Air Map is actively supporting the Fienstein Drone Federalism Bill which will severely limit airspace for pilots

Recently the Drone U team was sent a compromising email that showcased that Air Map was actively supporting the Fienstein drone federalism bill, the drone innovation act which both promote a patchwork of local drone laws. Essentially these bills would empower local authorities to have control over the airspace up to 200 feet, creating a climate of chaos for drone pilots. Should pilots support Air Map when they are attempting to take the Federal Aviation’s Authority away?

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Timestamps

• [00:23] Paul introduces Vic Moss to listeners
• [01:08] Vic enlightens listeners on Air Map’s position on the Fienstein drone federalism bill and the Lewis bill
• [01:53] Paul and Vic discuss the likely fallout of implementing the drone federalism bill and the Lewis bill
• [02:54] Vic reads out important excerpts from the Fienstein drone federalism bill; we discuss the implications of local authorities controlling airspace up to 200 feet
• [05:13] Vic draws parallels to Chicago drone laws, and points out how passing of this bill will nullify the ruling of the Singer case
• [05:54] Understanding why Air Map is a strong proponent of the Drone federalism bill and Lewis bill
• [06:52] Paul provides sources which hint towards the fact that Air Map has been paying huge fees to lobby the passage of drone federalism bill and Lewis bill
• [08:06] Vic shares details of the email sent out by an Air Map employee to Congress
• [08:51] Understanding the implications of drone innovation act
• [10:14] Paul and Vic discuss Air Map’s involvement with noflyzone.org which aimed to make residences into no fly zones
• [11:42] Paul reads out Dr. Greg McNeil’s comment from an article on unmanned-aerial.com
• [12:34] Discussing FAA’s position in the Singer versus City of Newton case
• [13:26] Paul and Vic discuss how the drone industry is reacting to Air Map’s position
• [13:49] Understanding how the possible implementation of the proposed bills will make it impossible for pilots to fly without flouting any laws
• [15:52] Vic points out the need for the drone industry to rally together when the Federal re-authorization Act comes up to vote
• [19:02] Discussing how the so called “federalism” bill goes against all tenants of federalism
• [20:50] Discussing how the passage of the proposed bills will increase state interference and set a dangerous precedent for the drone industry
• [23:06] Paul and Vic discuss how Air Map is refusing to clarify their stance and have gone under a shell after the release of this compromising email

This episode is all about TFRs or Temporary Flight Restrictions.  In case you are unaware, there is a special classification of TFR that prohibits flight during “VIP Movement”.  In short, this means that drones are prohibited from flying when the president, a senator or anyone else with a VIP designation is in the area. 

Dave and Josh from Nashville called in to clarify whether or not the VIP TFR applied to everyone or only Part 107 drone pilots.  In response, we talk a little bit about what constitutes a VIP Movement restriction and who they apply to.  Additionally, we discuss TFR waivers and how you can apply for one.

A list of current Temporary Flight Restrictions is maintained at tfr.faa.gov.

Thanks for the question, guys!  Fly safe!

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Timestamps

• [01:36] Today’s question is about the applicability of VIP TFRs over Part 107 pilots
• [02:25] When were unmanned aircraft placed under temporary restrictions?
• [03:09] Is it possible to fly in case a VIP is visiting your town?
• [03:47] Is there a way to get around TFRs and fly your drone?
• [04:35] Learn the importance of building a relationship with the local flight office
• [06:32] Which is the best place to check TFRs?
• [07:50] Should you check Temporary Flight Restrictions every time before your fly?
• [08:50] Which are some the Drone U recommended preflight checklist apps?

Today’s episode should be helpful for anyone who’s afraid to fly their drone.  After all, many drone pilots have a fear of flying.  Drones are expensive and no one wants to crash a costly piece of equipment they spent so much money on.

Scott from North Carolina calls in to ask if we have any advice on getting over the fear of flying.  We talk about ways to build confidence, to let go of your fears and to accept failure.  If you’re afraid to fly your drone, it will take some time to truly get over your fear of flying.  With patience and practice, however, you’ll learn to not be afraid of flying your drone. 

Thanks for a great question, Scott!  Fly safe!

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Timestamps

• [02:55] Do you need a city permit to fly in Laguna beach?
• [06:18] How are drone regulations in Laguna beach different from that of North Carolina?
• [08:09] In today’s topic we provide advice to overcome your fear of flying a drone
• [09:32] Learn how getting information can help you overcome your fear of flying
• [11:12] "]Understand the importance of getting experience in order to overcome your fear of flying
• [11:30] Paul shares some information about his forthcoming book, a practical training guide
• [12:15] Learn to know how well your drone is performing by listening to it’s sound
• [12:38] How can becoming a Drone U member help you overcome your fear?
• [13:53] Cultivate a mindset where can take a drone crash into your stride
• [15:31] Should you consider having a cheaper backup drone to remove your fear of flying?
• [16:27] Discussing the importance of cultivating emotional intelligence
• [20:27] Some tips and tricks to safely fly your drone
• [21:07] Will meditation help you fly in a better manner?
• [22:20] Learn how flying with other people can help you improve your skills

How do you Buy the BEST and most AFFORDABLE Drone Insurance for your Business?

Today’s episode is all about drone insurance.  We received a call from JP in North Carolina, who wants to know if he needs drone insurance and if we had any tips about purchasing it.

Luckily, we were able to bring our friend Joe Ernster on this episode to speak with us about drone insurance.  Joe is a UAV insurance expert working at the Bullock Insurance Agency.  We talk to Joe about all aspects of drone insurance, from pricing to filing claims.  Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional drone pilot, it is important to understand drone insurance and how it works.  You won’t want to miss this episode!

Bullock Insurance Agency is offering FREE INSURANCE QUOTES to all Drone U members!  Make sure to take advantage of their offer while it lasts!

Thanks for the question JP!  Fly safe!

More info on drone insurance is available at the Bullock Insurance website.

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Timestamps

[00:45] Today’s questions is about drone insurance
[01:42] Paul introduces Joe Ernster from the Bullock insurance agency to the listeners
[02:28] Joe shares how the insurance industry for unmanned aircrafts has simply exploded in recent years
[03:28] Understanding the importance of getting liability insurance
[03:52] What is a cost effective way of getting your backup drone insured?
[04:24] What is whole insurance? What does it normally cost?
[05:01] Would providing drone services to low risk segments such as agriculture result in reduction of insurance premium?
[05:20] Is it important to find a good aviation insurance broker?
[05:34] Does extensive flying experience results in reduction of insurance premium?
[06:53] What is the industry standard as far as insurance policy coverage is concerned?
[08:26] Would a standard UAV policy cover loss due to theft?
[09:52] Learn how you can get in touch with Joe to get your drone insurance
[11:45] Joe shares details about the various insurance options that you can avail
[13:03] Is it possible to get an entire fleet of drones insured?
[14:17] What would be the cost for insuring an entire drone fleet and a single drone?
[15:42] Joe shares some of the challenges with getting insured with Verifly
[18:20] Can you get drone insurance from a traditional insurance provider like Statefarm?
[20:46] "]Joe shares some of the latest changes that are shaping the drone insurance industry
[21:05] Should you negotiate your drone insurance premium?
[23:56] When is the right time to file a claim?
[24:44] How long is the claim process?
[25:23] Does Joe provide business insurance also?

The City of Newton Massachusetts attempted to inhibit flight over the whole city for any drone or UAV. The city also passed additional ordinances attempting to create a drone registry for owners, but thanks to Dr. Micheal Singer the ordinances were nullified.
Dr. Singer sued the City of Newton in Federal District Court which was decided yesterday, Dr. Singer won the case on a conflict of preemption. Essentially the courts stated that the city had no authority to regulate the airspace over the city. How will this affect future city ordinances, listen in to hear the scoop!

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Timestamps

• [00:35] Paul introduces Dr.Michael Singer
• [01:17] Today’s episode is all about Dr. Michael Singer’s fight against the city of Newton, MA and their drone ordinance
• [01:51] What prompted Dr. Singer to sue the city of Newton, MA?
• [02:10] Learn how drones can benefit tele-medicines and emergency services
• [03:17] Which are the provisions of the ordinance that Dr. Singer was dead against? We start by talking about the drone registry ordinances
• [04:22] Learn about the restrictive visual line of sight rule that deemed the ordinance unfavorable for drone pilots
• [04:41] Which were the rules in the proposed ordinance that rendered navigation of drones impossible?
• [05:13] Learn about the restrictive rules in the proposed ordinance with regards to flying over private property
• [06:51] What was the end result of Dr. Singer’s fight against the city of Newton, MA
• [08:08] Is this a binding precedent to other states?
• [08:50] Can city ordinances still be created? Can cities still prohibit takeoff and landing of drones?
• [09:15] Discussing the dynamics of state law and federal law with regards to drone ordinance, and the need to create a nationwide drone law
• [12:00] Will this case and precendant have effects on states like North Carolina that have attempted state wide drone registration and permitting?
• [14:47] Discussing the possibility and complexity of implementing nationwide privacy rules for the drone industry
• [20:09] What sort of city ordinances could still be passed that would be legal and not be nullified by this preemption that was just validated?
• [23:34] Paul and Dr. Singer discuss the validity of cities and states inhibiting where you take off and land from

What is the Difference between Airspace Authorization and Airspace Waiver?

Today’s episode is about airspace authorizations and waivers.  Todd in Cleveland asked us to clarify the difference between the two.  Filing for an authorization will grant you certain access to airspace while obtaining a waiver means something else entirely, so we do our best to outline the differences.  Additionally, we talk about the future of authorizations and how the process might look in the future.

More information on airspace authorizations and waivers is available in our How To Apply for an Airspace Authorization(UPDATED 2017) video.

Thanks for the question, Todd!  Fly safe!

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Timestamps

• [02:46] Today’s topic is airspace authorization vs airspace waiver
• [03:49] Check out our YouTube video on how to apply for airspace authorizations and waivers
• [04:12] Is there any particular reason for getting airspace authorizations longer than 6 months?
• [04:38] Paul discusses the possibility of the FAA coming up with a better system to allocate authorizations
• [05:14] Is it viable to apply for airspace waiver in the current conditions?
• [05:57] Understanding the basic and main difference between authorization and waiver
• [07:08] Will access to UAS facility maps be useful?
• [07:26] What flying height should you apply for in your airspace authorization?
• [08:08] Paul questions if FAA’s decision to prevent flight in controlled airspace is correct
• [09:02] Questioning the rationale behind using helicopters and planes for capturing video from a safety point of view
• [09:53] Can manned aircraft pilots who have switched to flying drones help in promoting safety?
• [12:33] Learn how you can access the Drone U document with all the information pertaining to filling out your airspace authorization
• [13:45] What is a fair price to use someone else’s airspace authorization?
• [14:42] Paul provides some information about the forthcoming classes and the Drone U Elite training

Which is the Best Multi-battery Charging Station for my Drone Batteries?

Today’s episode is all about multi-battery charging stations for your drone batteries.  Whether you’re a professional drone pilot or a hobbyist, you’ll most likely want some backup drone batteries.  Multi-battery charging stations give drone pilots the ability to charge backup drone batteries while your drone is up in the air.

Bob wants to know if we have any recommendations when it comes to battery chargers.  Luckily, we’ve tested a number of them.  We discuss our favorite multi-battery charging stations and talk about a few products you may not be familiar with.  For example, our friends at Colorado Drone Chargers make fantastic products that are very useful for charging drone batteries during drone missions.  We hope you’re able to find a charging station that works for you Bob!  Thanks for the question!  Fly safe!

If you’re looking for a drone charger, head over to the Colorado Drone Chargers website and use the promo code DRONEU8 to receive a discount on your purchase!

Don’t forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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

• [01:43] "] Today’s questions revolves around multi-battery charging stations for drone batteries
• [02:20] Are there multi-battery charging stations that allow you to charge your drone batteries while on the road?
• [02:29] How do you charge drone batteries on the road? Paul provides some background information pertaining to Energen
• [02:46] Which are the drones that can be charged with products by Colorado Drone Chargers?
• [03:41] Learn about the many advantages of using lightweight products by Colorado Drone Chargers
• [04:25] What is the rationale behind Colorado Drone Chargers using a supposedly flimsy looking bag instead of metal packaging?
• [05:55] Can you charge all four drone batteries at the same time using a charging hub by Colorado Drone Chargers?
• [07:00] Learn how you can avail a great discount on any charging hub by Colorado Drone Chargers

Today’s episode is about pricing drone services.  Scott from Denver calls in with an interesting proposal for pricing his work as a drone pilot.  He has come up with a unique way to price his drone services and wants ADU’s feedback on his pricing structure. 

We debate about the pros and cons of charging by the minute.  We talk about the ways that such a pricing structure could fail or succeed and discuss situations in which charging by the minute would make sense.  Thanks for sparking an interesting debate, Scott!  Let us know how it goes!  Fly safe! 

If you need stock footage for your drone videos, make sure to 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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Check out the Real Estate Videography Course – https://learning.thedroneu.com/courses/

Timestamps

• [05:29]Today’s question discusses an interesting way to price your drone services
• [07:23]Rob and Paul discuss pros and cons of pricing your drone services by the minute
• [08:53]Does your pricing model depend on the sector that you are targeting?
• [10:23] "]What are some of the possible advantages of pricing your drone services by the minute?
• [11:45]Are you at a disadvantage if you are too specific with your requirements while quoting a price?
• [12:33]Is it a good idea to build in contingency into your pricing model if you are charging by the minute?
• [16:41]Would a per minute pricing model create a win-win situation for the client and you? Or, would it create a barrier?
• [18:52]Check out Drone U’s “Real Estate Videography” course to strategize your pricing
• [19:40]Why should you always have a planning meeting before commencing with a job?
• [20:54]Discussing some of common pricing strategies for Mapping projects

If you’re running a drone business, you’ll need a way to give your client their deliverables.  On today’s episode, Sebastian from North Carolina asks about the best way to do this.

We talk about the various options you have for delivering drone footage to your clients.  We discuss the pros and cons of Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer and Hightail. Additionally, we discuss the reason that digital transfers may be a more viable option than external hard drives and other physical methods of delivery.  Thanks for the question Sebastian!  Fly safe!

If you need stock footage for your drone videos, make sure to 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

• [02:08] Paul and Rob discuss FAA’s move to come out with airworthiness standards for UAV
• [04:29] Paul questions if FAA is interfering with the Sherman Act
• [07:14] Today’s question discusses the best ways to deliver content to clients
• [08:25] Some of the challenges with delivering point cloud files
• [08:47] Learn why Google Drive is a far better option for delivering content than Dropbox
• [09:52] Understanding the advantages of using Hightail and WeTransfer
• [10:16] Learn why using a physical drive is not a good idea for delivering content to your clients
• [11:28] Is it a good idea to use a Drobo or Synology to deliver content to your clients?

How can security companies utilize drones?

Today’s episode is all about using drone for security and law enforcement.  We take a call from Jeremy in Westchester County, NY, who wants to know how he can convince his employer to incorporate drones into the work they do.  Jeremy works for a security company that deals with residential burglary and fire alarm systems as well as radio transmissions between police stations and schools.

In an attempt to answer Jeremy’s questions, we talk about how security firms and law enforcement are already utilizing drones.  We also talk about how these professions may use drones in the future.  Paul, for one, is convinced that drone mapping can be used to solve all crime.  Thanks for sparking such an interesting conversation Jeremy.  Good luck and fly safe!

If you need stock footage for your drone videos, make sure to check out Videoblocks.

Don’t forget that Drone U Landing Pads are now available!

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

[01:49] Today’s question is about using drones for security
[02:41] Can security companies provide increased value by using drones?
[04:32] What are some of the creative ways for using drones in security?
[05:35] Is there a likelihood that drones will be used for continuous surveillance sometime in the future?
[08:51] Are there any organizations that have already implemented continuous surveillance, or an “eye in the sky”?
[10:51] Is it possible to set up continuous surveillance via drone without compromising on anyone’s privacy?
[15:15] How can drones be useful to prevent insurance fraud?