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<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>22 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/caleb-webb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>By Caleb Webb</strong></a></span></p>
<p><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">As a young person, I really never was sure what I wanted to do as I got older. I had a lot of ideas, but as a kid with a short attention span and a variety of hobbies that I liked to do, I changed my mind quite a bit.&nbsp;I&rsquo;ve had so many hobbies over the years, it is really not funny. From amateur radio to triathlon, I&rsquo;ve been quite an active young person.&nbsp;Fast forward a number of years: I&rsquo;m 19 years old now, and owner of a slowly growing aerial photography company in New Hampshire. But how in the world did I get into flying drones?&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p>I remember always liking RC vehicles, helicopters, and planes. I remember having one old RC truck that I recall having quite a bit of fun with. But I especially liked the little helicopters. The first one I can remember in the house was a little green helicopter. I was probably too little to fly it, as I have no recollection of myself flying it. I think one of my family members ended up crashing it. A few years later, I remember buying my brother a little better RC helicopter, and soon thereafter, he got me one. Mine was red with a red and blue flashing light on the front of it.&nbsp;It took forever to charge and had about a 5&ndash;6-minute&nbsp;battery life at best. I remember having a lot of enjoyment with that.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Fast forward another few years. My brother and I were older, and one of my brother&rsquo;s dreams had been to fly real airplanes.&nbsp;Ever since he was little, he had a love for aviation. And so, at 18, my brother began to take flying lessons. This is where I was really introduced to aviation.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Around this same time, my brother got me a little quadcopter for Christmas (which, by the way, I still have). This was my first &ldquo;drone.&rdquo; It had a little camera with no gimbal on the front, and a positioning camera on the bottom. It had an app that could be connected to a phone to have a live view, and&nbsp;had a battery life of about 8 minutes. I remember&nbsp;flying it around the house. I thought it was so cool, but it was very hard to fly, as the positioning system was terrible on it, and it had a tendency to drift a lot. It was almost impossible to fly and turn the drone without hitting something. I remember the first time I flew it outside. I flew it straight up about maybe 50 feet, did a few flips, and then brought it down and landed it on the beach, where I got sand in the motors.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/reRTVgbiomISgGIQvgHet34C78PfegICD2t1wo87.jpg" alt="" width="454" height="340" /></p>
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<p>Now during this time, my brother had gotten his private pilot&rsquo;s license and was working towards his instrument rating. But in the meantime, one of his flight instructors recommended that he get his Part 107 drone license. For an already licensed airplane pilot, it was really easy: an open book test. I guess they figure you already know a lot of the rules of the airspace and so on. So,&nbsp;he got his license. I remember my dad talking with him and looking at drones and discussing with him the possibility of flying a drone for money. However, that never went anywhere. He was far more interested in manned aviation. However, it was about this time that I started looking at the Part 107 and thinking, &ldquo;Hmmm...that is cool. I&rsquo;d love to do that.&rdquo; I also read that I only had to be 16 to get my Part 107. I decided that is what I wanted to do: start an aerial photography service.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>So, I bought the 2022 study book&nbsp;and 2-year&nbsp;practice testing software license&nbsp;from ASA. I was 17 at the time. I began to study it, and&nbsp;was quite excited. However, I started to get busy. I was working in the summer, as&nbsp;well as developing as a runner, so I had a lot going on. And then my senior year of high school came. I was home schooled, and had a difficult and rigid curriculum. Just as a note: I am not complaining at all; I&rsquo;m actually very thankful for the above average education I received, even though it was a lot of work. But, my drone studies kind of fell apart. I would look at the book and think, &ldquo;Oh, I&rsquo;ll study&nbsp;for that.&rdquo; But then I never seemed to, except for rare occasions. I kept setting goals for myself to get my Part 107 license, but it just kept getting pushed farther and farther out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>After graduation, I kind of just decided that I was going to get my license.&nbsp;I started studying again. Then I remembered that I had never activated my 2-year&nbsp;license. So,&nbsp;I hopped on the computer and did so. My first practice test I took, I believe I passed&nbsp;(although it was close). I couldn&rsquo;t believe it. I took many more over until I was constantly passing them with good grades. I&nbsp;then&nbsp;decided that I was going to get my license&nbsp;ASAP. I only took the practice exams for about a month before I took my actual test.&nbsp;I remember being nervous as the instructor got the grade for the test, for I&nbsp;was worried I had failed. Thankfully, my hard work had paid off, and I passed with flying colors&nbsp;in&nbsp;October 2023. I pulled out that little quadcopter and took it outside. It was a little difficult, for the wind was a little too high for it. First, it blew into the neighbor&rsquo;s yard; then, it nearly blew into my dad&rsquo;s truck. So,&nbsp;I couldn&rsquo;t use it outside.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I had been looking at what drone to buy. I was looking at the DJI Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro, as well as the DJI Air 3. I also ran across the Autel&nbsp;Robotics Evo II Pro and Yuneec Typhoon H+. But my dad and I were discussing what I should get, and the conclusion we came to was to buy a cheap drone to learn on. After all, we thought, if drones are as hard to fly as that quadcopter, I don&rsquo;t want to be&nbsp;buying a thousand dollar&nbsp;drone and crashing it.&nbsp;So, to Walmart we went.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>I am happy to say that my first drone was not I what I was originally expecting to buy. I ended up buying a DJI Mini 2 SE. I absolutely loved that drone. Very user friendly, and at the time, I thought the camera was absolutely amazing. (You really can&rsquo;t complain about it for the price.) Although, within a couple of months I realized I would need a better drone for higher quality YouTube videos and so on&nbsp;and the work that I was hoping to soon get. I ended up buying the Autel&nbsp;Evo II Pro V2. It isn&rsquo;t the V3, but it is still an impressive drone.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>About the time I bought the Evo II Pro, I decided to form an LLC by the name of&nbsp;New England Aerial Photography, LLC. Combine&nbsp;the old-fashioned work ethic that my dad and grandfather instilled into me&nbsp;with my desire to work for myself,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I was determined to make it happen. I made a website, bought business cards, went around to realtors, made cold calls, and sent out emails. Unfortunately, there was really nothing solid from anybody. I got either no response, or they just said nice things to me, probably to make me feel better since I am young. But one chimney company did take me on. I remember my first job I did for them. I&nbsp;charged too little, but it was perfectly okay. That was the first $100 of my business.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>I ended up buying a regular camera for real estate, but I still got nothing. However, after talking to&nbsp;a close friend of mine who was a realtor, he said he would use me if I invested in a software&nbsp;called Matterport&nbsp;which&nbsp;does virtual 3D tours. He said it would be a couple thousand-dollar&nbsp;investment, which&nbsp;I was in no shape to do that at that time, even though I was working part-time. However, something came up. I found out that far cheaper Insta360 cameras are just as capable of performing Matterport tours&nbsp;as the expensive Matterport brand cameras.</p>
<p>I ended up buying an Insta360 One RS 1 for doing Matterport, and it has more than paid for itself. Sure enough, he took me on, and it really helped out when another friend of mine, who had been doing the drone work for my realtor friend, sold me his drone which was a DJI Mavic 3 Classic that had hardly been flown with a bunch of accessories for a very good price. My realtor friend has been using me ever since. The final drone I ended up buying was the Autel Evo Lite Enterprise 640T, which came out a few months ago.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Well, to close out, I have had my ups and downs as I develop this business. I have had many frustrations. This business is far from supportive for me. I have to work another job, but they are very flexible, and allow me to take off whenever I need to, as my business is priority&nbsp;to me.&nbsp;It takes a lot of work and sweat, but I have confidence that my hard work is going to pay off. My ultimate goal is to work full time as a drone pilot.&nbsp;Nothing worthwhile ever came easy to anybody, and I believe that I am no exception.&nbsp;As of this writing I am currently planning on getting my thermal certification within the next couple of months&nbsp;(March 2025),&nbsp;and&nbsp;I look forward to the doors that that will open for&nbsp;me.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>I am willing to travel to complete a job. My goal is to provide the best possible product for the customer, while being safe, professional, honest, and FAA compliant. I currently use SkyWatch&nbsp;hourly drone insurance, which&nbsp;covers me up to $1,000,000 in liability.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>As an end note, I hope that this story has been interesting. Maybe there are other pilots reading this that are in my shoes. If so, keep up the good work, and don&rsquo;t give up. It will pay off in the end if you stick with it. If you are an experienced drone pilot reading this and see&nbsp;areas where I can improve, PLEASE stop reading, go to my profile, get my contact information, and tell me where I can improve. I&rsquo;m always open for tips and pointers on how&nbsp;to do better.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Here's to safe flying and clear skies!</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 665px; height: 374px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F6SXSpKKW-M?si=z_Jo-VYxxnCtvcqt" width="665" height="374" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 663px; height: 372px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eWvesBj5QwU?si=qFV43Cf4Pofrq0K3" width="663" height="372" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>
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Pilot Story: Caleb Webb

Product News

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>21 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p><a href="https://windracers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Windracers</strong></span></a>, the low-cost logistics champion, unveiled its next generation of self-flying cargo aircraft, <a href="https://windracers.com/drones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Windracers ULTRA MK2</strong></span></a>, at the ME London hotel in Central London. With double the power output of its predecessor, the Windracers cargo drone brings a 50% increase in useful payload as well as a significant reduction in fuel costs while strengthening its position as the low-cost cargo drone of choice for middle mile logistics.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Windracers ULTRA aircraft, originally conceived to bring down the cost of delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities, is designed and manufactured in the UK and is the most accomplished low-cost heavy lift, long-distance cargo drone available today. Windracers ULTRA is operational today in Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, enabling organizations to transport meaningful payloads to hard-to-reach places quickly, safely and cost-effectively.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The launch of ULTRA MK2 is proof that Windracers has moved rapidly from an idea to a commercial organisation that is meeting the needs of customers today,&rdquo; commented Founder and Group Executive Chairman Stephen Wright.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;I am so proud of the Windracers team who have performed phenomenally to bring ULTRA MK2 to market in a very short time period and for ULTRA development over the last eight years. I know the team shares my excitement as we see the operational impact of ULTRA MK2 for our customers to help people around the world.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;From eliminating the need for a pilot to developing a multi-mission platform that is dependable and easy to use and maintain, our ultimate goal is to bring down the cost for the end user,&rdquo; added Simon Thompson, Group CEO of Windracers. &ldquo;In ULTRA MK2, we have halved our operational fuel cost per kilogram and we will find even more efficiency in the future for our customers.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/Cx4nhaIRoXn7HsbkE7MBTh6mskOMUyfWalrBcyXr.png" alt="" width="674" height="243" /></p>
<p>The launch event featured interviews of two ULTRA MK2 customers,&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.norceresearch.no/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NORCE</a></strong></span>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://asf-fr.org/en/partenariat-windracers-aviation-sans-frontieres" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aviation Sans Frontieres</a></strong></span>. Rune Storvold, SVP of Observational Systems for NORCE, detailed how ULTRA MK2 will carry two types of radar systems to detect changes to the Antarctic climate. Benoit Gaborit, Head of Mission for Aviation Sans Fronti&egrave;res, spoke of how ULTRA MK2 will, for the first time, integrate a heavy-lift, long-distance drone into the humanitarian aid supply chain to establish a service that can work in rapidly changing conditions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Windracers ULTRA MK2 can take-off, fly and land safely without the need for a remote pilot and with minimal ground operator oversight, whether day, night or in fog. ULTRA MK2 is controlled by its proprietary autopilot system, Windracers Autopilot&trade;, a multi-layered flight control system that is robust against flight control unit failures and sensor failures. ULTRA MK2 includes Windracers Mission Control&trade;, a route planning and aircraft monitoring system with an intuitive interface that requires minimal training.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With the launch of its ULTRA MK2 self-flying cargo aircraft, Windracers further extends its position as the low-cost cargo drone of choice for middle-mile logistics. The robust 10m-wingspan ULTRA MK2 features two 50 hp Hirth F23 engines, doubling the power output of its predecessor. ULTRA MK2 provides a significantly enhanced useful payload of 150kg while halving fuel costs per kg.</p>
<p>The multi-purpose Windracers ULTRA platform can detect, drop and deliver. It has numerous practical applications spanning Mail &amp; Parcel, Humanitarian Assistance, Defence, Medical, and Environmental Protection. Windracers is trusted by organizations with the most exacting standards &ndash; including British Antarctic Survey, Aviation San Fronti&egrave;res, NORCE, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Royal Mail, Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Windracers has completed hundreds of thousands of kilometres of autonomous flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in some of the world&rsquo;s most hostile environments, from Scotland&rsquo;s Orkney Islands to Antarctica. Its UAV has also been conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and supporting resupply for the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2023 as part of the UK Ministry of Defence UAV support programme. The launch of the ULTRA MK2 comes as governments, regulators and logistics companies increasingly recognize the inevitable transition to autonomous flight. The UK Government recently announced a Regulatory Innovation Office to speed up access to new technologies including cargo drones.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 681px; height: 383px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCYPXPJyqfA?si=nB0_lLBtp6IY7BAE" width="681" height="383" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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Windracers Introduces ULTRA MK2

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>20 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/KlVMUtTFAZL3Xboc2BxURXlg4HpY86NUx7Q1K28A.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="130" /></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>By <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/nathan-mantor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nathan Mantor</a></strong></span></p>
<p>I am a Nashville-based photographer and FAA-certified drone pilot with a passion for capturing dynamic, high-quality images. My career has been shaped by a deep appreciation for lighting, composition, and technology, and has evolved over the years from wedding and family photography to specializing in real estate and aerial imagery. Along the way, I have learned the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new tools and techniques.</p>
<p>Like many photographers, I began my career in the world of wedding and family photography. However, it wasn&rsquo;t long before I discovered a new passion&mdash;architectural and interior photography. One day, while browsing online, I came across a website that showcased stunning images of interiors. What struck me most wasn&rsquo;t just the subject matter, but the way lighting and composition were used to bring life to inanimate objects. These photos were far from the typical static shots one might expect; they were filled with drama, texture, and depth.</p>
<p>Having always been fascinated by the impact of lighting in photography, I was immediately drawn to the idea of applying dramatic lighting techniques to architectural subjects. I began experimenting with lighting setups, focusing on how different angles, shadows, and artificial light sources could transform spaces. The ability to make something as mundane as a room or a piece of furniture appear dynamic and full of life felt like a new creative frontier.</p>
<p>Inspired by the images I saw online, I purchased a wide-angle lens&mdash;a tool that would help me capture more expansive scenes with greater clarity and detail. I then found myself referred to a local real estate photography company that specialized in photographing houses for sale. At the time, the company primarily employed a small number of full-time photographers, with many part-timers who worked on an as-needed basis to fill scheduling gaps. I was brought on as a part-time photographer, tasked with going to properties, shooting the images, and uploading them on the same day for the editing team to handle.</p>
<p>While the work itself was fulfilling in many ways, the process was not exactly what I had envisioned. The company&rsquo;s model meant that I had little to no control over the final images. As someone who was passionate about the creative side of photography and wanted to have a hand in how the photos looked, this arrangement didn&rsquo;t quite meet my aspirations. I knew that in order to fully express my creative vision, I would need to take matters into my own hands.</p>
<p>Determined to improve the quality of my real estate work, I began to seek out ways to refine my technique. One of the most valuable resources I found was YouTube, where several real estate photographers shared tips and tutorials on how to capture images with the style I admired. I soon realized that the photographers who achieved the polished, dramatic look I was drawn to didn&rsquo;t rely solely on bracketing images and merging them together. Instead, they used flash to control the light in a way that made every element of a room stand out. This was a pivotal moment in my journey&mdash;I understood that the key to achieving my desired results was mastering artificial lighting.</p>
<p>With a new focus on lighting and advanced techniques, I began practicing diligently. Nashville, at the time, was a rapidly growing city with a booming real estate market, particularly in the Airbnb sector. Recognizing the opportunity, I took test shots of my own home as well as a custom home my father had built. With the addition of these images to my portfolio, I relaunched my website and began receiving inquiries from Airbnb hosts looking to have their properties photographed.</p>
<p>This marked the beginning of the transition into full-time real estate and Airbnb photography. As Airbnb properties became increasingly popular in Nashville, demand for high-quality property photos grew. What had started as a small side gig soon turned into a thriving business. I found that the ability to capture spaces in a way that showcased their unique features&mdash;using creative lighting, composition, and storytelling&mdash;was a skill that set me apart from other photographers.</p>
<p>As real estate photography continued to evolve, I kept a close eye on emerging trends. It quickly became apparent that drones were no longer just a novelty in the real estate industry&mdash;they were quickly becoming a must-have tool. Aerial shots added a new perspective, allowing potential buyers or renters to see not only the property but its surrounding environment. As a result, those who didn&rsquo;t offer drone photography services were being left behind.</p>
<p>Having always been a fan of technology, I embraced the idea of incorporating drone photography into my skill set. My first drone, a DJI Spark, was an affordable entry point into the world of aerial photography. While the Spark was an excellent learning tool, it didn&rsquo;t take long for me to encounter the steep learning curve that comes with flying drones. I quickly learned the importance of careful planning, and how crucial it was to understand both the technical and safety aspects of drone operation.</p>
<p>One of the lessons learned the hard way came when I crashed my DJI Spark into a tree. I realized that taking off in obstructed areas, coupled with running the battery down, could lead to disaster&mdash;especially when trying to rely on the drone&rsquo;s &ldquo;return to home&rdquo; function. Though this was a frustrating setback, it provided valuable insight into the complexities of drone photography.</p>
<p>The next step in my drone journey came when I sought to upgrade to a more reliable and capable model. After conducting research, I discovered a significant deal on a GoPro drone, which came bundled with a GoPro camera and a handheld stabilizer. At first, this seemed like the perfect solution for combining photo, video, and drone capabilities in one package. Unfortunately, the GoPro drone turned out to be a massive disappointment. Known for its inability to maintain a strong signal and prone to sudden, unexplained crashes, it wasn&rsquo;t long before I experienced this firsthand.</p>
<p>Realizing that GoPro drones were notorious for this issue, I promptly returned the faulty equipment and purchased a DJI Phantom instead. The Phantom quickly proved to be a far more reliable tool. After flying it for a while and becoming comfortable with its capabilities, I knew it was time to take the next step&mdash;earning my FAA Part 107 certification.</p>
<p>Obtaining a Part 107 certification was a significant milestone for me, especially given my self-admitted difficulty with traditional tests. The knowledge required to pass the exam was challenging&mdash;questions focused not only on drone operation but also on topics like aviation law, weather patterns, and flight safety, areas far outside my usual expertise. However, I persevered, utilizing resources like YouTube and the RemotePilot101 course to study. When I finally passed the exam, it was a huge moment of pride&mdash;especially since it validated my specialized skills and set me apart from others who might be flying without proper certification.</p>
<p>Becoming a certified drone pilot opened up new opportunities and further cemented a place in the industry. Though there are hundreds of thousands of certified drone pilots in the U.S., the fact that I had achieved this distinction gave me a sense of belonging to a specialized group. It also gave me the confidence to continue pushing my business forward.</p>
<p>Currently, I fly two DJI Mavic Pro 3 drones. My philosophy is that it's important to have a backup on hand in case something goes wrong with the primary drone&mdash;both for the sake of my business and the client experience. As I continue to refine my photography, I am exploring ways to expand my offerings. In 2025, I plans to integrate thermal imaging into my services, which would allow me to offer specialized photography for a variety of industries, including construction, home inspections, and energy audits.</p>
<p>I am eyeing new technology, including the Matrice 4 drone, which promises even greater capabilities. Just as I once took a chance on purchasing my first wide-angle lens, I am excited about what the future holds and the possibilities that new gear and techniques can bring.</p>
<p>With years of experience in real estate photography, architectural photography, and drone services, I am always looking for new ways to innovate and push the boundaries of what&rsquo;s possible. As the industry continues to evolve, I remain committed to growing my skill set and offering my clients the best possible experience. Whether it&rsquo;s capturing stunning aerial shots of a property, creating dramatic interior shots, or expanding into new fields like thermal imaging, I am dedicated to staying at the cutting edge of the photography world.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZOi4c8J3kAw?si=D5Ai1ebGwl9FgEaG" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 667px; height: 375px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/duuwwNIo2yE?si=KcjnKHRYQCacb3BA" width="667" height="375" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>
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Pilot Story: Nathan Mantor

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>16 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p>While still facing governmental threats to ban the company's drones in the U.S. due to security concerns, the latest geofencing system (GEO) update to <a href="https://www.dji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI</strong></span></a> firmware now classifies No-Fly Zones as Enhanced Warning Zones.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The change puts the responsibility on drone pilots to acknowledge and obey FAA restricted airspace, rather than have their drones automatically disabled by GPS-controlled "fences" when nearing no-fly areas. Furthermore, the safety warning can be bypassed by the drone pilot.</p>
<p>Of course, this week's <span style="color: #ba372a;"><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/small-drone-smashes-into-super-scooper-aircraft-over-palisades-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>drone collision</strong></a></span> of an unauthorized DJI UAV with a firefighting Super Scooper may put into question whether some drone pilots are capable of following the rules. Drone media site <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://dronexl.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DroneXL</a></strong></span> even when so far as to say:&nbsp;&ldquo;The [Los Angeles] incident highlights a critical weakness in the current drone regulatory framework&mdash;the challenge of enforcing compliance with flight restrictions during emergency operations. While manufacturers like DJI implement technological solutions such as geofencing, the effectiveness of these measures ultimately depends on operator compliance. The Drone Industry must continue to innovate in developing foolproof safety systems while regulators work to enhance enforcement capabilities and penalties for violations.&rdquo;</p>
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<p class="u-speakableText-p1"><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/LY1EH7LbdjKtLpERS0LpxVo37b93OvRYbbemPeHD.webp" alt="" width="689" height="383" /></p>
<p class="u-speakableText-p1"><em><strong>Above photo of the DJI drone that collided with an L.A. County Super Scooper is courtesy of the FBI.</strong></em></p>
<div class="" data-ad-callout="Advertisement"><span style="color: #34495e;">DJI introduced geofencing into its drones in 2013, but now sees the safety feature as redundant.&nbsp;</span></div>
<p>"The FAA has introduced <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a class="c-regularLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="(opens in a new window)" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Remote ID</a></strong></span> requirements, which means that drones flown in the US must broadcast the equivalent of a 'license plate' for drones," said the company in a statement. "This requirement went into effect in early 2024, providing authorities with the tools needed to enforce existing rules."</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI's Official Blog on the GEO Change</strong></span></h5>
<p>Perhaps anticipating the obivous security and compliance questions, DJI posted a comprehensive explanation on its official blog. We have provided the DJI content in its entirety below...</p>
<p>"Earlier this week, we <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/geo-system-update?hsLang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced an update</a></strong></span> to the DJI geofencing system (GEO) in which prior DJI geofencing datasets in most of our consumer and enterprise drone products in the United States (U.S.) will be replaced with official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data," said the blogpost.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"We first introduced the GEO system in 2013, at a time when consumer drones were still a relatively novel technology and formal drone flight rules and regulations were sparse. This voluntary initiative helped foster responsible flight practices and provided valuable user education. Having been in place for over a decade, we understand why there are mixed sentiments surrounding this change.</p>
<p>"However, some concerning reactions circulating online are either categorically false or seek to politicize this update given the current geopolitical climate. We want to take this opportunity to dispute the misinformation and set the record straight.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">FACT 1: Politics does not drive safety decisions at DJI.</span>&nbsp;</strong>For over a decade, DJI has led the drone industry in safety, making&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/raising-standards-an-update-on-djis-elevating-safety-drone-safety-plan?hsLang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">several unprecedented commitments and investments</a></strong></span>&nbsp;to integrate advanced safety systems into our drones - often ahead of regulatory requirements and without being prompted by competitors. To suggest that this update is linked to the current political environment in the U.S. is not only false but also dangerous. Politicizing safety serves no one.&nbsp;We encourage discussions and comments to remain focused on technological facts and evidence. To understand the true reasons behind this update, read on.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>FACT 2: Aviation regulators around the world&mdash;including the FAA&mdash;have advanced the principle of operator responsibility. This GEO update aligns with and respects this principle.</strong></span>&nbsp;Similar updates to the GEO system<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dji.com/gr/newsroom/news/dji-updates-to-its-geo-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;began in the European Union (EU) last year</a></strong></span>, with no evidence of increased risk. We had planned to roll this update in the U.S. months ago but delayed the implementation to ensure the update would work properly. To add, over a decade has passed since DJI introduced the GEO system and regulators have not chosen to mandate geofencing, instead opting for solutions like&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Remote ID</a></strong></span>&nbsp;(which requires drones to broadcast the equivalent of a "license plate"),&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LAANC</a></strong></span>&nbsp;(automated drone flight approvals in controlled airspace near airports) and community-based training.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">FACT 3: The GEO system has always been an educational - not an enforcement - tool. The GEO system has also not been removed; warning zones and in-app alerts remain in place to continue educating pilots on safe flight operations.</span>&nbsp;</strong>This change gives back control to operators and provides them the information they need to fly safely.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>DJI remains committed to promoting safe and responsible flight practices and will continue its community education efforts, reminding pilots to always ensure their flights are conducted safely and in accordance with all local laws and regulations.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>FACT 4: In addition to aligning with the FAA&rsquo;s operator responsibility-led principles, the update to &ldquo;Enhanced Warning Zones&rdquo; provides two operator benefits:&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Reduced operational delays for pilots.</strong></span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #34495e;">The previous "No Fly Zones" (NFZs) often placed an unnecessary burden on operators. While a user could receive instantaneous approval through&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/data_exchange">LAANC</a></strong></span>&nbsp;to fly, they were still required to submit an application to DJI and wait for manual review and an unlocking license. This process could result in missed opportunities, delayed operations, or unnecessary waiting times. This was especially challenging for commercial operators, drone businesses - and most critically - public safety agencies performing lifesaving work, where delays are simply unacceptable.</span><br /><br /></li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">Improved consistency with official FAA data</span>.</strong>&nbsp;<span style="color: #34495e;">Previously, the global geofencing system relied on ICAO Annex 14 configurations for airspace around airports, which did not always align with official FAA data. This mismatch caused confusion among operators unsure about where it was safe to fly. By displaying official FAA data, this update ensures operators can view airspace as the FAA intends, clearly understanding where they can and cannot fly.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>"We hope this explanation clarifies the real reasons behind the update to the GEO system: an opportunity to align with regulatory principles, empower customers with greater control, and provide them with accurate, official information to confidently operate their drones within safe and permitted airspace."</p>
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DJI Removes No-Fly Zones

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>14 January 2025</em></span></p>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Reflecting the growing momentum of its advanced AI-sensing radar solutions,&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWAc6a68230-4020-42c4-6185-0451ac256251" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="http://www.matrixspace.com/" href="http://www.matrixspace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">MatrixSpace</a></u></strong></span>&nbsp;has appointed <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-boyd-3137653/&nbsp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wes Boyd</a></strong></span> as Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems. He will lead radar system products and operations to accelerate the company&rsquo;s growth domestically and internationally. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Wes joins MatrixSpace from a 24-year career at Skyworks Solutions, a leading global RF Semiconductor company where he was Vice President of Connectivity. He brings a consistent track record of building new product businesses and growing them to large scale in complex RF products.</div>
<div aria-hidden="true">&nbsp;</div>
<div>MatrixSpace is a leader in AI-enabled sensing solutions. Products combine cutting-edge radar sensors, other sensor types, and AI edge processing to sense, detect, and classify objects in any outdoor situation.</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Quote from Greg Waters, CEO MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re proud to add the talent and experience of Wes Boyd to an already formidable leadership team. This year begins a sharp growth trajectory for MatrixSpace, and we have the bench strength across multiple disciplines to deliver it strongly.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Quote from Wes Boyd, Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems, MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>&ldquo;MatrixSpace is setting new standards in advanced radar innovations, addressing a range of use cases previously thought impossible. This makes it an exciting time to join the team and play a significant role in helping to take it to the next level of growth and innovation.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>MatrixSpace products allow customers to detect more and decide faster, in any type of outdoor environment. Our AI sensing can go anywhere, no cloud required.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>

MatrixSpace Appoints Radar System Business Unit Lead

<p><span style="color: #34495e;"><strong><em>Above photo courtesy Joby Aviation</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>13 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.delta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Delta Air Lines</strong></span></a> is betting big on air taxis&mdash;and the future of flight&mdash;given its partnership with <a href="https://www.jobyaviation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Joby Aviation</strong></span></a> to develop an all-electric vertical take-off aircraft (eVTOL).</p>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/4145/fbn/desk/art/media/lb2_0__container__"><span style="color: #34495e;">At CES 2025, Delta CEO Ed Bastian unveiled the basic plan for the airline's home-to-airport air taxi service.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #34495e;">"You'll start to see them in the sky in the next couple of years," he said. "Joby have gone through all the certification processes. The FAA, by the way, has been a huge supporter of bringing that mobility service to the sky, because they realize the issue is what's on the ground and all the congestion that's that's down there. So, our ability to work with Joby really impressed with the technology. I think they are the leader in the space."&nbsp;</span></div>
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<div class="m"><span style="color: #34495e;">Throughout a years-long testing phase, Joby has been working with the FAA to certify its eVTOL for commercial use. As of press time, the company reports it has completed three out of five stages for air taxi certification with the FAA.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #34495e;">Bastian also shared some thoughts regarding how air taxis could reduce travel times and conventional land-traffic congestion.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="color: #34495e;">"You can take a Joby from, say, Westchester County in New York, and land at JFK," he visualized. "That would take approximately two hours on the road. In an air taxi, you can do it in 15 minutes and be right inside a Delta SkyMiles club. Your next stop is inside your plane."</span></div>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 661px; height: 372px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kUZDaveX3Lg?si=g94BF1XKONwWsCwt" width="661" height="372" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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Delta Air Lines Partners with Joby Aviation to Make Air Taxis

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>13 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://skymagic.show/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Skymagic</strong></span></a> has truly upped the drone-show game with its stunning laser drones, which were developed along with <a href="https://www.lightelectric.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Light Electric</strong></span></a>.</p>
<p>The new tech dropped at&nbsp;a the <a href="https://www.grucci.com/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Fireworks by Grucci </strong></span></a>New Year&rsquo;s Eve show at Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. In a fleet of 1,400 conventional LED drones, 47 of the new laser drones were added to the production.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/s2jqIM2QCu2f8sWfd09nUYGwp5BEgPkU7avCWdXH.png" alt="" width="315" height="257" /></p>
<p>In a message on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patrick-o-mahony-2b04126_lazers-drones-eventprofs-activity-7282305012150464512-WrA7?utm_source=social_share_sheet&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop_web" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></span></a>, Skymagic cofounder and director Patrick O'Mahony shared: "The Laser Drone is here. On 31 December 2024 at Ras Al Khaimah Skymagic Drone Shows took to the sky with our new Laser Drone. This new swarm drone developed by Skymagic in collaboration with Light Electric is a major technical revolution in the use of swarm drones to tell stories in the night&rsquo;s sky."</p>
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<p>Previewed during a discussion at SWSW 2023, the laser drones are now ready for primetime in 2025 and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<div class="text-body-medium break-words" data-generated-suggestion-target="urn:li:fsu_profileActionDelegate:-1108296204"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patrick-o-mahony-2b04126_lazers-drones-eventprofs-activity-7282305012150464512-WrA7?utm_source=social_share_sheet&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop_web" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Click here to see a short video of the laser drone on LinkedIn</strong></span></a>.</div>
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Skymagic Astounds with Pioneering Laser Drones

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>10 January 2025</em></span></p>
<div><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;"><u><a id="OWA4b7ea881-8851-aea5-b0a1-4985ecfb7806" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://aero.und.edu/" href="https://aero.und.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences</a></u></span>&nbsp;</strong>(UND Aerospace) has entered a one-year partnership with <a href="https://vigilantaerospace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Vigilant Aerospace Systems</strong></span></a>&nbsp;to utilize the company&rsquo;s drone safety software and airspace management system <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a href="https://vigilantaerospace.com/products-services-overview/flighthorizon-commander/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FlightHorizon</a>.</strong></span> A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed late last year to formalize the agreement.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>As part of the agreement, Vigilant Aerospace will provide training for UND Aerospace students and faculty, with full integration of FlightHorizon into the program&rsquo;s operations and research expected by summer. Further, the initiative aligns with UND Aerospace&rsquo;s commitment to advancing UAS traffic management (UTM) and C-UAS measures, areas increasingly relevant in light of recent drone sightings near critical infrastructure in New Jersey.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>FlightHorizon utilizes NASA-patented technology to provide detect-and-avoid (DAA) alerts during BVLOS operations. By integrating multiple sensors, machine learning and data sources, the software delivers real-time situational awareness to allow operators to proactively identify nearby aircraft and avoid potential collisions through visual and auditory alerts.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>This collaboration comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prepares to release new rules for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations and demonstrates UND Aerospace&rsquo;s commitment to working with industry leaders to safely operate and equip students with the skills to lead in the rapidly evolving UAS field.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/onBBU8MHiaLDJT7PaPS5Wr6RKVLj9aVrd2f3QMzW.jpg" alt="" width="148" height="177" /></div>
<div><strong>Paul Snyder</strong></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWAe98fac03-cf35-7ccc-302b-74556f067991" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://campus.und.edu/directory/paul.snyder" href="https://campus.und.edu/directory/paul.snyder" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Paul Snyder</a></u></strong></span>, director of&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWA828b9bed-557c-3c29-878d-b12ea1dca356" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://und.edu/programs/unmanned-aircraft-system-operations-bs-aero/index.html" href="https://und.edu/programs/unmanned-aircraft-system-operations-bs-aero/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">UND&rsquo;s UAS program</a></u></strong></span>&nbsp;said the technology complements UND Aerospace&rsquo;s existing suite of counter autonomy and UAS (C-UAS) tools, including 360-degree day/night cameras and radar systems made by the US-based company DeTect Inc.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;The software that Vigilant Aerospace provides can easily integrate with the hardware that we&rsquo;re using and will create a common operating picture that enables us to fuse hardware and data from DeTect radars and other sensors into one screen,&rdquo; Snyder said.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The MOU also includes a joint effort to submit FlightHorizon to the FAA&rsquo;s Near-Term Approval Process for UTM services and pursue funding opportunities for C-UAS and UTM technologies.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;UND Aerospace educates some of the nation&rsquo;s most competitive aviation and UAS students and is one of the most accomplished and best equipped research centers for autonomous aviation in the country,&rdquo; said Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace. &ldquo;We are excited to be entering into this new collaboration to support their operational and educational missions and advance the industry overall.&rdquo;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>According to Snyder, the one-year agreement sets the stage for a mutually beneficial partnership.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Our hope is that we can grow together within this ever-changing field of UAS and autonomous technology. Vigilant Aerospace can continue to expand their product&rsquo;s capability, and we can continue to be on the cutting edge of education, training and research.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About UND Aerospace</strong></span></h5>
<div class="x_elementToProof">UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 2,100+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About Vigilant Aerospace Systems</strong></span></h5>
<div>Vigilant Aerospace is the leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drones). We enable safe and scalable autonomous flight, beyond visual line of sight. Customers include NASA, the FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense and a variety of drone development programs.</div>

UND Aerospace partners with Vigilant Aerospace Systems

<p><strong><span style="color: #34495e;">[Above photo courtesy of L.A. County Fire Dept.]</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>10 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p>The FAA reported yesterday it is investigating an unauthorized drone that crashed into the wing of an L.A. County Super Scooper firefighting aircraft over the Palisades fire.</p>
<p>Happily, the fire department aircraft was able to land safely.</p>
<p>"Aerial looky-loos" seeking to capture stunning footage of the Los Angeles fires are dangerously impeding the efforts of firefighters and other first responders. The FAA has issued the following reminder:&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations."</p>
<p>Sadly, someone has already caused an incident over the Palisades fire, damaging and grounding the aforementioned Super Scooper when it is obviously needed to bring the fight to the fires.</p>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21787098806/web.latimes/california/story_inline_1_0__container__">Despite FAA and FBI warnings, drone pilots are capturing and sharing photos of fire devastation via social media.</div>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21787098806/web.latimes/california/story_inline_2_1__container__">While drone pilots can apply for waivers to fly in restricted airspace, the FAA has not granted any.</div>
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<div>"Due to the number of manned firefighting aircraft in the airspace, we are currently not able to accommodate drone flights with the TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)," said an FAA spokesperson.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The FAA also announced the TFR near the wildfires has been extended until January 23.</div>
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<div>To our <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>The Droning Company</strong></span> community&mdash;Please stay out of the affected airspace and let firefighters do their job safely and unimpeded. This tragic fire needs to be contained by professionals&mdash;not documented by unauthorized social-media content providers.&nbsp;</div>
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Small Drone Smashes into Super Scooper Aircraft Over Palisades fire

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>10 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/OImUURVXnsELMUf3Yy4zOQCfxHRD0OPQeadwZ8d2.jpg" alt="" width="111" height="108" /></em></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>By <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/adrian-pueyo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Pueyo</a></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1">If you told me during my childhood that I would get to fly drones and travel, I would probably get excited but I still wouldn&rsquo;t believe you as I thought I had a very different path in life. I would probably laugh it off if anyone told me I would be starting my own company. I always had a passion for aviation, video games, and I had the goals to travel and fly as often as I could.</p>
<p class="p1">As a child I would constantly get my hands on anything RC or anything to do with planes and aviation. I would constantly play <em>Galaga</em> or <em>Gradius III,</em> and eventually I would try to sneak some time in on my grandfather&rsquo;s Microsoft <em>Flight Simulator</em>. I would also constantly window shop at Radio Shack and daydream about what I could play or get my hands on.</p>
<p class="p1">Eventually I got my hands on those small RC helicopters and hand-thrown foam planes that you could get at the flea market, and as one can imagine, they would break just as quickly as I got them. This would then lead to a repeated cycle of me buying these every chance I would get and then having a pile of broken components with no real means or ways to fix them. My parents thought these were a distraction to my studies at the time and so this was a hobby I would pursue quietly.</p>
<p class="p1">I was born to Peruvian immigrants who came out to the United States to give me a better life and they had the expectations that I would learn and study to do something in pre-law, pre-med, or pre-rich. It was in their minds that I would be a professional and that anything with video games or playing with my RC toys was a distraction and it was difficult for them to see the returns on these skills.</p>
<p class="p1">After high school I then joined the workforce with some clear goals in mind&mdash;get my own RC equipment, get my own camera drone, and learn to fly so I could travel the world. I went to college and attended with no real focus in mind and then I held a variety of jobs with no real progress towards my goals. I eventually decided to join the military as I then knew that would get me to travel and then I could also buy my own equipment.</p>
<p class="p1">I joined the Marines in 2016 and then served at a Marine Air Base for my military service. I bought my own RC equipment and then I bought some drones from Walmart and started practicing. I wanted to buy DJI at the time, but then owning a drone on base became problematic so I would stick to the drones I had at the time. I also looked at flight lessons at the time but decided to save it for after the military.</p>
<p class="p1">After the military I then began my pursuit for my private pilot certificate, and with a fresh start out of the militar,y I thought I could do it all. This was in January 2020, and as we remember a few months later, the pandemic lockdowns began.</p>
<p class="p1">Fortunately, aviation was a critical skill and flight schools shortly reopened after the initial lockdowns. During lockdown, I then got my hands on a used Mavic Air and practiced flying recreationally and getting my skills as a remote pilot to de-stress and unwind after my lessons flying Piper Archers. I would also watch other pilots and drone pilots on youtube and their experiences during downtime on my night shifts as a security guard for the Riverside Regional Transit Agency.</p>
<p class="p1">I was constantly burning the candle at every end. I would work as a Flight Dispatcher for the college whenever I could, I would fly during the afternoons, and work as a security guard at night. I would squeeze in drones any chance I could get.</p>
<p class="p1">It wasn&rsquo;t until 2021, where one of my best friends from college taught me about how he was making money using drones and how he obtained his Part 107. I was in full testing mode when I learned about the Part 107, so I wanted to wait to get it until after I completed my Private Pilot Certificate. After I got my Private Pilot Certificate I then began studying for my Part 107 concurrently with starting my lessons for Instrument flight. I then learned that as an existing Part 61 pilot that one could get their Part 107 by taking an online training course through the FAA Safety Team website. It was a lengthy course, but it felt like the shortest course I ever took, and I then took the completed course to my current CFI who then endorsed me. I then received my Part 107 in the mail a few weeks after and then the true journey began.</p>
<p class="p1">I worked with my friend while in college and learned how to apply the Phantom 4 Pro to many different types of work and learned how it was used in construction. I then began my deepdive into its many other applications that one could use the orthomosaics for and how to get the most out of one drone. I also bought an EXO Ranger for fun and learned about the differences and limitations between drones and what I could accomplish with each one.</p>
<p class="p1">My friend and I were also members of the drone club at my college and it was all over in the blink of an eye. I graduated from California Baptist University with a Bachelor&rsquo;s in Aviation Flight in 2022, and then got my job as a Flight Dispatcher at REACH Air Medical right after.</p>
<p class="p1">At that point, I didn&rsquo;t really know how to turn the dial down, as I kept finding ways to make money by taking on jobs through pilot networks and going door to door in my free time. I also ended up pursuing my Master&rsquo;s in Commercial Aviation from Delta State University that same year. I then began to get my own first contracts in construction and I found myself in a similar pattern at the Bachelor&rsquo;s level. I worked Dispatch at night, drones during the day, and I would then study during any downtime and would research on how to form my own LLC and what drones/equipment to use in order to get more work and how to make operations safer/more efficient.</p>
<p class="p1">After months of working as a subcontractor and getting gigs, my son was born and during parental leave I then formed my own LLC. I then continued to get more contracts and more work, which finally led me to reaching a breaking point. I could no longer balance a double work life and family life. I was on a ranch job, mapping to help create GEO zones for a harness. During the scenic and peaceful work I dreaded returning to the office and thought enough was enough.</p>
<p class="p1">I handed in my notice on April Fool&rsquo;s Day (without realizing what day I had actually handed my resignation in) and then worked my final days asI began my transition to becoming a full time business owner and operator.</p>
<p class="p1">I took the leap of faith in my drone business in 2024, and have continually made small successes. I now aim to be Sacramento&rsquo;s Drone Guy, and have continued to network and make my name known around the Sacramento Region. My family now sees me pursuing my passions and they ask about what jobs have I taken or what new places have I seen due to my work.</p>
<p class="p1">I now get to work with some of the best people and learn from others who are like minded, as well as get more involved in the world of drones and technology. I still fly Cessnas and the occasional Piper Archer from time to time. I am now pursuing a GIS certificate, as well, so I can better understand how to better apply drone technology. If there is one thing I have learned in my journey so far, it is that the more I learn, it is that I realize how much I don&rsquo;t know.</p>
<h5 class="p1"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bPvFnuBnX5o?si=2DBmU7i51FbRQlt5" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 665px; height: 374px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gm57uRtuykQ?si=-1BPMYJ0AoU58n_Y" width="665" height="374" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>

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