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05 December 2023
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By Donald Laird, Santa Rosa Junior College Drone Studies Program
Owner, Sky Perspective Photos
In my experiences as both an educator and professional drone pilot, I've come across some recurring "errors" that drone photographers tend to make when composing, shooting, and/or processing images. You can enhance your reputation and book more jobs by producing visuals that speak with impact, dimension, clarity, and uniqueness. Here are five missteps to dodge that should help you impress potential clients.
[1]&nbsp;Focusing too much on the "dronie-ness" of the shot, and not paying enough attention to the details of the image, such as composition, lighting, etc.
[2] Shooting the same shots repetitively. Straight-down shots from high up are nice enough, but there needs to be a lot more variety of angles.
[3] Not knowing your target audience&rsquo;s needs well enough. You need to provide the images your clients want and need&mdash;not just what you want to shoot.
[4] Doing too much work in post-processing. It&rsquo;s way too common to overprocess images&mdash;usually over sharpening or increasing saturation beyond reasonability.
[5] Not valuing your work enough. There&rsquo;s often a race to the bottom when pricing services, which don&rsquo;t include consideration for time or risks taken.
<h5 style="font-weight: 400;">Learn More!</h5>
<h5 style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://cs.santarosa.edu/drone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE for information on the Drone Studies Program at&nbsp;Santa Rosa Junior College</a>.</h5>
<h5 style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.skyperspectivephotos.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE to visit Sky Perspective Photos</a>.</h5>

Five Common Drone Photography Mistakes

Drone Education

30 November 2023
The drone industry is booming and with that comes massive drone sales and an industry that's worth over 33 billion dollars. Consumers are buying up big, with the shipment of drones projected to reach 7.1 million in 2025, and with that comes a whole new generation of pilots that need training.
<a href="https://www.dronecreatorpro.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Drone Creator Pro</a> is the latest online drone film school being offered by an Australian pilot, but instead of offering a course that teaches pilots how to get their official licensing, Drone Creator Pro focuses more on training up-and-coming pilots on their filmmaking skills required to capture stunning videography and photography.
&ldquo;There are a lot of drone pilots that think flying a drone is just about getting certified&rdquo; said Drone Creator Pro Founder, Amy Creighton. &ldquo;There is so much more that pilots need to learn when it comes to capturing cinematic footage, it is just like a mini film camera in the sky and you can really tell the difference between someone who is trained with a filmmaking background and pilots who aren't.&rdquo;
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Amy Creighton
Creighton started the online course as she was receiving a lot of questions from new pilots on how they could improve their footage. &ldquo;Getting that extra bit of filmmaking training can really make new pilots stand out from the crowd as everyone these days seems to own a drone, but 80% of people really don&rsquo;t know what they are doing when it comes to the settings and the filmmaking techniques for capturing beautiful drone footage. This extra edge can enable pilots to start earning serious money from their drones.&rdquo;
Drones have really revolutionized the industry. &ldquo;When I was working for one of the major networks here in Australia, we heavily relied on using helicopters to capture aerial footage. The expense involved was astronomical compared to what we can achieve with drones these days. Not to mention the newer drones that have been released with high quality zoom cameras. These drones have changed the way the industry captures aerial footage and photography. Imagine if you wanted to get an aerial shot of the sunset on a rural property? Back then you had to pay for the helicopter hire, the pilot&rsquo;s time, the fuel, tens of thousands of dollars just for one shot. Whereas now you can have the flexibility to pop the drone up and capture spectacular stabilized footage.&rdquo;
And that's how Drone Creator Pro was born. &ldquo;Having this technology freely available to any Joe Bloggs really has opened a can of worms, anyone these days can call themselves a professional drone pilot. I wanted to give pilots the skills they need to differentiate themselves from the drone cowboys in the industry, there is a reason why a drone pilot can charge thousands of dollars a day as opposed to hundreds a day.&rdquo;
Drone Creator Pro is taught by actual professional drone pilots working within the drone industry on a day-to-day basis for large brands and companies and is proving very popular around the world. The course is designed for entry level beginners but also is geared towards professional drone pilots that need some extra training.
The online drone film school currently has over 50 individual lessons teaching students the basics, from what drone you should be buying, cinematic drone settings, drone equipment, right through to advanced training including 3D Mapping, Surveying, FPV, Drone Photography and even teaches pilots how to edit their drone footage using pacing, music and sound effects, as well as color grading tutorials and export settings.
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One of the unique benefits of Drone Creator Pro is they offer membership to a private Facebook group as part of the course. &ldquo;The online Facebook group is really exciting as we have all of our members together in one place and we can all discuss and give advice on pretty much anything related to drones and just having a place like that helps inspiring drone pilots to achieve more and really expand their drone skills and knowledge by getting valuable advice from each other.&rdquo;
Being a female drone pilot in a male dominant industry has also had its challenges. &ldquo;I always wanted to be in filmmaking. Fresh out of school I enrolled in film school and quickly learnt females were not generally in the roles I wanted to work in, like the camera department or directing or editing, so I had to be even more determined to prove that I could produce the same results as anyone else. These days things have changed a lot and after 15 years of running my own production company and winning several awards for cinematography, it&rsquo;s becoming pretty normal to see females flying drones and shooting behind the camera, so I love seeing females having a crack at flying drones and doing well within the drone and filmmaking industry.&rdquo;
&ldquo;There are so many opportunities for male and female drone pilots these days, there simply isn't enough pilots to keep up with the demand,&rdquo; said Creighton.
The drone industry really is booming with pilot opportunities to work in so many different fields including professional creative jobs like television commercials, corporate and social media videos for online marketing, ads and general branding, as well as construction and site inspection opportunities within the energy and mining industries. Not to mention how drones have changed the face of agriculture and farming as well as their involvement in recent conflicts and wars around the world.
The list really does go on and while there are more non-creative opportunities like mapping, surveying and enterprise which are covered in the course, Amy says that being able to creatively use your drone is the starting point and the backbone of a great drone pilot. &ldquo;Without these foundations and knowing your drone&rsquo;s capabilities front to back and knowing how to address problems and issues immediately, will accelerate your opportunities and give you the confidence required to tackle any job in any industry.&rdquo;
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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Drone Creator Pro Online Film School

15 November 2023
Since 2009, <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.candrone.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Candrone</a> has been at the forefront of the drone revolution, providing cutting-edge solutions that empower organizations to elevate their operations. As an authorized dealer of industry leaders like DJI Enterprise, Autel Robotics, and GreenValley International, Candrone stands out as a beacon of innovation in the drone technology landscape.
<h5>Who is Candrone?</h5>
Candrone isn't just a company; it's a collective of visionary thinkers and problem solvers dedicated to advancing the use of drone technology. With a rich history that dates back to the early days of drone applications, Candrone has grown into a trusted partner for businesses seeking to harness the power of aerial technology.
<h5>What Do We Do?</h5>
At Candrone, we specialize in providing a comprehensive range of drone-related services. From consulting and training to hands-on field services, we offer a one-stop solution that covers every aspect of drone technology integration. Whether it's through our expert consultation, top-tier products, or unwavering support, our goal is to ensure your organization can integrate drones into your workflow seamlessly and efficiently.
<h5>Why Are We Experts?</h5>
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Our expertise is built on a foundation of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge. Every consultant at Candrone receives rigorous training on each product, ensuring they can offer insights that go beyond the specs. This expertise is further enhanced by our close collaboration with field crews and survey experts, ensuring the solutions we provide are not just theoretical, but field-tested and proven.
<h5>Services We Offer</h5>
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Candrone's services are as diverse as the industries we serve. Our offerings include:
<ul>
<li>Drone Solutions: We focus on Enterprise-level systems and we have the right drone for every application.</li>
<li>Sensors and Payloads: Equip your drone with the latest sensors for applications ranging from Lidar scanning to multispectral imaging.</li>
<li>Training and Certification: With in-person training and ground school, we ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge to operate drones safely and effectively.</li>
<li>Support and Consultation: Our customer success team is dedicated to supporting you when technology challenges arise, ensuring your operations run smoothly.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Our Commitment to Your Success</h5>
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Candrone's standard program is a testament to our commitment to your success. With every drone purchase, you receive comprehensive training, onboarding, and ongoing priority support. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, regularly producing exclusive content on <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.youtube.com/@CANDRONE/videos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a> and webinars to share insights into unique workflows.
<h5>Connect With Us</h5>
Our consultants are available online from 5 am to 4 pm PST, Monday through Friday, ready to assist you via live chat. We also offer exclusive savings through our partnerships with vendors, ensuring you get the best pricing for your needs.
<h5>A Track Record of Excellence</h5>
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in the hundreds of outstanding <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://g.page/r/CbPjRHSlHwHXEAI/review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Google reviews</a> from our satisfied clients. These testimonials speak volumes about the positive impact Candrone has had on businesses across various industries.
<h5>Join the Candrone Revolution</h5>
Whether you're looking to integrate drone technology into your operations for the first time or seeking to enhance your existing capabilities, Candrone is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to discover how we can help you soar to new heights.

Candrone's Pioneering Drone Solutions

03 October 2023
<a href="https://www.warren.edu/uploads/DRONE-WEB-PAGE-June-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warren Community College</a> in New Jersey is collaborating with drone flight training and consulting firm <a href="https://crossflightskysolutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CrossFlight Sky Solutions</a> to enhance the college&rsquo;s acclaimed drone training program with the company&rsquo;s leading-edge curriculum materials.
The South Carolina based firm, which offers drone services, consulting, and educational training modules, is working with the college&rsquo;s WarrenUAS drone training program to strengthen and strategically update its offerings in fundamental drone operations, where the technology, practices and regulations are changing rapidly in the booming industry.
&ldquo;We have built our program from the ground up and have gained national recognition for our training, but it was important to us now to work with other leaders in the field to add expertise, evaluate our approach and keep up-to-date in this incredibly fast-moving field,&rdquo; said Will Austin, who is on sabbatical through December 2023 as president of the college in part to head up and manage the widely respected drone training program during these critical years of growth. &ldquo;CrossFlight is a great source for the latest in drones and drone education and can really bolster what we believe is one of the best programs in the country here.&rdquo;
Mark Howard, chief operating officer at CrossFlight, said the company, which has worked with hundreds of educators and private firms across the country to fine-tune their training structures, sees the relationship with WarrenUAS as &ldquo;a win-win&rdquo;.
&ldquo;We know that we can provide the college with the latest information and training techniques based on the knowledge of out experts here at CrossFlight, who are working with drones and drone training continuously,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But we also rely on clients like Warren to help us understand what is needed for students in this field and what they are seeing in the industry. It is part of building a community where we share the latest thinking about educating these professionals.&rdquo;
Austin says working with CrossFlight allows his faculty to focus on instruction and the individual students rather than developing and continually updating coursework.&nbsp; CrossFlight serves as a platform for WarrenUAS staff to gather cutting edge information from CrossFlight itself and their many other clients.
&ldquo;Combined with the expert faculty we have assembled an array of technology we have collected, this gives our students the best, most current pathways to safe and skillful drone operation and the certifications they need. It really gives them a step-up as they develop their careers in the field,&rdquo; said Austin. &ldquo;When we combine the expertise of CrossFlight, Embry Riddle, AUVSI, Unleashed, DronelogBook, Pix4D, ESRI, Wingtra, Censys, Pitsco, and all our strategic partners, we are able to be confident in our claims of developing one of the most comprehensive drone training curriculums for the industry.&rdquo;
CrossFlight was founded by Jerry Whittaker, a former pilot and air traffic controller, who saw the need for safe operation of unmanned aircraft as the drone industry began to grow &ndash;&nbsp;and as it became clear that the technology would increasingly play a key role in a wide range of industries.
He wanted to make sure drones were operated safely and he saw the opportunities for the growth of unmanned aircraft flight in fields ranging from real estate, construction and utility management to product delivery, agriculture and entertainment.
&ldquo;Jerry&rsquo;s goal was to provide an on-ramp for young people and veterans in aviation while making the skies safer, Howard said. &ldquo;This vision struck a chord nationally with many of our clients who wanted trained Part 107 pilots quickly to meet their needs.&rdquo;
CrossFlight, which also provides drone operations and consulting services, has the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration as its clients along with nearly two dozen educational institutions. Other clients include local governments and law enforcement departments, and environmental organizations, surveying firms, resort communities and businesses in real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture.
&ldquo;Drones are touching every segment of our economy, and we are helping organizations who need to increase their staff knowledge and certification to safely and efficiently operate the technology or for institutions who are training students to enter the workforce in this incredibly fast-growing field,&rdquo; Howard noted.
Warren has access to CrossFlight&rsquo;s mix of Part 107 drone training curriculum packages, along with modules that cover NIST emergency services advanced flight training certification for first responders and even safe operations of recreational drones.
Warren has become a leader in the industry for drone training, offering what Howard notes is probably the biggest collection of drone technology for student use at any educational institution in the country. It expanded its space for training in drone design, operations and maintenance and other robotic technology with the addition of two new facilities including the new Dr. Joseph Warren Robotics Research Center and its enrollment has grown over 400% in three years and is already nearing capacity a single year after its last facility expansion.
Warren Community College is internationally recognized as New Jersey&rsquo;s best drone college with a world class training site serving both students and the industry. WarrenUAS has the most drones for student use with real world projects embedded in the education that provide graduates with knowledge and practical experience.&nbsp;
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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WarrenUAS and Crossflight Sky Solutions Expand Part 107 Training

Photo Above: Instructors Joe Cerreta, Anthony Galante, Scott Burgess and David Thirtyacre teach and train Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle students at Embry-Riddle. [Photo by Scott Burgess]
29 August 2023
By Mike Cavaliere, Embry-Riddle News
<a href="https://news.erau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University</a> has been contracted to assist in the development of curriculum and online training for small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) operators for the U.S. Department of State&rsquo;s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Office of Aviation (also known as the Air Wing).
&ldquo;The government has training standards and robust administrative policies and procedures already in place globally for everything that is crewed but nothing that is uncrewed,&rdquo; said Dr. Scott Burgess, associate professor of&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://erau.edu/degrees/aviation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aviation</a>&nbsp;and principal investigator on the project.
That&rsquo;s where Embry-Riddle comes in. An established leader in uncrewed systems application and safety &mdash; Embry-Riddle became&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://news.erau.edu/news-briefs/comprehensive-certification-for-uncrewed-flight-instruction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the first academic institution in the world to receive the Trusted Operator certification</a>&nbsp;from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), in 2018 &mdash; the university will lend its expertise in designing and administering a standardized training program that could potentially be used by government employees, law enforcement entities and civil aviation authorities all over the world.
&ldquo;Their intent is to standardize sUAS training, certification and standardization globally,&rdquo; Burgess added. &ldquo;Our job is to offer our existing sUAS professional education, thus enabling their crews to perform to a set standard, as well as assist in setting conditions that provide a level of knowledge, skills and abilities equivalent to or surpassing established international sUAS crew standards.&rdquo;
The final step will be to design courseware in conjunction with the Air Wing and offer training to students, earning them an industry certification in sUAS.
&ldquo;The&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://worldwide.erau.edu/colleges/aviation/department-flight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Worldwide Campus Department of Flight</a>&nbsp;has worked aggressively over the past six years to raise the bar for UAS operational integration, training and standardization into various commercial and governmental disciplines, and the federal government came to us for a reason,&rdquo; Burgess added. &ldquo;They have been very open to our ideas, due to the fact that our strength in these areas is combined with our knowledge in aviation safety. The DoS has also encouraged further ideas to establish a noteworthy program.&rdquo;
Those new ideas will be mined from a wealth of industry experience and various projects led by Embry-Riddle to help push drone technology forward. In 2021, for instance, the university&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://news.erau.edu/headlines/aspiring-drone-pilots-can-now-train-remotely-at-embry-riddle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earned a first-of-its-kind waiver</a>&nbsp;to begin training aspiring drone pilots remotely through online video streaming platforms. The Department of Flight has a long history of supporting government agencies, such as the FBI, Daytona Beach Police Department, South Florida Water Management District, Conservancy of SW Florida, Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and the Government of the Bahamas. Around the same time, Embry-Riddle was awarded nearly&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://news.erau.edu/headlines/faa-awards-nearly-$2-million-to-embry-riddle-drone-safety-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2 million from the Federal Aviation Administration</a>&nbsp;(FAA) to collect risk-assessment data that will help integrate UAS safely into the National Airspace System.
Researchers at Embry-Riddle also continue to leverage uncrewed systems in creative ways to solve real-world problems. Some of those applications are safety-focused, such as using drones to&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://news.erau.edu/headlines/eyes-in-the-sky-eagles-use-drones-to-improve-tactical-response-against-active-shooters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">improve tactical response against active shooters</a>&nbsp;or deploying them into hurricanes&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://news.erau.edu/headlines/hurricane-hunter-hopes-to-improve-storm-forecasting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to more accurately predict storm developments</a>. Other applications might surprise you, such as using drones to&nbsp;<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://news.erau.edu/headlines/students-use-drones-to-map-ancient-american-cities-capture-first-ever-imagery-of-rock-carvings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">map ancient cities</a>.
&ldquo;We are very pleased to partner with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Air Wing in this endeavor,&rdquo; said Dr. John R. Watret, FRAeS, chancellor of Embry-Riddle&rsquo;s Worldwide Campus. &ldquo;As leaders in UAS education programs, we are extremely well-equipped to support these operators and ensure they receive the highest level of training.&rdquo;
Burgess is leading the project along with fellow drone experts from the&nbsp;<a href="https://worldwide.erau.edu/colleges/aviation">College of Aviation</a>&nbsp;at Embry-Riddle&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://worldwide.erau.edu/">Worldwide Campus</a>: David Thirtyacre, Department of Flight chair, and associate professors Joe Cerreta and Anthony Galante.

U.S. Department of State Chooses Embry-Riddle to Train Drone Operators

28 August 2023
Write your own success story! The Droning Company pilot <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/timothy-brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Timothy Brazzel </a>shares some valuable success secrets. Dig in below!
<h5>Learn How to Get Drone Jobs</h5>
<iframe style="width: 661px; height: 372px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GMfOYUTz3S8?si=qt9zpTre8_akpQJT" width="661" height="372" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<h5><a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/-timothy-brazzel-s-drone-journey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click For Brazzel's Pilot's Story</a></h5>

Drone jobs near me

[Above photo courtesy We Robotics.]
16 August 2023
<div class="wpd_blog_list__content">
By Ciku Kimeria
Note: The Droning Company is sharing this recent blog from <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://blog.werobotics.org/2023/07/11/learning-beyond-the-classroom-drones-in-stem-education-for-the-next-generation/?utm_content=bufferc8cc7&amp;utm_medium=Social+Media&amp;utm_source=LinkedIn&amp;utm_campaign=Buffer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">We Robotics </a>in its entirety to illustrate how drones can favorably impact education for youth across the globe. Read on...
Looking back at my primary and high school years in the public school system in Nairobi, Kenya, I realize that much of the content I learned is no longer relevant. I learned how to draw and name the parts of a cockroach, the kidney, and a desktop computer and explain all their functions. We did calculations using logarithmic tables, and in navigation courses, I learned to calculate where a ship moving from point A to point B would end up if the wind of a certain velocity blew it off course.
The traveler in me enjoyed the navigation courses as I could picture myself one day on a ship bound for New Caledonia, picking up the radiotelephone and saying, &ldquo;Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is Captain K. Our ship was heading due North at 40km/h but has been blown off course by wind blowing from 30&deg; south-west at 5 km/h. By my calculations, our current speed is now 20km/h, and we will arrive at the North of the island in five days. Can you please send supplies? I repeat, please send supplies.&rdquo;
This scenario never happened because satellite information, google maps, and internet access have made such skills redundant. Also, when I went to the US for my undergraduate studies, calculators during exams and open-book exams made my memorization and impressive kidney and cockroach drawing skills archaic. Google and Wikipedia also changed how the world thinks about the static nature of knowledge.&nbsp;
This change happened quite rapidly, and for the younger generations, change in what one needs to learn to excel in future jobs will be at a lightning pace. For these generations, what is important isn&rsquo;t actual content memorization and learning about the world precisely as it is, but instead being prepared for a world where the primary skills needed are problem-solving, data analysis, creativity, an ability to adapt to change and a willingness to keep experimenting, learning and growing. They need to learn about&nbsp;how&nbsp;to think rather than the rigid paradigm of&nbsp;what&nbsp;to know.&nbsp;
Today, data is already considered the new oil, and those who can obtain, analyze, understand, and use it for decision-making are at a great advantage. This is why starting STEM learning early in life is a great way to acquire these skills. Drones allow for this to happen in a fun and engaging way, which is why the majority of Flying Labs implement STEM programs and WeRobotics supports them with facilitating programs, partnerships, collaborations and more. From our experience, we have seen that:
Drones are a great hands-on, practical approach to teaching and learning STEM.&nbsp;When using drones for data collection, children and youth gain useful skills from every part of the process. This starts with computational thinking as they try to understand what the problem is that they are trying to solve and the best approaches; choosing the right software or sometimes coding; planning the flight; testing out the equipment and understanding what role each part plays; finding a suitable area to fly the drone understanding what role weather elements such as wind play; starts and stops as they try to take off; troubleshooting; spatial visualization to understand where to fly to get the right aerial views; taking off, hovering, rotating and other techniques; and finally data collection, processing, and analysis.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Drone technology is a valuable teaching tool for engaging students in STEM education, offering a hands-on, practical approach to learning, allowing them to apply STEM principles in a real-world context.&rdquo; &mdash; Renee Welch, Co-Pilot, WeRobotics
</blockquote>
Drones are a versatile tool for introducing youth to STEM and can be integrated across various disciplines&nbsp;while&nbsp;improving their computational thinking and spatial visualization skills. With drones, students can collect, process, and analyze data to make informed decisions. They can also program and modify it to complete various tasks. Drones provide a unique platform for integrating various STEM subjects. Students can explore concepts from multiple fields simultaneously, gaining a holistic understanding of how these subjects relate to each other and their daily lives. These include:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Science&nbsp;&mdash; Using imagery or video data to make analyses, models, and predictions for urban planning, climate change, environmental conservation, precision agriculture, etc. This can include various fields of study such as Geospatial Information Systems, Environmental Science Policy and Management, Marine Sciences, Geography, etc.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Technology&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;The practical use of technology to improve life. This includes but is not limited to using drones in humanitarian crises (flooding in South Africa),&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/05/03/planting-seeds-for-a-greener-future-environmental-education-in-burkina-faso/">climate action</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/05/18/kenya-agri-drone-business-challenge-2023-unleashes-innovators-entrepreneurs-using-drones/">agriculture</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/05/05/drones-a-la-obra-desde-panama-flying-labs/">urban development</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/05/01/safeguarding-nepals-cultural-treasures-high-resolution-mapping-of-changunarayan-temple/">cultural heritage conservation</a>, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/03/28/contabilizacion-de-camelidos-utilizando-imagenes-con-drones-e-inteligencia-artificial/">counting animals&nbsp;</a>in the highlands of Peru.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Engineering&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;This can include data engineering and analysis to improve AI tools and current drone hardware for efficient operations. This covers fields of study such as aeronautical, electronics and electrical, mechanical, and robotics engineering.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mathematics&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;Improving how drones work and optimizing their performance. Particularly useful for autonomous applications such as mapping missions, obstacle avoidance, or landing a helicopter on Mars.</li>
</ul>
<div id="gallery-1" class="gallery galleryid-21042 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full">
<figure class="gallery-item">
<figcaption id="gallery-1-21045" class="wp-caption-text gallery-caption">&ldquo;When teaching youth about drones, I have learned that they are already eager to start. You just need to explain to them the basics of the technology, step back and let them get to it.&rdquo; &mdash; Amrita Lal, YouthRobotics Program Lead</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
Drones can be used for knowledge acquisition.&nbsp;Students can learn about various drone operation technologies, including aerodynamics, aviation, programming, and data analysis, by working with drones. Drones serve as a tangible tool that encourages exploration and problem-solving.
Data collected from drones is also great for teaching STEM.&nbsp;While drones as a tool are very engaging for children and youth and get them motivated, the data collected using drones can also be analyzed and used to<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/01/18/la-technologie-des-drones-pour-une-nouvelle-ere-dans-leducation/">&nbsp;teach STEM</a>. The aerial view provided by drone data enables youth to study a phenomenon while exploring its relationship with its environment, people, and time.&nbsp;
They are inexpensive and accessible, making them applicable to educational settings.&nbsp;Affordable drone technology makes it accessible to a wide range of students. This affordability allows for the incorporation of drones into educational settings without significant financial barriers.
A wide range of different skills can be developed using drones.&nbsp;Engaging with drones promotes the development of essential skills such as imagination, creativity, project management, and technology proficiency. Students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and adapt to challenges, which are vital skills for their future careers.
Working with drones for STEM is a valuable tool for work readiness.&nbsp;By expanding STEM youth programs, there is a focus on preparing the workforce of the future. Through developing technical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a passion for STEM, these programs equip students with the tools they need for successful careers in emerging fields.
They can foster the creation of a local STEM ecosystem.&nbsp;Integrating drones into community programs implemented by local nonprofits and associated organizations creates a local STEM ecosystem. This approach leverages community resources and expertise, fostering sustainability and long-term impact.
STEM engagement can happen spontaneously during projects and can be used to educate entire communities.&nbsp;Drones take out the rigidity of a classroom experience and can therefore be used to engage people, especially in marginalized communities in&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.werobotics.org/2020/04/09/zambia-flying-labs-brings-drone-training-stem-education-to-hearing-impaired-students/">Zambia</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/02/27/cameroon-flying-labs-sparks-passion-for-drones-among-youth/">Cameroon</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.werobotics.org/2020/08/18/jovenes-panamenos-aprenderan-a-volar-drones-desde-sus-hogares-conoce-geo-nautas/">Panama</a>, and beyond, who might not be exposed to STEM in a formal experience or might believe that they are not skilled at it. Queen Ndlovu, managing director of&nbsp;<a href="https://flyinglabs.org/southafrica/">South Africa Flying Labs</a>, says, &ldquo;For us, it is natural that STEM engagement becomes part of the package offering when&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2022/07/27/south-africa-flying-labs-helps-communities-prepare-for-disaster/">engaging with communities for projects</a>. It starts with the consultation process for the project with the community and we are very intentional about including youth. We ask community leaders to extend the invitation to youth to be part of the consultation process. We set time aside during the project to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.flyinglabs.org/2023/06/08/empowering-south-african-youth-to-thrive-through-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/">expose youth</a>&nbsp;to the jobs of the future and career prospects for drones, data and more&rdquo;
Drones are inclusive and equitable and can help get girls engaged in STEM.&nbsp;Globally, STEM fields tend to be very male-dominated, meaning there are only so many female role models to look up to for young girls. In 2019, women only accounted for&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.werobotics.org/2021/09/16/teaming-up-with-women-and-drones-to-strengthen-women-leadership-in-africa/">13% of the drone industry&rsquo;s workforce</a>. It is much worse in several other STEM fields. At a very young age, the message that girls absorb from such norms is that &ldquo;This is not for me.&rdquo; As drones are nascent, there is an opportunity to shake up this narrative with women role models in the Flying Labs network inspiring young girls to explore technical fields. With programs such as&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.werobotics.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/WeRobotics-%E2%80%93-Fly-Like-A-Girl.pdf">Fly Like a Girl</a> and close to one-third of women either as the lead coordinator or active member of 40+ Flying Labs, girls will see that this is a field for them too. Drones can boost confidence in youth and disadvantaged communities, especially girls.
Drone-based STEM programs can promote gender equity and inclusivity, focusing on underrepresented areas and explicitly targeting girls. These programs create a more inclusive STEM ecosystem by providing equal opportunities and encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds.
WeRobotics and a first cohort of four Flying Labs are working on a new multi-year STEM Sheroes program. The program draws on learnings from previous multi-year, multi-Flying Labs projects such as&nbsp;<a href="https://werobotics.org/portfolio/fly-for-the-future/">Fly for the Future</a>. It focuses on continuity and deep engagement with children and youth of all ages over an extended period. The program aims to provide context-specific, locally-led STEM programs focusing on girls and women. STEM Sheroes&rsquo; long-term approach allows for a comprehensive learning experience and cultivating skills and interests.&nbsp;
Integrating drones into STEM education offers exciting opportunities for children and youth to engage with STEM subjects, develop essential skills, and explore potential career paths. By leveraging drone technology intelligently, the programs created by Flying Labs and WeRobotics can enhance learning and empower youth to become active contributors in the STEM fields.
Ciku Kimeria is sharing her storytelling talent with WeRobotics to make the many stories in our minds and hearts come alive from a different perspective. Tell these stories will contribute to changing mindsets and inspiring local talent on how drones and their applications in the hands of local experts create a positive social impact. Ciku is a Kenyan storyteller whose work spans storytelling for development agencies, journalistic writing, editing for different media houses, travel writing, and mystery novels.
</div>

Drones enhancing STEM education

14 August 2023
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/QJlX4ZCK08rVVCmlrHo6QOOpNRxzEVvOZ3IRkopQ.png" alt="" width="207" height="146" />
By Bryan Sprankle, CEO, <a href="http://www.insightdronesservices.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insight Drone Services, LLC</a>
Small Unmanned Aerial Systems are an amazing law enforcement tool, and they are increasingly being utilized by various law enforcement agencies nationwide to great effect for a multitude of purposes. The affordability and adaptability of drones make them a go-to asset for public agencies for missions such as search and rescue operations and surveillance of suspects.
However, is your agency properly trained, licensed, and authorized to fly?
As I have traveled across the country speaking with multiple agencies the surprising answer is to this question is a resounding, &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
All sUAS operators piloting sUAS between 0.55 and 55 pounds are required to be licensed by the FAA to fly. Civilian commercial drone pilots must obtain a commercial sUAS Pilots License under FAA rule 14 CFR Part 107. Public agency operators (including Federal, State, and tribal), law enforcement, and other public safety pilots may fly with a 14 CFR part 107 Commercial Pilots License, OR fly under the statutory requirements for public aircraft (49 U.S.C. &sect;40102(a) and &sect; 40125) and operate with a Certificate of Authorization (COA). Under this statute public agencies are granted the ability to &ldquo;self-certify&rdquo; sUAS operators for flights performing governmental functions. Simply put, public agency pilots are surprisingly authorized by the FAA to fly drones without any requirements to be formally trained or licensed to any established standard. This obviously creates a great disparity from agency to agency with regards to the level of training and the adherence to federal rules and laws pertaining to their flights. Some agencies are simply "flying rogue&rdquo; and are blissfully unaware of any rules or regulations pertaining to sUAS operations. It is only a matter of time until one of these rogue public agencies is embarrassed and made an example of by the FAA or through fines or lawsuits.
Some agencies believe the solution is to have all their pilots obtain a 14 CFR Part 107 license. This is an option, and something that ALL sUAS pilots should eventually strive for as they progress in the field. The 14 CFR Part 107 training and certification process is informative and contains valuable information regarding the safe operation of sUASs in the National Airspace System. The process for obtaining the license takes approximately 6-8 weeks on average of self-study, followed by an exam for a small fee. However, this credential widely misses the mark for law enforcement operations with sUASs. For example, all law enforcement officers must obtain a valid drivers license to perform patrol duties, but simply having a drivers license does not fully prepare a police officer to conduct a traffic stop or a vehicle pursuit! It helps, but there are obvious additional training requirements and considerations.
There are several pros, cons and differences between flying with a commercial 14 CFR Part 107 license and flying under a public agency COA that must be understood and taken into account. As stated above, commercial sUAS Pilots require a 14 CFR Part 107 sUAS license issued by the FAA to fly commercially for profit. Commercial pilots are subject to all airspace restrictions and all 14 CFR Part 107 rules and regulations. A key difference is realized when a sUAS pilot requests clearance or waivers for flight in controlled airspace. For a commercial sUAS pilot, gaining clearance to fly in controlled airspace may take up to 72 hours for approval depending on LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) availability. Therefore, these types of flights in controlled airspace typically require advanced planning and coordination with air traffic control or airspace managers.
Public agency sUAS pilots are still subject to all the same airspace restrictions and all 14 CFR Part 107 rules and regulations. However, due to the time sensitive or emergency situations that public agency sUAS pilots may find themselves in from time to time; waiting up 72 hours for clearance to fly in controlled airspace is problematic. Therefore, operating a sUAS under a standing jurisdictional COA with airspace waivers in these types of emergency situations is the better option.
To further complicate matters for public agency sUAS pilots, there are Fourth Amendment issues that must be taken into consideration before, during and after sUAS flights. The Fourth Amendment protects the right of individuals to be free from unreasonable search and seizure by the government. Public agencies will want to ensure that the constitutional protections of the citizens they are sworn to protect are not encroached upon during sUAS operations, and they must understand when search warrants are required for flights.
There are hundreds of private companies available to train prospective commercial pilots in obtaining their 14 CFR Part 107 licenses. Additionally, there are various advanced courses for commercial pilots to learn about different the functions and systems associated with sUAS flights. However, there are currently very few private companies with the training, knowledge, and expertise to guide and train public agencies on the latest state and federal laws pertaining to public agency sUAS flights. Furthermore, public agencies receive little guidance or training on how current case law defines the legalities of their flights. Public agencies need a course of their own that combines both the legal knowledge required for law enforcement flights with an in-depth understanding of the 14 CFR Part 107 FAA rules, regulations, airspace approval requirements and Crew Resource Management.
I created <a href="http://www.insightdronesservices.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insight Drone Services</a> to be the solution. I&rsquo;ve assisted multiple public agencies in building a complete sUAS program by providing them with the knowledge and crucial real-world training required for public agency sUAS pilots. My &ldquo;Drone Operations for Public Agencies&rdquo; course is currently setting the bar for public agency sUAS training nationwide. The reason behind the success of my course is my unique experience and background.
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I graduated from the Marine Corps Officers Candidate School in 1998 and reported for duty as a Platoon Commander in an Air Defense Battalion. Ironically my first introduction to drones and BATs (Ballistic Aerial Targets) was their use as targets. My task then was to shoot them down with Stinger missiles! As I advanced in the Marine Corps, I found myself in various aviation related roles such as an Aviation Close Battle Coordinator and an Airspace Planner. I deployed in these roles to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout my military career I gained critical knowledge and insight into aviation systems, airspace, and aviation command and control.
In 2014, I retired from the Marine Corps and was hired by the Bossier Parish Sheriff&rsquo;s Office in Louisiana. In part, due to my background and aviation related experience I was selected to join the Bossier Sheriff&rsquo;s Office Drone Unit in 2017. In this capacity I have flown numerous law enforcement missions around the state. In 2019, I was promoted and selected to lead the Bossier Sheriff&rsquo;s Office Drone Unit and have been training law enforcement pilots ever since. In 2020, I obtained my commercial 14CFR Part 107 Commercial Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) pilot license and began to fly commercial sUAS flights in my free time. I also joined the FAA&rsquo;s Safety Team (FAAST) to learn and assist other sUAS pilots with safety related concerns. sUAS flights are my passion, and I have thousands of flight hours on various sUAS platforms.
Through these various experiences and roles in the military, law enforcement, and the private sector I have seen firsthand the usefulness of sUASs in a variety of applications. I understand the concerns of the field from a variety of perspectives. I know that we as public agency sUAS pilots can and should do better. We must set the example, be knowledgeable, and safely work with our private counterparts in the commercial sUAS industry. Don&rsquo;t wing it and put your agency&rsquo;s reputation at risk. Seek the training and knowledge required to properly and safely use these great new law enforcement tools.
For more information about the &ldquo;Drone Operations for Public Agencies&rdquo; course, please contact me at <a href="mailto:insightdrones@outlook.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">insightdrones@outlook.com</a>.

Drone Operations for Public Agencies

04 August 2023
Bears, algae, a 100-year-old tunnel, effects on fish habitat and underwater structures make it a busy summer for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.warren.edu/uploads/DRONE-WEB-PAGE-June-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WarrenUAS</a>, the acclaimed unmanned systems program at <a href="https://www.warren.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warren Community College</a> in New Jersey.
Peter Miller, Unmanned Systems Specialist and Flight Operations Manager at Warren recently detailed a host of summer projects the school is involved with that makes your head spin in amazement. The WarrenUAS&rsquo; Dr. Joseph Warren Robotics Research Center is both identifying what research will advance student learning and simultaneously pushing the boundaries of how drones can be used to solve societal problems.
WarrenUAS, which is only a few years in the making, has become renowned as one of the top drone programs in the country. Industry insiders rank its educational program as a leader in cultivating talent for an array of unmanned systems related jobs. The FAA, which held its Northeast &lsquo;Droning On&rsquo; Conference at Warren in May, has also recognized WarrenUAS for its efforts in the industry and its high-quality courses and educational opportunities for its students. Several graduates of its program, in fact, have already been hired into high-paying positions throughout the nation, many achieving paid employment prior to graduation.&nbsp;
"We are excited about where we are at right now and our partnership projects this summer are proof that we have made tremendous headway in the industry," said Miller.&nbsp;
Will Austin, WarrenUAS Chief Pilot added, &ldquo;The best part of this program is that we are able to offer these experiences to registered students free of charge. Our UAS faculty dedicate themselves year-round to student success, thus working all summer long, as student needs and learning do not cease when semesters end.&rdquo;
This summer Warren is partnering on projects with NJ TRANSIT, Rutgers University, Embry-Riddle University and locally, with Mountain Lake in Liberty Township, to name just a few.
Using drone technology, Warren is helping with a bear damage study with Rutgers on corn crop in Warren and Sussex Counties in New Jersey (yes, there are bears in New Jersey, and bears cause a great deal of damage; unlike deer which eat the corn, bears often use the corn field as a "nesting area", in the process ruining sections). The College is also working with NJ TRANSIT to map a 100-year-old tunnel that is targeted for repairs, is working with biologists to deal with algae growth and fish habitat at Mountain Lake, and later this summer, will be working with Embry-Riddle University faculty to research underwater structures in the Puget Sound in Washington State.&nbsp;
Warren's involvement in each of the projects, and others, vary from data collection to using drones to probe challenging areas that humans cannot access easily. The projects vary in systems used, domains researched, and new use cases developed to expand the capacity of drone technology. A synopsis of several projects is presented below.
<h5>Mountain Lake, Liberty Township</h5>
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A full orthomosaic of Mountain Lake showing the entire shoreline.
Working with biologist, Bob Ballou, to help the lake association monitor growth and mitigation efforts concerning algae and other invasive aquatic plant species. Missions are flown every two weeks during growing season with an autonomous fixed-wing aircraft. During each mission the aircraft takes about 700 geotagged photographs from 350 ft. altitude. The photos are &ldquo;stitched&rdquo; together in photogrammetry software to form a single high-resolution image of the entire shoreline of the lake in Warren County, New Jersey approximately 122 acres in size. The lake is the largest natural, glacial lake in Warren County at over 12,000 years old, with a maximum depth of 38 feet and a mean depth of 17 feet. These captured RGB images are then analyzed to determine status and plan mitigation efforts.
In addition, the College will be using underwater drones (ROVs) to inspect what is referred to as &ldquo;Porcupine Cribs&rdquo;. These are large basket-like structures submerged in the lake bottom to create safe habitat for developing small fry fish. The combination of drones from aircraft to maritime allows students to combine the efficiency of drones designed for multiple domains to both inform student learning and to assist the lake community in addressing algae growth and the impacts of climate change.
<h5>NJ TRANSIT</h5>
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A 3D model from Pix4Dmapper of the roof at Penn Station Newark reveals how the mission was confined to the horizontal limits of the building and the number of individual images taken in order to composite the entire work area.
NJ TRANSIT wanted to create a visual record of a 100-year-old stone train tunnel in Northwest NJ prior to commencing reconstructive work that would fortify the structure with concrete and change the look of the original design. A team from WarrenUAS consisting of staff and students used the Flyability Elios 3 drone to map the inside of the tunnel with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanner. The highly accurate LiDAR uses laser pulses bouncing off the surface of the structure to create millions of points in 3-dimensional space that will allow the team to render an extremely accurate and measurable 3D reproduction of the tunnel. Students then learned to process the images to create these usable point clouds that can assist the agency in its cost containment efforts.
This past winter WarrenUAS accepted a challenge from NJ TRANSIT to accurately map the roof of Newark Penn Station. This was a great project that showcased Warren&rsquo;s ability to conduct flight operations in a dense urban environment. The station&rsquo;s close proximity to Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) presented a unique challenge as it is a no-fly zone. Warren flew under NJ TRANSIT&rsquo;s FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization but was limited to a maximum altitude of 200&rsquo; AGL. The building is approximately 60&rsquo; high. This meant that the drone would only be 140&rsquo; from its subject. Additionally, it was necessary to avoid flying over a busy city street filled with pedestrians.
Teachers and students worked together to plan and create an autonomous mission that would meet all the safety concerns and capture the data needed to satisfy the needs of the customer. The team worked out the altitude issues and confined the flight path to remain within the boundaries of the roof edges. They then flew a &ldquo;dress rehearsal&rdquo; flight over a building of similar height at the college simulating the same restrictions they would face in Newark. Due to a need for superior accuracy, the team also employed portable ground control points called Aeropoints which were laid throughout the flat roof surface at appropriate locations.
The mission was flown, and data processed and accurized through Pix4Dmapper. The orthomosaic was used by NJ TRANSIT engineers as part of a renovation project that included the repair/replacement of skylights. The ortho, given the accuracy from the Aeropoints, was also successfully imported into NJ TRANSIT&rsquo;s GIS imagery database.
<h5>Warren/Rutgers Bear Damage Study</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/DLwOpO2XUSYfgpl4dRuHgBhWFddXojd1zDIFHisw.jpg" alt="" width="502" height="551" />
As part of the Bear Damage Study conducted in cooperation with Rutgers University, the above image shows the extent of damage to just one cornfield in Warren County.
Warren staff and students, working with biologists from Rutgers University, are using unmanned aircraft to locate and document black bear damage to corn crop in both Warren and Sussex&nbsp;Counties in New Jersey. As part of WarrenUAS&rsquo; summer research program students will have the opportunity to actively participate in this study that runs seasonally from August through the end of September. Employing the science of photogrammetry, students will plan and fly autonomous missions to map the cornfields and create 3D models that will allow them to actually measure the amount of damage at each farm. This will give researchers the data they need to quantify total damage throughout the two counties. This research, which falls under WarrenUAS&rsquo; new Precision Agriculture program, will help growers in the area make their case for beneficial county and state policy adaptations that will be positive for the region.
<h5>Warren/Embry-Riddle 3D Modelling of Underwater Structures</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Y5a333YMsTh0zRnwNMQZCjwc5ELtecfBmNYAV2H1.jpg" alt="" width="461" height="438" />
An example of imagery from side scan sonar illustrating its ability to identify submerged objects (NOAA).
Later this summer staff from WarrenUAS will be working with faculty from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in a joint study to determine if submerged structures can be located and 3D modelled using two types of maritime technology. Researchers will be working in Puget Sound in Washington State to hunt shipwrecks and submerged aircraft. Riddle and Warren researchers will deploy side-scan SONAR to map the sea floor in order to locate anomalies that indicate the presence of submerged structures. Once these structures are located, researchers plan to use an underwater ROV to dive on these locations to photograph and videotape the individual structures. Through photogrammetry software, they will use the video footage to create 3D models of the various structures.
The purpose of this research is to then share these technology and workflow insights with students at both institutions. These projects can then be created locally to give students hands-on experience utilizing this technology.
"The best part about all these projects is that our students are gaining valuable real-time, real-life experience in an industry that continues to grow at a lightning-fast pace," said Dr. Will Austin, Warren's President, and Chief Pilot. "They are in the right place at the right time, at the cusp of something bigger than you could ever imagine."
These are some of the many ways that colleges like Warren are ideal pathways to properly prepare people to enter into the industry. And because Warren is a not-for-profit, publicly funded college, nothing is proprietary by law&mdash;it is owned by the public, and tuition is significantly lower than other educational options for those looking to advance in the burgeoning industry. For an industry working on legitimizing and setting performance standards, working with college institutions is an exciting and promising avenue for disseminating standardized information to pilots throughout the industry.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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If you want to hear more about Warren&rsquo;s ongoing UxS projects, come see us at booth 348 at Commercial UAV Expo, September 5-7, 2023, at Caesar&rsquo;s Forum in Las Vegas.
Warren's program, still in many ways in its infancy, has been praised by leaders in the industry and has gained certifications like Trusted Operator Provider (TOP, Level 3) from the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), as a member of the FAA's UAS Collegiate Training Initiative, and WarrenUAS was re-certified by ASTM International as an approved UAS Training Provider (UATPP).&nbsp;In 2022, Dr. Austin, WarrenUAs Chief Pilot was named the AUVSI &ldquo;Member of the Year.&rsquo;

WarrenUAS Tackles an Array of Summer Projects

07 July 2023
By Akshata
Drones crash for a multitude of reasons, and each crash comes with an interesting story. It could be a momentary lapse in concentration, misjudgment of distance or obstacles, technical glitches, or even overconfidence in our piloting skills.
While most guides focus on flying drones safely and skillfully, we're about to take a unique twist. We're going to walk you through 10 easy steps on how to crash your drone. Yes, you read that right. Let&rsquo;s dive in!
<h5 class="p5">Dump the Instruction Manual</h5>
Congratulations! You've just unboxed your brand-new drone. Now, in order to maximize your chances of crashing, toss that instruction manual aside. Who needs those pesky details about proper calibration, flight modes, and emergency procedures? Remember, we're aiming for disaster!
<h5 class="p5">Choose an Obstructed Takeoff Spot</h5>
To enhance the thrill of crashing, select a takeoff spot filled with power lines, tree branches, or even a roof. The more obstacles, the better! After all, navigating through an obstacle course while trying to keep your drone in the air is as thrilling as this can get, right?
<h5 class="p5">Fly Blindly in Restricted Areas</h5>
Rules are meant to be broken, they say. Why bother with regulations and no-fly zones when you can fly wherever your heart desires? Forget about scouting the area beforehand or planning a safe flight path. The key to crashing your drone is to fly blindly into uncharted territory. Observe as your drone gradually disappears into the horizon, leaving you with a mix of confusion and frustration. Don't be surprised if it crashes even if you didn't intentionally crash it, as that's the job of anti-drone systems when you fly in no-fly zones.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/SsQ7HogTw5Sp63Jm7Aqp0vlD4JkkkLDYAfkR8VBo.png" alt="" width="309" height="460" />
Photo source: publicdomainpictures.net.
<h5 class="p5">Forget About Battery Management</h5>
Who needs power when you're on a mission to crash? Ignore your drone's battery life indicator and fly it until it drops like a brick. Who cares about proper landing procedures when you can witness a mid-air catastrophe?
<h5 class="p5">Rely Solely on Auto Pilot</h5>
Why spend time honing your piloting skills when you can sit back and let technology do the work? Trust in the almighty auto-pilot, and watch your drone navigate like a seasoned pro. Or not! While auto pilot is a marvelous feature, relying solely on it is a recipe for disaster. After all, who needs to learn how to fly manually and handle unexpected situations? Pilots, that's who!
<h5 class="p5">Fly in Extreme Weather Conditions</h5>
Clear skies and gentle breezes are for the faint-hearted. Why fly on a calm, sunny day when you can challenge yourself with unpredictable weather conditions? From gusty winds to pouring rain, testing your drone's resilience in adverse weather is the ultimate test of your piloting skills.
<h5 class="p5">Underestimate Landing Techniques</h5>
Descend towards the ground at full speed, without considering any proper landing techniques. Slamming your drone into the earth will leave a lasting impression, both on your wallet and on the ground.
<h5 class="p6">Oops!</h5>
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<h5 class="p5">Ignore Emergency Procedures</h5>
In the unlikely event that your drone shows signs of distress, it's crucial to ignore any emergency procedures recommended by the manufacturer. Who needs to take immediate action when you can watch your drone spiral out of control?
<h5 class="p5">Disregard Legalities</h5>
Fly your drone wherever and whenever you please, ignoring local regulations and airspace restrictions. After all, nothing screams "crash and burn" more than having authorities chase you down while your drone flies toward its inevitable troubles.
<h5 class="p5">Repeat the Cycle</h5>
Congrats on successfully crashing your drone! Now, repeat the entire process from step one. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with enough dedication, you can build a wall of shame adorned with your crashed drones.
<h5 class="p4">Tips and Tricks for Drone Flying: For Real!</h5>
While the previous section was intended for humorous purposes only, let's now shift our focus to providing you with some genuine tips and tricks for safe and skillful drone flying.
Start with a Beginner-Friendly Drone: If you're new to flying drones, consider starting with a beginner-friendly model. These drones often have built-in safety features and offer easier maneuverability, making it easier to learn the basics before moving on to more advanced models.
Perform Pre-Flight Checks: Always conduct pre-flight checks before each flight.
Calibrate Your Drone: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to calibrate your drone before each flight. Calibration helps your drone's sensors work accurately, improving stability and control during flight.
Practice in a Simulated Environment: Many drone models have simulated flight modes or training applications that allow you to practice flying in a virtual environment.
Start with Slow and Steady Movements: When you begin flying, start with slow and gentle movements to get a feel for the controls
Check out The Droning Company: Our news, reviews, lessons, interviews, and online community provides a ton of information for all things drones.
<h5 class="p6">Watch</h5>
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<h5 class="p4">Let&rsquo;s Wrap Up!</h5>
There you have it! 10 ways to crash your drone. But remember, the steps mentioned in this article are intended for educational and humorous purposes only. Embrace the fun and excitement of droning, but also recognize the importance of responsible flying. Respect the instruction manual&mdash;it's your trusty guide.
Conduct pre-flight checklists diligently, as they're your ticket to a safe and successful flight. Be mindful of your battery life, for running out of power mid-air is a pilot's nightmare.
Moreover, familiarize yourself with local regulations and restricted areas to avoid legal trouble and protect the safety of others. Keep a watchful eye on obstacles, fly with caution, and never underestimate the impact of weather conditions on your drone's performance.
So, go forth, fly responsibly, and let the skies be your canvas for unforgettable aerial adventures! Happy flying (and let's hope it's crash-free)!
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/1QAQUwnylrHLuMZjNaSTinW7Euh3ykYmovLspoN8.png" alt="" width="191" height="200" />
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshata-shendge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Akshata</a> is a writer based in Bangalore, India. She is known for her deep passion for drones and her ability to overcome challenges in this rapidly-evolving industry. She has spent countless hours researching and experimenting with various drone models, honing her skills as a pilot and innovator. She continues to inspire others with her passion for innovation and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with drone technology.

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