Ask Drone U
We’re Drone U, a group of guys who have turned their passion for flight into a profitable business. We love hearing from our fans, and we love helping by answering their questions. That’s why we started the Ask Drone U podcast in 2015. Since then, we are one of the largest, most popular DAILY drone podcasts out there. Each episode features an actual question submitted from someone just like you! We wish we could answer everyone’s question(s), but we’ll do our best to get through as many of them as we can. So plug in those headphones because it’s time to learn together about everything drone: FAA, insurance, business strategies, videography, drone tips, flight techniques, drone tricks, expert advice, cameras, gimbals, and so much more. #askdroneu
Episodes
May 12, 2021 • 40 min
Today's show is about drone industry trends for 2021 and beyond.
Our caller for today, Tom has come up with a great question that will surely interest all you drone enthusiasts out there.
Specifically, with the drone industry in a constant state of flux, Tom is wondering where things are headed in 2021? From micro-drones to recreational flying to the changing dynamics of the American drone manufacturing market, we discuss a lot...
Share
Mark as Played
Today's show is about flying your drone in cold weather.
Our caller for today, Shawn from Canada who flies a Mavic 2 Pro. Flying in Canada is particularly challenging because of the cold weather and high altitudes. So, what can Shawn do to get some extra flight time? And, how can he make flying in such difficult conditions a more comfortable experience?
On today's show, we share some nuanced drone battery maintenance tips t...
Share
Mark as Played
Today, we recommend the optimum workflow for drone search and rescue.
Our caller for today, Karl conducted a drone search and rescue to locate a missing dog. However, unfortunately, it seems that his mission was not really successful. So, on today's show, we reveal the best and most efficient workflow for a moving target. You will learn the four acquisition methods that you can possibly use in drone search and rescue.
And you w...
Share
Mark as Played
April 22, 2021 • 10 min
Today's show is about flying your drone in an interference heavy environment.
Our caller for today, Greg is unable to fly his Mavic 2 Pro in autonomous flight mode since there is a radio tower in the vicinity. Can Greg still conclude his mapping mission if he is flying in such an interference heavy environment?
On today's show, you will learn how to navigate the complexities of flying in such an environment. We talk about w...
Share
Mark as Played
April 21, 2021 • 17 min
Mavic Air 2 vs. Mavic 2 Pro - Which is The Best Option for You?
Today's question is about the Mavic Air 2 vs. Mavic Air Pro.
Is it worth paying extra for the Mavic 2 Pro if you are planning to shoot real estate?
Our caller for today, Dominic is keen to start a new drone business and he is willing to make an initial capital investment of $2,000. The drones that he is considering are the Mavic Air 2, and its larger cousin, DJI Ma...
Share
Mark as Played
Once You Get Your Part 107 License, Can You Legally Sell Drone Footage That You Shot As a Hobby Pilot?
Today's show is about selling your drone footage after getting your Part 107 license.
Our caller for today, Keith recently got his Part 107 license. Congratulations, Keith!
Keith has been a hobby pilot for the past five years and has a ton of footage that he can now sell commercially. But, is he legally allowed by the FAA to ...
Share
Mark as Played
April 13, 2021 • 15 min
Branding and Marketing Strategies to Grow a Drone Business
Today's show is about business strategy and branding.
Our caller for today, Bob is building out a website for his drone business. And while he primarily focuses on the construction industry, Bob is wondering if he should target other verticals as well.
Is it better to go broad? Or is it better to niche down and focus just on your core skill? On today's show, we disc...
Share
Mark as Played
April 9, 2021 • 22 min
Today's question is about drone remote-id. How can you make your drone "remote-id compatible"? Is this something that you should be even worrying about right now?
Our caller for today, Jack has a question about drone remote-id. Back in December 2020, drone remote-id rules were finalized by the FAA. Once these restrictive rules kick in, it will become mandatory to broadcast your drone's location via remote-id. So, is...
Share
Mark as Played
April 6, 2021 • 14 min
Today's show is about using software for mapping the interiors of a building.
Our caller for today, Gary is a long-time ADU listener. He just happened to tune in to one of our older shows where we talked about using the Insta 360 for mapping the interiors of a building. So, Gary went ahead and purchased the Insta 360 for his next drone job where he is doing construction progress monitoring for an interior buildout.
However, rec...
Share
Mark as Played
April 2, 2021 • 42 min
Today's show is about flying drones in National Parks.
Back in January, US Filmmaker Gordon Price sued U.S. Attorney General William Barr. The contentious issue was the fees that Gordon had to pay to shoot in a National Park. The outcome of this case left many in the drone industry confused, and wondering if they can or cannot fly in National Parks with the right permits.
On today's show, we break down the outcome of this c...
Share
Mark as Played
March 26, 2021 • 13 min
Today's question is about flying the same shot on multiple days and seasons.
Our caller for today, Ryan from Indiana is a landscape photographer who has come up with a great question about flying the same shot on multiple days or seasons. Is it possible to get your drone to fly the same path and shoot at the same angles again and again?
On today's show, you will learn how to do exactly that using the Litchi app. Additionall...
Share
Mark as Played
March 18, 2021 • 12 min
Today's show is about flying drones in areas of heavy interference like NYC.
Our caller for today, Guy from NYC has come up with an interesting question. As you may be aware, an old avigation law makes it illegal to fly drones in NYC. However, we might see this archaic law being scrapped shortly. So, Guy is wondering if he can use drones to conduct visual facade inspections of tall buildings.
On today's show, you will learn...
Share
Mark as Played
March 15, 2021 • 26 min
Today's show is about marketing a new drone business.
Our caller for today, Ian is all of 16, and he just got his Part 107 license. Like most drone pilots, Ian wishes to start off with real estate before moving on to more complicated (and lucrative) jobs. But, he is finding himself discouraged by the intense competition. How can Ian make a dent in a marketplace dotted with older, far more experienced pilots? And how can he come...
Share
Mark as Played
Today's show is about drone mapping software and acquisition strategies.
Our caller for today, Bob has come up with a great follow-up question today. Bob listened to our previous show, "Which Pix4D Version Should I Use for Mapping a Roof?" And he has some in-depth questions about mapping software and acquisition strategies.
Specifically, how can you prevent jagged lines in drone models? Can the use of manual tie-points ...
Share
Mark as Played
March 10, 2021 • 14 min
Today's question is about free drone mapping software.
Our caller, Ken from NJ wants to get into drone mapping. And while he wants to improve his mapping skills, understandably, he does not want to spend hundreds of dollars after mapping software right now.
So, are there any free mapping software that Ken can use as a practice tool?
On today's show, we discuss different options like Open Drone Map, Capture Reality, and even...
Share
Mark as Played
March 10, 2021 • 19 min
Today's show is about the DJI Mavic Air 2. Can you build a long-term, profitable business with this entry-level DJI drone?
Our caller for today, John is a new drone pilot who has recently invested in the DJI Mavic Mini 2. John is facing buyer's remorse as he feels that he should have gone for a more powerful, sophisticated drone instead.
While he was looking for a commercially viable option, he is worried that he has wasted...
Share
Mark as Played
Today we compare different drone mapping software and reveal the most accurate option so that you can avoid any legal liabilities.
Our caller for Trav is from Australia and has a question about drone mapping. And specifically, drone mapping software. Trav wants to know which processing software can produce the most accurate drone maps so that he avoid any legal liabilities.
Great question, Trav. This question is particularly releva...
Share
Mark as Played
March 3, 2021 • 38 min
Today's show is about flying at night without a waiver.
Our caller for today, Bob has called in with an extremely relevant question today. Bob's question is about flying at night without a waiver. With daylight waiver to fly at night all set to become history, is there any benefit to applying for a Wide Area Authorization? Additionally, he is also wondering about the procedure to fly in controlled airspace near an airport t...
Share
Mark as Played
March 1, 2021 • 18 min
Today's question is about the upcoming changes to the Part 107 test. Will it be harder for you to clear the new and updated test?
Our caller for today, Bob has come up with a particularly relevant question today. The Part 107 test is all set for a revamp in March. And rather than being one of the first people to attempt the new and updated test, you are certainly better off giving the test right now. You will learn about some o...
Share
Mark as Played
February 24, 2021 • 14 min
Today's show is about mapping entire towns with drones. Is this a cost-feasible and legally permissible option?
Our caller for today, Ryan from Utah wishes to survey an entire town with a drone. Legally speaking, is this even a possibility? Can Ryan get the necessary permissions to fly over people and BVLOS if required?
On today's show, we share how Ryan can legally map large swathes of land without filing a waiver at all. ...
Share
Mark as Played
Chat About Ask Drone U
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.