ADU 0682: Is DJI’s AeroScope a good thing for the drone community?

November 2, 2017 by narinder

Aeroscope – DJI’s Tracking Software

Today, we talk about AeroScope, DJI’s new tracking software.

In case you haven’t heard, AeroScope is a system that allows government agencies to keep track of drones flying in a certain area. As Paul posted last week on Facebook:

DJI announced a new system that will allow law enforcement to track and identify drones, even in areas without cellular service or wifi. The system even works beyond DJI drones. It also works with any drone that operates over a WIFI based protocol. This system showcases telemetry information from the drone, the pilot’s information and location in addition to the flight path. The goal is to make our skies safer while increasing communication between manned aircraft and UAVs.

In addition, DJI will be changing the geo-fencing system on their drones to provide more access, as well as, including quizzes that pilots must take before they fly. These quizzes will ensure that pilots understand the rules of flight.

Understandably, many members of our community were upset by the announcement. After all, most of us have already passed the Part 107 test. Why should we have to take another series of quizzes in order to fly?

In reality, however, AeroScope has many positive implications for the drone community. It has the potential to promote responsibility and maintain accountability among drone pilots. Because the quizzes are pretty simple, too, it could potentially keep newbie pilots from doing anything dangerous with their drone.

We want to know what you all think. Is DJI overreaching? Leave us a message with your thoughts!

Fly safe!

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Timestamps

[01:15] Today we will be talking about DJI’s new tracking software, AeroScope
[04:14] We share details about the DJI policy meeting in Washington DC
[05:09] We discuss why adding a quiz to the DJI firmware upgrade is such a great idea
[08:19] Paul shares information about the upcoming FAA enforcements
[09:51] What are the capabilities of Aeroscope?
[11:43] We discuss why stating the intention of flight is a great feature that makes monitoring drones easier
[13:09] "] Are there chances of your privacy being compromised due to the introduction of Aerospace?
[14:41] We discuss why the “License plate system” is an apt name for AeroSpace
[17:14] What are some of the limitations of Aerospace?
[18:34] How does Aerospace dissuade illegal operators?
[19:36] Will the introduction of AeroSpace discourage federalism in drone law?
[22:13] "]We discuss some important issues that, if resolved will help the commercial operator do better work
[23:54] Will your flying range be limited if you do not go for a firmware upgrade? Find out out how you can eliminate the error message by using a Crystal sight monitor

Tags: aeroscope, DJI, DJIGo, drone, FAA, firmware, multirotor, policy, quadcopter, Safety, tracking, uav

ADU 0681: How does the Part 107 affect FPV racers?

November 1, 2017 by narinder

Today, Paul talks with Kevin Morris from the FAA. Specifically, we wanted to reach out to Kevin to discuss how the Part 107 applies to FPV racers.

Remember, FPVs aren’t only used for racing. There are other applications for FPVs, as well.

As Morris says:

“Where the FAA’s interpretation stems from is actually Public Law 112-95 Section 336. We keep going back to that document. That’s the professional mandate that gave us the rules, not only for hobby operation, but it also gave us the additional instruction that the FAA can’t propagate any further rules against hobby operation. But, what they did in that Public Law 112-95 was that they identified what the term “model aircraft” meant.

According to the congressional definition, it lists three primary areas…number two is that “a model aircraft must be flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft”. So, the way the FAA has always viewed the model operations or the special rule for model aircraft is that you either comply with all provisions of Public Law 112-95 Section 336, or you fall under civil aircraft operations, which means Part 107″.

Additionally, we discuss penalties, the AMA and a number of topics related to the Part 107. You won’t want to miss this one.

Special thanks to Kevin! 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

[00:25] Paul introduces Mr. Kevin Morris from the FAA to listeners
[00:42] Today’s topic revolves around how Part 107 applies to FPV racing
[01:12] Kevin explains FAA’s interpretation of Public Law 112-95, Section 336 and explains why Part 107 is applicable to FPV racing
[03:22] Kevin elaborates on Congress’s requirement of maintaining “visual line of sight”
[04:52] Would a hobbyist drone pilot wearing DJI googles be able to operate under Section 336? Would Part 107 apply in this case?
[05:35] What is the AMA saying about this topic?
[07:33] Can a RPIC acting as a VO (Visual Observer) oversee a non-certificated remote pilot flying a UAS? Would this meet the requirements of Part 107?
[09:12] Can a person operate, act as a RPIC or VO of more than one unmanned aircraft at the same time?
[09:46] What are the repercussions of flying FPV without a Part 107?
[11:12] What are the possible civil penalties for not complying with Part 107?
[12:54] Learn how Drone U can help you with getting your Part 107; you can also learn to fly FPV from Nytfury

Tags: drone, FAA, fpv, hobby, kevin morris, laws, mandate, multirotor, part 107, quadcopter, rules, Safety, uav

ADU 0680: Should public safety offices get a Part 107 or a COA?

October 30, 2017 by narinder

Today, we talk about using drones for public safety. Of course, this is a topic we’ve covered in the past. If you’re a regular listener, you may remember episodes in which we talked about Part 107 licenses and COAs for police departments. Specifically, we discussed which authorization was a better option for public safety offices.

We received a ton of feedback on that episode! While many people were happy with the information we provided, some members of the public safety community called us out on the mistakes we made. As always, we appreciate the feedback.

In order to get a better understanding of authorizations for public safety offices, we invited Keenan Newton on to discuss his experience as a drone pilot working in public safety. Currently, Keenan works for the Linwood Fire Department.

Keenan gives us the rundown of what we got wrong. Additionally, he talks about the current state of public safety drone training and chats about his experience taking a public safety class at Florida State University.

This episode should be interesting to any drone pilot interested in (or currently) flying drones in the public safety sphere. Fly safe out there!

Also, remember to pick up 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

[00:22] Today we talk about drones for public safety
[00:54] Paul introduces Keenan Newton from the Fire Department
[02:08] Keenan corrects and clarifies some of the Part 107 and COA topics that Paul raised in a previous episode
[02:20] Can you get a SGI (Special Government Interest) under a Part 107?
[03:36] When and where are emergency COA’s useful?
[05:16] Can you be arrested for flying in an unauthorized way in an emergency situation in Texas?
[08:06] Keenan differentiates between a blanket COA and a jurisdictional COA
[08:21] What are some of the reasons for opting for Part 107 rather than COA?
[10:24] We discuss the new public standards for public safety officers who use drones
[12:46] Paul goes over the pitfalls of providing poor drone training
[17:00] Keenan shares his experience of taking the public safety course at Florida State University

Tags: agencies, airspace, authorization, coa, course, drone, drone training, FAA, firefighters, law enforcement, multirotor, part 107, police, public safety, quadcopter, Safety, uav, waiver

ADU 0679: Should I use intelligent flight mode when shooting golf courses?

October 26, 2017 by narinder

If you’re shooting aerial photographs or interactive maps for golf courses, you may be wondering about the best way to fly your drone. After all, depending on which drone you’re flying, you have a number of options. Do you use intelligent flight mode? Do you stick with manual mode? What about Attitude mode? How do you choose?

Today, we talk to Jake in Wisconsin about choosing the proper flight mode for shooting golf courses. Like many drone business owners, Jake wants to lend his services to the golf industry. In order to help him out, Paul gives his suggestions on the best way to achieve strong results.

We discuss which mode best helps you to achieve versatile movements, better tilts and everything you need to shoot buttery aerial footage. We also talk about the various ways which weather will affect your decision.

Additionally, we provide some tips on choosing the right mode for mapping and which apps are the best for producing interactive maps. If you’re looking to work with golf courses, you won’t want to miss this one! Fly safe!

Don’t forget, Videoblocks has all of the stock footage and royalty-free music you need!

Also, check out our friends at Colorado Drone Chargers! Use the promo code “droneu8” at checkout to receive a special discount!

If you need a landing pad, Drone U landing pads are some of the best around!

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

[04:10] Today’s question revolves around using intelligent flight modes for golf courses
[04:43] Will you end up using more battery power when flying GPS mode or using third party apps?
[05:37] Paul shares the rationale behind flying a golf course in attitude mode
[06:04] Which are some of the instances when you should consider using flight modes? Paul explains how you can use “Point of interest” flight mode
[08:12] Which is a recommended app for flying waypoints?
[09:09] We talk about the various advantages of doing super-slow tilts
[09:37] Discussing the benefits of flying in manual mode in windy weather
[11:24] Is the use of flight modes and third party apps likely to increase if you are on a mapping mission?
[11:39] We share some information about our forthcoming Advance mapping class

Tags: attitude mode, battery, DJI, drone, equipment, FAA, golf course, intelligent flight mode, litchy, manual, multirotor, phantom 4 pro, quadcopter, Safety, uav, Videography, waypoints, Weather

ADU 0678: Do you need a Part 107 to fly for a non-profit?

October 26, 2017 by narinder

Is flying drones for a non-profit a “commercial” job? Usually, we don’t think of non-profits as commercial businesses. While non-profits like churches don’t technically make money, do you need a Part 107 to work for them?

Today, we talk to Paul in Arkansas about this very question. Paul holds a Part 107 license and wants to know if this will help him get a drone job working with non-profits. Should he be advocating for the benefits of hiring a licensed pilot? Furthermore, should he warn non-profits about the danger of hiring non-licensed pilots?

In order to answer Paul’s question, we discuss why it is vital for non-profits to work only with Part 107 pilots. After all, non-profits do generate money. However, the FAA sees non-profits differently. Even if that money isn’t “profit”, they can still get in trouble for working with non-licensed pilots. In short, the answer to Paul’s question is, “Yes, non-profits should only be hiring licensed drone pilots”.

If you’re a drone pilot interested in working with non-profits, don’t miss this episode! Congratulations on the Part 107 Paul! Fly safe!

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

Also, don’t forget to pick up a Drone U landing pad!

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT

Timestamps

[02:11] Today we discuss whether non profits need Part 107 certified pilots
[03:55] Paul explains why non-profits are actually working for “furtherance of business”, and explains why they would need Part 107 certified pilots
[05:51] Are clients who hire illegal drone pilots likely to get into trouble with the FAA?
[07:08] Does FAA keep a record of drone operators caught flying without a Part 107 license?
[08:29] Paul talks about FAA’s efforts with regards to speeding up the authorization process
[08:37] Paul urges everyone to fill out the FAA survey about the troubles that drone operators are facing with the authorization process

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

ADU 0677: Is the West Hollywood drone ordinance legal?

October 24, 2017 by narinder

Uh oh! Local governments are trying to control federal airspace again!

Today, we talk to Siobahn. He tells us that his home city of West Hollywood has a drone ordinance. Currently, the local government of West Hollywood requires pilots to register their drones with the city. If you’ve been keeping up with the world of drone law, you know that the city has no right to maintain an ordinance on drones.

Specifically, you may remember Michael Singer vs. the City of Newton. In brief, the federal government ruled that the FAA is the only body that has control over federal airspace. Therefore, cities like Newton and West Hollywood are overstepping their boundaries.

Although it is easy to understand these laws, you may still be approached by police when flying your drone in certain areas. You can carry a Drone Pilot Field Kit and the knowledge of injustice with you. In reality, however, law enforcement are just trying to do their jobs.

So, what do you do when approached by the police? Do you notify them of the federal laws and hope that they let you keep flying? Do you walk away and schedule a meeting with the local government? It is important to realize that fighting with the cops won’t help.

In the long run, it takes hard work and time to fight drone ordinances. Like Michael Singer, we need to combat unjust drone regulations at the government level. Additionally, we need to respect police officers and continue to build a positive reputation for the drone community.

Tune in to hear more! Fly safe!

Don’t forget to check out Videoblocks! In addition to endless reels of stock footage, they have all of the royalty-free music you need to make amazing drone videos!

Also, if you’re looking for a drone landing pad, we’ve got you covered!

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

[02:10] Today’s topic revolves around drone ordinance in West Hollywood
[03:51] How can you potentially deal with local governments trying to control federal airspace?
[05:01] Effective ways of dealing with cops obstructing you from flying in federal airspace
[08:49] Tips to verbally deal with a law officer obstructing you from flying in federal airspace
[10:50] Are there any chances of a police officer letting you fly in federal airspace if there are local ordinances in place?

Tags: authority, drone, drone ordinance, Drone Pilot Field Kit, FAA, federal airspace, john taylor, local, local airspace, michael singer vs city of newton, multirotor, permits, quadcopter, registration, regulation, Safety, singer vs newton, uav, west hollywood

ADU 0676: What do I need to know about property releases?

October 23, 2017 by narinder

What happens if you get verbal permission to fly, but not a signed property release? For instance, say that a property owner is happy to let you fly around their land and shoot aerial photos. Upon reviewing the photos later, however, you shot some real gems and you might want to sell them. Can you go back to the owner and ask them to sign a property release? Furthermore, what if you never got permission from them in the first place? What if you took off from the street, got photos of someone’s property and want to sell those images?

Today, we get a question from Desi about this very problem. She wants to know what she can or cannot sell. Specifically, she asks us to address national parks, private property and property releases.

In order to answer Desi’s questions, we talk about the FAA’s laws around national parks, private property and property releases. We discuss how to obtain signed contract from property owners. Additionally, we discuss photographer’s rights and why it’s okay to take photos from public places.

Lastly, we encourage you to check out the Drone Pilot Field Kit. It’s filled with valuable information about copyright, property releases and photographer’s rights.

Thanks for the question Desi! Fly safe!

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

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Get your copy of “Livin’ the Drone Life” – //amzn.to/2nalUDH
Get your copy of our Part 107 Study Guide – //amzn.to/2omQatT
Download the LEGAL FLYER APP – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/legal-flyer/id917432598?mt=8

Timestamps

[01:43] Today we discuss whether or not it is necessary to get a signed property release
[04:12] Can you sell your drone footage without getting owner permission? When is it necessary to get permission?
[04:58] Which App can you use to get permission to take off, land from and film on a private property?
[05:09] Is it alright to shoot on the basis of verbal permission?
[06:06] How should you go about getting a property release?
[07:04] Would you end up owning copyright for footage of a public property?
[08:51] Are non-US citizens likely to get into trouble for filming critical infrastructure?
[11:00] Is it okay to take-off and land outside a national park but fly over it? Can you sell national park footage?

Tags: Business, commercial, contracts, drone, drone pilot field kid, FAA, legal, legalflyer, multirotor, permits, photo, private, property, public, quadcopter, Safety, uav

ADU 0675: How do you equip a Phantom 4 Pro for mapping?

October 20, 2017 by narinder

Drone Mapping with Phantom 4 Pro

Today, we discuss mapping with the Phantom 4 Pro. What is the best workflow for capturing accurate, survey-grade mapping data?

Johnny called in from St Louis to ask about setting his P4P up with the appropriate mapping equipment. Because he wants to start mapping for golf courses and real estate, Johnny wants to make sure he’s got the right tools.

In the past, we’ve talked about the high costs of mapping apps for drones. However, there are solutions available for the Phantom 4 Pro. Additionally, the Yuneec H520 offers a great alternative for those pilots trying to get into the field.

We talk about battery life, payloads and flexibility when it comes to buying the right mapping equipment. Furthermore, we discuss the intricacies of the mapping process and why having the best mapping equipment is so important.

Thanks for the question Johnny! Fly safe!

Are you interested in making money mapping with your drone? Stay tuned for our Intermediate/Advanced Mapping Course!

Make sure to get yourself a Drone U landing pad!

Also, make sure to head over to Videoblocks.com. A subscription gives you full-access to all of the royalty-free music you need to make killer drone videos! Use the promo code “droneu8” to receive a special discount!

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

[03:24] Today we talk about equipping a Phantom 4 Pro for mapping
[05:26] Are the Phantom 4 Pro and Yuneec H520 suitable for mapping golf courses?
[06:07] What is the payload that you should be using for Phantom 4 Pro?
[06:22] We talk about the importance of weather while mapping
[06:45] Is it okay to shoot in RAW and convert to JPEG?
[08:26] Is it possible to shoot with great accuracy with a Phantom 4 Pro? What are some of the factors that affect accuracy?
[09:13] What is the issue with using drones for crime scene mapping? Is the data accuracy maintained?
[13:22] We talk about how weather complexities can affect mapping data
[14:26] Can you use LIDAR for your mapping missions?
[15:11] Paul sums up today’s episode
[15:50] Can you use SiteScan to get better details for your mapping data?

Tags: Business, Cameras, drone, equipment, FAA, golf courses, lidar, mapping, multirotor, Phantom, phantom 4 pro, products, quadcopter, Real Estate, Safety, surveying, tools, uav, yuneec

ADU 0674: Which is the Best Drone Mapping Software for you?

October 19, 2017 by narinder

Today, we talk about mapping apps and data platforms. Which one is the best?

With so many data platforms out there, how do you choose the right one for you? DroneDeploy, Pix4D, Maps Made Easy and PrecisionHawk all have their upsides and downsides, but which one is going to suit the needs of your drone business?

In order to help you choose the best data platform for drone mapping, we take a call from Rob. Rob is in the process of becoming a full-time drone pilot. He wants to get into drone inspections, agricultural mapping and other fields. While there are a number of mapping apps for him to pick from, each has benefits in terms of cost and mapping capability.

When choosing a mapping app, remember that your deliverables are as important as your mapping skills. The ability to deliver useful, actionable maps is the key to running a successful drone business. As a result, you’ll want to choose a mapping app that enables you to deliver aerial maps can really use. Which data platform is the best for delivering aerial maps? Listen to find out!

Thanks for the question Rob! Fly safe!

Today’s episode is sponsored by Colorado Drone Chargers. When heading out on mapping missions, you’ll want to stay fully charged. These guys have the quad chargers you need! Use the promo code “droneu8” at checkout to receive a special discount.

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

[02:52] Today we talk about mapping apps and data platforms
[04:05] What are the pros and cons of using PrecisionHawk?
[04:28] Can you map large areas through Pix4D capture?
[05:13] What are some of the alternatives to PrecisionHawk for mapping missions?
[05:40] Which data platforms can you use for cross hatching missions?
[06:13] What are the benefits of using Yuneec Typhoon H520 and its DataPilot software over Pix4Dcapture? Find out why the resulting JPEG imagery is of superior quality
[07:13] We talk about the benefits of using DroneDeploy for doing NDVI. Find out why DroneDeploy scores over Pix4D as far as client deliverables are concerned
[08:55] Is Maps Made Easy a good alternative to Pix4D capture?
[09:41] Why is PrecisionHawk the best solution if you are catering to high level clients?
[11:00] Is the Yuneec Typhoon H520 a better alternative to Phantom Pro for mapping missions?
[12:07] "] We discuss SiteScan and its perimeter scan function for oblique and orbit imagery. Can you use Ground Station Pro’s orbit mode and vertical mode instead?

Tags: agriculture, applications, apps, data platforms, deliverables, drone, equipment, FAA, inspections, mapping, mapping applications, multirotor, products, quadcopter, Safety, software, uav

ADU 0672: How do I practice precision flying without crashing my drone?

October 17, 2017 by narinder

Precision flying can be scary. You can crash your drone and watch your hard-earned money go right down the drain. For that reason, many pilots are scared to practice precision flying.

At the same time, however, learning to fly precisely through gates and around obstacles can be extremely beneficial. It can help you get amazing aerial shots and distinguish you from other drone pilots.

But how do you practice precision flying?

Today, we talk to Bill in Oklahoma about precision flying. Bill calls in to ask how he can practice without crashing. While it requires overcoming mental obstacles and perfecting the fundamentals of flight, enough practice will have you flying like a pro in no time.

Thanks for the question Bill! Fly safe!

If you need stock footage, head on over to Videoblocks.com/drone!

If you’re looking for a quad charger to keep you flying all day, make sure to check out Colorado Drone Chargers. Enter promo code DRONEU8 upon checkout for a special discount!

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

[03:34] "] Today’s question is about practicing precision without crashing your drone
[04:44] Why is practicing with gates such a good idea?
[05:14] Listing some of the important practical steps that you need to follow in order to master flying, and how can the various Drone U courses help you?
[07:50] We suggest a great resource for purchasing gates, and provide some tips and tricks to practice with them
[08:36] Understanding the importance of flying in FPV flight mode and mastering small moments
[09:38] Is it important to learn to fly in FPV mode as well as line of sight?
[10:17] We discuss the wisdom of starting off with a cheaper drone
[10:39] How can you build confidence and bring precision into your flying?
[12:16] Debating the necessity of pushing yourself in order to improve your flying skills
[13:13] Does DJI Care Refresh provide good service?
[16:22] Paul provides some details of the next Drone U Fly in