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Above photo: 2024 UAV Empower recipients.
30 May 2025
Organizers of <a href="https://www.expouav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commercial UAV Expo</a> have announced a final call for submissions for the second annual UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship, a program designed to support university students passionate about using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to drive positive social and environmental change. Launched with a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive commercial drone industry, the scholarship provides students the opportunity to attend Commercial UAV Expo, the leading event for commercial drone professionals. <a href="https://www.expouav.com/uav-empower-leadership-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Applications are due June 6, 2025</a>.
Three students will be selected to receive a full event scholarship, including a conference pass granting access to all sessions, keynotes, networking events, and Indoor Airspace demonstrations. Recipients will also receive complimentary hotel accommodations, a travel stipend to assist with airfare, and personalized mentorship during the event to help them navigate the industry and build lasting professional relationships.
"We have already seen firsthand how much of a difference this scholarship can make for students who are just beginning to explore their place in the commercial drone industry,&rdquo; said Jason Lavigne, Marketing Manager for Commercial UAV Expo. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s more than just an opportunity to attend the event, it&rsquo;s an opportunity to build networks and give students a sense of belonging."
"We are thrilled to bring back the UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship," said Lora Burns, Commercial UAV Expo Scholarship Committee Chair. "This program reflects our commitment to providing access and opportunity to the next generation of drone leaders focused on using this technology to better their communities and beyond. By connecting students with mentors and giving them a platform to learn and grow, we hope to inspire future changemakers early in their careers."
A committee of industry experts will oversee the selection process and help guide the program's continued development. This year's committee includes Kat James, Founder of Four Hundred Feet; Eno Umoh, Co-founder of the Global Air Drone Academy; and Rebecca Lehman, Senior ESG &amp; Social Impact Manager at DroneDeploy.
&ldquo;In our second year, the demand for skilled drone talent is stronger than ever. This scholarship helps students see a future in the industry&mdash;where their passion and skills are both needed and can make a real impact,&rdquo; said Lehman.
The scholarship is open to university students in the United States who are committed to using drone technology for good. For complete details, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines, visit the <a href="https://www.expouav.com/uav-empower-leadership-scholarship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship information page</a>.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/34IslXngLL9v1mjaeNj8Yi8VYan6tczr5uVQkaKq.jpg" alt="" width="657" height="344" />
<h5>About Commercial UAV Expo </h5>
Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is an international conference and expo exclusively focused on commercial UAS integration and operation. The event will take place September 2-4, 2025, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV.&nbsp;Commercial UAV Expo is produced by Diversified&rsquo;s technology portfolio, which also includes Commercial UAV News, Commercial UAV Forum, Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, Geo Business (UK), and Digital Construction Week (UK). For more information about exhibiting at Commercial UAV Expo, visit the exhibitor information page or contact Carmella Perrone, Sales Manager, at CPerrone@divcom.com or +1.207-842-5646 or Dominique Caron, Account Executive, at DCaron@divcom.com or + (207) 842-5404. For information on attending, visit www.expouav.com or email info@expouav.com.

UAV Empower: Path to Leadership Event Scholarship

Trending News

28th May 2025
Click here to see David's Pilot Profile:
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/david-schiffner">https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/david-schiffner</a>
My career began with the US Navy, where I was fortunate enough to be trained in aircraft maintenance. There&rsquo;s something about working on airplanes that grabs you&mdash;it&rsquo;s not just about turning wrenches or making sure things are running smoothly. It&rsquo;s about responsibility, precision, and knowing that the work you do keeps people safe in the air. The adrenaline of being surrounded by heavy machinery and the technical challenge of working on advanced aircraft instilled in me a deep respect for aviation that would stay with me throughout my life.&nbsp;
After my service, I transitioned into the civilian workforce, but the skills and discipline I learned in the military transferred seamlessly. I spent over two decades at Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world, where I worked as the Director of Maintenance at a prominent air charter company. I loved it. My work was meaningful, and I was surrounded by professionals who shared my passion for aviation. From routine maintenance to troubleshooting complex issues, every day brought something new. The jets I worked on weren&rsquo;t just vehicles&mdash;they were incredible machines, and each one presented its own set of challenges and rewards.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/2bO3ajZZOW6Lj4kYERGbcSJXreoAErrz8FwkXEKc.jpg" alt="" width="654" height="872" />
However, life has a way of throwing curveballs. In the midst of my successful career in aviation, I suffered an injury to my neck. It was the kind of injury that changed everything. I had always prided myself on being physically capable, but suddenly, my ability to work with my hands and maintain the aircraft I loved so much was taken away from me. The doctors told me I needed surgery, and that recovery would take time&mdash;time I simply didn&rsquo;t have if I wanted to continue in my role. The harsh reality hit me hard: my career in aviation was over.&nbsp;
Retiring early was a tough pill to swallow. I had dedicated decades to the craft, and the idea of walking away from it was gut-wrenching. But sometimes, life forces you to pivot. I wasn&rsquo;t going to let this injury define me. Instead, I decided to reinvent myself&mdash;this time in a completely different direction.&nbsp;
After my surgery and a period of recovery, I needed something to keep my mind and body engaged. That&rsquo;s when I decided to pursue a California Real Estate license. I thought it was the right step&mdash;an opportunity to create a new professional life for myself. I joined Keller Williams Beverly Hills and dove into the world of real estate.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/s6XAdABx2Yxm6jjKJyPltwlpDsTDY6prkNRsau8X.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" />
At first, it felt like a natural transition. Real estate was fast-paced and provided a different kind of challenge. However, as I started selling homes, I quickly realized that it wasn&rsquo;t my true passion. I loved helping people find their dream homes, but something was missing. I wasn&rsquo;t feeling the same excitement and satisfaction that I had when I was working on airplanes or flying jets.&nbsp;
Then, one day, while I was out working on a property, I saw a drone flying overhead, capturing stunning aerial footage of the home. It was as if a lightbulb went off in my head. I had always been fascinated by aviation, and this was the perfect marriage of my skills and interests. Why not use my background in aviation to create something new? It was clear that drone videography was not only fun but also had the potential to be a viable career.&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/QiQ6ip3FecXHUMI2WuxkEIGWnGZguNH47INZQA0m.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" />
I decided to go all in. I got my FAA Part 107 license, which is the certification required to fly drones commercially. I knew that my deep understanding of aviation would be a huge asset in this field. Flying drones wasn&rsquo;t just about capturing pretty pictures; it was about ensuring safety and precision. My experience in aviation taught me how to manage risk, how to be meticulous, and how to operate in sometimes tricky conditions&mdash;skills that would serve me well in drone photography.&nbsp;
The more I flew drones, the more I fell in love with it. There&rsquo;s something magical about soaring above the ground, capturing unique angles and&nbsp;
perspectives. It&rsquo;s a new kind of freedom. And the world of real estate was the perfect market for drone videography. I was able to create stunning marketing videos for real estate listings, offering potential buyers a bird&rsquo;s-eye view of the properties they were considering.&nbsp;
But it wasn&rsquo;t just about the work&mdash;it was about rediscovering my love for aviation in a new and exciting form. Drone videography allowed me to return to my roots, flying and capturing incredible shots, but it also gave me the creative outlet I had been searching for. It was both an artistic and technical challenge, which was exactly what I needed.&nbsp;
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pLhspufHSB8?si=p8rDW4QKM5QCSgc-" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
I am known for my commitment to safety and professionalism. Having worked in aviation for decades, I understand the importance of following strict safety protocols and ensuring that every flight is executed with precision and care. My technical expertise, combined with an artistic eye for capturing the perfect shot, has earned me a loyal following of clients who trust me to deliver exceptional work every time.&nbsp;
What sets me apart from other drone operators is my comprehensive background in aviation and my ability to understand the technical aspects of drone flight. My background in aviation maintenance gives me a unique edge in troubleshooting technical issues that may arise during flights, ensuring that every operation runs smoothly. My in-depth knowledge of aircraft systems and mechanics translates directly to my work with drones, allowing me to safely and effectively capture the best possible footage.&nbsp;
My ability to blend technical proficiency with creativity makes me an invaluable asset to any project. Whether it&rsquo;s shooting aerial footage for a high-end real estate listing, capturing a commercial project, or producing a visually stunning video for a marketing campaign, My goal is always to provide my clients with a product that exceeds their expectations.&nbsp;
As the drone industry continues to evolve and grow I am very excited about the future of aerial videography and photography. With technological advancements and growing demand for high-quality aerial&nbsp;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/ujqV9V6VkHRrqar4n63r9WQcLDrk9BTRhjkcqBYM.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="360" />
footage, I see a wealth of opportunities to expand my services and reach new markets. My passion for aviation and love for flying will continue to drive me as I seek new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of drone videography.&nbsp;
My vision is clear: to help clients achieve their goals by providing them with the perfect aerial perspective. Whether it&rsquo;s a real estate agent seeking stunning property visuals or a business looking to showcase a unique project, I am committed to delivering a final product that is both safe and exceptional.&nbsp;
With a wealth of experience in aviation, real estate, and drone operations, I believe I can be the trusted professional you can rely on to take your project to new heights&mdash;literally and figuratively. Together we can formulate a plan to get the best shot without compromising safety.&nbsp;
My experience in corporate aviation has made me uniquely qualified in that I have a great understanding of the value of time and quality.&nbsp;
I have lived in many other states during my tenure in corporate aviation but chose the LA area to buy a home and raise my family as LA offers immense opportunities not to mention the fantastic weather.&nbsp;
Please contact me as I would love to share ideas and safely deliver the results you deserve.&nbsp;

Pilot Story: David Schiffner

May 28, 2025
By Timothy Brazzel
In 2023, I released a YouTube video titled &ldquo;How to Get Drone Jobs?&rdquo; and it quickly became one of my top-performing uploads. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and to this day, it's one of the highest-ranked videos on my channel. But something has shifted. The drone job market isn&rsquo;t quite what it used to be. Pilots who are certified, passionate, and doing everything right are still struggling to find consistent work.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/0mbdXjkZ1MMHfgZ7z4SkLISM9NBEIeGMYyT7xH7w.png" alt="" width="677" height="385" />
One recent comment I received perfectly sums up what so many drone pilots are feeling: &ldquo;Dude!! I have been looking for something like this for a while. Thank you for posting this video. I'm signing up today! I've been struggling to get jobs on my own, driving around looking for construction sites, talking to Real Estate agents etc.. etc. One last question, did you set your fee with the insurance company, or did they tell you what they were willing to pay?&rdquo; This pilot had just signed up for TheDroningCompany.com, a job board and media platform centered around the drone industry. While it&rsquo;s not a guaranteed job magnet, it&rsquo;s still a valuable space to promote your brand and stay informed on the latest in the drone world. But platforms alone won&rsquo;t get you the jobs you&rsquo;re looking for. Today&rsquo;s market requires something more.  
<ol>
<li>The Reality of the Current Drone Market: </li>
</ol>
The drone space is saturated not with just certified drone pilots, but with hobbyists as well. With the affordability of consumer drones and the ease of certification such as TRUST, &amp; Part 107, more pilots are entering the field than ever before. That means more competition, fewer easy wins, and a much higher need to stand out. I talk about this more in my corresponding YouTube video.  Traditional methods like cold-calling real estate agents or driving around construction sites aren&rsquo;t as effective as they once were. Many of the companies that needed drone content have either already partnered with someone or are now doing it in-house. So how do you rise above the noise? 
<ol start="2">
<li>Be Where the Attention Is: </li>
</ol>
Platforms like <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/">TheDroningCompany.com</a> are helpful &mdash; not necessarily for landing a flood of gigs, but for establishing an online presence. Your goal should be visibility. When companies look you up, what will they find? A professional pilot with a digital portfolio? Or someone with a dusty LinkedIn page and no current content?  Use job boards as a tool, but don&rsquo;t rely on them. Use them to send traffic to your personal page, YouTube channel, or business website. Make it easy for people to trust and hire you.  
<ol start="3">
<li>Build Your Brand and Story:</li>
</ol>
People hire people, not just pilots. You need a brand. What do you stand for? What industries do you serve? How do you solve problems better than your competitors? Document your journey. Post behind-the-scenes content. Share your wins, your failures, and your lessons learned. Companies like DronePower1, where I briefly worked, weren&rsquo;t just impressed by my drone skills or degree &mdash; the CEO appreciated my integrity, my communication, and how I carried myself. &nbsp;In short, my character.  
<ol start="4">
<li>Develop Your Character and Reputation:</li>
</ol>
This part isn&rsquo;t talked about enough: Character matters. One of the most underrated business strategies is simply being good to work with.  Are you reliable? Communicative? Open to feedback? People don&rsquo;t want to chase you for updates or deal with egos. The industry is growing up, and professionalism matters more than ever.  Being a skilled pilot is table stakes. Being a pilot people enjoy working with &mdash; that&rsquo;s your superpower.  
<ol start="5">
<li>Think Strategically, Not Desperately: </li>
</ol>
If you're waiting for opportunities to come to you, you'll be waiting a long time. Instead of hoping for jobs, start creating them. Identify businesses that could benefit from aerial content and pitch them with custom ideas. Offer free samples if needed to get your foot in the door.  And remember relationships beat resumes. People hire people they know, trust, and see value in. Show up in person. Network. Attend drone expos or local business events. Some that I&rsquo;ve included are the 2025 Palm Springs Drone Fest, Commercial UAV, and the AUVSI Xponential trade shows.  
Final Thoughts  
The landscape has changed, but so have the opportunities. There&rsquo;s still massive demand for drone work &mdash; but it&rsquo;s going to those who are seen, trusted, and known. Don&rsquo;t just chase jobs. Build a presence. Develop your brand. Cultivate your reputation. And most importantly, focus on being the kind of person others want to work with. I created this blog post for those drone pilots out there grinding every day, wondering why the calls aren&rsquo;t coming in. You&rsquo;re not alone, but you don&rsquo;t have to stay stuck either. Let&rsquo;s level up &mdash; together.  
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0YM-BqJs0jI" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you haven&rsquo;t yet, check out my original video on &ldquo;Why You're not Getting Drone Jobs in 2025 (And how to fix it)&rdquo; and stay tuned for more insights coming soon. Also, subscribe to my YouTube channel as well <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Inspirewithdrones3342">(Inspire with Drones)</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Inspirewithdrones3342"><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/9aztda16MM8d3NUW35HN9XRvIIkaLfAS0NI5FNeU.png" alt="" width="495" height="331" /></a>
&nbsp;  👉 Q&amp;A for You: What&rsquo;s been your biggest challenge in landing paid drone jobs&mdash;and what&rsquo;s one thing you&rsquo;ve tried that either worked or didn&rsquo;t work at all? Send me an email to:
timothy@thedroningcompany.com
I&rsquo;d love to hear your story and might even feature it in a future video!  
Stay elevated, Timothy Brazzel

How to Stand Out and Land High-Quality Drone Jobs in Today’s Market

27 May 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.jouav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JOUAV</a>, a global leader in industrial-grade VTOL drone manufacturing, officially launched its fourth-generation intelligent VTOL drone hangar, the JOS-C700, at the UAS EXPO 2025 in Shenzhen today. Paired with the newly upgraded CW-15V drone system, the JOS-C700 represents a significant step forward in fully autonomous, intelligent drone operations.
Designed for 24/7 remote deployment, the JOS-C700 delivers a seamless end-to-end workflow&mdash;featuring automated drone storage, autonomous takeoff, intelligent mission execution, real-time data transmission and AI analysis, as well as automatic recovery and charging. This all-in-one solution is purpose-built for a wide range of applications, including public safety, emergency response, and infrastructure inspection.
<h5>Built for Harsh Environments</h5>
The JOS-C700 is engineered to perform reliably in extreme conditions. It operates at altitudes below 4,500 meters, with an IP55 protection rating and a working temperature range of -20&deg;C to 50&deg;C. Its dual air-conditioning system ensures stable internal conditions, while integrated wind speed, direction, and rainfall sensors, along with live internal and external video monitoring and an automatic fire suppression unit, provide enhanced safety and situational awareness.
<h5>Wide-Area Coverage with Lower Costs</h5>
With a single-unit operational radius of up to 50 km, the JOS-C700 supports multi-hangar and multi-drone collaborative deployment. Its capability for grid-based coverage and "leapfrog" inspection mode reduces hardware investment and significantly lowers overall operational and maintenance costs.
<h5>Versatile Payload Options for Multi-Source Data Collection</h5>
Equipped with standardized quick-release mounts, the system supports a wide variety of payloads that can be swapped rapidly. It can carry up to two payloads simultaneously, enabling the collection of multi-source data to meet diverse mission requirements.
<h5>Enhanced Avionics and AI Integration</h5>
The system integrates visual-inertial SLAM and scene-matching positioning technologies to improve autonomous localization and enhance resistance to GNSS jamming and spoofing&mdash;making it highly reliable even in electromagnetically complex environments.
<h5>AI-Powered for Smarter Operations</h5>
The JOS-C700 can be configured with an onboard AI powerhouse featuring a large-model library covering over 80% of real-world targets such as smoke, fire, buildings, water bodies, and waste. With built-in generative AI capabilities, operators can interact with the system through natural language Q&amp;A, enabling real-time intelligent description and analysis of targets and events to support faster, smarter decision-making. The official launch of the JOS-C700 highlights JOUAV's continued innovation in autonomous, intelligent drone systems and signals a new era of smart, full-process drone operations.&nbsp;

JOUAV Unveils Next-Gen Drone Hangar at UAS EXPO 2025

22 May 2025
A Pensacola Beach fisherman who uses a drone to cast bait was able to catch a far more valuable prize by saving a teenaged girl trapped in a riptide.
Initially, Andrew Smith wasn't planning to go fishing after work on May 18. But a young girl possibly owes her life to the fact Smith decided to hit the beach after all.
When a hysterical girl said her friend was trapped in the current and asked if anyone could swim out to rescue her, everyone nearby said they could not. Kind of an amazing bit of bad luck&mdash;especially as no life guards were on duty.
Smith can't swim, either, but he told the girl that his drone could get to the now-flailing swimmer.
He attached a flotation device to his drone and sent it approximately 100 yards out to the teenager.
"I was shaking pretty badly," he said. "It was nerve-wracking."
The first rescue attempt was unsuccessful, as Smith misjudged the winds and dropped the lifesaver far off the mark.&nbsp;
"It was a terrible miss," said Smith.
Happily, someone gave Smith a second flotation device. At this point, the girl had been battling the current for approximately five minutes.
"I lowered it until you could see her hands grab it," said Smith. "Then, I lowered it a little more and released it. She climbed on and started floating."
The drone was responsible for a joyous ending, as the girl was able to use the flotation device until first responders rescued her. The police, EMTs, and lifeguards now on the scene estimated the teen would not have survived if not for the second drone "rescue mission."
<h5>See the Rescue</h5>
<iframe style="width: 683px; height: 384px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQZeFKhUngk?si=Cm4gtHtMzMk9nYnd" width="683" height="384" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Drone Saves Florida Teen from Riptide

21 May 2025
Researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in China have developed a cutting-edge "flapping wing" drone, hailed domestically as a major scientific breakthrough. This bird-like unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), known asXinge, recently broke the Guinness World Record for longest continuous flight by an ornithopter, surpassing its predecessor&rsquo;s performance by nearly 90 minutes.
Also referred to as a bionic drone, the Xinge mimics the complex flight mechanisms of real birds&mdash;a field of technological innovation pursued globally by various research teams. While U.S. researchers at institutions like New Mexico Institute of Technology (NMIT) have experimented with drones using preserved bird parts, China&rsquo;s approach emphasizes mechanical precision and versatility.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ouKjjaTo7g?si=B58J9Xraja5jZ-9I" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Breaking Records with Bionic Engineering
Xinge is the successor to the earlier Yunxiao ornithopter, which flew for 2 hours, 34 minutes, and 38 seconds. In contrast, Xinge maintained flight for 3 hours, 5 minutes, and 30 seconds on a single charge. It features a wingspan of 70 centimeters and weighs just 260 grams&mdash;making it smaller and lighter than Yunxiao, which had over double the wingspan and four times the weight.
&ldquo;It represents a significant technological leap in bionic aircraft,&rdquo; said Song Bifeng, chief scientist at NPU, in a report by China Global Television Network (CGTN). &ldquo;The increase in flight time validates the drone's performance and opens the door to broader applications.&rdquo;
Designed for Versatility&mdash;Including Military Potential
The CGTN report suggests that while the project is an "independent" initiative not officially commissioned by the military, the Xinge drone could serve multiple functions, including covert surveillance, emergency rescue, and scientific research in the field. Its lightweight, low-noise, and portable design make it suitable for deployment in complex or remote environments.
These characteristics hint at potential military applications. In particular, Xinge could be used for tactical reconnaissance in sensitive regions like Ladakh or Arunachal Pradesh, where China maintains a tense border with India. Its bird-like flight pattern also makes it less likely to be detected by radar or visual monitoring systems.
Although the People&rsquo;s Liberation Army (PLA) has not officially adopted the Xinge, the NPU&rsquo;s long-standing ties to China's defense sector suggest the platform may eventually find military use.
Ties to China&rsquo;s Defense Infrastructure
NPU is one of China&rsquo;s &ldquo;Seven Sons of National Defense,&rdquo; a group of elite universities closely integrated with the country&rsquo;s military-industrial complex. A 2020 report by the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)noted that NPU contributed the highest number of graduates&mdash;963 in 2019&mdash;to China&rsquo;s state-owned defense enterprises, further reinforcing its strategic role in national defense innovation.
Broader Civilian Applications
Despite the potential for military adoption, the drone's design also supports numerous civilian uses. China, with its vast biodiversity zones and conservation areas, could employ such drones for environmental monitoring, wildlife research, or disaster response.
According to CGTN, the research team has already conducted over 1,500 test flights across more than ten regions, refining the drone&rsquo;s performance in diverse conditions. However, full-scale deployment is not expected soon, as continued testing and design iterations are underway before any potential mass production.
Looking Ahead
While the Xinge drone is still in its development and testing phase, its advanced flight duration and biomimetic design mark a significant advancement in UAV technology. Whether for scientific, civilian, or military purposes, this innovative ornithopter adds a new dimension to the evolving landscape of unmanned flight.
&nbsp;

Chinese Scientists Set New Record with Advanced Bird-Like Drone

21 May 2025
By Chris &ldquo;<a href="https://youtu.be/S3lmv2U94og?si=NqHXa2-m3qlqCCMA">The Drone Geek</a>&rdquo; Fravel
The <a href="https://amzn.to/4mf866a">DJI O4 Air Unit Pro</a> has been a significant step forward for FPV video, offering a larger sensor, D-Log M, and improved stabilization. For pilots looking to maximize the potential of this system for professional-quality footage, accessories become crucial.&nbsp;One such essential accessory is the <a href="https://freewellgear.com/collections/dji-avata-2-nd-filter/products/freewell-dji-o4-air-unit-pro-nd-filters?sca_ref=8523882.aDuapuCUc6VwUnY3">Freewell Standard Day 4-Pack of ND Filters</a>, designed specifically for the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro. These filters offer a practical solution for managing light and motion blur in various shooting conditions.
ND Filters Explained
Neutral Density (ND) filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera, preventing overexposure and allowing for the use of wider apertures or slower shutter speeds. They are identified by numerical values (e.g., ND8, ND16), with higher numbers indicating greater light reduction. ND filters are vital for shooting in bright conditions and for controlling motion blur.
Motion blur, the streaking of moving objects, is controlled by shutter speed. The 180-degree rule (shutter speed denominator = 2 x frame rate) provides a natural look. Slower speeds increase blur, while faster speeds decrease it.
Freewell Standard Day 4-Pack: Key Features and Benefits
The Freewell Standard Day 4-Pack includes ND8, ND16, ND32, and ND64 filters, providing versatility for different lighting scenarios. The pack comes with a protective case and a microfiber cloth.
Installation is simple: align the filter with the camera housing and slide it into place until it clicks. Removal is equally easy with a gentle push on the bracket.
My Experience
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/rE0Cw8u8YH1xiewEjJsg9Kd5g4NJoVtkGd9ca6tA.png" alt="" width="665" height="498" />
The Freewell Standard Day 4-Pack performed as expected, with accurate filter densities. The easy installation is a notable benefit, and the filters significantly improved the footage quality in bright sunlight with the <a href="https://amzn.to/4mf866a">O4 Air Unit Pro</a>. They are essential for both exposure control and achieving desired motion blur effects in FPV videos, which often feature rapid movement.
&nbsp;
Freewell is a reputable manufacturer of drone filters, and this 4-pack is a valuable addition to the O4 Air Unit Pro, especially for those seeking professional-looking results.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S3lmv2U94og?si=OMI2GikaUPfTiNke" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
If you&rsquo;re interested in purchasing this filter pack, please consider using my affiliate link by <a href="https://freewellgear.com/collections/dji-avata-2-nd-filter/products/freewell-dji-o4-air-unit-pro-nd-filters?sca_ref=8523882.aDuapuCUc6VwUnY3">clicking here</a>. I only recommend products I have tested and believe in. Your support helps me continue to provide valuable content.
&nbsp;
I highly recommend Freewell&rsquo;s filters and accessories. The<a href="https://freewellgear.com/collections/dji-avata-2-nd-filter/products/freewell-dji-o4-air-unit-pro-nd-filters?sca_ref=8523882.aDuapuCUc6VwUnY3"> Standard Day 4-Pack for the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro</a> is a worthwhile investment at around $50, offering excellent value compared to competitors.
For more articles like this, check out Fravel&rsquo;s Footnote on The Droning Company. You can also find more of my content <a href="http://www.thedronegeek.com/">on my blog</a> and <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheDroneGeek">YouTube channel, &ldquo;The Drone Geek.&rdquo;</a>

Review: Freewell Standard Day 4-Pack ND Filters for DJI O4 Air Unit Pro

21 May 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.flir.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Teledyne FLIR OEM</a>, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has announced <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dragoon.tech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dragoon</a> is using the <a href="http://www.flir.com/prism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prism </a>Supervisor and Prism SKR software for its AI-driven object detection, tracking, real-time autonomy flight control, and mission planning capabilities within its long-range unmanned platform prototypes under <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dragoon.tech/post/dragoon-awarded-diu-artemis-contract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Project Artemis</a>, a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative.
Project Artemis is a program designed to evaluate and deploy long-range loitering munitions capable of operating in highly contested electromagnetic environments and in large numbers. Dragoon is one of four organizations within Project Artemis tasked to demonstrate low-cost, adaptable, long-range, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms with the potential to maximize operational flexibility.
"The integration of Dragoon&rsquo;s Cinder unmanned aircraft&mdash;our low-cost, long-range platform&mdash;and Teledyne FLIR&rsquo;s OEM Prism software unlocks new, highly autonomous mission capabilities in complex environments," said Jason Douglas, co-founder of Dragoon Technology. "By combining our platform and payload with Teledyne FLIR&rsquo;s autonomy, we offer an ideal solution for the DIU Artemis project."
Prism SKR is a best-in-class automatic target recognition (ATR) software providing a drop-in solution for the FLIR Boson thermal camera module that optimally addresses the seeker requirements for the Dragoon UAS platform. It operates efficiently at the edge on low-power embedded processors and is compatible with both infrared (IR) and visible camera data. Prism SKR provides real-time target position, identification, direction of motion, and aim-point localization, guiding the platform&rsquo;s autonomous flight system for various operations.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/ln1NIoPewqUwUYAdbVAF9yHvt1fq6IwFSYzGAe7I.png" alt="" width="461" height="259" />
In combination, Prism Supervisor further enhances mission readiness by providing end-to-end autonomy and mission oversight. It seamlessly integrates with Dragoon&rsquo;s onboard autopilot system to support real time decision-making capabilities and an intuitive mission-planning interface. The advanced autonomy in Prism Supervisor closes the loop between the on-board navigation subsystem and real-time AI-based observations to enhance UAS operational capabilities while reducing operator intervention and workload.
&ldquo;Dragoon selecting Prism software for its Project Artemis work underscores our ability to deliver mission-critical capabilities for national defense,&rdquo; said Jared Faraudo, vice president of product management and programs, Teledyne FLIR OEM. &ldquo;Prism SKR and Supervisor are purpose-built to enable Dragoon&rsquo;s unmanned systems to perform in demanding battlefield environments, ensuring reliable performance when it matters most.&rdquo;
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/jqKJB9ZDB91ezokyqYp9bq1DPB1JddCw99WvY6fJ.png" alt="" width="455" height="364" />
This effort was sponsored by the U.S. Government under Other Transaction number HQ0845-25-9-0044 between Dragoon Technology and the Government. The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation thereon.
The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.
<h5>About Teledyne FLIR OEM&nbsp;</h5>
Teledyne FLIR OEM, a Teledyne Technologies company, is a world leader in intelligent sensing solutions for defense and industrial applications, with approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1978, the company creates advanced technologies to help professionals make better, faster decisions that save lives and livelihoods.

Dragoon Picks Teledyne FLIR OEM Prism Software for Project Artemis

19 May 2025
It's almost as confusing as the current Zakk Starkey drama with The Who. He's out of the band, then he's in the band, and now it appears Ringo's son is OUT of the band. Whew.
With echoes of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" running as a virtual soundtrack, it seems <a href="https://www.dji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJI</a> is playing PONG with the emotions and expectations of drone pilots with the alleged non-release of the company's Mavic 4 Pro in America. <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/dji-denies-mavic-4-pro-to-u-s-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ the initial story here: DJI Denies Mavic 4 Pro to U.S.</a>
Initially, the news was that the May 13, 2025 global launch of the Mavic 4 Pro was, well, NOT global, because the United States was "disinvited" to the release.
&ldquo;The DJI Mavic 4 Pro will not be available for sale in the U.S. upon its global launch on May 13," stated a &nbsp;DJI spokesperson. "Like many global companies, we have had to adjust our market strategy as local conditions and the industry environment have evolved. While we do not have a timeline for when we can introduce the product to the U.S. market, we are closely monitoring the situation and actively exploring every possible solution.&rdquo;&nbsp;
That situation remains true, but there are one or two caveats&mdash;thanks to one or two American retailers.
If you Google "DJI Mavic Pro 4," you'll notice that <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1886939-REG/dji_cp_ma_00000849_01_mavic_4_pro_drone.html?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20533610878&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD7yMh2rAn47s0xoybdUZMIDIGfwc&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwravBBhBjEiwAIr30VD07gbBoBN-_486fY0HCDr-cxqW8rqA2ztH6IdRCF2oCwcsmU_ZGXBoCxB0QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">B&amp;H</a> and <a href="https://www.adorama.com/l/?searchinfo=mavic%204%20pro" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adorama</a> are listed as selling the new drone.&nbsp;
Unfortunately, drone enthusiasts with click fingers as fast as the buzzer on Family Feud soon realized that [a] Adorama is sold out of whatever stock they may have had, and [b] B&amp;H has a "Notify When Available" banner posted on their DJI Mavic Pro 4 product page.
Additional reports have apparently shown that other U.S. retailers may have stock&mdash;including, somewhat incredibly, the DJI Store at Fifth Avenue in New York City.
And here's that DJI spokesperson again: &ldquo;At this time, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is not available for sale in the U.S. market through DJI's official e-commerce site. We cannot comment on behalf of our retail partners."
So, some retailers are "breaking the so-called rules" and offering Mavic 4 Pros for sale somehow, but the new drone is certainly not coming to the U.S. in major numbers. In other words, unless you run into one of those shady characters in an alleyway whispering they have "contraband" Mavic 4 Pros to sell, you're still going to be out of luck adding DJI's latest hot commodity to your personal air force.
Do You Really NEED a Mavic 4 Pro? <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/mavic-4-pro-fomo-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE for TDC columnist Timothy Brazzel's view!</a>

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Still Not Available in U.S. — Kinda...

19&nbsp; May 2025
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/8WjO5TRmwyjEHpMExZimdQSFZTLv4AntutjmQUYk.png" alt="" width="194" height="51" />
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
Editor's Note: At press time, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro was still not officially for sale in America. Why not? &mdash; <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/dji-mavic-4-pro-still-not-available-in-u-s-kinda-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a>.
On May 13, 2025, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro was officially launched. As a certified drone pilot, I always get excited when new technology drops especially when it's drone-related. While I&rsquo;m a DJI fan, I&rsquo;m actually a fan of any good tech. If it&rsquo;s well-built and purposeful, it has my attention.
Like many others, I&rsquo;ve spent hours watching YouTube videos covering the Mavic 4 Pro&rsquo;s release. Some videos feel like cinematic unveilings, others are analytical reviews&mdash;but either way, it fuels the curiosity and desire to experience the gear firsthand.
<h5 class="p4">The Power of DJI&rsquo;s Marketing and the Fear of Missing Out</h5>
DJI has long dominated the consumer and prosumer drone market, and their recent launch only proves how strong their marketing machine has become. They didn&rsquo;t hide much this time around&mdash;leaked specs were all over social platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for months. This led to a massive wave of &ldquo;gear FOMO&rdquo;&mdash;fear of missing out on the latest and greatest.
Here&rsquo;s the reality: FOMO is real, and it&rsquo;s powerful. There&rsquo;s something psychologically intense about watching everyone else test-fly the newest gear while you&rsquo;re still rocking your last-gen drone.
<h5 class="p4">But Is the Upgrade Really Necessary?</h5>
Don&rsquo;t get me wrong, the Mavic 4 Pro is impressive. It&rsquo;s a well-built drone with some serious specs, and eventually I will purchase one. But what happens when you want to upgrade&hellip; and you can't? Due to current U.S.-China trade tensions and ongoing restrictions, or maybe you just can&rsquo;t afford it right now, basically the Mavic 4 Pro is not widely available in the U.S. for the average pilot.
Unless you&rsquo;re part of the top-tier YouTube elite who received a review unit, you may feel excluded. That&rsquo;s frustrating. I get it. I felt it too.
<h5 class="p4">My Drone Journey: From Mavic Pro to Mavic 3</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/c1HhAX98qipkDGSEZ2wqMRaSt7taQvDED5AyomAw.png" alt="" width="315" height="272" />
I gave my original Mavic Pro to my dad and upgraded to the Mavic 3 after earning my Part 107 certification. At the time, it felt like the perfect pro-level drone. Then DJI released not one, but two additional versions of the same drone. I was irritated. I didn&rsquo;t want to jump through more hoops to get a &ldquo;complete&rdquo; version.
But here&rsquo;s the deeper lesson I&rsquo;ve learned: &ldquo;Mastery trumps equipment.&rdquo;
A seasoned pilot with a Mavic Air 2S can absolutely outshoot a rookie flying a Mavic 4 Pro. That&rsquo;s why I advocate for truly knowing your gear&mdash;inside and out. Learn how to master camera settings, flight modes, editing workflows, and storytelling. The drone is just a tool. You are the creative engine.
<h5 class="p4">Proof from the Field</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/QLtm9WlPzvJt59OuSDL91qnGKCJL5bXEenXm69Wp.png" alt="" width="315" height="246" />
Bombay Beach, Salton Sea, California
I&rsquo;ve captured high-quality work with my Mavic 3 that clients loved&mdash;work that I believe could easily stand alongside footage from the newest models. Why? Because I understood what my drone could do. I maximized it.
There are professional filmmakers and influencers out there using surprisingly modest gear. Yet their content stands out because they&rsquo;ve mastered their tools.
<h5 class="p4">4 Tips to Maximize Your Current Gear</h5>
&bull; Explore Underused Flight Modes &ndash; Experiment with Hyperlapse, Waypoints, or QuickShots. &bull; Master using ND Filters and Lighting Conditions &ndash; Learn how lighting and filters can elevate your footage. &bull; Improve Post-Production Skills &ndash; Color grading, motion graphics, and sound design can take your content from good to exceptional. &bull; Revisit Old Locations &ndash; Return to past spots and apply better technique, angles, or timing.
<h5 class="p4">Let&rsquo;s Talk Financial Stewardship</h5>
Impulse buying can sabotage your long-term creative goals. I&rsquo;ve made emotional purchases before and regretted them. Now that the Mavic 4 Pro isn&rsquo;t immediately available to me, I&rsquo;m choosing to (budget) for it properly rather than rushing into it.
Be intentional with your purchases. Don&rsquo;t buy on hype buy based on ROI (return on investment).
<h5 class="p4">Create with Purpose, Not Pressure</h5>
Audience engagement doesn&rsquo;t just come from crisp video specs&mdash;it comes from storytelling, creativity, and connection. Use what you already have. Stretch it. Push your limits. Think about (impact) over image quality.
In the end, it&rsquo;s not about having the most expensive gear. It&rsquo;s about how you use what you&rsquo;ve got.
Your drone is just the tool. Your vision is the value.
My desire is that someone has benefited from reading this article and free&rsquo;s themselves from the pressure and impulse of the need to continuously upgrade to the next best thing.
Keep flying, keep learning, and keep growing,
<h5 class="p10">Subscribe to Inspire with Drones </h5>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Inspirewithdrones3342" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Join the Flight Crew here!</a>

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