Guides and Tutorials

Travel Tips for Drone Users

Simple tips to keep airline travel with your drone headache free.

Travel Tips for Drone UsersSo, you’re planning a vacation and you want to bring your favorite companion…your drone! Before you book those flights, read our helpful tips for traveling with a drone.

Protective Case is a must

A drone is certainly an expensive piece of equipment. Whether traveling or not, investing in a protective case for your drone is highly recommended. In the event you need to check your drone as baggage, a protective case is an absolute must. A hard-sided protective case, combined with a custom foam interior, keeps sensitive equipment safe and secure during transport…no shifting, no scratches, no damage. Protective cases are crush and impact resistant and feature latches that won’t pop open under stress. Some even include pressure-release valves and can be padlocked to keep equipment safe from theft. Just be sure to purchase a TSA approved padlock if you go this route. Also, it’s a good idea to keep the case free of logos, branding, etc. An ordinary looking protective case reduces the risk of additional airline scrutiny (which often comes with drones) as well as interest from would-be thieves. Find the right protective case for your drone. Of course, the best option is to treat your done as a carry-on. And, as long as you comply with the carry-on size restrictions for the airline, you should have no problem. Carrying your drone reduces the risk of damage and theft. However, it is still a good idea to find a soft protective case for your drone. When choosing a soft protective case, make sure it meets the airlines carry-on requirements and offers adequate padding to protect your equipment from the bumps and jostles of flight.  

Traveling with LiPo batteries

When handled improperly, LiPo batteries can be extremely dangerous. Quick changes in temperature and air pressure make LiPo batteries susceptible to catching fire. As such, there are several requirements for traveling with LiPo batteries on airlines. Current International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations allows passengers to bring LiPo batteries inside carry-on luggage but there are precautions you need to take. Remember, never check LiPo batteries inside your luggage. Advanced preparation is key when traveling with LiPo batteries.
  1. Deplete your batteries before you transport them. Batteries must be transported at a state of charge (SoC) not exceeding 30% of their rated design capacity.
  2. Remove depleted batteries, protect the battery terminals from short circuit.
  3. Place batteries inside a separate fire proof LiPo safety bag.
Remember, never travel with damaged or puffy LiPo batteries. Instead, follow the proper protocol for disposing LiPo batteries. Read more about the FAA guidelines and travel with LiPo batteries. Most airlines allow 2 lithium batteries over 100 watt hours. Of course, each airline may have different requirement when it comes to LiPo batteries. To eliminate any hassle on the day of travel, check with the airline in advance to make sure you are in compliance.  

Come prepared

We all want to fly our drones without incident, however, mishaps do occur. Plan ahead! Prepare and pack a basic repair kit. Many operators take into consideration the last few repairs their drone needed and pack the tools and equipment needed to fix the issue. Keep your repair kit smart, simple and lightweight.  

Check destination regulations

Regulations regarding drone use vary from state to state; some have additional requirements, others do not. It is your responsibility to be aware of local regulations and stay in compliance. Read more about current sUAS state laws. When traveling internationally, a little advanced homework will save you a lot of headaches. Some countries require that you declare your drone upon entry. Others require you to fill out an application prior to travel.   Follow these travel tips for drone users and book those flights! A little advanced preparation ensures your trip is enjoyable and a flying success.

How to Start a Drone-Based Business – A Beginners Guide

drone_businessDrone is one of the buzzwords of 2016 as Unmanned Aerial Systems continue to enhance and disrupt various industries.

The capabilities and benefits of UAV’s has led many to adopt this technology. This technology has also created a myriad of additional commercial opportunities, as well.

Simply creating a successful business enterprise based on drones is not enough. Effective implementation requires careful planning and training.

With this in mind, we’ve created a guide on how to start a drone-based business for beginners.

Preparation and groundwork

If you’re interested in a drone-based business, your project starts with understanding your UAV. Familiarize yourself with your devices’ operational manual before putting it together and flying it.

Understand the FAA’s rules on flying drones and abide by them. The Know Before You Fly educational campaign offers valuable information on air traffic fundamentals and operating procedures. It is a great online resource for novice drone pilots.

Another vital component of preparation is training. Novice drone pilots need to learn how to operate their remotely piloted aircraft skillfully and safely.

Training also helps reduce operational expenses and minimize downtime due to damaged or destroyed equipment. Basics include: take-off and landing, roll, pitch, and yaw, capturing images and video.

The preparation work you do truly is the foundation on which you build your business; the better your preparation, the better your outcome.

Learning the tricks of your trade

Drones are used for a wide range of applications. As such, pilots must practice and become proficient at the piloting challenges their particular application entails.

For those in the aerial photography and cinematography sector, capturing photos and videos from the air may take some time; this is just as true for seasoned photographers.

Capturing images via drone involves different vantage points and a moving camera. And, of course, particular applications require the development of particular skill sets. For example, wedding photos and video require different angles and shots than real estate photography and videography. Applications involving aerial surveillance and mapping utilize different sets of technical aspects altogether.

No matter the business, practice ensures quality work conducted at the highest possible standard.

 Permits and getting your drone-based business certified

Preparation and groundwork is invaluable but it amounts to nothing if you cannot fly due to regulatory restrictions.

As a new and growing sector, drone regulations are a work in progress. However, the basic rule of thumb is that commercial drone use is currently prohibited by the FAA. Companies that wish to use drones for commercial purposes must apply to the FAA for a Section 333 Waiver, which are issued on a case by case basis.

Granting of commercial drone use permits by the FAA began in 2014. To date over 1,500 companies have certified their businesses. Today, acquiring a permit for your drone-based business is pretty straight forward. With advice from a lawyer who specializes in drones, your business can get certified and permitted without too much hassle.

Before you apply, familiarize yourself with the FAA’s guidelines on submitting an application for an exemption. Also, review the section 333 guidelines to learn what you’re required to submit to receive authorization.

Once you understand the requirements, you’re ready to file your application on the public docket.

Currently, blanket exemptions are in force which allow commercial operators to fly below 200 feet and use aircraft that weigh less than 55 pounds. Operators must follow restrictions such as keeping a certain distance away from airports and manned aircraft, as well as daytime and visual line of sight rules.

For any requirements that fall outside of the blanket exemptions, commercial drone operators need to wait for their permit before they can begin operations.

Choosing the right drone for your business

Unmanned aerial systems have quickly evolved from a pastime for drone enthusiasts to indispensable tools in a variety of sectors. But each industry requires a drone that meets certain requirements. Drone selection is usually based on the services you'll provide.

While most drones are similar in design and operation, some are packaged for particular applications. Industry specific drones are often equipped with unique payloads and technologies.

The DJI’s Phantom 4 and the Parrot Disco FPV, for example, are popular choices for aerial photography and video. Depending on your budget, the technology and ability of the drone, there is a wide array from which to choose that range in price from $300 up to well over $1000.

Drones designed for surveying and/or mapping purposes come at a higher price tag because of the hardware and software requirements for such applications.

Professional surveying drones can cost up to $10,000 or more, depending on the model. Usually, these systems are packaged with surveying specific technologies such as RGB and NIR cameras, high resolution imaging, longer flight times, autonomous flight, and faster speeds.

For the budget conscious, less expensive drones can capture aerial surveying images and inspection. However, creating a professional business with a quality product does require investment in a more robust system.

Lastly, an investment in a good drone requires further expenditure on accessories and software. Items such as spare batteries to limit down-times, replacement parts in the event of crashes, and software such as photo editing tools and data storage are essential in keeping a drone-based business running smoothly.

Looking To Purchase A Drone? Check Out These Great Options


Launching your business and getting the word out

Based on the number of commercial exemptions granted by the FAA, the interest in creating drone-based businesses is very high. And though the industry is still in its infancy, it’s vital to market your business.

The digital age has made it a little easier to market your business. Platforms such as the internet and social media are valuable resources to help level the playing field somewhat. Other recommendations include joining and contributing to professional UAV organizations that exist around the country and online. Networking with business professionals in the field can establish you and your organization as an authoritative voice in the sector.

Likewise, an online advertising budget can help increase your brand’s reach. Advertising online is less costly than traditional marketing methods and can reach millions of potential customers and clients.

UAVs are extremely popular right now, and there is no better time to start a business in the sector. With preparation, effort and investment your drone-based business can succeed.

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