Trending News

Drone Delivery

2nd May 2025
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DZYNE Technologies, a leading innovator in autonomous defense solutions, announced today the delivery of multiple &ldquo;Grasshopper&rdquo; expendable aerial cargo glider vehicles to the U.S. Air Force. This delivery is part of a broader ongoing program to enhance contested logistics capabilities.
A Game-Changer in Contested Logistics
Designed for precision aerial logistics, Grasshopper offers a cost-effective, autonomous solution for delivering payloads in high-risk environments while minimizing operational risks for manned aircraft. Developed in response to a warfighter request for standoff cargo delivery, Grasshopper was created in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force to provide a low-cost logistics solution capable of reaching areas inaccessible to traditional aircraft.
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"The delivery of Grasshopper is a testament to the success of our collaboration with the Air Force in developing an autonomous resupply solution that meets the demands of contested environments," said Matthew McCue CEO of DZYNE Technologies. "By working closely, we were able to design and refine the Grasshopper product line into a cost-effective, high-performance aerial logistics platform. This milestone underscores the impact of this partnership, and the critical role Grasshopper will play not only in contested logistics but also in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, where rapid, precise, and unmanned delivery of critical supplies can save lives."
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The Grasshopper has transitioned from a research effort to a fielded capability in under 12 months due to close cooperation between the Air Force, DZYNE Technologies, and its users. This latest delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize aerial resupply capabilities in contested environments.
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"Grasshopper represents a transformative leap in autonomous resupply," added Dr. Thomas Howell, Portfolio Lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory. "Its ability to deliver critical payloads from standoff distances while keeping our aircraft and crews out of harm&rsquo;s way is a major advantage in modern operational environments."
Expected Operational Value 
<ul>
<li>Delivering cargo from beyond enemy threat ranges into denied environments</li>
<li>Supports humanitarian relief and logistics resupply missions</li>
<li>Deployable from a variety of platforms</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
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Scalable for Growing Demand
Building on the success of the short- to mid-range Grasshopper, DZYNE Technologies is actively developing a longer-range variant, expected to be available in early 2026, to further enhance autonomous logistics capabilities in contested environments.
To accommodate rising demand for the Grasshopper product line and DZYNE Technologies' UAS division&mdash; featuring flagship products ULTRA and LEAP&mdash;the company expanded its manufacturing footprint in late 2023. The new 125,000-square-foot facility in Irvine, California, is now ramping up Grasshopper production to fulfill current and future orders as part of the broader program.
&nbsp;
About DZYNE Technologies&nbsp;
DZYNE is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of airborne and ground-based autonomous defense solutions purpose-built to meet modern defense needs around the globe. The company&rsquo;s solutions encompass the entire autonomous defense lifecycle and include multiple U.S. Government Programs of Record across UAS and C-UAS technologies. DZYNE is proud to support U.S. and allied military and civil defense partners worldwide. For more information, visit <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://www.dzyne.com/">www.dzyne.com</a>.&nbsp;

DZYNE Delivers New Autonomous Cargo Glider ‘Grasshopper’ to US Air Force

Product News

According to <a href="https://www.techradar.com/author/david-nield">David Nield</a>&nbsp;a Freelance Contributor for techradar.com, &ldquo;Newly leaked DJI Mavic 4 Pro images may have revealed the premium drone's design in full&rdquo;
The DJI Mavic Pro 4 had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/more-dji-mavic-4-pro-leaks-seemingly-reveal-launch-date-price-and-key-features-of-the-triple-camera-drone-heres-what-to-expect">previously been tipped</a>&nbsp;to launch on April 24, and a quick glance at your calendar will tell you that didn't happen. However, it shouldn't be too long now before all of this is made official.
<a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/more-dji-mavic-4-pro-leaks-seemingly-reveal-launch-date-price-and-key-features-of-the-triple-camera-drone-heres-what-to-expect">We've also heard</a>&nbsp;that the new drone is going to be sold for $2,250 when it appears, which is just a touch higher than the $2,199 / &pound;1,879 / AU$3,099 price of the drone it's replacing &ndash; though combo packs and accessories will of course cost you extra.
Another earlier leak&nbsp;<a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/upcoming-dji-mavic-4-pro-premium-drone-could-deliver-new-camera-skills-and-lidar-heres-what-the-latest-leaks-tell-us">gave us a good look</a>&nbsp;at the triple-camera module that the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is expected to come with. It also appears that the propellers are going to get some design tweaks to enable quieter operation and a longer flight time.
All in all, this seems like a pretty substantial upgrade from the 2023 version, and these latest image leaks mean we now have a much better idea of what's coming. As soon as anything is made official, we'll let you know.
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Newly leaked DJI Mavic 4 Pro images

Pilots Stories

1st May 2025
Click here to see Joshua's Pilot Profile:
<a style="color: #ba372a;" title="By Joshua Walton" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/joshua-walton">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/joshua-walton</a>
Aviation has always been more than just planes in the sky. For me aviation is a symbol of freedom, innovation, and perspective. For me, becoming a drone pilot wasn&rsquo;t just about flying a machine; it was about seeing the world differently and discovering a new way to connect with my surroundings. That feeling only grew stronger with time. Becoming a drone pilot wasn&rsquo;t just a hobby it was a path to connect with my lifelong passion for flight, technology, and perspective.
&nbsp;
Growing up, starting from the age of six, I was introduced to the field of aviation. At that time, my image of aviation was limited to busy airports, what I thought were &ldquo;police officers&rdquo; in blue shirts (TSA agents), and huge aircraft that were way too loud and intimidating for a young child. I still remember clutching my seat nervously and crying during my first flight, unsure of what to expect. Luckily all it took was a single takeoff to change everything. I had the luck of receiving a window seat, and as the aircraft lifted from the ground, I saw a view that completely blew my mind, from the roads, buildings, and cars growing smaller and smaller beneath me until everything looked like a tiny model set. From that point on, I was hooked. Aviation had officially gained every bit of my interest.
&nbsp;
As I got older, my understanding of aviation broadened. I started to realize just how vast the field really was. At first, I imagined myself as an airline pilot, flying commercial jets across the globe. That was the only type of pilot I knew about. I would often picture myself in a captain&rsquo;s seat, announcing our descent into some exotic city. But it wasn&rsquo;t until I turned 14 that I began to discover just how many types of pilots existed. I learned about military pilots, helicopter pilots, private jet pilots, and even hot air balloon pilots. Each path seemed cool in its own way, but none of them quite matched the excitement I felt when I stumbled across drone piloting.
&nbsp;
Before then, I had owned a few small drones from gifts I&rsquo;d received over the years. To me, they were just toys: fun to fly around the yard but not something I took seriously. I didn&rsquo;t understand that people actually made careers out of flying drones. That changed one afternoon in my neighborhood when I saw someone operating a drone that was flying much higher and faster than anything I had ever seen. Naturally, my curiosity kicked in, and I had to ask questions. The pilot told me he was capturing aerial footage for the neighborhood website, and that he held a special license to operate drones professionally. That conversation opened my eyes. I learned about the FAA&rsquo;s Part 107 certification, about the laws surrounding drone flight, and about the real income potential for drone pilots. Most importantly, I learned that drones weren&rsquo;t just toys&mdash;they were tools. Tools for photography, surveying, inspection, marketing, emergency response, and more. That day, my perspective shifted. I no longer saw drones as something to play with&mdash;I saw them as a gateway into a new chapter of aviation. From that moment forward, I knew I wanted to earn my drone pilot license.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Studying for the Part 107 exam was both challenging and rewarding. The test required me to understand a wide range of topics from airspace classifications, weather patterns, regulations, emergency procedures, and more. I used a mix of online courses, FAA materials, and YouTube tutorials to study. The most difficult part for me was learning to read sectional charts and understanding the different classes of airspace. But I was determined. I spent weeks preparing, reviewing flashcards, taking practice exams, and watching videos late at night.
&nbsp;
The day of the test, I was beyond nervous knowing exactly what it was that I was about to do. Although I had studied for hours upon hours, I still arrived early at the testing center, reviewed my notes in the parking lot one last time, and walked in with butterflies in my stomach. When I finally clicked the &ldquo;Submit&rdquo; button on the screen and received the passing results from the testing coordinator, I felt a wave of pride wash over me. That moment marked the official beginning of my career as a certified drone pilot.
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Although I passed the test to be able to receive my Part 107 drone certification, I definitely did not want to stop at that point. Since then I have continued to practice and try to better myself with controlling my drones. Unfortunately I do not have the best of the best when it comes to drones, but I understand that you will always have to start from the bottom to get to the top. The first drone that I owned after becoming certified was the Potensic Atom, and I now own a Dji mini 3 drone. As of right now I currently have not been asked to perform any jobs or duties with the skills that I have at the moment. Even though I haven't been able to complete any task for anyone, I completely understand why. Due to the fact that I am new to this, and there are people who have done this longer than me and are honestly better than me at this skill, it will take time for me to make it to the next level. I don't let things like this bring me down, I just use these things as fuel and continue to practice and better myself and have fun with my drones. Although it might take a while to make it to the point that I would like to reach, I will always have my past goal as an image to remind me how I&rsquo;ve made it this far.
&nbsp;
Becoming a drone pilot has also opened up career possibilities I never would have thought of. Whether it's real estate photography, construction site inspections, or creating content for social media, there are endless paths in the drone industry. I&rsquo;m currently exploring how to build my own drone business, reaching to offer services to local businesses and individuals who want aerial footage.
&nbsp;
What excites me most about being a drone pilot is the combination of creativity and technical skill. I get to think like a photographer, a filmmaker, and a pilot all at once. I enjoy planning shots, choosing angles, adjusting settings, and making sure every flight is safe and successful. Every time I send my drone into the sky, I feel that same rush I had on my first flight as a six-year-old looking out the airplane window.
Looking back, I realize that my journey from a wide-eyed six-year-old on his first flight to a certified drone pilot has been filled with unexpected turns and valuable lessons. I&rsquo;ve learned to follow my curiosity, to ask questions, and to be open to new opportunities. Flying drones is more than just a skill, it&rsquo;s a passion that connects me to the world in a way that&rsquo;s both creative and purposeful. I&rsquo;m excited for what comes next. Whether it&rsquo;s continuing to grow a future business, collaborating with others in the field, or mentoring someone who was once just like me&mdash;curious, excited, and unsure.
I know that the sky is not the limit. It&rsquo;s just the beginning.

Pilot Story: Joshua Walton

Software

30 April 2025
SPH Engineering releases a new version of UgCS software that improves elevation data accuracy, makes mission planning easier, and introduces several enhancements to improve user experience. The new features include the ability to explicitly set flight altitude in photogrammetry and corridor missions, support for DJI M3D and M3TD drones, and access to USGS 1/3 Arc Second elevation data for users in the United States. These updates simplify mission planning and precision, improving drone operators' safety and efficiency.
&nbsp;
<h3>Practical Enhancements for Professional Users</h3>
Responding to long-standing feedback from users, UgCS now allows drone pilots to define the exact flight height when planning photogrammetry and corridor mapping missions&mdash;no longer requiring Ground Sample Distance (GSD) as the only input. This long-requested feature brings clarity and control to mission planning, especially for users who need to fly at specific altitudes and understand their expected image resolution.
&nbsp;
"Our users have asked for more flexibility and clarity in setting flight height in photogrammetry missions. With this update, we've not only delivered that but also aligned UgCS with the standards professional pilots expect from leading flight planning tools," says Kristaps Brass, UgCS Product Owner.
&nbsp;
Another significant improvement is the integration of USGS 1/3 Arc Second elevation data for all UgCS users flying within the United States. This increases the default elevation data resolution threefold&mdash;from one data point every 30 meters to one every 10 meters&mdash;greatly enhancing the accuracy of terrain-following missions. This means safer, more efficient operations in complex or mountainous terrain.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Qa856QJDAMrAh8c8CpYKp6K1dZA6tJxM6baTwBrA.jpg" alt="" width="812" height="432" />
<h3>More Visibility, Smarter Defaults</h3>
To enhance the overall user experience, the new UgCS version also includes several interface enhancements:
<ul>
<li>The "Export Route" button is now more prominent and easily accessible, mainly benefiting users of the UgCS Open version.</li>
<li>The five most popular drone models are displayed first when creating a new route, speeding up the planning process.</li>
<li>Drones with built-in multi-lens cameras will now automatically default to the wide camera when planning photogrammetry routes, reducing manual adjustments.</li>
<li>The Visual Inspection route category has been expanded with a Circle tool, making it easier to plan circular orbits around points of interest.</li>
<li>For new installations, No-Fly Zones (NFZs) are now disabled by default, allowing faster setup and quicker mission planning out of the box.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Additionally, support has been added for two new DJI drones, DJI M3D, and M3TD, further expanding the range of hardware compatible with UgCS.
&nbsp;
The new version of UgCS is available globally, with USGS elevation data automatically applied when planning missions within U.S. territory.
&nbsp;
The latest 5.9 version is available<a href="https://www.sphengineering.com/flight-planning/ugcs-downloads"> here.</a>
&nbsp;
Further information:
Piotr Domanski
E: pdomanski@ugcs.com
&nbsp;
***
About SPH Engineering
<a href="https://www.sphengineering.com/">SPH Engineering</a>&nbsp;is a leader in drone technology development, providing UAV software solutions, integration services, and custom development to advance drone applications for surveying, data collection and processing, and entertainment. Founded in 2013 in Latvia (EU), SPH Engineering has a global customer and partner network in over 150 countries. Core technologies developed by SPH Engineering:
<ul>
<li>UgCS: Flight Planning &amp; Control&ndash; One of the world's leading flight-planning software solutions for complex drone surveys.</li>
<li>Integrated Systems&ndash; The core technology SkyHub enables the advanced integration of drones, diverse sensors, and UgCS software, expanding capabilities in geophysical, hydrographic, industrial, archaeological surveying, and environmental monitoring.</li>
<li>Data Processing &amp; Custom Development&ndash; Solutions for image, point cloud, and geophysical data processing to facilitate drone-based businesses.</li>
<li>Drone Show Technologies&ndash;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a style="background-color: #e03e2d; color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.droneshowsoftware.com/">All-in-one solution</a>&nbsp;to manage drone light shows for entertainment and advertising.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

SPH Engineering Launches New Features in UgCS for Enhanced Flight Planning

Featured News

28 April 2025
Will Waters was doing cutting edge agricultural research at the University of Florida back in the 1970s but he probably could never envision what his grandson Andrew would be working on five decades later at Warren UAS, the pioneering drone training program at Warren County Community College.
Andrew Bieniek, who recently graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has joined the growing staff at WarrenUAS as a specialist in the programming and maintenance of some 90 drone systems at Warren.
He&rsquo;ll be monitoring and maintaining those systems and training WarrenUAS students to fill the huge gaps where those skills are needed in the drone industry. He&rsquo;ll also be focused on the training and research Warren is doing in precision agriculture, the growing use of drones to monitor and improve farmland and vastly increase the efficiency of farmers.
&ldquo;My grandfather was doing leading research on the growth of oranges and tomatoes and other crops. He was a huge influence on me, and I was always interested in the work he was doing. Now I have a chance to work with these cutting-edge tools that today can improve the efficiency and sustainability of farms,&rdquo; he said.
Bieniek was a standout student at Embry-Riddle, the leading aeronautical program in the country, initially studying aerospace engineering because of a long-held love of flight. However, he has the dwarfism genetic condition achondroplasia, and he recognized that, while he dreamed of flying, his condition would make it challenging. At about the same time he found drones.
&ldquo;He was always trying to learn more and explore new material&rdquo; says Dr. Joseph Cerreta, an associate professor in the College of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle, who was Bieniek&rsquo;s professor in drone training courses and his mentor.
Cerreta points out that Bieniek sought out new learning opportunities, working with the college on drone inspection of tornado damage assessments and flooding in Oklahoma, for instance, or the latest campus research on 3-D printing for the equipment.
&ldquo;But he not only participated in the newest work we were doing &ndash; he took on leadership roles with other students as a team leader. They knew he had a grasp of the information and they wanted to learn from him. Warren is lucky to have someone who can connect with their students and provide them with the latest knowledge about these systems, which he&rsquo;ll keep gathering.&rdquo;
Warren County Community College President Will Austin, who has been deeply involved in development of WarrenUAS at the school, echoed Cerreta&rsquo;s praise.
&ldquo;Andrew fills a gap here at the college and the way we can serve the drone industry,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s very well versed in unmanned systems but really knows how to design and maintain them. We need an expert like that on campus for our fleet &ndash; and we want our students to have an opportunity to acquire those skills.&rdquo;
In a short time at Embry-Riddle and in the five years since his graduation, Bieniek has gained additional wide-ranging experience. He has worked with the biggest firms offering drone delivery services, helped lead search-and-rescue missions, investigated invasive species and helped establish drone use for utility systems and operations. He has logged more than 1,800 hours of flight time and in one position trained some 300 drone pilots.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been fortunate to have some great learning experiences at Embry-Riddle and in the industry since, but I&rsquo;m looking forward to the opportunity to work with students and teach, which I really enjoy most,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;This position will allow me to keep up with the latest about drone systems and an opportunity to work with students, so they have the latest knowledge.
He is now working on development of a class covering the design, programming and maintenance of unmanned systems, potentially offered to WarrenUAS students this fall.
WarrenUAS began operation at Warren County Community College five years ago and has grown to be one of the leading training programs for unmanned systems in the nation. Housed in two new facilities on campus, it offers its growing number of students access to some $5 million in equipment and a faculty comprised of leading experts in the field.
It has expanded its offerings and the certifications it can provide for safe flight and now provides students with more specific training in precision agriculture, which has become one of Austin&rsquo;s priorities.
&ldquo;There are so many areas where our students can find great careers with these skills operating unmanned systems,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Andrew will add another dimension to our program as an expert in the fundamental ways these systems operate and are built and maintained. And his wide-ranging skills and knowledge will be an asset for us beyond that.&rdquo;
Bieniek, who began his work at Warren in early February, says he&rsquo;s already found that the position suits him well &ndash; and believes he can even further boost the program&rsquo;s reputation as a leading academic site for drone training.
&ldquo;It is such an exciting time to be involved in this field and Warren is a great place to explore the growing capability of this technology and train students to learn about them and grow careers in the field,&rdquo; he said.

Andrew Bieniek joins Warren County Community College

28 April 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/malik-norman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Malik Norman</a>
When I first set foot in flight school, my mind was set on one thing: becoming a commercial pilot. Like many others who dream of flying for a living, I was chasing altitude, runway lights, and that unmistakable rumble of a turboprop firing to life. I wanted to wear the stripes, command an aircraft, and look out at the horizon from 30,000 feet. Drones? At that point, they weren&rsquo;t even on my radar&mdash;no pun intended.
My journey into aviation began like most student pilots: with a deep passion for flight and a desire to master the skies. I enrolled in flight school full of excitement and maybe a little nervousness. The syllabus was intense, filled with aerodynamics, airspace classes, FAA regulations, and endless hours of ground school. Every day was a new lesson, every night a study session. I was completely immersed in the world of manned aviation.
The camaraderie at school was also something special&mdash;being surrounded by other aspiring pilots created a strong sense of purpose and motivation. We pushed each other to stay sharp, and although the curriculum was tough, there was something truly fulfilling about being part of a community united by the same dream.
Then came an unexpected turn.
One day, during course selection for electives, I noticed an option to take a Part 107 drone pilot certification course. It wasn&rsquo;t something I had planned on, but what caught my attention was the incentive&mdash;if I completed the course, I&rsquo;d get a free drone. That alone piqued my interest. At the time, the idea of flying a drone sounded like a fun side hobby, nothing more than a cool toy I could mess around with during downtime. It definitely didn&rsquo;t seem like anything I&rsquo;d pursue seriously.
So I signed up, half-curious and half-motivated by the prospect of scoring a free DJI drone.
To my surprise, the drone ground school wasn&rsquo;t all that different from what I was already studying. In fact, there was a remarkable overlap between manned and unmanned flight training. Concepts like airspace classifications, weather patterns, METARs and TAFs, sectional charts, radio communications, and FAA regulations were all part of the Part 107 curriculum too. What I thought would be a light, easygoing elective ended up being a full-fledged educational experience&mdash;and one that was far more demanding than I expected.
But here&rsquo;s where things started to shift.
The more I learned about drone operations, the more I realized how wrong I had been. Drones weren&rsquo;t just high-tech toys you flew around the backyard. The level of precision, situational awareness, and knowledge required to legally and safely operate one in national airspace was far greater than I had ever imagined. The FAA wasn&rsquo;t handing out licenses for weekend hobbyists&mdash;this was serious aviation.
I found myself starting to respect drone pilots in a way I hadn&rsquo;t before. It wasn&rsquo;t about just pushing a joystick and watching a screen&mdash;it was about mission planning, risk assessment, understanding the weather, respecting privacy laws, and navigating real-world airspace. I began to see drone aviation not as a side branch of aviation, but as a specialized skill set with its own challenges and rewards.
Going through the rigors of Part 107 ground school gave me a whole new appreciation for what drone pilots do. I gained a better understanding of how drones are used in industries like cinematography, search and rescue, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and more. I saw how UAVs could capture perspectives no human could reach, and how much discipline it took to fly them professionally.
When I finally passed the Part 107 exam, that certificate meant something very different to me than it did when I first signed up. It wasn&rsquo;t about a free drone anymore. It was about adding another set of wings to my aviation journey&mdash;just a different kind than I originally envisioned.
Soon after, I received my DJI Mini 3 Pro. At first, I flew just to practice, experimenting with different maneuvers, learning the controls, studying how the drone responded to weather, wind, and terrain. The more I flew, the more confident I became. That confidence turned into creativity. I started taking shots, exploring camera settings, and trying out different angles and perspectives that I never imagined I could achieve. The footage I was capturing wasn&rsquo;t just &ldquo;good for a drone,&rdquo; it was good&mdash;period.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/WCzlL4B1fq2XYJJWAz3IMX2N0JzZKMM7K16m079o.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="613" />
It&rsquo;s incredible how something that started as an afterthought quickly became a central part of my life. The more I flew, the more I realized this wasn&rsquo;t just another tool&mdash;it was an extension of myself as a pilot and as a creator. Drones opened up a new kind of freedom. Unlike traditional aircraft, which require airports and long flight plans, drones could lift off almost anywhere. I could be in the middle of a forest, on a construction site, or at the edge of the ocean, and still be airborne in minutes.
Eventually, flying drones evolved from a side interest to a professional pursuit.
Now, I fly commercially using my Mavic 2 Pro, and it has become an integral part of my career. I&rsquo;ve also logged significant hours on the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Matrice series, which opened up even more possibilities in terms of payloads and applications. Each drone has its own strengths&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s the lightweight flexibility of the Mini 3 Pro, the cinematic precision of the Mavic 2 Pro, or the industrial power of the Matrice.
Every project I take on is a new challenge. Whether I&rsquo;m shooting real estate footage, mapping terrain, documenting a construction site, or capturing a sunset over a coastline, I&rsquo;m always looking to push myself creatively and technically. I never stop learning&mdash;there&rsquo;s always a new maneuver, a new camera technique, a new airspace regulation to adapt to. And I welcome all of it.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a drone pilot is seeing how my work helps others. Whether it&rsquo;s delivering stunning aerial footage for a business, assisting with site surveys that save hours of labor, or even just giving someone a new perspective of a familiar place, there&rsquo;s a satisfaction that comes from creating value through flight.
Sometimes, I think back to when I first saw the Part 107 elective on that course list and laughed at how casually I brushed it off. I never imagined that drones would play such a major role in my professional life. But I&rsquo;m glad they did. They&rsquo;ve allowed me to merge my passion for flight with a growing fascination for visual storytelling and remote aviation technology.
What I love most about being a drone pilot is the freedom it offers&mdash;both creatively and professionally. Drones have a way of showing the world from a perspective that people rarely get to see. When I&rsquo;m in the air, framing the perfect shot or flying over an area I&rsquo;ve never explored before, there&rsquo;s a kind of thrill that&rsquo;s hard to describe. It&rsquo;s like painting with motion, using light and elevation instead of brushes and canvas.
At the same time, I never forget the responsibility that comes with the license. Flying drones&mdash;especially commercially&mdash;isn&rsquo;t just about cool footage or flying for fun. It&rsquo;s about safety, awareness, and respect for the airspace and the people around you. That&rsquo;s something I carry with me every time I lift off.
My background in manned aviation gave me a solid foundation, but it&rsquo;s my experience as a drone pilot that&rsquo;s helped me grow in ways I didn&rsquo;t expect. I&rsquo;ve learned to appreciate not just the technology behind drones, but the discipline and professionalism required to fly them. And perhaps more importantly, I&rsquo;ve learned never to underestimate an opportunity&mdash;even one that starts out with just a free drone.
Today, I consider myself lucky to be a part of the ever-evolving drone industry. I&rsquo;m proud of the work I do, the skills I&rsquo;ve developed, and the journey that brought me here. And while I still love the idea of flying commercial jets one day, I can honestly say that drones have earned their own place in my heart&mdash;and in my future.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
<iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lc0qJy9ETYU?si=OXNCFwCZt6bbcWkk" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
&nbsp;

Pilot Story: Malik Norman

28 April 2025
<div class="mb-4 clearfix">
Chances are you may have missed the FAA's annual Drone Safety Day celebrations on April 26, but that doesn't mean you should avoid the opportunity to "Fly Right" every day of the year.
In fact, every 12 months, the FAA uses the day to remind the&nbsp;drone community of the importance of safe flying, as well as the contributions of drones to our communities. Educational events aligned with Drone Safety Day typically highlight education, environment, and emergency services.&nbsp;
The Fly Right theme stands for:
<ul>
<li>Register your drone&nbsp;</li>
<li>Interact with others</li>
<li>Gain knowledge</li>
<li>Have a safety plan</li>
<li><abbr>TRUST</abbr>&nbsp;and Train</li>
</ul>
</div>

Did You Miss Drone Safety Day?

25 April 2025
Houthi militants in Yemen managed to take down three U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones this past week, bringing the militant group's kill score against Reapers to seven since March of this year, and a total of 15 since October 2023..
Since the Trump Administration's expanded air strikes again the Houthis a couple of weeks back, it is estimated, by White House press secretary Karoline Leavit, that more than 200 sorties have been launched. However, the Pentagon has said the air strikes have reached around 750 since March 15.
The military goal of what the United States has titled "Operation Rough Rider" is to stop the Houthis from continuing its attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
The loss of the U.S. Reaper drones isn't a huge number, of course, but given the fact that each MQ-9 costs $28 million&mdash;and the Air Force has a current inventory of just 280 of these drones&mdash;the destroyed combat UAVs can be considered significant.
In early April, the Operation Rough Rider air battle cost the United States approximately $200 million dollars in additional munitions, and it is estimated the figure may rise to $1 billion.
"The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen," said a spokesperson from U.S. Central Command regarding a recent strike at the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port. "This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully."
However, the U.S. military has had very limited success in obliterating Houthi drones, missiles, and command operations, as these combat supplies are protected in underground bunkers.
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U.S. Drones Shot out of the Sky by Houthis

24 April 2025
The next measure of America's trade war with China is now looming for drone technology, as U.S. authorities continue to consider a ban on Chinese manufacturers.
Companies such as Nvidia, Broadcom, AMD and the Dutch machine manufacturer ASML have already felt the effects of this in recent years. The USA wants to prevent China from catching up with the latest AI chips. Bans have already been imposed on the export of certain computer chips, as well as the machines used to produce them. Accordingly, companies must be prepared for the fact that the Chinese market has become a no-go area for some of them.
The race for technological leadership between the USA and China seems to be rapidly entering the next round. The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce is examining a new regulation to restrict or even ban Chinese drones in the United States of America due to national security concerns. To date, Chinese companies, in particular DJI, have a market share of over 75 percent of the U.S. drone market. China's share of privately used hobby drones is more than 90 percent.
A ban on the products of these companies would completely transform the industry in the U.S. market and create a huge gap in America's drone market.
However, there is also opportunity.
With Chinese drones and accessories commanding such a high market share in the U.S., a new market worth billions would open up for Western companies if America outright bans or significantly restricts technology and products from China.
<a href="https://www.zenatech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZenaTech</a>, for example, offers AI-equipped drones, plans to leverage quantum computing, and is set to offer a Drone as a Service division, where the company will offer drone solutions on a pay-for-use bases such as for crop spraying and inventory management. In addition, ZenaTech took another step towards NDAA (National Defense Act Administration) compliance for its entire supply chain, as well as seeking applications for Green UAS and Blue UAS in order to be on the supplier list for the US defense complex and NATO.
ZenaTech is also expanding rapidly in the USA. Most recently, the subsidiary ZenaDrone moved into a production facility in Arizona to produce drones for the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO.
The facility produces and assembles ZenaDrone 1000 multifunctional autonomous AI drones for the U.S. military. ZenaTech has already expanded its market position through three acquisitions in the field of land surveying. The current focus is on the defense, warehouse-and-logistics, and agriculture sectors.
However, any bans or restrictions on Chinese providers could suddenly open the window to a larger accessible market accross government and commercial potential customers.&nbsp;
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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How Will Tariffs on China affect the U.S. drone industry?

23 April 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="http://www.dzyne.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DZYNE Technologies</a>, a pioneer in autonomous defense systems, introduced the <a href="https://dzyne.com/counter-uas/#handheld" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dronebuster 4-EU,</a> an upgraded variant of its acclaimed handheld counter-drone system that incorporates both fixed site and wearable drone detection and visualization options for European customers. Specifically engineered to operate within European short-range device frequency bands, the 4-EU model addresses the escalating need for region-specific, adaptable counter-drone solutions across various sectors worldwide. In addition to providing users with the option to jam unwanted drones across a variety of EU-specific frequencies, the Dronebuster 4-EU also incorporates an optional PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) attack mode to neutralize satellite-controlled drones across the GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, or BeiDou constellations.
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<div class="col-sm-12">"The versatility of Dronebuster 4-EU empowers security personnel across sectors to effectively counteract unauthorized drones," added George Schwartz, EVP of Products at DZYNE. "Our commitment to innovation ensures that we continue to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our global customers."</div>
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<div class="col-sm-12">DZYNE's growing international impact is underscored by a recent multi-million-dollar contract award&nbsp;for Dronebuster&reg; from an undisclosed allied customer &mdash; further validating the system's global relevance and operational value.</div>
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"The proliferation of drones has introduced complex security challenges globally," said&nbsp;Matthew McCue, CEO of DZYNE Technologies. "The Dronebuster 4-EU provides security teams and infrastructure operators with adaptable, region-specific protection across diverse environments. To keep pace with surging demand, we have had to significantly increase production and personnel across engineering, production, and business development."
DZYNE's Counter-UAS portfolio has rapidly become one of the most trusted and operationally proven defense solutions worldwide. With more than 2,200 Dronebuster&reg; units sold globally&mdash;including over 1000 actively deployed with U.S. Armed Forces&mdash;Dronebuster is officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as a Program of Record, further affirming its operational reliability and mission-critical role in counter-UAS operations. Alongside Dronebuster, DZYNE's broader C-UAS suite&mdash;including Sawtooth, ASP, and the newly introduced Dronebuster-FS&mdash;is currently deployed across 50+ countries, protecting critical infrastructure, military bases, borders, and high-threat environments.
The success and widespread adoption of these systems directly inspired the development of the Dronebuster 4-EU&mdash;a region-specific model tailored for compliance with European short-range device (SRD) frequency bands. Building on DZYNE's global operational footprint, the 4-EU delivers enhanced wearability, flexible deployment configurations, and integrated detection capabilities for mission-critical drone defense across European civil, military, and infrastructure applications.
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<h5 class="prntal">Key Use Cases Driving Global Demand</h5>
A surge in unlawful drone activity has amplified the necessity for robust counter-drone systems for civil and military users alike. The Dronebuster 4-EU is tailored to support a wide array of applications, including:
Critical Infrastructure Protection&nbsp;&ndash; Safeguarding power plants, water treatment facilities, and transportation hubs from unauthorized drone incursions that could disrupt operations or compromise safety.
Stadium and Event Security&nbsp;&ndash; Ensuring the safety of large gatherings by preventing potential drone-related threats during concerts, sports events, and public assemblies.
Secure Facility Defense&nbsp;&ndash; Protecting sensitive sites such as government buildings, research centers, and military installations from espionage or other malicious drone activities.
Airports&nbsp;&ndash; Preventing drone interference with aircraft operations and securing airspace around runways and terminals to protect passengers, personnel, and flight schedules.
Maritime Security&nbsp;&ndash; Defending vessels and maritime operations against drone threats, crucial for both commercial shipping and naval applications.
Border Surveillance and Point Defense&nbsp;&ndash; Enhancing border security by detecting and mitigating unauthorized drone crossings, aiding in the prevention of smuggling and unauthorized surveillance.
Dronebuster 4-EU is available for purchase in fixed site, mobile, and handheld configurations, offering maximum flexibility for users to implement a single or networked layered defense solution against unwanted drones. Paired with its Detect, Track, Identify, and Mitigate (DTIM) wearable solution, a single user can detect drones out to 7km away and accurately defeat out to1.5km or more.
<h5 class="prntal">Production Expansion to Meet Diverse Needs</h5>
In response to the growing demand across these sectors, DZYNE is scaling up operations at its&nbsp;Portland, Oregon&nbsp;manufacturing facility,&nbsp;including:
Increased Manufacturing Capacity &ndash; Enhancing production lines to deliver the Dronebuster 4EU to a global clientele promptly.
Workforce Growth&nbsp;&ndash; Creating new positions in engineering, production, and business development to support expanded operations and uphold stringent quality standards.
<h5 class="prntal">About DZYNE Technologies</h5>
DZYNE is a leading technology developer and manufacturer of airborne and ground-based autonomous defense solutions purpose-built to meet modern defense needs around the globe. The company's solutions encompass the entire autonomous defense lifecycle and include multiple U.S. Government Programs of Record across UAS and C-UAS technologies. DZYNE is proud to support U.S. and allied military and civil defense partners worldwide.
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