YDQA: Ep 70- "How To Fly Drones At Night In Class D Airspace?"

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 Kiewit first incorporated drones using a DJI Phantom 4 to photograph job sites, and quickly realized the potential for using drone photogrammetry to produce detailed 3D maps. Nate highlights the massive efficiency gains, with drones completing work in 45 minutes that previously required multiple crews working over several days.David and Nate cover a variety of applications for drones on construction sites, including tracking weekly progress, calculating earthwork quantities, enhancing public relations by providing visuals for owners and the public, and ensuring safety by checking slope compliance in excavations. Nate provides real-world examples of these applications and shares the challenges and benefits of integrating drone technology into construction workflows.Tune in to learn how drones are revolutionizing the construction industry and get expert advice on leveraging drone technology for surveying and mapping.

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 mistakes.Key topics covered:What geodesy really means for drone pilotsWhy it matters for construction and engineering projectsReal examples of how measurement errors can impact projectsBasic concepts you need to know for professional mapping

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 batteries warm and ensuring long-lasting flight timesPersonal gear recommendations for winter flyingAdjusting camera settings for better image quality in winter conditionsSafety precautions and knowing when it’s too cold to flyIf you're flying drones this winter, don't miss Merrill's expert advice on keeping your gear and yourself ready for the cold. Have a drone question you'd like answered? Submit it at YDQA.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community!

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 software, including DJI Pilot 2 and Pix4D, discussing their features and usability for mapping and inspections.Peter highlights the differences in grid options between software, efficiency in mapping processes, and the importance of customer satisfaction through easy-to-share maps. He also talks about his experience with Pix4D Cloud, its subscription model, and how it can save time while providing clients with valuable tools for measuring and analyzing their projects.Whether you’re just starting your drone journey or looking to optimize your mapping techniques, this episode is packed with insights and tips to enhance your drone piloting experience!

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 entering the FPV worldThe value of understanding drone components and repairWhether you're a complete beginner or looking to advance your FPV skills, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make the best choice for your drone journey.Don't forget to check out our previous episodes for more FPV tips and recommendations!#FPVdrones #DroneBuilding #DroneTips #YourDroneQuestionsAnswered

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 resources to help you fly legally and safely.📚 Resources mentioned:https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/drone-laws-by-statehttps://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/permits-uas-permits.page#:~:text=As%20of%20July%202023%2C%20members,apply%20using%20the%20link%20belowhttps://www.airsight.com/learn/airspace-security/drone-laws-rules-and-regulations/washington-dc#:~:text=DC%20No%20Drone%20Zone,30%2Dmile%20radius%20outer%20ring Have a drone question? Submit it at YDQA.io or join our Drone Launch Connect community for faster answers!#DroneLaws #DroneRegulations #DronePilots #UAV #DroneFlying

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 creating a drone light showMaintenance and preparation required for large drone fleetsCosts involved in starting a drone light show businessAdvice for aspiring drone professionalsJacob shares insider insights on the technology, creativity, and passion driving this emerging industry. Whether you're a drone enthusiast or simply curious about those dazzling aerial displays, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of drone light shows.Don't forget to submit your own drone questions at YDQA.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community for more drone insights!#DroneShow #DroneIndustry #AerialDisplay #DroneTechnology #YourDroneQuestionsAnswered

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 starting as a subcontractor to build your portfolioAdvice for new drone entrepreneurs on pacing their business growth🔗 Check out Gavin's work: https://fly.golfdeltaaerialservices.com/Have a drone question? Join our Drone Launch Connect community or submit your question at ydqa.io!#DroneBusinessTips #FindingClients #DronePilot #AerialServices #YDQA

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 and challenges facing the industry, including climate and regulationsTypes of drones used for deliveriesAdvice for those looking to enter the drone delivery industryShyon provides insider insights into this rapidly evolving field, comparing its current state to "going from elementary school to middle school." Whether you're a drone enthusiast or simply curious about the future of deliveries, this episode offers valuable information on where the industry stands in 2024 and where it's headed.Don't forget to submit your own drone questions at YDQA.io or through our Drone Launch Connect community!

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 legislative challengesBrief mention of alternatives like XO drones and their limitationsAdvice for consumers and potential actions to takeWhether you're a drone enthusiast concerned about Chinese-made products or just curious about the state of the US drone industry, this episode provides valuable insights into the current market dynamics.