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 provides fascinating insights into guiding owners to the pet's location using the drone's spotlights and GPS coordinates, highlighting memorable rescues where owners came agonizingly close to the pet before his guidance led them right to it. He stresses the emotional nature of these operations and the joy of being able to reunite families with their fur babies.

The interview also covers helpful tips for aspiring drone entrepreneurs, with Ryan advising them to identify unmet needs in their area that drone services could fill. His journey showcases how finding an underserved niche like pet search and rescue can lead to a rewarding drone business that truly makes a difference in people's lives.

Welcome back to another episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered" with John Dickow from Drone Launch Academy! Today, we dive into a specific question from our community: how to best serve property owners with aerial content and navigate indoor drone flights for real estate shoots.

Joining John is James Grace, founder of JMG Aerial Imagery. With five years of experience and a rich background in Sony Pictures, James shares his journey from hobbyist drone pilot to a successful entrepreneur. Discover his expert tips on capturing stunning real estate photos and videos, especially in the challenging indoor environments.

📸 Topics Covered:

Key content property owners look for in aerial footage
The importance of asking for brochures to align with client expectations
The benefits and techniques of using FPV drones like the DJI Avada for interior shots
James’s personal experience and business strategies in the drone industry
Tips for pricing and negotiating with clients

🚀 Highlights:

Why sunset shots can be a game-changer for real estate photography
How to creatively capture unique angles with FPV drones
The importance of knowing your client’s budget and maximizing your earnings

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered!
Today, we tackle an exciting and timely topic: upcoming changes to operating drones beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) from a commercial perspective.
David discusses the recent signing of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 by the president on May 16th. This act sets the stage for significant changes in BVLOS operations, with a final rule expected by September 2025. This new rule will streamline the process for commercial drone operators, eliminating the need for special exemptions.

David provides detailed insights into the legislative process, including the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) set for December 2024, and the public comment period that follows. He explains how this process mirrors the introduction of Part 107 and Remote ID regulations. The upcoming Part 108 will outline the requirements for BVLOS operations, including new certification standards for remote pilots.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1939/text

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/UAS_BVLOS_ARC_FINAL_REPORT_03102022.pdf

These changes are set to revolutionize the drone industry, opening up numerous applications such as drone deliveries, pipeline inspections, and security monitoring. David emphasizes the importance of public feedback in shaping these regulations and encourages drone pilots to participate in the upcoming comment period.

For more details and to stay updated on these developments, check out the links provided. If you have any drone-related questions, visit ydqa.io or join our Drone Launch Connect community at dronelaunchacademy.com. Until next time, see you in the sky!

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, we discuss an important topic for drone pilots - how to properly price your drone services. John is joined by Cody Retlich, founder and CEO of DroneAdair, who shares his valuable insights and tips.

Cody emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions upfront to understand the client's needs and expectations fully. He stresses considering factors like location, experience, equipment, project scope, deliverables, and post-production requirements before quoting a price.
The discussion covers the dangers of underpricing or doing too much free work, as it can undercut the market and devalue the services being offered. Cody advises pilots to educate clients on fair market prices and not be afraid to charge appropriately for their skills and expertise.
Additionally, Cody highlights the importance of pricing structures, whether hourly, daily, or project-based, and offers advice on setting rates that align with personal satisfaction and industry standards.
Overall, this episode provides valuable guidance for drone pilots looking to establish a sustainable pricing strategy that values their work while remaining competitive in the market.

Welcome back to another episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered"! Join John Dickow from Drone Launch Academy and David Young, founder of Drone Launch Academy, as they tackle a question- which remote ID modules are recommended for older drones like the Mini 2 and Mavic 2 Pro used in his school. Discover the top three remote ID module recommendations based on price, ease of use, and compliance with FAA standards in this insightful discussion.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Recommendation 1: Z.R.I.D. Light by Zing Drones
• Recommendation 2: Drone Beacon DB120 by Blue Mark Innovations
• Recommendation 3: Drone Tag Beacon by Drone Tag

If you're interested in drone technology, compliance, and best practices, this episode is for you! Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more valuable insights and discussions on all things drones. Got a drone question? Visit YDQA.io or join the Drone Launch Connect community through our website. Happy flying!

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions Answered! In this episode, we're tackling a common question: Can a licensed drone pilot let someone without a license use their license to post commercial real estate photos?

Our host, John Dickow, chats with David Young from Drone Launch Academy to break down this topic. They dive into the FAA rules, discussing what's allowed and what's not when it comes to commercial drone photography.

David explains that while some people think it's okay for a non-licensed person to use a licensed pilot's credentials, it's crucial to follow the actual FAA regulations to avoid legal issues.

He walks us through the specific rules in Part 107.12, which outline when a non-licensed operator can legally fly a drone for commercial purposes under a licensed pilot's supervision.

Using real-life examples, David shows how these rules work in practice. He stresses the importance of the licensed pilot being directly involved and in control during the drone operation to stay compliant with FAA standards.

Throughout the conversation, John and David clear up common misunderstandings and provide practical advice for drone operators, whether experienced or new to the field.

If you're interested in drone photography and want to understand the rules better, this episode is for you! Tune in to get expert insights and learn how to navigate the regulations like a pro in the world of commercial drones.

Welcome back to another episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered"! In this episode, we dive into the world of mapping with drone technology. Join John Dickow from Drone Launch Academy as we answer your questions and explores the process of sharing maps online.

Today's question comes from a viewer who recently acquired a license for PIX4D mapper but is unsure how to share maps online, particularly with an embed code. To shed light on this topic, John invites Michael Lilley, founder of Wet Dog Drone Services and an active member of the drone community, to share his expertise.

Michael provides valuable insights into sharing maps processed through PIX4D. He discusses finding and accessing the map files, understanding client preferences for map delivery, and practical tips for sharing maps efficiently.

Discover the nuances of map sharing, including using Dropbox, creating private client pages on websites, and utilizing plugins for seamless file access. Michael also delves into the importance of client communication and the role of patience in navigating the drone mapping business.

How to Measure Roofs and Detect Leaks with Drones

Welcome back to another episode of "Your drone questions. answered". In this episode our guest expert is Jason Koonce from 107 Technologies.

He walks through step-by-step how to accurately measure roofs using drones and photogrammetry software.

Jason covers the key steps like capturing drone data, establishing known measurement references, determining roof pitch, and processing the data into an orthomosaic map. He demonstrates how to upload the map into software like Roofer.com to generate measurement reports with square footage, linear feet of drip edge, and more.

But measuring isn't the only roof application for drones. Jason also explains how to use drone-mounted thermal cameras to detect water intrusion and moisture issues. He provides tips on understanding emissivity and reflectivity concepts to properly interpret thermal images.

In addition to thermal, Jason emphasizes the importance of supplementing with visual inspections, as water often travels along paths you can't see with thermal alone. He shares examples of verifying suspected leaks by tracing moisture paths with handheld thermal cameras inside attics.

More than just the drone gear, Jason highlights other essential tools and equipment to have in your arsenal, like laptops, batteries, mobile internet hotspots and even the right vehicle for transporting it all. He discusses optimizing your tools for efficiency and client satisfaction.

As someone running a successful full-time drone business, Jason also offers advice for those wanting to turn their drone passion into a career. He stresses persistence through the lean times and continuously updating your skills to stay relevant in your niche.

Whether you're a homeowner, roofing contractor, or aspiring drone services provider, this video is a treasure trove of insights into leveraging drones for roof measurements and leak detection. Buckle up and get ready to soar to new heights with your drone skills!