What Is the Status of the DJI Drone Ban in the United States? In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, we dive into the latest updates on the proposed DJI drone ban in the U.S., including details about the Countering CCP Drones Act (H.R. 2864), its progress in Congress, and what it could mean for DJI drone users and future sales. If you're wondering whether to buy a DJI drone or what this legislation could mean for the drone industry, this video has the answers.

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, sits down with Rut Patel, a mapping expert who works with survey firms to integrate drone technology into their workflow. They dive deep into how drones are revolutionizing the surveying industry by reducing project timelines, improving data accuracy, and offering cost-effective solutions compared to traditional methods. Root shares insights from his hands-on experience, explaining the step-by-step...

Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this special nighttime episode filmed outdoors at a hotel in Cleveland, we’re diving into an essential topic for drone mapping—understanding the difference between RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and PPK (Post-Processing Kinematic). If you’re not familiar with these terms, they’re methods used to improve the accuracy of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) data in drone mapping. We’ll cover why corrections are needed in GNSS...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, we’re diving into a question we hear a lot: Is the FAA tracking my drone? The short answer? No, the FAA is not actively tracking your drone like it does with manned aircraft. But there’s something called Remote ID that you might have heard about. We’ll explain what Remote ID is, how it works, and what information it broadcasts. Remote ID acts like a digital license plate for your drone, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signals to broadcast details...

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, sits down with Nate Howard, Survey Manager at Kiewit, to dive deep into the use of drones in construction and surveying. David and Nate discuss how drones are transforming the way construction sites are surveyed, monitored, and managed. Nate introduces Kiewit, a top-ranked contractor and engineering firm, and shares insights from his extensive experience in the construction world. He explains how...

In this episode, we break down what geodesy is and why it matters for professional drone mapping. If you're doing any kind of serious drone mapping work - especially with surveyors or engineers - this is something you need to understand. Think drone mapping is just about taking pictures from above? Think again! Learn why being off by just a few feet in your measurements could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars on big projects, and how understanding geodesy helps you avoid these costly...

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," host John Dickow from Drone Launch Academy is joined by Merrill McKee, founder of Northern Perspectives, to discuss the key considerations for flying drones in extreme cold weather. As temperatures drop, flying becomes more challenging, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can still capture great footage and complete your missions. Topics covered include: Planning your drone flights in cold weatherTips for keeping drone...

Welcome back to another episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered!" In this episode, host John Dickow from Drone Launch Academy sits down with Peter Morssink, a beginner drone pilot and founder of 3D Flight Maryland, to revisit a popular topic: the best capturing software for beginner drone pilots. Join us as Peter shares his journey from working in a cancer center to discovering his passion for drones and starting his own business. They dive into the pros and cons of various capturing...

Thinking about getting into FPV drones but not sure whether to build your own or buy pre-built? In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host John Dickow talks with FPV expert Dusty Jolley about the pros and cons of each approach. Key points covered: The evolution of FPV drone technology and ease of entryAdvantages of pre-built drones like the DJI Avata 2Benefits of building your own drone, including repair knowledgeCost comparisons between building and buyingTips for beginners...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, we dive into the strictest drone laws in US cities and states. Key topics covered: Washington D.C.'s extensive no-fly zonesNew York City's new permit requirementsRestrictions in other major cities like L.A. and SeattleState-level privacy laws affecting drone useTips for checking local regulations before flyingWhether you're a local or traveling drone pilot, understanding these laws is crucial. We break down the key restrictions and provide...

Ever wondered what goes into creating those mesmerizing drone light shows? In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host John Dickow sits down with Jacob Howard, CEO of Illuminate Drones, to uncover the world of drone light shows. Key topics covered: The journey from amateur drone enthusiast to professional light show creatorDifferences between indoor and outdoor drone showsThe complex systems and software behind coordinating hundreds of dronesDesign process and challenges in...

In this episode, John Dickow of Drone Launch Academy talks with Gavin Dillon, owner and chief pilot at Golf Delta Aerial Services, about how to find your first clients when starting a drone business. Key points covered: Gavin's journey from getting his pilot's license to starting his drone businessThe importance of having an online presence, even a minimal oneHow to leverage Google profiles and social media to attract clientsTips for finding your niche in the drone industryThe value of...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host John Dickow sits down with Shyon Samadi, an sUAS flight operator with Wing and owner of Virginia Drone Shots, to discuss the current state of drone deliveries. Key points covered: The progress of drone deliveries from concept to realityMajor players in the drone delivery space, including Walmart's partnershipsHow drone deliveries work, from order placement to deliveryTechnological advancements like Wing's auto-loader systemLimitations...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, John Dickow and David Young tackle a tough but common question: What are the best consumer drones made in the US or not made in China? Key points covered: The scarcity of high-quality US-made consumer dronesWhy US drone manufacturers focus on enterprise and military marketsDiscussion of enterprise drone options (Skydio, Brinc, Wingtra, etc.)The economic factors behind the lack of US consumer drone optionsDJI's dominance and potential...

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered", David tackles the common question of whether you can legally fly your drone in your neighborhood. He covers the key federal, state, and local laws and regulations you need to be aware of, including FAA airspace restrictions, privacy laws, and specific examples from states like California, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.David also provides practical tips and best practices for being a considerate drone pilot, such as introducing yourself...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host John Dickow interviews David Beedy, founder of Beedy Media, about shooting commercial drone video for clients. With over 30 years of video production experience, David shares valuable insights: What clients are looking for in commercial drone footageCombining conventional drone shots with FPV drone footageUsing the DJI Avata for indoor shootingTips for stabilizing shaky FPV footage in post-productionBest practices for sharing and...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host John Dickow welcomes back Dave Downey, Senior Event Specialist at BCC Live, to discuss tips for capturing quality drone footage at night. Key topics covered: Challenges of shooting with prosumer drones at nightImportance of filming lit subjectsUsing dusk/dawn lighting tricksPros and cons of auto settings vs manual controlHigher-end drone options for night shootingConsiderations when filming fireworks displaysThe value of practice and test...

Discover the top applications for planning and executing drone waypoint missions with David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy. Learn about options ranging from affordable apps like Litchi to more advanced solutions like DroneLink and DroneDeploy. Whether you're a hobbyist or professional drone pilot, this episode covers free and paid options to automate your drone flights, capture perfect orbits, and streamline your workflow. Key topics covered: Popular waypoint mission apps: Litchi,...

Can you fly your drone at night in Class D airspace? David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, breaks down the rules and requirements for nighttime drone operations in controlled airspace. Key points covered: Part 107 nighttime flying regulationsRequirements for anti-collision lightingDifferences between controlled and uncontrolled airspaceHow to get authorization for night flights in Class D airspaceOverview of airspace classes (B, C, D, E, G)Whether you're a new drone pilot or looking...

Discover the essential drone features for measuring plant health on golf courses and beyond! 🌱🏌️‍♂️🚁 In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, John Dickow interviews Kendall Marquardt, founder of Precision Drone Mapping Services, about: Multispectral drone technology for assessing turf healthDJI Multispectral Enterprise 3 drone capabilitiesPost-flight data processing and analysis platformsColor-coded plant health indicatorsArbor Pearl software for tree managementTips for aspiring...

Thinking of starting a drone business but not sure which industry to focus on? In this episode, John Dickow of Drone Launch Academy interviews Nathan Sheets, founder of The Drone Ranger, about the top drone industry verticals to consider. Key topics covered: How to research and choose profitable drone industry verticalsFactors to consider when selecting an industry (personal interest, profitability, connections)Tips for market research and testing different verticalsAdvice for new drone...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered (YDQA), host John Dickow talks with Nathan Sheets, founder of The Drone Ranger, about effective marketing strategies for drone businesses. Key topics covered: Online vs offline marketing approachesBuilding a strong web presence and portfolioNetworking and in-person marketing tacticsTips for creating a professional websiteUtilizing social media for brand buildingNathan shares insights from his experience growing The Drone Ranger since 2021,...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, John Dickow and David Young break down the costs associated with getting a drone license. They cover: Recreational vs. commercial drone useThe free TRUST certification for recreational pilotsPart 107 commercial drone license costs ($175 exam fee)Optional training course costs ($150-$600)Drone costs for beginners ($29-$500+)Total investment for commercial drone pilots ($700-$1000+)David explains the differences between recreational and...

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host John Dickow interviews Ryan Stotsky, the owner and operator of Zero to 400 Drone Services. Ryan shares his unique business of using drones with thermal cameras to help locate lost pets. He walks through the process of how he receives calls from distraught pet owners, assesses if a drone search is viable based on factors like airspace, and then conducts nighttime thermal imaging flights to try to detect the pet's heat signature. Ryan...