

Ask Drone U
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
Mentioned books

Dec 15, 2021 • 32min
ADU 01232: DJI Mavic 3 Review – Should You Buy this new DJI Drone This Holiday Season?
DJI Mavic 3 Review - Does This New DJI Drone Live Up To All the Hype?
We are discussing a red-hot topic on today’s show – the DJI Mavic 3.
Our caller for today, Tom is flummoxed with all the mixed opinions about this newly launched DJI drone.
Difficult market conditions and the onset of covid had pushed up the launch of this much-awaited DJI drone.
And over the past year, we have heard numerous rumors that further contributed to all the hype.
But, now that the Chinese market leader has finally launched the new Mavic, we bring to you the real truth about this drone.
These are some of the things that we touch upon in today’s show:
DJI Mavic 3 vs. DJI Mavic 2 and the Phantom 4 Pro – do the older DJI drones provide more bang for the buck?
How much extra flight time do you get ?
Is the lack of SDK on the DJI Mavic 3 a huge deal for drone pilots?
Should you consider buying the Sony Airpeak instead?
Should you buy the DJI Mavic 3 this holiday season?
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
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Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
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Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[03:34] Today's question is about the DJI Mavic 3 – Is this new DJI drone worth buying?
[06:17] About the DJI Mavic 3 specs; what are the different versions that you can choose from?
[07:06] Sony AirPeak vs. the DJI Mavic 3 - which drone is a better buy?
[08:26] Does the DJI Mavic 3 live up to all the hype?
[10:40] Is the lack of SDK a huge deal for commercial drone pilots?
[11:55] How much extra flight time can get from this new DJI drone?
[16:04] Are you better off sticking to older DJI drones like the Phantom 4 and DJI Mavic 2?
[24:03] The final word ~ Does the DJI Mavic 3 provide enough bang for the buck?

Dec 14, 2021 • 8min
ADU 01231: DJI Mini SE Added to the FAA cover list. Should You Still Buy This DJI Drone?
Is the DJI Mini SE Still a Good Buy?
Today’s show is about the DJI Mini SE. If you are considering buying the DJI Mini SE or are already flying one, this show will be particularly interesting to you.
Recently FAA placed the DJI Mini SE on their cover list.
And our caller for today, Marcus, a hobby pilot is wondering if he should still go ahead and purchase this beginner DJI drone.
Does this development impact drone pilots like Marcus in any way?
You will learn whether or not the DJI Mini SE can be made remote-id compliant once new regulations kick in.
Do not miss this one!
Enjoy!
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[01:31] Today's question is about the DJI Mini SE
[03:35] Is the DJI Mini SE remote id compliant?

Dec 13, 2021 • 15min
BONUS: Drone Life News 018 – Drone Delivery Service Provider, DroneUp acquires AirMap, About Archer Aviation’s New eVTOL Aircraft
Drone Delivery Service Provider, DroneUp Acquires AirMap, Archer Aviation Applies for Air-Worthiness Certificate for its New eVTOL Aircraft ~ Tune in for the Latest Drone News Now!
Our biggest story this week is about the drone delivery industry.
In what could possibly be one of the biggest industry consolidations of 2021, Drone Delivery service provider, Drone Up has acquired AirMap.
How will this development impact the drone delivery space as a whole? And particularly retail major, Walmart? Drone enthusiasts might recall Walmart’s strategic investment in DroneUp sometime back.
Next up, you will learn how Archer Aviation has applied for an FAA airworthiness certificate for its new eVTOL aircraft. In this segment of the show, we discuss at length the different features of this new aircraft.
Don’t miss this one. Fly Safe!
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Enjoy!
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[01:33] Drone Delivery service provider, Drone Up acquires AirMap
[02:38] About Drone Up, and why this is a significant development for the drone industry
[06:26] Walmart's strategic advantage in the drone delivery space and how Drone Up can help them capture a larger share of the market pie
[10:24] Archer files its eVTOL aircraft for the FAA airworthiness certificate.
[12:28] Difference between crude and uncrude flights

Dec 8, 2021 • 14min
BONUS: Drone Life News 017 – The Growing Acceptance of Law Enforcement Drones, Renault’s Flying Car, Dronut – the Propeller-less Drone
UK-Based Research Agency Highlights the Growing Acceptance of Law Enforcement Drones, Renault’s Flying Car Retails at a Whopping 4 Million Euros, Dronut – the Drone Without Propellers
Our first story is a heartening one for drone enthusiasts. It's about law enforcement drones.
A research report by a leading UK-based agency highlighted a startling 68% acceptance rate for the usage of drones in law enforcement.
We discuss the findings of this report and share how public acceptance has shown a dramatic increase over the past year.
Our next is about Dronut, a one-of-a-kind drone developed by Cleo Robotics.
Learn how the absence of propellers can enable you to fly the Dronut in complex environments.
Don’t miss the last story of today’s news show – which is about Renault’s Flying Car.
Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the French carmaker, the flying car sells for a whopping 4 million Euros.
Don’t miss this one. Fly Safe!
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Enjoy!
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[02:32] Research report by a leading UK-based agency highlights the growing acceptance of law enforcement drones
[06:20] Dronut launches propeller-less drones that can fly in complex environments
[10:23] Renault celebrates 60th anniversary with launch of The Flying Car

Dec 7, 2021 • 50min
ADU 01230: How to Set Up a Successful Drone Business WITHOUT Quitting Your Day Job
Learn the Nuances of Setting Up and Managing a Successful Drone Business
Today’s show is about setting up and managing a successful drone business WITHOUT quitting your day job.
Our caller for Billy is keen on setting up his drone business. However, he does not want to quit his full-time, W-2 job till he has established himself in the industry and built up a steady stream of work.
To help Billy out, we first lay out the most important things that he must consider when making this difficult transition.
You will learn how to master the art of selling on the internet. And how to build your brand while reaching out to your target audience.
Towards the end, Paul also shares some great pointers so that Billy can become more effective at pitching his services.
If you are torn between a W-2 job and setting up a new drone business, this show is for you.
Do not miss this one!
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[04:00] Learn all about Drone U's latest offering - classes and courses
[07:25] Today's question is about setting up a successful drone business without quitting your full-time job
[10:17] Is running a drone business significantly different in comparison to a steady, full-time job?
[14:04] How do business owners and clients perceive professionals working part-time on their businesses
[21:18] How to master the art of selling your services on the internet
[31:51] Perfecting your sales pitch
[39:36] How a positive public perception can boost your business revenues

Nov 28, 2021 • 39min
BONUS: Black Friday – Cyber Monday Special Episode: Interview with Drone U’s Editor Steve Delasantos
Drone U Producer - Editor, Steve Delasantos, on livin' the drone life.
In this Black Friday - Cyber Monday special episode we have a discussion with Drone U's Producer - Editor Steve Delasantos on his experience flying drones, his work with Drone U and how pilots can achieve success in the drone world.
We start off discussing Steve's encounter with a fellow drone pilot on showcasing the best practices for flight take off and how these important procedures are often forgotten by most pilots in their hurry for taking off.
We next discuss on the importance of practice and how Steve honed his flying skills through hours of practice specifically from most Drone U courses. Steve also speaks in detail of how spending hours editing and going through Drone U's courses actually helped him understand the nuances of drone flight and understanding critical parameters of drone flight such as pre-flight inspection, battery maintenance and overcoming obstacles.
Steve also highlights the common hurdles that pilots face and the hardest thing that drone pilots encounter and how they can actually overcome them.
Lastly you don't want to miss out on all the announcements on the best Black Friday Cyber Monday offers from Drone U including exclusive offers on in-person training.
Fly Safe!
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Enjoy!
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[02:53] Steve's encounter with a fellow drone pilot and going over pre-flight checks
[06:17] The importance of checking battery voltage to ensure a safe return for your drone
[09:10] Dealing with orientation issues and best practices to maintaining the orientation of your drone
[11:26] How regular practice can improve your flying skills and indicators of ones improvements in managing drone flight/moves
[14:08] How Drone U's content has helped Steve transform into a better pilot
[16:30] Steve shares his take on drones and drone accessories. Are they required and do they help pilots
[26:43] Conversations on landing pads and if they help drone pilots
[30:45] Steve shares what he believes is the hardest thing to overcome from Drone Pilots
[37:11] Black Friday/Cyber Monday offers from Drone U

Nov 26, 2021 • 14min
ADU 01229: How to Buy the Best Computing System for Your Drone Business
Mac or Windows? Laptops or Desktops? What are some of the best options for drone pilots?
Today’s show is about the best computer options available for drone pilots.
Our caller for today, Cody is, of course, a drone pilot who is scouting for the best and most affordable computer system.
So, what are some of the main things that Cody should consider when buying a computer for his drone business? How can he get the maximum bang for the buck?
To answer Cody’s question, we first discuss the all-new Macbook Pro, and whether or not it is a good buy for professionals.
You will also learn how the ongoing chip shortage coupled with the surge in cryptocurrency mining has led to skyrocketing prices.
So, as a drone pilot, should Copy opt for the latest Apple laptop? Or should he go for desktop-based GPU’s like Alienware?
For all this and much, much more, don’t miss out on this show.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[03:03] Today's show is about the best computing systems for drone pilots
[04:18] About the ongoing chip shortage and its impact on computer prices
[04:50] How to gauge your work requirements and select the right computing system
[05:35] Is the Macbook series a good option for drone pilots?
[07:15] Getting the most out of your Apple laptop
[08:40] Laptop based GPUs vs. desktop based GPUs – which is the best option for drone mapping and modeling

Nov 19, 2021 • 16min
BONUS: Drone Life News 015 – Urban Air Mobility, Top Drone Manufacturers in the World, Drone Racing Arcade
Hyundai makes some major strides Urban Air Mobility, Space Tourism receives a fillip, Who are the top drone manufacturers in the world and so much more….
This week’s drone news is about all the latest developments in the drone industry, from urban air mobility to racing leagues.
In this week’s drone news show, our first story is on urban air mobility.
With automobile major, Hyundai announcing their new Urban Air Mobility division, it looks like technology will revolutionize the way we travel in the near future.
We have some exciting developments to share in this segment of the show.
Next up, we talk about space tourism, and how two companies - Virgin Galactic and Blue Origins are going all out to establish a foothold in the nascent field.
Drone enthusiasts will surely love our next story. Drone Industry Insights released their annual report which lists all the top drone manufacturers in the world. While DJI grabbed the pole position, we have some surprising entrants in this list as well.
Does this list highlight the changing dynamics of the drone market?
And if you are into gaming, check out our wrap-up story.
Drone Racing League’s new and one-of-a-kind mobile game, Drone Racing Arcade is out now. We strongly recommend you check it out!
Don’t miss this one. Fly Safe!
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Enjoy!
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[00:46] Urban air Mobility | Hyundai’s New Air Mobility Division gains traction
[03:30] Latest from the world of space tourism – How Virgin Galactic and Blue Origins are leading by example
[05:30] The top drone manufacturers in the world; the front-runners and some surprising entrants
[11:06] Drone Racing League’s mobile game – Drone Racing Arcade
[14:25] Black Friday Alert! Don’t miss the chance to grab these killer time-limited deals!

Nov 17, 2021 • 0sec
ADU 01228: Which are The Best Drones for Flying Over People?
Which are the best drones for flying over people? What are the drone laws for flying over people?
Today’s show is about flying drones over people.
Specifically, our caller for today, Bryan would like to know if there are any drones available in the market that comply with all the regulatory requirements for flying over people.
Great question, Bryan. And certainly, not a straightforward one.
We start this show by referencing the RaceDay Quad lawsuit challenging drone remote-id.
Next up, you will learn how drones are currently classified into 3 distinct categories – 1, 2, and 3. Which category does your drone fall into?
Towards the end of the show, Paul shares why DJI’s Phantom series is best suited for those flying over people. And we also have an interesting discussion on whether or not drone parachutes result in enhanced airspace safety.
Don’t miss out on this one.
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[04:16] Today's question is about flying drones over people
[05:19] Will remote-id make it easier to fly over people?
[09:16] About Race day Quad's lawsuit challenging the FAA and remote ID
[13:05] Flying over people under category 1 regulations
[14:06] Will drone propellers on DJI drones lacerate skin and violate category 1 regulations?
[18:36] Which drones fall under category 2? Can you fly category 2 drones over people?
[20:46] What is the threshold to determine that your drone is safe to be flown over people? Learn about injury severity limit and other important parameters
[22:48] Why DJI Phantom’s series is so well suited for flying over people
[23:14] Do drone parachutes make it easier to fly over people?

Nov 13, 2021 • 30min
ADU 01227: How Can Drone Pilots Make the Most of the “Lean” Winter Period?
Working “On” Your Drone Business, Getting Clients from the Internet, and How to Overcome Your Fear of Cold Calling
Our caller for today, Cristian is worried about the impact of the upcoming winter on his drone business. With solar inspection and mapping jobs likely to dry up, Cristian is wondering how he can sustain his business in this “lean period”.
On today’s show, you will learn the importance of looking at your drone business from a long-term perspective.
From getting business from the internet to traditional cold-calling, will learn a lot in today’s information-packed show.
If you are worried about your sales pipeline drying up this coming winter, do not miss this one.
Thanks for the great question, Cristian. Fly Safe!
Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF
Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad!
Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.
If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real 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.
Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.
Follow Us
Site – https://thedroneu.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu
Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu
Timestamps
[02:46] Today's question is about working on your drone business during winter
[05:46] Building systems to manage and scale your drone business
[09:30] How to build an online presence and generate business from the internet
[11:03] Need help overcoming your fear of cold calling? Paul shares his sales pitch to help you out
[24:15] How can Drone U's newest course, PROPS, help you acquire and retain clients?


