By: Abby Speicher Carroll, CEO of DARTdrones

Over the last few years, there has been explosive growth and development in the drone industry, made possible by the rapid development of new technology. However, this explosive growth has also created uncertainty for many organizations that want to incorporate drones into their operations. From 2015 – 2018, the trend was to take a cautious approach to rolling out drone programs. Organizations implemented small “trial” teams of pilots with as little up front investment into equipment as possible.

As we transition to 2020, we at DARTdrones are seeing a significant shift in the approach organizations are taking to implementation of new drone programs. Many are realizing that building out their drone programs more completely at the beginning actually saves time and money in the long run. They are spending more time on planning, focusing on identifying high quality drone pilots, and committing to larger, more structured programs up front. Below are the five major shifts that we have seen in the implementation of organizational drone programs in 2019.

1. Increased Upfront Planning

A majority of the drone training or program roll-out issues we see are related to a lack of comprehensive planning prior to making commitments. Let’s face it, it can be confusing trying to figure out how the software, hardware, regulations, training, and procedures all come together to create a new drone program. We’ve seen far too many organizations commit to equipment prior to fully understanding their goals and use cases. Later, they find out the equipment they purchased isn’t ideal for their intended use case. Or that the use case they were most excited about actually only touches the surface on how an sUAS can help their business. Our team has definitely seen a shift in the conversation around upfront planning, and it is starting to pay off for new sUAS programs.

2. Larger Pilot Teams

In past years, in seemed the trend among companies was to start their drone programs small with an initial test group, then plan to slowly scale their program later. As we roll into 2020, we are seeing far more programs commit to larger pilot teams upfront. We actually give the increased emphasis on the planning stage a lot of credit for this change. Managers are far more confident that they are on the right path and thus more excited to stand up the program quickly.

3. Focus on Vetting New Pilots

In 2017 and 2018, we saw quite a few drone programs require that current employees, many with no interest in drones, become drone pilots. As we look back, organizations are seeing that as many as 2/3rds of those employees drop out of the program either for lack of interest or anxiety over flying a drone. Now, many companies are taking a more measured approach to vetting their potential drone pilots, thereby ensuring they have a long-term interest and invested in the success of the program. This more thoughtful pilot selection process prior to training is leading to more dedicated and professional pilots. Ultimately, this makes drone programs more stable and successful in the long run.

4. Commitment to Flight Assessments

In the past, many organizations either decided to “pass” on required flight assessments of their new drone teams or took on the huge challenge of trying to design their own flight assessment program. The consensus is in; flight assessments are essential. Fortunately, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, in conjunction with over 200 industry representatives, has created an industry certification program called the Trusted Operator Program (TOP). This program, which consists of a three tier certification system, provides organizations with a highly effective way to vet and certify both internal and contract drone pilots. To be certified as a TOP Level 2 Remote Pilot, an sUAS pilot is required to pass an intensive, in-person flight assessment. Many organizations are finding passing this assessment to be an important requirement for their pilots as they build their drone programs.

5. Excitement for Pilot Management Programs

Managers are also realizing the importance of tracking and managing their pilot teams to ensure accurate pre-flight planning, compliance with FAA regulations, and continuing education. Innovative software options, like Kittyhawk, are being implemented by drone program managers at small, medium, and large companies. We at DARTdrones have also jumped into this space with our new training management software, the PilotHub. These software programs both help organizations keep their programs running smoothly and provide the ability to scale up seamlessly.

Takeaways

Though in the past most companies started out tentatively, it now appears that many are investing more upfront to create a comprehensive plan for their drone programs. Upfront planning, the creation of standard operating procedures, hiring more initial pilots, tracking pilot success, and working with a professional training organization can help make organizational drone programs far more successful.

About the Author

Abby Speicher Carroll is the CEO and Founder of DARTdrones, a drone training and consulting company with a presence in over 30 cities nationwide. DARTdrones has trained thousands of new drone pilots, including those from major broadcast networks, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, Abby successfully pitched DARTdrones on ABC’s Shark Tank. Abby founded DARTdrones while earning her MBA at Babson College. She was awarded first place in Babson’s annual B.E.T.A. Business Plan Competition, first place at the TecBridge Business Plan Competition, and the Class of 2015’s Entrepreneurship Award. In 2019, Abby was also awarded Forbes 30 under 30.

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Quick Answer: Nope  Did you know that it is illegal to fly a drone in some of our nation’s most beautiful landscapes? Flying drones in National Parks have been banned since 2014. Yes, you may be shocked to learn that even though most national parks aren’t located near airports, there are still strict restrictions on flying drones in national parks.

Many of you may dream of flying over Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park or getting a jaw dropping view of the sunset over the Grand Canyon. You could be tempted to break the rules, but you are at risk for large fines and could even be arrested. In Hawaii, a drone operator was chased down and tased for flying his drone over Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in front of his wife and kids. The drone pilot claims that he was not aware of the rules that he wasn’t allowed to fly drones in a national park.

Also, check out this video of a drone pilot getting in trouble with his Phantom 4 in Yellowstone.

Why Has the National Park Service Banned Drones?

The National Park Service banned the use of drones in national parks in 2014. At the time, then National Parks Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis stated, “We embrace many activities in National Parks because they enhance visitor experiences with the iconic, natural, historic and cultural landscapes in our care. However, we have serious concerns about the negative impact that flying unmanned aircraft is having in parks, so we are prohibiting their use until we can determine the most appropriate policy that will protect park resources and provide all visitors a rich experience.”

We contacted the National Park Service to learn if the agency plans to make updates to their drone policy any time soon. “We never say never,” spokesman Jeffrey Olson said, “but the present policy is in place for the foreseeable future.” The National Park Service operates 87 National Monuments, 59 National Parks, 51 National Historic Sites, and more than 200 other locations.

Despite the ban, Olson said it isn’t rare for someone to bring a drone to one of the service’s sites. “Many cases are little more than educational moments,” he said, “when a park ranger can remind the operator of the prohibition and ask them to put the UAV away and enjoy the day.” Park rangers are advised to use their discretion as to whether or not to issue citations.

Exceptions for Drones in National Parks

The National Park Service will allow drones in rare instances. The park service itself will use drones for fire fighting, search and rescue and similar issues. Drone pilots can request a special use permit. Though rare, the permits have been granted in certain situations. Applications should be sent to a park superintendent. The superintendent then forwards the request to the associate director for visitor resource and protection in Washington D.C.

Other Drone Regulations

The drone regulation about flying in national parks is just one of dozens of rules that drone pilots must follow. Make sure that you don’t get fined (or tased) while trying to enjoy your drone. Make sure that you understand the rules and regulations for drone pilots. For commercial drone pilots (someone flying for a profit or business use), the Federal Aviation Administration requires drone pilots to pass the Part 107 Airman Knowledge Exam. DARTdrones offers courses on passing this complex exam both with an online Part 107 Test Prep Course and a in-person Part 107 Test Prep course.

Now that you have read this article, we bet you will start to notice the “No Drone Zone” signs at most of our country’s national parks. We hope after you have a read this article, we won’t see you out there flying drones in national parks. Happy (and fine-free) flying!

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A METAR is a routine aviation weather report given in hourly or half-hourly intervals. It describes the meteorology elements observed at any given time. It is predominantly used by pilots as part of a pre-flight weather briefing, and also by meteorologists to aid in weather forecasting. Its use is standardized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and is understood worldwide.

To learn more about METARS and other aviation topics you will need to understand to pass the Part 107 Airman Knowledge Test, enroll in a Part 107 Drone Pilot Test Prep Course today.

About DARTdrones Flight School

DARTdrones is the national leader in drone training with the best flight instructors in the industry. We offer classes both online and in-person throughout the country. All of our flight instructors are manned aircraft pilots and certified drone pilots. Our team of experts include FAA Certified Flight Instructors, military veterans, Blackhawk helicopter pilots, commercial airline pilots, and a curriculum developer of one of the Navy’s drone programs. Our classes include:

• Part 107 Test Prep – Learn to pass the FAA’s Part 107 Airman Knowledge Exam with our in-person or online Part 107 Test Prep Course.

• Drone Pilot Training – Learn to fly your DJI Phantom or Inspire in this hands on flight training class.

• Launching a Drone Business Under Part 107 –  Learn the ins and outs of starting your own drone business including Developing Your Drone Business Strategy, Finding Customers, Business Operations, Legal Considerations and Liabilities, and Drone Insurance.

• Custom Training – Our expert can come to your group for custom training. We train corporate groups, small team, police departments, fire departments, and government entities.

Subscribe to Our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM7P689zFLAcGqgKbEdqHQ

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Until recently, aerial photography relied on manned aircraft, primarily helicopters and airplanes, to take dramatic photographs. Recent changes in guidelines for using drones for commercial businesses (aka FAA Part 107), make operating an aerial photography business using drones a much more economical and potentially profitable business proposition.

Putting a camera in the air will let you see and capture the world in an entirely new way.  So, sit down, buckle up, and get ready for a paradigm shift!  (Check out our drone aerial photography class, and you will be skyward in no time!)

Why Use Drones for Your Aerial Photography Business?

As a tool for photography, drones are simply unmatched.  Sure, each of us brings our own unique perspective into play when we snap that shutter, but some events and situations just “scream” for an aerial shot.

Consider wedding photography, the bread and butter of many photography studios.  Brides want stunning, beautiful imagery to capture the emotions of that day.  It is the photographer’s job to narrate the couple’s story in a way that’s unique.  Increasingly, brides are turning to aerial photography services to make their wedding memorable and special.

What better way to capture the scenery and setting of the wedding venue than by shooting it with cinematic angles up to 400 feet?  Even the most popular studio simply has no way to match an aerial photographer equipped with a state-of-the-art camera drone.

Photographers are Turning to Drone Aerial Photography for Business Growth

For those of you who are already professional photographers, you first need to be open to shooting from different vantage points with moving cameras.  If photography is new to you, you can still capture great images with formal training.  No matter your experience level, practice without the camera attached to the drone, as you will likely crash a few times.

All drones are basically similar.  They consist of a gyroscope or accelerometer to measure roll, pitch and yaw. The latest generation of drones is easier to fly, features better cameras, and includes software that will control much of the flight for you.  Drones can also automatically adjust their individual motors and hover in place while you are setting up the shot.  (It’s similar to cruise control in your car.)

If you have played a lot of video games, you will have an easier time adjusting to a drone’s remote control.  Simply put, the stick on the left controls the throttle and yaw, while the one on the right controls the pitch and roll.  The controller is your radio transmitter and the antenna allows you to communicate with the drone.

If your drone includes smartphone or tablet navigation features, it will take a little more time to figure out.  But do not let that stop you from exploring aerial photography, because most drones that use smart devices are optimized to help the pilot.  You will first have to sync the controller to your smart device and use some form of app to effectively guide the drone (just follow the instructions).  First-person settings and return home features, very common with most drones today, will help you avoid obstacles and not lose track of your drone.

See! Aerial photography is really not intimidating at all.  Think of it as a subsystem of photography with new gear and methodology.

Story and Composition are Vital to Growing a Top-Notch Aerial Photography Business

Remember that, like your camera, a drone is just an extension of your arm. Basic photography principles of leading lines, symmetry, composition and patterns still apply. Effective drone photographers continue to make the images their own, with unique perspectives and editing.

Keep Drone Flight Times to a Minimum

On average, the batteries for most drones will allow around 20 minutes of flight before you need to recharge.  As with any other battery-operated device, the harder you use it the quicker you will blow through the charge.  So, when you are experimenting with aerial photography, consider the shot and the environment before you launch.

Opt for high-altitude photographs (but not too high)

Higher altitude photographs will be create very dramatic shots. Being too close to your subjects may endanger and annoy your subjects. But remember, the maximum allowable altitude for flying a commercial drones is 400 feet.

Shoot at an Angle

For instance, when taking an aerial photograph of guests enjoying the wedding reception, remember to shoot at an angle so you can see people’s faces, not just the tops of their heads.  You also want to avoid flying drones too close to your subjects or directly overhead. Understanding safe operations and FAA regulations will avoid costly accidents and potential litigation. 

Selecting the Right Aerial Photography Drone for your Business

How do you select a drone that is reliable and delivers high-quality footage to take your skills to the next level?  Simple: Pick one you can grow into.  

For aerial photography, DARTdrones recommends the DJI Phantom 4. The Phantom 4 is great fun to fly, and the video footage is so jaw-droppingly beautiful that you will never tire of looking at it.  The drone is compact, lightweight and filled with features, including: GPS, live view, and obstacle avoidance.  To be able to pilot your Phantom 4, you will need to install the DJI GO app on your mobile device.  Once you do that, you will gain access to a really useful feature called “TapFly.”  Using your touch-screen device, simply tap any point in the drone’s field of view and the Phantom 4 will fly will toward it.  Another tap brings it back to you.  

The Phantom 4 features an improved CMOS sensor, allowing it to capture 4k video at 30 frames per second (1080p at 120fps for smooth slow motion) and 12 megapixel stills.  It also offers 4:3 and 16:9 image formats (4:3 offers 4000 x 3000 resolution, while 16:9 crops the top and bottom).  An advanced 3-axis gimbal removes unwanted vibration, so you can capture smooth and fluid footage even during complex maneuvers.

Check out our guide on which DJI Phantom drone model is best for you.

Marketing Your New Aerial Photography Drone Business

Once your company is set-up, you are ready to promote it.  A great concept to keep in mind for aerial photography marketing is “Ask customers what they want, but market what they need.”  What your customers “want” are professional shots.  What they “need” are stress-free photography services they can trust.  Look for person-to-person marketing opportunities that highlight your confidence and personality.

We are in a new era of marketing, more about meaningful engagements than just “getting noticed.”  Consider inbound marketing, which involves creating quality content to organically attract potential clients.  Create a YouTube channel to showcase your work.  Posting on Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter are also great social media options.  Design blogs and podcasts and distribute them.  Linking your website to industry leaders, like DARTdrones, can also help.  It will legitimize your aerial photography business as people seek more information about you.  Finally, explore and become active in drone photography communities and forums.  You will be surprised at how many people share your interests and concerns.

Once you get started in drone photography, you and your clients will be AMAZED at the stunning beauty and unique perspective hidden for all this time.

DARTdrones is the national leader in drone training, consultation and expert support for new drone pilots.  We’re committed to helping the UAV community – drone beginners, more advanced pilots and search-and-rescue services.  Contact us for information and advice.  We’d love to hear from you!

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We are here to help! We have broken out the best drone gift options for every type of drone pilot.

Drone Gifts for the Beginner Drone Pilot

Thousands of people are going to become first time drone owners this holiday season, but as the one buying the gift, how do you know which drone is right for them? There seems to be drones of every shape, style, size, and price. For the beginner drone pilot, a small toy drone may be the perfect gift. They can figure out if they would like to take their hobby further and someday upgrade to a larger drone. Check out some small toy drone options:

Parrot BEBOP DRONE & Parrot SKYCONTROLLER ($299.99)

This drone is perfect for beginners who have never piloted a drone before. The Bebop drone’s controllers are ergonomically designed for comfortable, easy flights, and it even takes good quality video and pictures. With the “emergency” mode, it lands automatically without instruction, to ensure your Beginner Drone Pilot is always safe.

Blade 200 QX BNF with SAFE®Technology ($149.99)

The Blade 200 QX provides smooth flight capability using SAFE Technology, which will assist your Beginner Drone Pilot on their flight. When the control sticks are released, the Blade 200 QX will remain self-leveled, which is great for practicing on before making the transition to more robust drones.

Drones 101: Drone Aviator Readiness Training Online Course from DARTdrones (Free for a limited time)

Keep your Beginner Drone Pilot safe by enrolling them in the DARTdrones Drone Aviator Readiness Training Online Course. This 1-hour interactive course goes over the different drones on the market at different price points and complexities, the rules and regulations as mandated by the FAA, tips and tricks for safe flight, and the biggest safety concerns when operating drone equipment. Keep your Beginner Drone Pilot from fines or confiscations this holiday season.

Enroll for Free Here: https://www.dartdrones.com/drones-101-holiday-gift-2016/

Drone Gift Guide for the Young Aviator

Does your child dream about becoming a pilot when they grow up? Make their dreams come true with these kid-friendly and safe toy drones at friendly price points. Makes for amazing stocking stuffers or gifts from Santa!

Sky Viper 2 Inch Nano Drone ($25.49)

This drone is under 3”, can be flown indoors and outdoors, and is super lightweight and durable. It is agile and its 4-bladed sensors allow for precision piloting. For kids 12+

JJRC F180 Mini RC Quadcopter Drone ($31.99)

This drone comes with a removable protective prop protector so your kids can practice flying without the damage! It has 6 colorful LED lights for added coolness. This drone can even perform 360 degree roll-overs!

Drone Girl’s I Fly Like a Girl T-Shirt ($21)

The Drone Girl, Sally French, is a great role model for any new drone pilot. The Drone Girl is one of the leading blogs in the drone industry. Check out her site for great industry updates! Check out her t-shirts here.

Gift Guide for The Drone Entrepreneur

The Drone Entrepreneur wants to quit their 9 to 5 job and start a business in the drone industry, but is having trouble finding their niche. Here are some great gifts to help them along and start 2017 off right!

DJI Phantom 4 Professional ($1,499; Now $999)

The newest in DJI’s Phantom family, the Phantom 4 Professional is the only drone your Drone Entrepreneur will need to start their business. It features an updated camera, a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor allowing it shoot at 4K/60fps video with burst mode stills at 14 fps with no added weight. It includes 5-directions of obstacle sensors and 4-directions of obstacle avoidance. The controllers now feature a 5.5 inch 1080p screen that is more than twice as bright as a phone or tablet that would have been used on previous models. The screen is now more visible in direct sunlight, without the need for a controller hood.

Launching a Drone Business Under Part 107 Course by DARTdrones ($300)

This course will give your budding entrepreneur everything they need to start their drone business. They will gain access to our online portal filled with classes such as Marketing Your UAS Business, Insurance and Liabilities, and Software and Applications – all crucial topics for Drone Entrepreneurs.

Learn More Here

Part 107 Test Prep Course with DARTdrones ($250 Online, $670 In-Person)

Learn to pass the FAA Airman Knowledge Exam with the DARTdrones Part 107 Test Prep course. Offered both online and in-person throughout the country, passing the Part 107 Exam allows drone pilots to fly commercially and make money with their drone! Learn More Here

The Hobby Drone Pilot

If your drone pilot loves flying their drone recreationally and taking it with them on trips and outings, here are some great accessories to keep their drone in tip top shape.

DJI Phantom 3 and 4 Backpack ($49.95-$104.95)

A backpack is a great gift for any Recreational Droner. It is perfect for on-the-go outdoorsmen who take their drones with them on adventures. Opt for a hardcase backpack to keep their drone safe while they are traveling!

Drone Floatation Device – WaterStrider ($99)

Check out this cool new drone innovation from DroneRafts. Help your Drone Hobbyist fly their drone over water without the fear of it touching down and damaging their equipment. Perfect for hobbyists, outdoorsmen, and casual photographers who are still getting the hang of their drone.

Hoodman 3 Foot Drone Launch Pad ($79)

Grab a really cool and user friendly Hoodman Launch Pad for $79. These are great for making sure that new drone pilots are protecting their drone and practicing being able to land exactly where they want.

DARTdrones is a national flight school for drone pilots offering expert certification and training.

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In 2015, Apple petitioned the FAA to use 11 drone models across a range of manufacturers, including Apple retail partner DJI, as well as Aibotix, AscTec, Sensefly, Lehmann Aviation and C-Astral. The tech giant aims to vastly improve its Maps app with aerial photography, video and data collection. Apple has suffered public embarrassment in its ongoing struggle to compete with Google Maps among iOS users. Apple hopes drones will provide the edge it needs to oust Google as the leading map app, says Bloomberg sources.

For Google, news of Apple’s private drone program will likely come as no surprise. Google has been investing heavily in its own corporate programs for years. In 2012, Google launched Project Wing, which includes drone-powered parcel delivery to rival Amazon’s Prime Air. Two years later, Google acquired high-altitude drone manufacturer Titan Aerospace, with real-time aerial imagery among its capabilities.

The drone arena is becoming a cutthroat battleground for competition, as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon continue to demonstrate. Of course, the drone industry has known this was coming. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) expects ~100,000 new UAV jobs will be created, with the commercial drone industry expected to generate $80 billion in economic impact by 2025. Still, financial analysts are passing these predictions off as too modest. According to Forbes, drone startups raised ~$1 billion in venture capital in 2015 alone. The demand for drone and flight experts, and drone-based businesses, is set to skyrocket in the short years ahead.

For career-minded drone enthusiasts and drone pilots, this is great news! Even employers, such as Amazon, who hope to fully automate drone flights in the future, want flight engineers who have several years of experience flying drones. Buckle up, drone enthusiasts, our little world just got a lot bigger. And the airways, a lot more crowded.

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In order to understand the history of drone laws, we first need to understand their evolution. The earliest drones were balloons, powered by gas or air, or radio-controlled biplanes (some experts debate whether balloons should be classified as drones). By modern definition, a drone is an unmanned fixed-wing or multi-rotor aircraft usually powered by fuel or batteries. They can be as small as a quarter, aka Nano Drones, or as large as a jet.

Hobbyists and militaries were using drones since at least the early 1900s, over 22 years before the FAA existed. Organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) first began developing flight training programs for drone pilots. That community-based training was eventually used as a model by the Federal Government, who saw a need to regulate drones once the technology became popular in the United States. Today, the FAA and the AMA officially work together to ensure drone pilots fly responsibly, without any risk to manned aircraft or to people and property on the ground.

Reginald Denny, an English actor who ran a model plane shop in Los Angeles, is generally credited with creating the first large-scale production of drones in the 1930s and 1940s. He sold drones to the military and hobbyists and was an extremely active drone pilot. The Dennymite, named after Denny, was the first mass-produced drone in the world. (Fun fact: Norma Jeane Dougherty, aka Marilyn Monroe, was an employee of Denny’s and assembled drones during World War II.)

In the mid 2000s, Congress acknowledged the effectiveness of community-based training programs championed by hobbyists and trade organizations. The FAA agreed, but stated that it was illegal to operate drones for commercial purposes. The agency allowed non-commercial flights under 400 feet if drone pilots followed Advisory Circular 91-57, Model Aircraft Operating Standards, published in 1981. That circular outlined and encouraged voluntary compliance with safety standards for model aircraft operators (similar to the ones advocated by the AMA).

And that’s officially the way it was for years.

Despite the FAA’s commercial restrictions, drones were being used on occasion for commercial purposes. Inevitably, confrontations between the FAA and drone pilots started popping up. For example, EquuSearch, a Texas nonprofit organization that had used drones since 2006 to search for missing people, was aggressively pursued by the FAA. In 2014, the nonprofit finally had enough. It filed a petition for review with the U.S. Court of Appeals, claiming that EquuSearch’s use of drones fell outside of FAA restrictions that stated model aircraft may not be operated “by persons or companies for business purposes.”

When Drone Laws Began to Change

With some hobby drones capable of flying to very high altitudes, and drones gaining in popularity, it was really only a matter of time before the FAA got tough (cue dramatic music). After all, the FAA is supposed to be in charge of such things.

On September 16, 2005, the FAA issued guidelines on the domestic use of UAVs. The agency then released a policy document concerning the operation of drones on February 13, 2007. Between the two documents, the FAA’s hesitation to institute the use of drones in the United States for non-recreational purposes becomes clear. Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) were required and granted to businesses with a public entity as a sponsor. For example, when British Petroleum used the Aeryon Scout drone to observe oil spills, BP needed a COA granted to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

But COAs took time to grant, and the process wasn’t always the most efficient. Sometime after 2007, while politicians were haggling with FAA officials about the use of drones, rich, important entities like Amazon, Google, and Hollywood began knocking on federal chamber doors. They wanted Congress to intervene.

Politicians, pursued by lobbyists and special interests, recognized the need to work with the drone community. The result was the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. In the bill, Congress encouraged a type of community regulation inspired by organizations like the AMA and, ultimately, monitored by the FAA. The bill formally prohibited the FAA from creating “any rule or regulation” to manage recreational use of drones. But what about the public’s commercial interests?

The Reform Act of 2012 required the FAA to “develop a comprehensive plan to safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace” and create uncomplicated drone laws for commercial use by 2015. Those edicts forced the FAA’s hands. (But it wasn’t until the advent of the agency’s landmark Part 107 rules that the middle class could fly drones commercially – more on this later.)

In Section 333 of the Reform Act of 2012, Congress noted that the “Secretary of Transportation shall determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system before completion of the plan and rule making required by ….” Section 333 allowed commercialized drone flights on a case-by-case base. Sure, it still took forever, longer than six months typically, to get a 333 exemption. But it was a simpler, slightly less restrictive process than prior COAs, and people could apply for commercial permits without the need for extremely stringent public sponsorship mandates.

The Section 333 exemption wasn’t a complete victory, but it was a start. Think of it as a stop- gap while the FAA, under Section 332 of Reform Act of 2012, gathered more information and decided how to fully and safely integrate commercial drones into the national airspace.

You probably know the expression “In for a penny, in for a pound.” Well, emboldened by the Section 333 exemption, entrepreneurs began to aggressively pursue their drone commercialization plans. As of 2013, commercial UAV licenses were indeed granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to approval by the FAA. In 2014, for example, the FAA approved at least ten applications from specific companies seeking commercial use of drones.

Today, under FAA scrutiny, commercial drone industries include: commercial video and photography; emergency response coordination; search and rescue services; EMS medical drone support; land and agriculture surveying; special events coverage (weddings, parades, sports, etc.); providing internet access to remote areas; and even food and retail deliveries.

How and Why Drone Laws Have Changed

So, what ultimately caused the multilateral pursuit of drone commercialization? It’s a complex question with a decades-long answer. In truth, change in drone laws came about through a series of micro- and macro-processes converging at the right place and time.

After 2012, commercial uses for drones suddenly became the hot new business model. Everyone – from investors to entrepreneurs, Hollywood studios to real estate agents, Mr. Smith to Mrs. Smith (in fact the entire Smith family) – wanted change. Drones became part of our national conscious, and Pandora’s Box became unhinged.

Remember, the FAA was already under pressure by Congress to establish commercial drone laws by 2015. The FAA simply was running out of time. With the added pressure by the public, the FAA had to act smartly and considerately. Think back to the movie The Shawshank Redemption when Red said: “That’s all change is, really – pressure and time.”

As businesses and politicians continued pushing for more reform, a thing called social media emerged, giving everyone a national podium. The FAA noticed that pilots were posting drone videos online and talking about flights on social media platforms. As is usually the case when federal entities are monitoring our actions, fines began and judges become involved.

Let’s consider what was happening on YouTube. The FAA claimed that posting some drone flights on the video service was a commercial use, and thus an illegal use, of drones. (It was a claim that has serious First Amendment implications.) The FAA sent cease-and-desist orders to drone pilots, threatening people with fines for flying without FAA authorization. Of course, many of these cease-and-desist orders were later tossed out on appeal. Interestingly, the FAA eventually contradicted itself and began advising pilots to ignore the cease-and-desist orders.

Drones and their technologies are too intriguing for people, companies, agencies, investors and entrepreneurs to ignore. After all, drones are cheap and easy to fly. Quadcopters can take off and land in small areas, and their ability to hover offers endless possibilities.  Cash-strapped police departments are using drones for various purposes right now. The Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Department in North Dakota, for example, owns at least four drones.

To try to understand the drone industry, the FAA and research groups conducted economic forecasts and research studies. The results unanimously showed future increases in the sales and uses of drones. The decision became clear; drone regulations needed to change to accommodate future growth. The technology was already in the hands of pilots. And they wanted more freedom, not less. Perhaps our political officials also conceded that they could acquire economic dividends, through taxes and administrative fees, from the booming drone industry if they encouraged growth rather than stifling it.

Another way to understand how and why drone laws have changed is to apply a little human empathy. The understaffed FAA had to come up with a solution that would appease Congress, special interests, and the public for a technology that was still emerging. Indeed, the FAA has very effectively come up with a potential solution: The Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule, FAA PART 107 for short.

The FAA Part 107 Drone Laws and Your Responsibilities as a Drone Pilot

The new commercial regulations are explained in a 624-page publication by the FAA, the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, and the Department of Transportation. Part 107 establishes drone laws for the commercial operation of drones in Class G airspace (under 400 feet), accommodating future growth and pursuant to a set of operational and safety requirements.

Those safety and operational requirements are basically the same drone laws that have been in place for hobbyists. PART 107 merely relaxes the more stringent rules of commercial drone flights and allows the FAA time to observe the safety and public impact of commercial drone deployment. Basically, under PART 107, commercial drone pilots are in a formal evaluation period. That’s why pilots must operate under specific requirements, such as flying below 400 feet, not above people, only during the day, etc. Also, acquiring permission to fly under PART 107 is much simpler – you can do it online. It’s a sort of experimental “let’s try it and see” attitude by the FAA. It’s up to commercial drone pilots to operate within the new regulations.

You can find more information about the PART 107 rules at DARTdrones, along with courses designed to help drone pilots, search-and-rescue operations and police departments. Because the PART 107 regulations are new and evolving, it’s supremely important for drone pilots to completely understand and remain informed on what is permitted. The courses at DARTdrones, offered online and in-person, were designed by drone pilots for drone pilots. We also cover issues of insurance, emerging regulations, privacy, and registration (yes, you may have to register with the FAA) for drones.

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There are several reasons why you should attend a drone academy. Perhaps you are an experienced drone pilot and need help preparing for the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 knowledge test. Perhaps you received a drone as a gift and you want to gain the skills and knowledge required to confidently fly your new drone.  Maybe you want to use a drone for business purposes or want to learn about the advanced features of your drone. Whatever your reason for attending a drone academy, below is a list of topics you will learn at a drone school.

Prepare for the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test

Can you describe a standing lenticular cloud? Do you know how to decode a METAR (aviation routine weather report)? Are you familiar with reading sectionals and other aeronautical charts? At first glance, these questions might not seem directly applicable to drone pilots, but those questions are just a few examples of the aviation knowledge required to pass the FAA’s new aviation knowledge test under Part 107. The FAA’s new rule for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly called drones, went into effect in late August of 2016.  This new rule, known as Part 107, requires you to obtain a remote pilot certificate to operate your drone for work or business purposes (unless you choose to operate under an existing Section 333 grant of exemption).  Drone pilots who fly their drone for fun, do not need a remote pilot certificate. However, it is a good idea to have at least a basic knowledge of FAA regulations and aeronautical knowledge.

Topics covered in Part 107 Prep Courses

If you don’t already hold a current FAA pilot certificate for manned aircraft, you will have to pass a 60-question, multiple choice, aeronautical knowledge test to obtain your remote pilot certificate. The Part 107 test covers many areas of aeronautical knowledge including:

• Applicable regulations to drone operations
• Aviation weather
• Crew resource management
• Airspace classifications 
• Emergency procedures
• Reading aeronautical charts
• Effects of drugs and alcohol
• Special use airspace
• Drone Maintenance

Do I Need to Have a Manned Aircraft License?

The questions on the aeronautical knowledge test can be challenging if you don’t have an aviation background. In fact, many of the questions on the Part 107 knowledge test are very similar to the questions on the private pilot knowledge test, but most private pilots get hours and hours of ground school training to prepare for their knowledge test in addition to a minimum of 40 hours of flight time! Attending a drone academy can help you prepare for and pass your Part 107 knowledge test on the first try.

If you don’t have a strong aviation background, a drone academy can help you understand or brush up on the aeronautical knowledge required to pass the test. DARTdrones offers drone courses specifically designed to help you understand and study the material on the Part 107 knowledge test. At DARTdrones, all of our drone instructors are experienced, FAA certified pilots of manned aircraft, as well as drone pilots, so you will receive expert instruction on the aeronautical knowledge required to pass your FAA Part 107 remote pilot knowledge test. All DARTdrones Part 107 test prep courses come with access to a 300-question bank of actual Part 107 questions to help you study for your Part 107 knowledge test.

Check out the FAA Test Prep section of DARTdrones.com to view our Part 107 test prep drone courses. In addition to in-person Part 107 test prep courses, available in over 25 cities in the U.S., DARTdrones also offers online Part 107 test prep courses. However, if you attend an in-person Part 107 test prep course through DARTdrones, you also receive access to the online Part 107 test prep content.

Drone Pilot Training for Recreational Pilots

What if you’re a recreational drone pilot and not planning on taking the Part 107 knowledge test and getting your remote pilot certificate? Is there any value in attending a drone academy? Of course! Recreational drone pilots and commercial drone pilots, can take in-person drone training on DJI Phantom and Inspire drones. A typical full-day drone course at offers academic drone classes as well as two sessions of drone flight training.  

What’s included in Drone Platform Training?

• Rules and regulations for different types of drone pilots
• Basic flight controls
• Emergency procedures
• How to navigate the DJI Go App
• How the intelligent flight modes 
• How to be sure your drone, remote controller, and batteries have the latest firmware
• How to complete firmware updates

Build Your Drone Flying Confidence

The flight training sessions in a drone academy let you build your drone flying confidence in a safe environment with experienced instructors available to answer your questions.  Instructors will walk you through the flight experience from takeoff to landing, including navigating the features and menus of your DJI Go App. It is not very difficult for even inexperienced drone pilots to fly their drone a couple of hundred feet in the air, well clear of any trees or obstacles.  However, the most challenging environment for drone pilots is when they are maneuvering at lower altitudes, relatively close to obstacles, such as during a commercial photo shoot or when maneuvering for landing if you’re flying recreationally.

Drone flying sessions incorporate a course that is specifically designed to improve your low altitude maneuvering skills and includes practice flying First Person View (FPV).  However, safety is a top priority, so you will be well clear of any obstacles or people when flying the drone course. The second flying session covers the Intelligent Navigation Features of the DJI drones. Drone flight training sessions also include the Point of Interest (POI) mode. This feature lets you select a point, and then the drone will automatically orbit the point at your desired radius and speed when you activate this mode. The drone camera always faces the point as it makes it orbit, so one typical use of the POI mode is to provide orbiting videos of a house for sale in the real estate market. You will learn how to activate the POI mode in your DJI Go App, change the mode settings (like radius and speed), and get practice flying the POI mode.

Bonus Benefits of Attending a Drone Academy

An added benefit of attending a drone academy, is the opportunity to develop a camaraderie with fellow students who are excited to be a part of the relatively new drone industry. If you are interested in starting a drone business or using your drone for other commercial purposes, you might even find a drone course to be an excellent networking opportunity!

If you think a drone academy is a good fit for you, check out our full list of drone course offerings at DARTdrones.com.

About the Author: Becky Hagner is an FAA certified commercial helicopter and fixed wing pilot and a DARTdrones Flight Instructor. She is a former military pilot and graduate of the United States Navy Test Pilot School. She enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters and owns an aerial photography business.

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After what feels like an eternity waiting for GoPro to unveil their new drone, GoPro recalls all Karma drones tonight due to “a small number of cases, [where] Karma units lost power during operation”. Any drone pilot with experience knows that a drone losing power during a flight will likely cause the drone to fall from the sky. This can be catastrophic for not only the drone, but also anything in the aircraft’s wake as it falls. GoPro reports that they are working closely with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Although only a few Karma’s have been reported to be affected, GoPro has recalled all Karma’s on the market. Consumers will receive a full refund for their purchase, including purchases of GoPro Care for Karma and all Karma accessories. Note that the recall is not for the HERO5 Black or the Karma Grip, but if these items were purchased as a part of the bundle, consumers will need to return the items with the Karma for a full refund.

If you purchased from Best Buy or bestbuy.com, contact Best Buy recall hotline at 1-800-566-7498 or visit online support here. If you purchased from gopro.com, contact customer support at 1-866-886-3001 or visit online support here.

GoPro unveiled the Karma in September of 2016. The Karma is a foldable, travel size, drone equipped to use a GoPro camera. The Karma came out originally priced at $799, but consumers also needed to purchase the GoPro Hero 5 making the total price around $1200. Within a few weeks, in response GoPro’s release of the Karma, DJI released  the DJI Mavic Pro, a direct competitor with GoPro’s Karma. The Mavic Pro is smaller than the Karma and is the size of a water bottle, has a 27 minute flight time, and costs $999. It looks like those who decided to go for DJI are happy with their decision today.  

DARTdrones is a national flight school for drone pilots offering in-person training in 45 cities as well as online training courses. 

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DARTdrones CEO, Abby Speicher, and Chief Training Officer, Amelia Owre,  solved this issue by giving enterprise conference attendees a clear checklist for launching their internal commercial drone program. The importance here is the order in which the program should be launched.

The following article is the speech given by Abby and Amelia at the Commercial UAV Expo in November of 2016. They were joined by Training and Safety Panel members, Brandon Stark from the University of California, Erik Mizufuka from Epson, and Christopher Korody from dronebusiness.center.

1. Know The Commercial Drone Rules

Keep in mind that the FAA Part 107 Regulations apply only to Visual Line of Sight missions. All too often, corporate drone programs are halted because their intention is to create a drone delivery service (which requires flying past a visual line of sight) or night flights (which require a separate waiver). Make sure you understand how theses regulations affect how your corporate drone program will operate. Check out the FAA Part 107 rules and regulations in this DARTdrones Part 107 Blog.

2. Dedicate the Resources to Launch an Commercial Drone Program

Launching a drone program for your business is a huge undertaking. Some of the businesses we spoke with believe using drones will be something that a few of their current employees can do in their free time. Realistically, if your company is serious about starting a UAS Program, it is likely that they will need a full-time dedicated staff. Think about how this team will stay current, stay updated on the industry, maintain maintenance and safety procedures, and actively fly every week.

3. Identify Your Business’ Drone Goals

What is your business hoping to accomplish with their drone program? Far too often, we hear of companies stating, “We are starting a drone program”. When we ask them what they plan to use the drone for, they are not clearly stating their intentions. Starting an enterprise drone program is a big undertaking! The management team of the company will want to know how this program will help the company grow or improve profitability.

4. In-House or Outsource?

Interestingly, at the UAV Expo, we heard dozens of attendees state that their company originally planned on launching an internal corporate drone program but soon realized that outsourcing made more sense for their business. Your company can save a lot of time and resources by seriously considering outsourcing their UAS flights instead of attempting to build an internal drone program and deciding to switch later. DARTdrones is building a database of qualified, certified drone pilots who can be hired by enterprises looking to outsource their drone program.

5. Create a Budget

Knowing your company’s budget for a new sUAS program is incredibly helpful in getting you started faster. If you have an open-ended budget, you will likely spin your wheels attempting to decide which way to go because there are so many options regarding platforms, software, pilots, training, and payload.

6. Determine Your Timeline

If you hope to launch your company’s UAS program immediately, it’s likely that a larger platform isn’t going to work itself out that quickly. Take some time to figure out how soon you hope to launch this program.

7. Consult Legal Counsel

Far too often, we help set up a company with a UAS Program for it only to get nixed by the legal team. Before getting any further into this project, consult your company’s legal team to make sure you get the go-ahead.

8. Identify A Chief Pilot

You need someone on your team to be the Chief Pilot and person in charge. You don’t want ten employees as your “Drone Team”, without having at least one of them responsible for maintenance, firmware updates, battery maintenance, and safety. We recommend a manned aircraft pilot with extensive aviation experience as the Chief Pilot.

9. Choose Your Commercial Drone Platform

Once you understand your company’s goals, budget, and timeline, it’s time to choose your platform. We saw at the Commercial UAV Expo that there are dozens and dozens of options for platforms. The biggest consideration is fixed wing versus multicopter. Your budget will then likely decide which platform will work for your business.

10. Start with a Training Drone

We at DARTdrones highly recommend purchasing a DJI Phantom as a training drone. If your enterprise decides to purchase a $30K – $40K drone, you do not want people learning to fly with that platform. Teach them on a $700 – $1,000 piece of equipment.

11. Consider Simulator Training

While in manned aviation, simulator training is key. With a UAS, being confident while flying in different stressful conditions is key to success. Learning to remain calm with people watching you, in high winds, with interruptions, and in different locations is what makes you a qualified drone pilot. Consider if your company will allow simulator training as flight hours.

12. Purchase Your UAS Platform

Finally, you are ready to purchase your drone! Depending on how thorough you were with steps 1-11, this could have taken a lot of time. Congratulations on your success.

13. Register with the FAA

Don’t forget to register your drone with the FAA. Visit: https://registermyuas.faa.gov/

14. Decide on the Drone Pilot Team Size

We have trained 20 people from a company only to find out that three of the new drone pilots are from the company’s Accounting Department. Of course, almost anyone can learn to become a commercial drone pilot, but does the company really plan to lose their accountants every week to have them head outside to fly drones? Consider what drone pilot team size makes sense for your company.

15. Pass the FAA Part 107 Exam

Don’t start your attempt to launch a commercial drone program with studying for the FAA Part 107 exam. When the time comes, you will be able to pass the exam. There are many different resources for learning the Part 107 regulations in preparation to take the Part 107 Airman Knowledge Exam. Check out the DARTdrones Part 107 Test Prep Course which we offer both in-person and online.

16. Obtain Aviation Insurance

Obtaining drone insurance can seem daunting, but there are plenty of options for obtaining insurance when the time comes. Typically for drone insurance, your company will need to get a separate policy for each drone that you fly. Your enterprise can go through a traditional aviation insurance company like Global Aerospace. Alternatively, many companies are using new alternative drone insurance platforms such as Verifly, an on-demand drone insurance company.

17. Complete Platform Training

A drone used for commercial purposes is held to much higher standards than your average hobbyists. Make sure that your company implements a training program that will ensure that your pilots are equipped with the knowledge they need to fly safely. DARTdrones offers both open enrollment courses and corporate training at facilities for companies planning to train their employees. Our courses include FAA Part 107 Test Prep, Flight Training, and more advanced payload training. Consider contacting our team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

18. Establish a Flight Hour Logging Program

Your enterprise needs to hold drone pilots to a strict flight logging program. Your company cannot afford to send someone who hasn’t flown in six weeks to a job site. There needs to be currency and tracking for each drone pilot in the organization. Consider a software such as Skyward for Flight Hour Logging.

19. Create Your Standard Operating Procedures Manual

Each corporate drone program requires developing a Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual. This manual will be  customized to your organization’s flying zones, proximity to airports, the number of pilots, and requirements for safety levels. DARTdrones offers consulting services for companies building their SOP manual.

20. Develop a Maintenance Schedule

Under FAA Part 107 Regulations, the commercial drone pilot is required to develop a maintenance schedule. Don’t skip this step as it is a requirement of the FAA.

21. Implement Commercial Drone Software

The dozens of software platforms available at the conference can be incredibly confusing. Don’t get overwhelmed with software options until you get further along in the process of implementing a sUAS program with your company. Software options are progressing rapidly and there will likely be completely different software options once your organization is ready to deploy their drone program.

22. Market Your Commercial Drone Services

Consider how your customers will react to your company’s drone program. Think of how you will announce this addition to your company. And then, find a way to contextualize how your enterprise’s drone program will translate to better service for your customers.

23. Upgrade Your Drone Platform

Once your business completes these steps, you will be an expert on how your organization can benefit from drones and where to go from there. The learning curve is steep for  implementing a commercial drone program. Therefore, it’s wise to start with an inexpensive drone  platform and once you have more knowledge and experience, upgrade to a more advanced or customized platform.

24. Complete Advanced Training

Once your company upgrades its platform, the ability to hold heavier payloads becomes a possibility. Get your team trained on thermal imaging, LiDar, or advanced photography once they have learned the basics.

25. Establish Annual Training Requirements

Finally, make sure that your enterprise has clearly defined the annual training requirements. This equipment and industry is evolving so quickly, you need to ensure that your annual training requirements are established.

We at DARTdrones have helped dozens of companies implement a commercial drone program from both a training and consultations standpoint. We are always looking for the next challenge, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to ask questions.

800-264-3907

info@dartdrones.com

DARTdrones is the national leader in in-person drone training throughout the United States.

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