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03 November 2025
By Frank J. Segarra
In this column, we will examine the Intersection of Aerial Robotics, Operational Excellence, and Enterprise Integration in the New Era of Unmanned and Robotic Flight.
Over the past decade, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have evolved from specialized tools for hobbyists and early adopters into enterprise-grade instruments of precision, data intelligence, and operational efficiency. Today, aerial robotics and automation are not fringe technologies&mdash;they are essential components of an evolving industrial ecosystem where data, not just flight, defines success.
We have entered an era where commanding the skies means more than piloting drones; it means orchestrating an integrated network of autonomous systems, AI-powered analytics, and mission-ready workflows designed to enhance decision-making at every level of the enterprise.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/mJEgrwjJYqIavvaArkVmsfJNDHvy5TBmIC6okf8k.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="382" />
<h5>The Shift from Flight to Function</h5>
Early UAS adoption was driven by visual novelty&mdash;capturing stunning aerial footage or performing basic photogrammetry. Those days are behind us. The modern enterprise does not need more images; it needs answers.
Today&rsquo;s aerial robotics platforms&mdash;equipped with LiDAR, thermal imaging, hyperspectral sensors, and SLAM-enabled confined space UAV inspection platforms&mdash;are extensions of the corporate nervous system. They collect multi-dimensional data that informs structural integrity assessments, energy audits, volumetric calculations, and predictive maintenance cycles. The paradigm has shifted: UAS are no longer tools for observation; they are instruments for transformation.
For construction managers and infrastructure executives, drones now serve as real-time translators between the field and the office, delivering data that fuels digital twins, AI-driven safety reports, and asset management systems. For civil engineers, architects, and construction management firms, they offer centimeter-grade models that can be cross-referenced against design tolerances, or what some in the industry refer to as BIM, or Building Information Modeling. For the C-suite, they represent a cost-control and risk-reduction mechanism that compounds over time.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/RT3VJz1SxAyf8m4jLNUTs8WkPRh3y5J2jXPeHhZh.jpg" alt="" width="681" height="383" />
<h5>Operational Excellence: Where Robotics Meet Reality</h5>
Operational excellence in the drone industry is not defined by who can fly higher or faster&mdash;it is about who can execute repeatable, compliant, and scalable operations. That means standard operating procedures (SOPs), risk-assessment frameworks, and mission logs that align with aviation safety, OSHA compliance, and data integrity standards. It means establishing a culture of process discipline and technological redundancy&mdash;ensuring every mission, whether it is an automated fa&ccedil;ade inspection or a submersible tank survey, is executed with precision and accountability.
Consider the analogy of a musical orchestra: every instrument (or in this case, every platform&mdash;UAS, ground rover, submersible robot) must be tuned, synchronized, and conducted according to the same score. The pilot becomes the conductor; the mission plan, the sheet music; and the data, the symphony of actionable intelligence.
Leading companies have recognized this, moving toward autonomous drone-in-a-box systems capable of executing scheduled flights, charging themselves, and feeding data directly into cloud analytics engines. These systems are not replacing pilots; they are augmenting them&mdash;freeing human expertise for the interpretation of intelligence rather than its manual collection and analysis.
<h5><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/WTBWdRv6FiZNK5FxjQ5ux8hrIVbXe9VUcSeroQRf.jpg" alt="" width="467" height="319" /></h5>
<h5>Integrating UAS Into the Enterprise Ecosystem</h5>
For many organizations, the leap from "using drones" to operationalizing aerial robotics remains their biggest challenge. Integration is where the vision often falters. To succeed, enterprises must view UAS not as an isolated asset, but as a node within a broader digital infrastructure.
That means seamless interoperability with:
<ul>
<li>BIM and GIS platforms (e.g., Autodesk, ArcGIS, Trimble Business Center)</li>
<li>Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and project management systems</li>
<li>AI analytics engines capable of anomaly detection and trend analysis</li>
<li>Safety and compliance databases for automated recordkeeping</li>
</ul>
Integration transforms one-off missions into scalable programs. It ensures that flight data becomes corporate intelligence&mdash;stored, searchable, and strategically valuable. This is where visionary leadership is required. C-level decision-makers must move beyond short-term ROI and recognize UAS as part of a long-term digital transformation initiative, comparable to the adoption of cloud computing a decade ago. Those who integrate early will lead; those who wait will find themselves renting technology from competitors who have already done so.
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<h5>Overcoming Skepticism: Addressing Common Counterarguments</h5>
Even in 2025, some decision-makers remain cautious. Their hesitations usually fall into three categories: cost, complexity, and compliance.
Cost.&nbsp;Skeptics argue that UAS programs are expensive to launch and maintain. The reality is the inverse. When viewed through the lens of total cost of ownership, drones replace multiple traditional workflows, including scaffolding inspections, helicopter surveys, manual mapping, and rope-access evaluations. Each replaced task represents thousands in savings and exponential gains in safety.
Complexity. Yes, integration requires training, hardware selection, and workflow re-engineering. However, so did CAD when it replaced drafting tables. Early adopters found a competitive advantage through standardization and skill development. The same holds for UAS&mdash;complexity is a short-term challenge with long-term payoff.
Compliance. Concerns about FAA regulations, privacy, and data security are valid but solvable. The FAA's evolving framework (Remote ID, BVLOS waivers, and operational risk assessments) increasingly supports enterprise use cases. With proper documentation, UAS compliance becomes a differentiator, not a liability.
In other words, the barrier to entry has never been lower&mdash;and the cost of inaction has never been higher.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/8Ls6eZId7LAOQxZSRvV9qBkkkZMyoiEMQt21UPNG.jpg" alt="" width="682" height="384" />
<h5>From Data Collection to Data Intelligence</h5>
Raw drone data is like crude oil&mdash;valuable only once refined. Enter AI-driven analytics and cloud-based processing pipelines. Today&rsquo;s leading drone service providers and engineering firms are deploying machine-learning algorithms that can detect corrosion, measure deformation, flag heat anomalies, and even predict future failures based on trend modeling.
This is not science fiction; it is already happening in sectors like:
<ul>
<li>Energy: Automated flare stack analysis and leak detection</li>
<li>Transportation: Rail and bridge deformation mapping</li>
<li>Construction: Progress analytics against schedule baselines</li>
<li>Building Envelope: Thermal loss detection and moisture mapping</li>
<li>Confined Space: SLAM-based 3D models of tanks and tunnels</li>
</ul>
The real power lies in turning every flight into a data asset&mdash;part of a growing archive that informs future projects, predictive maintenance, and even corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. The "Environmental" aspect encompasses issues such as carbon emissions and waste, the "Social" aspect addresses employee and community relations, and "Governance" deals with leadership and corporate policies. In essence, every drone becomes a sensor in a larger ecosystem of industrial intelligence.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/VE7AFjZWIjhZPswuHD1aIeHXZXm0UwS27DUAEcqE.jpg" alt="" width="678" height="318" />
<h5>The Rise of Hybrid Robotics: Air, Land, and Submersible Systems</h5>
As UAS technologies mature, boundaries between aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic robotics continue to blur. The next evolution is not just about commanding the skies&mdash;it is about commanding every dimension of the inspection environment.
Submersible drones now inspect submerged structures, while terrestrial rovers equipped with LiDAR navigate tunnels and tanks. Together, these systems form an interconnected triad of robotic capability&mdash;collecting data where humans cannot or should not go. This shift toward hybrid robotics mirrors what happened in enterprise automation decades ago: integration breeds efficiency, efficiency breeds insight, and insight drives innovation. The companies that master this integration&mdash;those who can combine UAS, ROV, and AI analysis into a single operational ecosystem&mdash;will define the next frontier of industrial intelligence.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/7VwWcYKafYxUSg34zJ8KEyDnweN0LLpWlzfIxbPt.jpg" alt="" width="683" height="384" />
<h5>The Human Element: Training, Trust, and Transformation</h5>
Despite the narrative of automation, people remain at the center of this revolution. No matter how advanced a platform becomes, human judgment and experience remain irreplaceable.
Pilots must evolve into data interpreters, safety stewards, and operational strategists. Project managers must learn to leverage drone data as part of a dynamic decision-support system. Executives must foster a culture that embraces innovation, not as a novelty, but as a core competence. Training programs, credentialing systems, and knowledge-sharing communities (such as ASTM, AUVSI, or FAA Safety Team partnerships) are crucial to maintaining both skill relevance and operational trust.
Automation without human oversight can lead to complacency; however, with it, we achieve a new standard of excellence that combines human intuition with machine precision.
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<h5>Strategic Outlook: The Next Decade of Commanding the Skies</h5>
The coming decade will redefine the term pilot. In the near future, command centers will oversee fleets of autonomous drones executing coordinated missions across thousands of miles. AI will dynamically assign flight paths based on weather, airspace data, and operational priorities. Cloud dashboards will provide live feeds, analytics, and automated reporting in real time. However, the fundamental transformation will not be technological&mdash;it will be organizational.
Enterprises that treat aerial robotics as an integrated component of their digital infrastructure will lead the next wave of industrial modernization. Those that silo drone programs as one-off initiatives will lag, much like companies that ignored early cloud or AI adoption. Commanding the skies, therefore, is not about control&mdash;it is about coordination, convergence, and confidence in technology's ability to elevate human decision-making. The sky is no longer the limit; it is the beginning of a broader digital ecosystem&mdash;one where UAS, robotics, and AI converge to redefine the built environment.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/dgTHmG0aTzRFsfo2k7ShMxdlJfsjr1K4fsbyNHyf.jpg" alt="" width="685" height="385" />
<h5>Final Thoughts: The Imperative of Awareness</h5>
For drone pilots, engineers, and executives alike, awareness is the catalyst for success. Understanding the strategic implications of aerial robotics is not optional&mdash;it is existential. Whether you operate a single inspection drone or manage a national program, the mission is clear: evolve from data capture to data command. Because in this new age of unmanned and robotic flight, those who command the skies will command the future.

New Column! Commanding the Skies

31 October 2025
Happy Halloween, pilots!
Want to have some fun before you dress up in your pirate, ghost, Hulk, or some other "day of the dead" costume?
Pretend you're Vincent Price entoning a new version of the chilling narration he voiced for Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and say these words ...
"Midnight descends
Bringing the terror of screams and groans
But the real horrors on this eve of monsters
Are provided by evil drones."
Okay&mdash;not exactly a rap or rhyme worthy of Lord Byron or Jay-Z, but you get the point.
With all the goodness that drones bring to our daily life&mdash;whether as assistance for first responders, surveying construction sites, washing windows, and more&mdash;they can also be flying phantoms of mischievous malice. Just see how some of your fellow drone pilots have deployed their UAVs for mayhem...
<h5>Time to Scream!</h5>
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Happy Droning Halloween!

30 October 2025
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved <a href="https://percepto.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Percepto</a>&rsquo;s autonomous OGI drone system as an Alternative Test Method (ATM) under Subparts OOOOa &amp; OOOOb&mdash;authorizing the use of fully remote OGI inspections for federal compliance for new and existing sources.
Percepto&rsquo;s solution is EPA-approved for detecting emissions under 1kg/hr, with field-proven performance down to 100g/hr at 90% reliability. At this resolution, operators can perform component-level surveys across multiple sites daily&mdash;without deploying field crews.
Already deployed across key U.S. basins, the system also meets state-level requirements in New Mexico (NMED) and Colorado (CDPHE), streamlining compliance across federal and state programs.
<h5 class="p2">Validated at 100g/hr in Real-World Conditions</h5>
Percepto&rsquo;s approval as an Alternative Test Method was the result of a rigorous multi-phase testing process, combining controlled trials with real-world validation across variable conditions.
●&nbsp;At METEC testing facility, drones were evaluated across 200+ adjustable emission points and validated by certified LDAR inspectors&mdash;proving consistent detection at 100g/hr at 90% reliability.
● In the Permian, under higher wind conditions, the system successfully detected emissions down to 300g/hr.
This combination of laboratory-grade testing and real-world validation confirms the system&rsquo;s reliability across a range of operating environments.
<h5 class="p2">Proven ROI, Already Scaling in the Field</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/CsCE56xfS1zn0DNHVdUBir0RCGXDIkMyhK9aW5iL.png" alt="" width="726" height="410" />
Percepto&rsquo;s system is already being deployed with multiple upstream operators looking to scale remote OGI inspections as part of day-to-day operations. In one such deployment in the Permian, an operator identified over 130 potential emission events in just three months. This led to a measurable reduction in lost product and over 1,000 hours saved for the field operations team, enabling them to reassign two operators to higher priority work.
<h5 class="p2">Preparing for 2026 and Beyond</h5>
With EPA approval now in place, operators can confidently scale remote OGI surveying as part of a broader shift towards more resilient, data-driven operations.
&ldquo;Forward-looking companies are already deploying autonomous systems across upstream assets,&rdquo; said Dor Abuhasira, CEO of Percepto. &ldquo;They&rsquo;re minimizing manual workload, reducing detection-to-repair time, and optimizing compliance workflows. For these operators, this is more than a point solution&mdash;it&rsquo;s infrastructure for the future.&rdquo;
Operators investing in scalable automation today are positioning themselves to navigate change with agility and confidence. With the right infrastructure in place, they&rsquo;re equipped to respond to shifting regulatory, operational, and market demands, without disruption.

Autonomous OGI Drones now Alternative Test Method for EPA

27 October 2025
<a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel</a>
A new era of compact, creator‑friendly drones is upon us, and the excitement is building fast. The highly anticipated DJI Neo 2 is rumored to officially launch on October 30, 2025&mdash;and if the leaks and early reports are accurate, this miniature powerhouse may reshape the consumer drone landscape entirely. Blending portability, affordability, and newly upgraded professional‑grade features, the Neo 2 is already being labeled as a potential &ldquo;game‑changer&rdquo; for newcomers and professionals alike.
As a videographer, FAA‑certified drone pilot, and someone who currently owns the original DJI Neo, I see the Neo 2 not as a mere upgrade&mdash;but as a product that fills a long‑standing gap between entry‑level drones and professional creative tools. With updated camera capabilities, enhanced safety, immersive flight controls, and pro‑leaning color profiles, the Neo 2 seems built for quality content creation, FPV‑style flying, and reliable everyday filming. Whether you film church events, real estate, travel adventures, or cinematic social content&mdash;the Neo 2 looks ready to serve multiple roles in one compact drone.
<h5 class="p4">A Closer Look at Neo 2&rsquo;s Design and Features</h5>
While DJI has yet to release the official full spec sheet, reputable industry leaks and early product imagery give us a strong preview of what&rsquo;s coming. The Neo 2 retains the compact, prop‑guarded design of its predecessor&mdash;ideal for indoor filming, social media creators, and FPV‑inspired flight&mdash;but introduces notable upgrades that elevate it far above a beginner&rsquo;s drone. Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of what we know so far:
&bull; 1/1.3‑inch CMOS Sensor with 4K 60fps and HDR 10‑bit Color &ndash; A major step up for color grading and dynamic range. &bull; 2‑Axis Mechanical Gimbal &ndash; Expect noticeably smoother footage than the Neo 1 during banking or tilt maneuvers. &bull; Improved Obstacle Sensing &ndash; Forward‑facing sensors appear to be added, improving indoor and tight‑space safety. &bull; Upgraded Transmission System &ndash; Rumored to support OcuSync 4‑level reliability for cleaner, longer‑distance feeds. &bull; Voice and Gesture Controls &ndash; Hands‑free launch, control, and return features make the drone more intuitive for beginners. &bull; Approx. 19‑Minute Flight Time &ndash; Modest, but expected for this size class&mdash;and fast battery swaps will be key.
<h5 class="p4">Anticipated Pricing and Bundle Options</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/qHWr2rBfNifmkwn9Qn0BNqbZIJYhxw2gxgT3HfAK.png" alt="" width="680" height="484" />
One of the most compelling selling points for the Neo 2 is its price. Early reports indicate three primary packages: &bull; $229 &ndash; &ldquo;Fly Solo&rdquo; Package: Drone + 1 battery + basic accessories.&nbsp; &bull; $299 &ndash; Creator Bundle: Additional batteries and accessories built for content creators.&nbsp; &bull; $449 &ndash; FPV‑Style Performance Kit: For immersive flight control and more advanced users.&nbsp; If these prices hold true, DJI is aiming squarely at mass adoption. This pricing makes the Neo 2 accessible enough for beginners but powerful enough for seasoned creators. It is rare to see 10‑bit color, a 1/1.3&rdquo; sensor, and a gimbal in a sub‑$250 class drone&mdash;and that alone could disrupt the compact‑drone market overnight.
<h5 class="p4">U.S. Availability</h5>
Before U.S. creators get too comfortable planning their purchase, it&rsquo;s important to address the elephant in the room: U.S. import and shipping restrictions on DJI products altough it does seem like <a style="color: #e03e2d;" href="https://www.dronenerds.com/collections/dji-neo">Drone Nerds</a> is taking pre-orders.
The current climate surrounding tariffs, customs enforcement, and shipment holds&mdash;particularly those involving UPS&mdash;may create temporary distribution gaps or delays for U.S. buyers. Some sources have suggested that the U.S. rollout may not be as smooth as previous DJI launches. With certain DJI shipments already facing increased customs scrutiny in 2024 and early 2025, U.S.-based users should be prepared for possible delays, limited stock, or region‑based purchase restrictions. The hope is that DJI will secure stable distribution channels by launch day, but it remains a variable to watch closely.
<h5 class="p4">Why the Neo 2 Appeals to Beginners and&nbsp;Professionals</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/SHDZfmFnaFFWh6Y7GIwiev2Ru1Esh0h4Z41kW6J5.png" alt="" width="318" height="384" />
There are drones built for beginners, and there are drones built for filmmakers&mdash;but very few strike a perfect balance. The Neo 2 appears to be the exception. For new drone users, the Neo 2 provides:&nbsp; &bull; A safe, prop‑guarded design ideal for first‑time flying.&nbsp; &bull; Gesture and voice controls that eliminate intimidation.&nbsp; &bull; A low cost of entry for trying aerial filmmaking for the first time.&nbsp; For professionals and creators, it offers:&nbsp; &bull; Flat color profiles (10‑bit and D‑Log‑M) for advanced color grading.&nbsp; &bull; Smooth gimbal stabilization for cinematic motion.&nbsp; &bull; High‑quality video for YouTube, brand work, events, and commercial filming.&nbsp; This dual‑audience appeal positions the Neo 2 to potentially become one of the most purchased drones in DJI&rsquo;s catalog. It&rsquo;s not a toy&mdash;and it&rsquo;s not a pro cinema rig. It&rsquo;s an affordable hybrid that covers 90% of everyday creative needs.
<h5 class="p4">How I&rsquo;ll Use the Neo 2&nbsp;</h5>
As someone who currently owns the Neo 1, I use it primarily for manual FPV practice&mdash;but the Neo 2 changes the game. I can already see several use cases becoming part of my regular workflow: &bull; Church Media &amp; Announcements: Quick aerial shots for events, outdoor gatherings, or sanctuary cinematic intros without needing a large drone rig.&nbsp; &bull; Real Estate Shoots: Lightweight indoor fly‑throughs or exterior clips between larger drone shots.&nbsp; &bull; Drone Inspections: Compact enough to maneuver in tight spaces&mdash;ideal as a &ldquo;second perspective&rdquo; drone on the job.&nbsp; &bull; YouTube &amp; Social Content: Behind‑the‑scenes footage, vlogs, tutorials, and FPV‑style creative sequences.&nbsp; What excites me most is that the Neo 2 feels like a &ldquo;grab‑and‑go&rdquo; professional tool&mdash;something I can keep in my bag at all times to capture unexpected moments or last‑minute content without sacrificing quality.
<h5 class="p4">A Turning Point for the Consumer Drone Market?</h5>
In a world where drones are becoming more specialized and expensive, the DJI Neo 2 stands out for its simplicity, power, and mass‑market appeal. If the leaks are accurate, this may be the perfect drone for first‑time pilots, content creators, church media teams, and working professionals who need a high‑quality aerial tool without over‑investing. If DJI sticks the landing on price, distribution, and accessories&mdash;it&rsquo;s entirely possible that the Neo 2 becomes their most widely adopted model to date. Whether you&rsquo;re new to flying or adding it as a companion to your larger fleet, the Neo 2 looks ready to earn its place in your toolkit.
One thing is certain&mdash;I will be purchasing the Neo 2. And based on everything we&rsquo;ve seen, I won&rsquo;t be alone. Stay tuned, because if this drone launches as expected, we&rsquo;re about to witness a shift in what &ldquo;consumer drones&rdquo; are truly capable of.
<h5 class="p2">Want More? Watch My Video!</h5>
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Will Neo 2 be DJI's most popular drone ever?

23 October 2025
<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/desi-ekstein" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Desiree Ekstein</a>
When I first launched <a href="https://onthegovideo.biz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">On The Go Video</a>, it was with a clear mission: to teach drone pilots how to fly safely, confidently, and with purpose. As a certified remote pilot and FAA DronePro, my passion was helping others understand the regulations, master their flight skills, and embrace the incredible potential of drone technology. For years, that meant leading training sessions, prepping students for their FAA Part 107 exams, and supporting professionals across industries as they integrated drones into their work.
<h5>But Something Started to Shift...</h5>
More and more, I found myself craving something beyond the classroom, something that combined my love for flight with my love for exploration. And I wasn&rsquo;t alone. My husband Kenny, a skilled off-road navigator and self-taught mining history buff, had been my behind-the-scenes support system for years. Together, we realized we had a unique opportunity: to take drone education off the grid and into the wild.
And so, Desert Escape was born, a drone adventure experience designed for curious flyers, content creators, and explorers who want to get their wheels dirty and their propellers in the air. It&rsquo;s the natural evolution of what On The Go Video has always stood for: safe flying, real-world learning, and a whole lot of adventure.
<h5>Built on Training, Focused on Safety</h5>
Before we ever imagined setting up camp in the Arizona desert, On The Go Video had become a go-to resource for drone education. We trained students of all backgrounds, from curious hobbyists to industry professionals, on how to fly responsibly, pass their Part 107 exams, and use drones to enhance everything from mapping and inspections to photography and storytelling.
What made our approach different was our emphasis on practical experience. We didn&rsquo;t just talk about airspace, we walked it, scouted it, and flew it. Every training emphasized situational awareness, risk management, and real-world application. And over time, those skills naturally began to blend with our off-road lifestyle.
<h5>From Learning to Living the Adventure</h5>
As our training programs grew, so did our desire to create something more immersive. We wanted to take people beyond the basics, beyond the backyard flights and into the heart of something bigger, an experience that made learning exciting again.
This isn&rsquo;t a traditional training weekend or a dusty drone course. It&rsquo;s an invitation to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with wide open spaces. It&rsquo;s about packing up your drone, hitting the trail, and seeing what unfolds when flight meets freedom. We combine everything we know, safe flying, drone photography, off-road travel, and storytelling, and wrap it into one unforgettable desert experience.
<h5>Powered by Drones&hellip; and Off-Road Wheels</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/0s2473ALxhLHUkwkqcOPjo7UqDHK4oQlBOsGdo4f.jpg" alt="" width="688" height="516" />
Every great adventure needs a strong team, and for us, that&rsquo;s where Kenny comes in.
While I focus on the flight and educational aspects of things, Kenny is the logistics expert behind our adventures. He&rsquo;s spent years exploring Arizona&rsquo;s rugged backroads and researching forgotten mining towns, and he knows how to read a topo map just as well as he reads the terrain under our tires. Whether he&rsquo;s leading the caravan or fixing a flat mid-trail, Kenny&rsquo;s expertise ensures that we don&rsquo;t just get where we&rsquo;re going, we understand what we&rsquo;re seeing when we get there.
And that&rsquo;s the magic of Desert Escape: it&rsquo;s more than flying drones. It&rsquo;s about venturing off-road and off-grid, camping under starlit skies, and exploring old mining areas with a renewed sense of curiosity and respect. It&rsquo;s the perfect environment for drone storytelling, open skies, wide vistas, and places most people never see.
<h5>Why the Desert?</h5>
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/GhrG1UcIAQnazY8ixnlCDqq1XJB3MFF6OlodEsV0.jpg" alt="" width="681" height="383" />
There&rsquo;s something sacred about the silence of the desert.
It&rsquo;s a place where every rock has a story, every trail leads to a mystery, and every flight has a purpose. The shifting colors, endless skies, and forgotten ruins create an atmosphere that&rsquo;s both humbling and inspiring, especially when viewed through a drone&rsquo;s lens.
For us, the desert is the ideal classroom. It challenges your awareness, hones your piloting skills, and opens your eyes to the power of aerial documentation. Through Desert Escape, we guide our participants into remote flying zones where safety, preparation, and creativity all come together.
Whether we're tracing the outlines of abandoned foundations or capturing sunrise light from a bluff, we&rsquo;re preserving the stories of the past and learning how to tell our own.
<h5>What Makes It Different?</h5>
Our shift to adventure-based experiences is a natural extension of what we do best. Desert Escape is built around the same values that have guided On The Go Video from the beginning:
Safety-First Flying: Every adventure begins with a briefing on airspace, flight planning, and environmental conditions. We help guests fly with confidence, not just curiosity.
Real-World Scenarios: From launching in uneven terrain to managing wind or dust, our excursions expose you to real challenges with guidance and support.
Off-Grid Connection: Around the campfire or on the trail, we create space for community. &nbsp;The adventure is more than flying; it&rsquo;s about sharing the experience.
Documenting with Purpose: We encourage our guests to fly intentionally, capturing footage that tells a story, whether it&rsquo;s personal, historical, or artistic.
Reliable Logistics: Kenny&rsquo;s backroad knowledge and mechanical skills give everyone peace of mind. Whether it's navigating unfamiliar terrain or troubleshooting gear, he&rsquo;s the steady hand every adventure needs.
<h5>Who Is It For?</h5>
Desert Escape is for the drone pilot who wants more than just good weather and airspace clearance. It&rsquo;s for the adventurer who loves the hum of propellers and the rumble of an off-road vehicle. It&rsquo;s for the storyteller, the seeker, the curious creative looking to get their boots dirty and their batteries charged.
You don&rsquo;t need to be an expert flyer. You don&rsquo;t need a tricked-out 4x4. What you do need is a sense of adventure, a willingness to unplug, and a desire to explore flight in a whole new way.
Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned drone pilot seeking a fresh perspective, a content creator looking for epic backdrops, or a traveler who prefers trails to hotels, Desert Escape offers a rare, authentic connection through technology, terrain, and time well spent.
<h5>From the Sky to the Story</h5>
What excites me most about this journey is that it brings everything full circle. We're still educators. We're still champions of drone safety and skill. But now, we&rsquo;re offering something deeper.&nbsp; We provide experiences that combine learning, adventure, and legacy.
Through Desert Escape, On The Go Video is becoming more than a training company.&nbsp; We&rsquo;re becoming a guide for those who want to go farther, fly higher, and see with new eyes.
Our guests leave with sharper drone skills, along with new stories, fresh footage, and a deeper understanding of the land and its past. If we&rsquo;ve done our job right, they also leave with full memory cards, dusty boots, and a spark that stays with them long after the last prop stops spinning.
So if you're ready to leave the pavement behind and take your drone training to the next level, join us. &nbsp;
Your desert escape is waiting!
Schedule a quick call here:<a href="https://calendly.com/onthegovideo/desert_escape_conversation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> calendly.com/onthegovideo/desert_escape_conversation</a>
<a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/blog/pilot-story-desiree-ekstein" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read my Pilot Story!</a>

Taking Drone Flying Off-Road and Into the Desert

22 October 2025
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Although Top Gun-style jet aces are likely not cheering over the introduction of <a href="https://shield.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shield AI</a> 's AI-guided <a href="https://shield.ai/x-bat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X-Bat </a>fighter, the future is here.
And it ain't inviting human pilots into the cockpit.
The unmanned X-Bat won't need a runway (as it can takeoff and land vertically), has a ceiling of 50,000 feet, offers a 2,000-mile range, can carry missiles, and will be piloted by Shield AI's Hivemind software.
&ldquo;The software is a cornerstone and foundation for everything we do,&rdquo; said Shield AI CEO Gary Steele. &ldquo;It will ultimately be the long-term growth driver of this business, because it enables the development of this next generation aircraft. We fundamentally believe we can save service members&rsquo; lives by reducing the risk that you have of putting people in danger. What I&rsquo;m particularly excited about is the mission we&rsquo;ve been on, and the opportunity that it unlocks from a business perspective.&rdquo;
And guess what? The X-Bat is also a deal.&nbsp;</div>
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<div class="InlineVideo-featuredMediaInlineVideo InlineVideo-title">A single Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter can cost more than $100 million to produce. The X-Bat is budgeted at a cost of $27 million &mdash; a price Shield AI claims it is on track to offer.</div>
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<h5>See the Possible Future of AI "Fighter Aces"</h5>
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Sneak Peek! Shield AI’s AI combat drone

20 October 2025
Last year, a somewhat mysterious YouTube and TikTok inventor/influencer built a drone umbrella and documented the design process.
Giggle if you must, but the YouTube video has more than 2 million views.
Gotta love the innovative spirit.
<h5>Experience the Design Journey</h5>
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Umbrellas are the future of drones!

16 October 2025
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<a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/pilot/ryan-jones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Ryan Jones</a>
I&rsquo;ve been fascinated with flight for as long as I can remember. When I was five, my aunt and uncle, both private pilots, would take my cousin and me on flights in their Cessna 172. I still remember the thrill of &ldquo;zero-G&rdquo; maneuvers &mdash; the momentary weightlessness that made me feel like I was defying gravity itself. Those early experiences cemented a love for aviation that would carry through my entire life. Flight wasn&rsquo;t just exciting; it was magical, transformative, and somehow deeply personal.
Fast-forward a few decades, and I found myself drawn to drones. My first &ldquo;wow&rdquo; moment came with a Mavic 3 Pro, on a golden hour flight near a water-based lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor close to my home. Watching the sunrise through the lens, floating above the water, I was captivated. That moment combined the technical thrill of piloting with the beauty of storytelling through images. I realized that drones could give me a new kind of freedom &mdash; a way to capture perspectives impossible from the ground, to provide professional-quality aerial content for clients, and to experience the&nbsp;thrill of flight myself,&nbsp;even if it was without the "zero-G" experience.
For me, entering the drone industry was not only about passion &mdash; it was also about practicality. I have a disability that affects my legs and back, limiting my ability to walk long distances and lift heavy items. Many traditional careers weren&rsquo;t viable options for me, but drone piloting was different. It allowed me to perform technical, detail-oriented work without the physical strain I would have faced in other jobs. I could leverage my skills, creativity, and love of flight to deliver professional services to a wide range of clients. In many ways, drones opened a door I never thought possible, allowing me to build a career around both my passion and my capabilities.
My work in real estate has been a cornerstone of my experience. I specialize in capturing vacant lots in mountainous regions and forested landscapes. While these jobs might not always seem glamorous, they taught me the importance of precision, planning, and presentation. Gathering video and photo data in challenging terrain, then using software to superimpose property boundaries on those results, allowed me to combine technical skill with a creative eye. Each project reinforced the value of thoroughness and attention to detail &mdash; qualities every client appreciates, even when they can&rsquo;t see the full scope of work behind the finished product.
Beyond real estate, I&rsquo;ve explored commercial mapping and 3D modeling, testing the capabilities of my Matrice 4E. One memorable project involved a historical fort on the waterfront near my home. The flight required multiple flight&nbsp;hours, testing the drone's settings, and careful navigation near buildings, trees, and other structures. After hours of precise flying and hours of rendering thousands of images, the resulting 3D model was breathtaking in its clarity and detail. That project demonstrated not only the potential of advanced drone technology but also the value of patience, planning, and technical expertise in bringing complex projects to life.
Special projects have also defined my career in meaningful ways. One particularly challenging assignment was a commercial mapping project near Boston airport, located in Class B airspace where LAANC approval is not available. Navigating the FAA waiver process was complex and anxiety-inducing. I was tempted to fly without clearance, unsure if the client would be patient enough to wait for approval through the&nbsp;proper&nbsp;channels, but opted to remain professional and communicate the need to wait for FAA&nbsp;approval prior to flying the mission. Communicating the status with the client while waiting for approval required transparency and patience. When the waiver finally came through, I delivered a quality product that met all requirements &mdash; a true testament to persistence and professionalism.
Another project that stands out is my work with The Chronicle, mapping and cataloging cemeteries. These jobs have been some of the largest in terms of both scope and time commitment, but they&rsquo;ve also been the most rewarding. The data I gather &mdash; aerial images, maps, and site surveys &mdash; will be used by countless people to research ancestors, explore local history, and connect with the stories of those who have shaped society. Whether it&rsquo;s uncovering the resting place of a war hero or preserving the layout of a historic cemetery, I take pride in knowing my work contributes to something larger than myself.
What I enjoy most about flying drones is every aspect of the process. From pre-flight checklists to setup, from gathering footage to solving unexpected problems in real time, the work is always engaging and never monotonous. I thrive on the combination of creativity, technical skill, and problem-solving. There&rsquo;s a freedom in deciding the best approach for a project, executing it, and then seeing the results come together exactly as planned. Each flight is an opportunity to learn, improve, and produce something meaningful for the client.
Of course, not every flight goes perfectly. I&rsquo;ve only crashed a drone once, and while it was stressful at the time, it became a valuable learning experience. I was on-site at my first cemetery job, parked along a narrow dirt road while experimenting with a new obstacle avoidance setting. When a car arrived behind me, I hurried to land my drone to move my vehicle, but in the rush, I flew into a tree branch. The drone dropped fifty feet to the ground, shattering the propellers and a drone arm. The repairs took weeks, but the incident taught me patience, focus, and the importance of testing new settings under controlled circumstances. Mistakes like these reinforce the value of careful preparation, situational awareness, and calm under pressure.
Looking ahead, I see the drone industry facing both challenges and tremendous opportunities. Current legislative constraints in America make it difficult for pilots to access certain high-quality international drones, opening the door for American technology to compete on a larger scale. Beyond that, drones are increasingly being used in industries from inspection to search and rescue, public safety, and geographical data collection. Any work that requires aerial datasets, reduces human risk, or provides a unique perspective is a chance for drones to shine. I am excited to continue growing my skills and contributing to these industries, applying professionalism, precision, and creativity to every project I undertake.
At the core, what drives me today is the same curiosity and love of flight I felt as a child in the Cessna 172. Drone piloting allows me to merge that passion with real-world impact, creativity, and technical mastery. I take pride in providing clients with reliable, high-quality aerial services, whether it&rsquo;s capturing landscapes for real estate, mapping complex sites, or preserving historical records. Each flight is a new adventure, a new challenge, and a chance to tell a story from a perspective few people ever see.
Drones have given me the ability to pursue a career that matches my skills and passions, while accommodating the realities of my disability. They have allowed me to be professional, creative, and independent &mdash; and they&rsquo;ve shown me that limitations can sometimes guide us to paths that are even more rewarding than we imagined. Flying drones is not just a job; it&rsquo;s a way of life that allows me to explore, create, and contribute in ways I never thought possible.
<h5>Ryan's Highlight Reel</h5>
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Pilot Story: Ryan Jones

15 October 2025
The U.S. Army is watching the conflict in Ukraine&mdash;and learning lessons&mdash;as it seeks to modernize resources for its warriors.
"We envision a future where every infantryman will have a drone with them," says Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. "We&rsquo;re doing essentially a call to arms where we are ingesting the lessons being learned in Ukraine. Ukraine was able to take out almost $10 billion worth of Russian equipment with $100,000 worth of drones. When you meet with our lead units like the Ranger Regiment or Delta Force, they envision drones being a core part of every action they do."
Driscoll shared the Army's vision at the annual Association of the United States Army conference in Washington. One of the Army's largest events for defense executives and Amry leaders, as well as the showcasing of cutting-edge battlefield technology, this year's AUSA was nearly scuttled due to the government shutdown. However, AUSA donated $1 million to ensure travel and other costs didn't prevent Army officers from around the globe from attending the conference and discussing&nbsp; modernization strategies.
The Army is also developing defensive networks&mdash;populated by sensors and drone interceptors&mdash;to guard key assets from aerial threats.
"Drones and counter-drones are different sides of the same coin," explained Driscoll. "You can&rsquo;t really defend against one without being an expert in the other, and future soldiers will need to be proficient at both. We&rsquo;re using new technologies such as drones to create a sensing layer that, paired with interceptors, will essentially allow us to build mini &lsquo;Iron Domes&rsquo; over protected assets."
Driscoll also reported that the Army's&nbsp; "drone-pervasive" vision is part of a broad modernization campaign that includes AI, industrial reform, and energy resilience.
<h5>Watch Dan Driscoll's AUSA Address</h5>
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Army Secretary says U.S. Army is Learning from Ukraine COnflict

13 October 2025
An illegal fireworks warehouse is suspected as the cause of a massive fire in the San Juan de Miraflores neighborhood of Lima, Peru.
In addition to the flames&mdash;which had destroyed more than 40 homes by press time&mdash;fireworks were reported as exploding and illuminating the skies above the blaze.
Multiple units from Peru&rsquo;s General Fire Department were involved in fighting the fire, which quickly engulfed a densely populated hillside. There were no intial reports of injuries or deaths.
Drones were on the scene to document the blaze.
<h5>See the Fire Footage</h5>
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