Can You be Arrested for Drone Emergency Response?

Today, we have a very interesting question from Scott, a firefighter in Pennsylvania.  Scott has noticed in his job that drone emergency response is becoming more and more popular.  He wants to know if it is legal for a pilot to fly their drone over an emergency.

While there are many reasons why pilots might do this, many of these drone operators fall into the category of “ambulance chasers”.  We talk about what constitutes an ambulance chaser and discuss the state laws that exist around this practices.  Additionally, we talk about the ethics of flying drones near emergency scenes.  Thanks for the great question, Scott.  Fly safe everyone!

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Timestamps

• [01:20] Today’s question is about the legality of drone emergency response
• [02:09] Is “ambulance chasing” or “case running” illegal in all US states?
• [02:23] What are some of the phrases used to refer to drone pilots flying over emergency scenes?
• [02:42] When are case runners or bottom feeders likely to show up?
• [03:45] Can data gathered by drones from emergency scenes be of any value?
• [04:38] Is there an appropriate channel through which you can legally fly your drone over emergency scenes?
• [05:18] Paul lists the states where drone emergency response is illegal
• [05:36] What does California state law say about flying your drone over emergency scenes?
• [07:12] Defining the term “ambulance chaser”
• [09:17] Is it advisable to contact a lawyer to ascertain the legality of flying drones over emergency scenes?
• [10:34] Paul reads out professional ethics for attorneys laid out by the American Bar Association. Are these ethics standards applicable to drone pilots as well?
• [14:10] Can you be arrested or your FAA license be revoked if you are involved in ambulance chasing?

What equipment and drone accessories do I need to successfully execute my first drone job?

Worried about how your first drone job will pan out? We share a detailed list of equipment and drone accessories for first-time drone pilots which will help facilitate a smooth transition.

On today’s episode of Ask Drone U, we take a question from Daniel in Nashville.  Daniel recently passed the Part 107 test and is just about to start doing drone work.  He wants to know what equipment he should bring to the job site and if we have any other advice for someone flying their first commercial drone mission.  We talk about some of the equipment, drone accessories, tools and general attitude that every drone pilot should bring to work.  We also discuss some of the resources that Drone U offers that are specifically designed to help new commercial drone pilots understand day-to-day operations.  If you haven’t yet seen them, check out the Drone U Operations Course and take a look at Paul Aitken’s Guide To The Ultimate Drone Kit.  Good luck Daniel!  Fly safe!

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Timestamps

• [01:09] Today’s question revolves around all the equipment that you need to carry for your first drone job
• [02:06] Is it advisable to take the Part 107 Operations course?
• [02:38] Check out Paul Aitken’s Guide to the Ultimate Drone Kit
• [05:30] Does passing the Part 107 test equip you well enough to fly out on the field for your first drone job?
• [06:00] How can you benefit from being a part of the Drone U community?

Today’s episode is all about drone batteries.  You will learns some great hacks and little-known tips for getting the most out of your LiPo drone batteries.

Chase called in to ask the Drone U for tips on maintaining LiPo drone batteries.  Is there a way to travel with your drone batteries that can prolong their lifespan?  We talk about what you should know when charging, storing, maintaining and traveling with LiPo drone batteries in order to maximize their lifespan.  Additionally, we discuss the proper way to dispose of your LiPo batteries.  Hope this was helpful, Chase.  Thanks for the question!  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

• [01:54] Today’s episode is around maintaining your Lithium Polymer batteries and prolonging your battery life
• [02:46] Understanding the make of LIPO batteries and their applications
• [03:20] Why is it important to let your drone batteries self-discharge?
• [04:44] Why is it important to deep cycle your LiPo batteries?
• [05:00] How do you deep cycle your drone battery?
• [06:06] What is balance charging?
• [07:22] Should you continue charging your drone batteries if they heat up?
• [07:58] Can you put your drone battery near an air conditioner or in a refrigerator to cool it down?
• [08:43] When flying over water, why is it important to ram up your drone elevation during take-off?
• [09:27] Tips for storing your LiPo batteries the correct way
• [10:08] How can you get more life from your LiPo batteries in cold environments?
• [11:10] Why should drone pilots refrain from flying regional carriers?
• [14:55] Paul sums up today’s episode
• [15:26] Why can it be disastrous to leave your drone batteries in the back of your pickup truck?

What’s up with North Carolina’s drone laws? Do other states have special regulations as well?

Do North Carolina drone laws permit Part 107 pilots to fly commercially? If yes, how? Are there any additional procedures that drone pilots need to follow?

On today’s episode, we talk to Vic Zayas in North Carolina.  Vic recently discovered that drone pilots in North Carolina need much more than a Part 107 certificate to fly commercially in the state.  For those of you who are not familiar, commercial drone pilots in North Carolina are required to pass and NCDOT UAS Knowledge Test in order to fly their drone.  Additionally, they must obtain a state permit in order to operate a commercial drone business in the state.

Unfortunately, North Carolina drone laws are a direct contradiction of the FAA’s standing regulations.  We discuss some of the problems with North Carolina’s drone laws and provide advice for pilots in NC.  We also talk about why North Carolina is the only state with drone laws like this.  We hope we answered your question, Vic.  Fly safe!

Read more about FAA’s Federal Preemption of State and Local Regulation of Drones

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Timestamps

• [01:32] Today’s topic revolves around North Carolina drone laws
• [02:46] Which is the only body that controls airspace in the United States?
• [03:23] Is there a likelihood of North Carolina drone laws being struck down in court?
• [03:40] Are you permitted to fly your drone in state parks in California or Colorado? Is it easy to gets a permit in these states?
• [04:03] Considering that FAA is the central governing body and is in charge of issuing a federal license to fly a drone, does North Carolina have the authority to issue drone permits?
• [06:00] What is the rationale behind North Carolina issuing state drone permits?
• [06:10] Are there instances where the North Carolina drone laws are in direct violation of Part 107?
• [07:18] Can a Part 107 license holder be arrested for flying a drone in North Carolina? What is the correct way of dealing with local authorities in this scenario?
• [08:20] Can states control where you take off and land your drone?
• [09:21] Does the North Carolina state government have the authority to blanket the entire state since they have control on where you take off and land your drone?
• [10:14] Can the commerce clause provided in the Constitution preempt state laws?
• [11:51] Why is the FAA letting North Carolina regulate state drone laws which are in violation of Part 107?
• [17:50] Does Florida have state drone regulation similar to North Carolina?
• [21:09] Check your TFR’s and Notam’s before flying your drone

Thanks to Bill for today’s question.  As a guy in his 60’s, Bill wants to know if he’ll face a learning curve when training to be a drone pilot.  We talk about some of the challenges that everyone faces when starting out in the drone industry and discuss why no one should allow a learning curve to deter them from living the drone life.  The industry needs more people like you, Bill!  Thanks for the question!  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

• [02:55] Today’s question analyzes the challenges faced by older folks when training to be a drone pilot
• [04:27] As an older person getting into the drone business, do you need to rewire your brain to deal with the latest technologies?
• [05:32] Can being a part of the Drone U community help someone learn the ropes of the business?
• [06:00] Is there a lot of technology already built into the drone? Does this make learning to fly less of a challenge?
• [06:55] Is there is a likelihood of being pressed with federal charges if you crash your drone?
• [07:16] How long would it typically take to grasp the nuances of the drone business?
• [07:41] Paul shares the reason behind starting Drone U
• [08:24] Is mastering subject tracking a big challenge? How can Drone U help you?
• [11:00] Conditioning yourself to keep on learning new stuff
• [12:12] Would the drone community benefit by taking in people with experience in other businesses into their fold?

Canada Drone Laws 2018

Do Canada Drone Laws (2018) permit Part 107 drone pilots to fly in the United States? How can US citizens get permission to fly their drone in Canada?

On today’s episode, we talk about Canada drone laws.  Specifically, we discuss how drone laws apply to those drone pilots traveling from one country to another for work.  Our Worldwide Drone Laws page is packed with more info about drones laws and regulations around the world and is available exclusively to Drone U members.  Go check it out and fly safe!

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

• [02:17] Analyzing the recent changes to Canadian drone regulation and how they affect US pilots
• [02:48] Is it really difficult for a foreigner to get a Special Operations Flight Certificate (SFOC) in Canada?
• [03:29] Are Canada drone laws strictly implemented for Canadian citizens only?
• [04:20] Analyzing the negative fallout of the poor implementation of Canada drone laws and how it affects compliant drone pilots
• [04:50] How do you view FAA’s “compliance first” policy?
• [05:50] Today’s question revolves around the validity of FAA license in Canada
• [06:20] Does the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) hold your FAA RPIC certificate valid in other countries?
• [08:11] Is the drone federalism bill good for the industry?
• [08:50] Analyzing the pros and cons of the Part 107 license
• [09:10] Canada Drone Laws 2018 – What are some of the rules that you need to be aware if you flying as a hobbyist in Canada?
• [09:36] Do US citizens find it difficult to get a work visa to Canada?
• [11:18] If you hire a Canadian company for a job, does this give a US citizen permission to fly their drone in Canada?

Since everyone (except Paul) is getting excited for the eclipse, we thought we’d talk about the potential for capturing it in drone footage.  We talk about the equipment you’d need to capture quality aerial photographs or videos of the eclipse.  Enjoy it and 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

• [02:32] Today’s topic revolves around capturing the eclipse in drone footage
• [02:47] Is it possible to capture the eclipse with your drone?
• [03:25] Is it possible to the capture the eclipse with a big camera lens?
• [03:39] Is it a good idea to do a hyperlapse of the eclipse with your drone?
• [05:56] Is it better to capture the eclipse with your camera rather than your drone?

Flying Drone from a Boat

On today’s episode, we talk about the difficulties of taking off from a boat and what you should know before you attempt to do so.  We touch on the role that direction, velocity and other factors play in the process of launching from a boat and give some pointers on doing it safely.  Fly safe everyone!

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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

• [01:06] Today’s topic covers various difficulties faced while flying your drone from a boat. We cover factors such as velocity and direction.
• [02:40] In which direction should you be flying your drone while taking off from a boat?
• [03:09] If you are underway, and the boat captain is at the helm, should you take off your drone from the bow?
• [03:51] Why is it recommended to switch to sport mode while taking off from a boat?
• [04:12] Are there FAA rules that I need to be aware of, while taking off from an underway boat?
• [04:59] Is launching drone from a boat that is underway recommended?
• [04:39] Why is it a good idea to turn off the boat while doing a drone takeoff?
• [06:27] Can I rely on my GPS if my boat is underway?
• [07:02] What should you do if your camera horizon is drifting in either direction while flying your drone from a boat?
• [07:32] Should you take a compass warning seriously while flying your drone off from a boat?
• [07:42] What do you do if your drone starts moving in small circles while taking off from a boat?
• [08:41] What would be an ideal boat speed when landing your drone?
• [09:31] Is there a ideal drone speed which will result in a proper takeoff from a boat?
• [09:38] What factors should keep in mind with regards to battery voltage parameters while flying your drone off from a boat?
• [11:38] If you are launching drone from a boat really fast, does it increase your chances of a flyaway?
• [11:55] Why is it recommended to have someone hold your drone during drone take off from an underway boat?
• [12:24] Is it a good idea to take off your drone from a cruise ship?

How to Build a Profitable Agriculture Drone Business

Thanks to Mark in California for today’s question.  Mark is looking to start a agriculture drone business but has heard that the niche is saturated and that farmers don’t see the value in drones.  We talk about some of the problems in the agriculture drone business and the skills that drone pilots need in order to succeed in that field. We also do our best to offer some techniques for approaching farmers and convincing them that you can make their job easier.  Good luck Mark!  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

• [02:53] Today’s topic discusses the viability of a agriculture drone business
• [04:44] Is the agriculture drone business oversaturated?
• [05:28] "] Do farmers have a tendency to treat drone pilots frivolously ?
• [06:28] What are some lucrative pockets of the agriculture drone business?
• [08:17] What are some of the challenges with interpreting agricultural mapping data and conveying the same to farmers?
• [09:02] Are there agricultural systems that can use drone based data, and in the process make the entire process from data acquisition to utilization seamless?
• [10:00] Does drone based data in agriculture result in significant cost savings?
• [11:00] Are the PrecisionHawk drone platforms any good?
• [14:55] Does the agriculture drone business require a big capital investment?

Classifications of Class E Airspace | Drone Pilot Facts

Today, we have a fantastic question from Mark in Pittsburgh.  Like many people, Mark is wondering about how to navigate the various levels of Class E airspace.  We talk about how designations such as Class E2 and Class E5 affect airspace authorization and discuss the role that the airport’s hours play in determining which authorizations you need.  Thanks for the question Mark.  Hopefully we’ll see you in Pittsburgh at some point!  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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Check out our airspace authorization video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NZbC59XVFI

Timestamps

• • [04:11] Today’s topic revolves around airspace classes and their designations
  • [06:55] Can you have multiple designations for Class E airspace?
  • [07:27] Do you need multiple authorizations for flying your drone during night time after an airport closes?
  • [08:05] What is the technical definition of civil twilight?
  • [09:52] Do airspace classes other than Class E airspace also have different variations?
  • [11:07] Can you have a FAA logo on your website if you are 107 certified?
  • [13:45] Is it worth paying a $12,000 yearly fee for Sitescan?
  • [12:10] How do you file an airspace authorization?