energen are offering a special discount on their amazing batteries 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/.
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.
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Timestamps
Today, we have the epic luxury of speaking with Nick Martino. Nick is the airport supervisor in Ventura County. In light of DJI’s recent AeroScope announcement, we thought it would be good to speak about the benefits of such software with an airspace professional.
In case you are unaware, AeroScope is a tracking software and geo-fencing system that notifies law enforcement agencies of all drone activity happening within their airspace. It works with all DJI drones as well as those produced by other manufacturers. AeroScope aims to increase communication between manned aircraft and UAVs while creating safer airspace for everyone.
Many pilots, however, are upset by AeroScope’s quiz feature, which asks the user a series of questions before allowing them to fly. On the surface, it may seem like DJI is overreaching. After all, commercial pilots have already taken the required Part 107 test and do not want to be re-tested every they fly.
In reality, though, DJI AeroScope could be a positive tool for the drone community and society at large. Martino outlines some of the benefits that AeroScope offers. In order to illustrate these benefits, he gives use a demonstration and shows exactly how DJI AeroScope works.
We hope you enjoy this episode. Special thanks to Nick Martino for joining us! Fly safe!
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Timestamps
Today, we talk a bit about DROTAMs. Scott calls in to ask if he should apply for one.
Typically, you hear far less about DROTAMs than you do about NOTAMs. Because pilots have had poor experiences with DROTAMs, they aren’t a very popular form of airspace authorization. In fact, you aren’t likely to see them as an option on most authorization forms.
In order to answer Scott’s question, Paul talks about his experience. There is a misconception that holding a DROTAM will inhibit other pilots from flying. In reality, most hobbyist pilots don’t even know what a DROTAM is. Therefore, they aren’t keeping track of the DROTAMs in their area. Most likely, they’ll just fly their drone anyway.
Ultimately, we’re not sure if they provide value to anybody. We hope this helps, Scott. Fly safe!
If you’re looking for a thoughtfully designed case, check out the amazing products at Go Professional Cases!
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Timestamps
[03:57] Today’s question revolves around DROTAMs
[04:41] Is there any difference between DROTAMs and NOTAMs?
[04:53] Are you likely to see these requests in an airspace authorization? Is there a reason why these requests are so rare now?
[06:00] We discuss the domineering and unfair attitude of manned pilots for remote pilots
[07:47] Does a DRORAM inhibit other pilots from flying?
[09:02] Are there any apps where you can check DROTAMs?
[09:18] Is it worth getting one?
Today, we talk about DroneDeploy, Pix4D and how to choose the best cloud-processing software for modeling.
Mapping and modeling services are a logical next-step for many drone businesses. In order to provide your clients with the highest-quality deliverables, you need to have a mastery over your modeling software. Currently, many drone pilots have troubling choosing the right software for their business.
While DroneDeploy and Pix4D each have their own limitations, both modeling platforms offer unique benefits to the pilots that use them.
Paul discusses what makes a good processing platform, why it is important, and how to choose the best one for your
Additionally, he discusses how professional training can help you take your drone modeling business to the next level.
Fly safe!
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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.
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Timestamps
Today, we talk about copyright, retention clauses and demo reels. Steven, a drone business owner, calls in from Tennessee to discuss a problem he has.
Essentially, Steven is having trouble maintaining the ownership over his own footage. After working with a real estate company in his area for a number of weeks, he wanted to include some of the footage in his demo reel.
In order to make sure he didn’t get sued, Steven asked his employer if it was alright that he use some of the footage he shot for them to promote himself. Of course, he assumed that this would be fine. Upon meeting with the employer, however, Steven was notified by the company that they did not want him to use the footage in his demo reel. Additionally, they disclosed that the company had a retention clause in all of their contracts. At this time, though, Steven has not signed a contract and wants to know if they can legally prevent him from using the footage. This is why he called us for help.
While we aren’t professional lawyers, we do know that a contract has no legal bearing if it hasn’t been signed. If Steven hasn’t actually signed the contract his company is referring to, then he will have no legal trouble if he moves forward with his demo reel. In the case that he has signed the contract, however, he could face legal repercussions.
Even if this is the case, though, there are certain ways that Steven can work around the contract. While we don’t recommend violating copyright laws, there are techniques for using your footage for promotion without publishing it in a public forum.
To this end, we discuss some ways in which Steven may be able to use his footage without making his employer angry. We also discuss when (and when not) to do this. Additionally, we talk about the importance of establishing clear and direct contracts at the time of employment.
Hope you enjoy! Fly safe!
If you’re looking for high-quality stock footage or music to help polish your drone videos, check out Videoblocks!
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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.
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Timestamps
Today, we were lucky enough to chat with Jessica and Matt from Skyward.io. Skyward is one of the teams working to provide drone pilots everywhere with the ability to obtain instant airspace authorization. As you may know, pilots currently have to wait up to six months in order for their applications to get approval.
In order to help us better understand how they’re revolutionizing the drone industry, Jessica and Matt discuss what Skyward is doing, how they’re doing it and when we can expect instant airspace authorizations to be available to drone pilots everywhere.
Special thanks to Skyward for joining us! Fly safe!
More info is available at the following links:
Skyward’s LAANC Resource Page: www.skyward.io/laanc
FAA’s LAANC Resource Page: www.faa.gov/go/laanc
Skyward’s Webinar Registration: //go.skyward.io/laanc-webinar.html
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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.
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Timestamps
Today, we answer a question about high school drone classes. Tom called in to ask us about the legality around high school students using drones to make money.
Tom is a high school media teacher that integrates drones into his coursework. As a result, he has been approached by several businesses who would like his students to shoot drone footage for advertising purposes. In return, these businesses would make charitable donations to the high school. Ultimately, Tom’s question is this: If they’re flying drones in exchange for charity, do my students need to have Part 107 licenses?
If you listen to our podcast regularly, you’ll know that we often get questions about flying drones for non-profits. People want to know if they need to be licensed even when their employer technically makes no money. According to the FAA, however, these businesses are being furthered by the drone services that pilots provide. Thus, most pilots flying for charitable purposes do, indeed, need to be licensed.
In this situation, there are certain nuances that might allow students to fly without a license. If Tom himself, for example, is a Part 107 pilot, students could shoot aerial footage for these businesses in exchange for money. At the same time, however, only one student would be able to fly at any given time. Remember, a Part 107 does allow licensed pilots to act as a supervisor on any commercial flight mission.
In turn, this episode is a discussion around the nuances of flying drones for charity, specifically in Tom’s case of high school students. We hope you enjoy it. Fly safe!
If you’re looking for high-quality stock footage or music to help polish your drone videos, check out Videoblocks!
If your looking for a fantastic quadcharger, check out our friends at Colorado Drone Chargers. Use the promo code “droneu8” at checkout to receive a special discount.
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.
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Timestamps
Today, we discuss which apps can help you monitor airspace and follow FAA’s rules. Mitch called in to ask for our recommendations.
As you may know, there are plenty of apps out there that allow you to monitor the airspace in your area. For example, ForeFlight makes it easy to see which flights are happening in the airspace above you at the moment. FlightRadar shows the air traffic in your area, as well. In addition, the new Aeroscope firmware upgrade will enable you to see air traffic in your area when you’re connected to the internet.
However, it is important to remember that the most important thing to do when monitoring the airspace around you is to always check tfr.faa.gov. This website will keep track of all updates concerning airspace restrictions such as TFRs and No-Fly Zones.
Because Mitch also asked about maintaining privacy, we talk about some apps and features that can help you fly “off-the-radar”, so to speak.
Thanks for the question, Mitch! Fly safe!
If you’re looking for high-quality stock footage or music to help polish your drone videos, check out Videoblocks!
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.
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Timestamps
Apart from sharing the entire list of LAANC airports, we also reveal when other airports will join the LAANC network as well.
As you may have heard, the Low Altitude Authorization & Notification Capability (LAANC) is now live! By and large, the drone community has been waiting for a faster way to obtain airspace authorization. Finally, LAANC has brought it to us!
In the past, airspace authorization has been one of the biggest problems facing drone pilots. Professional pilots and drone business owners have missed out on valuable opportunities due to the slow process of applying for authorization. Some pilots have passed on potential paydays, while others have flown illegally (and irresponsibly) just to make ends meet. Luckily, LAANC is proposing to put those days behind us.
Basically, LAANC is a system that enables pilots to request and receive authorization in less than two minutes. Currently, it is offered through a significant number of airports, including Miami Dade, Phoenix and San Jose, among others. The system is accessible through two vendors: Airmap and Skyward.io and now Kittyhawk. In the near future, we expect to see more LAANC airports.
When can we expect more airports to join LAANC? Tune in to find out! Fly safe!
Today’s episode is brought to you by our friends at Colorado Drone Chargers! If you’re looking for a quadcharger, head on over to their site and use the promo code “droneu8” to receive a special discount!
Also, make sure to check out Videoblocks! They have all of the stock footage and copyright-free music you need to make killer drone videos!
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.
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Timestamps