In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, we’re diving into one of the most in-demand (and misunderstood) drone inspection niches out there: cell tower inspections.Today’s question is this:👉 What are the real keys to success for drone pilots who want to work in the telecom inspection world?To tackle this topic, we are joined by Hunter Ardrey, a drone industry veteran who has spent years flying structural, utility, renewable energy, and telecom missions across the southeast.Together, we break down:🔹 The scale of the telecom inspection industry 🔹 What rads (antenna arrays) are and why they matter 🔹 How digital twins are captured and delivered 🔹 What equipment is (and isn’t) used in real-world tower work 🔹 Manual vs automated tower-capture workflows 🔹 Accuracy requirements and image-quality standards 🔹 How tower work compares to inspecting other infrastructure 🔹 Whether new pilots can still break into this niche todayHunter also shares an honest look at the current state of the telecom market, including pricing pressure, big-player consolidation, and practical paths for new pilots who want to build skills and get experience.If you’ve ever wondered how cell tower inspections actually work — or whether this niche makes sense for your drone business — this episode lays it all out.Have a question you want answered on the show? 📩 Submit anytime at YDQA.io or email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com
In this week’s episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, brought to you by Drone Launch Academy, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Kayla McCoy of Wilkes County Soil & Water Conservation District in North Carolina to explore unexpected and innovative ways thermal drones are transforming conservation work.From monitoring rotational grazing systems and improving soil health policies to detecting hotspots in poultry composters and even locating hidden streams through dense foliage, Kayla shares real-world examples of how drones are revolutionizing agriculture and environmental management.You’ll learn: 🚜 How thermal imaging supports sustainable farming and water quality initiatives 🌾 The data-driven discoveries that helped change state policy 🐔 How drones improve biosecurity and efficiency in poultry operations 💧 Why thermal sensors outperform standard cameras for detecting water flowIf you’re curious about new frontiers in drone mapping and thermal imaging, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! https://www.wilkesswcd.org/
Welcome to Your Drone Questions. Answered from Drone Launch Academy. Host Chris Breedlove sits down with Tom Searing (Seiler GeoDrones) to tackle a hot late-2025 question: Can U.S. operators finally run a truly American-made, NDAA-friendly, end-to-end LiDAR stack—from airframe to sensor to workflow?What you’ll learn:What “end-to-end” LiDAR actually looks like for U.S. teams (airframe → payload → planning → processing → export)A quick tour of Flux payload options (H1 / O1 / L1) and when each makes senseHow the Flow app simplifies setup, status checks, processing, and exporting in the fieldMission-planning notes (calibrations, overlaps, orthogonal passes) and why dual-antenna GNSS mattersCost model highlights: Flow is included with the sensor (no annual software fee), plus an optional Verizon Hyper Precise RTK subscription if you want always-on RTK; PPK remains viableField-friendly data handling: scan, verify a quick point-cloud render on the tablet, export LAZ/LAS, and goAvailability & demand outlook as we head toward early 2026 ramp-upConnect with Tom and check out Freefly Flux:https://freeflysystems.com/fluxhttps://freefly.gitbook.io/astro-public/other-user-manuals/freefly-payloads/flux-lidar-payloadtsearing@seilerinst.com https://www.seilergeodrones.com/Have a question for a future episode? Send it in and we’ll tackle it on the show: chris@dronelaunchacademy.com or visit ydqa.io.
In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, Drone Launch Academy founder David Young steps in to explore how drones are reshaping high school education across the U.S.David breaks down what Career and Technical Education (CTE) means, how industry-recognized credentials work, and why more states are adding the Part 107 drone license to their official CTE credential lists. You’ll learn:Which states are already funding drone programs for studentsHow schools are building full drone technology pathways (like North Carolina and Florida)What kind of real jobs high school grads can get with a Part 107 licenseAnd how drone classes are helping students stay engaged and even graduateWhether you’re an educator, parent, or drone enthusiast, this episode will open your eyes to how drones are preparing the next generation for tech-driven careers.Check out our Drone Launch Learning website to see how you can incorporate drones in your high school: https://dronelaunchlearning.com/
In this week’s episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Will Dawson, attorney and founder of the Agricultural Drone Initiative (ADI), to explore how new federal policies could shape the future of agricultural drone use in the U.S.Will shares his journey from growing up on a seven-generation farm in Virginia to leading national advocacy for smarter drone regulations. Together, they unpack the ongoing DJI policy debate, the misconceptions around drone bans, and what these changes could mean for farmers, manufacturers, and policymakers alike.You’ll learn:Why ADI was created to bridge the gap between farmers and lawmakersThe real number of agricultural drone operators in the U.S.How the 2025 NDAA and DJI restrictions could affect drone availabilityWhat buyback programs and American-made alternatives like Hylio might look likeHow smarter drone policy can protect both innovation and national security👉 Learn more about the Agricultural Drone Initiative at https://agdroneinitiative.org/ 👉 Submit your questions for future episodes at ydqa.io or email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com
Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered, brought to you by Drone Launch Academy! This week, we’re diving into a listener-suggested topic: GNSS post-processing services. If you’re flying mapping missions and need to establish accurate base station coordinates for your PPK (post-processed kinematic) workflow, services like OPUS and Trimble CenterPoint RTX can be game-changers.In this episode, I break down:What GNSS post-processing services are and why they matter for drone pilotsA comparison between OPUS (NGS/NOAA, U.S.) and Trimble CenterPoint RTXLogging best practices (intervals, duration, and timing of uploads)Key limitations, including constellation support and receiver compatibilityPractical advice on when and how to use these services in your workflowWe’ll also touch on how these tools compare to other correction methods like RTK networks, and why understanding what’s happening “behind the scenes” is valuable when evaluating cloud-based processing platforms.🎧 For more background on RTK vs. PPK workflows, check out Episode 101 of the show.🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:https://geodesy.noaa.gov/OPUS/https://trimblertx.com/Home.aspx
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Brandon Beal from Elevation Aerial Application to explore how UAV spraying drones are changing the future of agriculture. 🌱Brandon shares his journey from aviation into agriculture, explains how drones like the DJI T40 opened up scalable opportunities for farm spraying, and discusses the real-world impact drones are having on tree farms, row crops, and pastureland in Virginia.We dive into:Why drones are more effective than traditional spraying methods in tough terrainHow UAVs reduce reliance on migrant labor while boosting consistencyThe business case for spraying 50 acres an hourThe future of ag drones in the U.S. amid changing regulations and technologyWhether you’re a farmer, drone pilot, or just curious about the intersection of UAVs and agriculture, this conversation is packed with insights into where the industry is heading.👉 Connect with Brandon and Elevation Aerial Application on LinkedIn and social media.https://www.elevationaerialapplication.com/brandon@elevationaerialapplication.comhttps://agdroneinitiative.org/ 👉 Got a drone question for us? Submit it at ydqa.io
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with drone repair and FPV expert Wade Holbrook to explore the world of DIY repairs and custom builds.We cover:The easiest, most common drone repairs pilots can do themselvesMust-have tools and parts to keep in your go bag for fieldworkHow learning to solder can save you time (and money) on the jobThe pros and cons of building custom drones vs. buying off-the-shelf modelsInsights into open-source platforms, coding, and UI challengesReal-world stories of repairs that saved entire missionsWhether you’re a commercial pilot, hobbyist, or curious about building your own drone, this episode will give you practical advice and inspiration to get hands-on with your gear.🔗 Learn more about Wade and DSLR Pros: https://www.dslrpros.com 💡 Got a drone question for a future episode? Visit ydqa.io
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, Chris breaks down one of the most common sources of confusion for new drone operators: When do you really need a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA rules?Chris walks through:FAA registration requirements and how they compare to Transport CanadaThe role of intent in determining whether an operation is recreational or non-recreationalRemote ID requirements for both micro drones and larger dronesPractical scenarios, including flying under supervision, training before certification, and nonprofit use casesIf you’re trying to figure out where the line is drawn—or what applies if you’re using a sub-250g drone like the DJI Mini series—this episode clears up the gray areas.https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_dronehttps://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyershttps://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2020-06/2019-2020-AA-33_INFOGRAPHIC_EN_V8.pdf
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, Chris sits down with David Arnold from Bearing Insurance to break it all down from an agent’s perspective. David shares stories (including a drone nearly being shot out of the sky!), explains common exclusions in homeowners and commercial policies, and gives practical advice on how to protect yourself, your equipment, and your business.Whether you’re flying recreationally or running a drone business, this conversation will help you understand:-What liability vs. physical damage coverage really means-How hobbyists can (or can’t) rely on homeowners policies-When a standalone drone policy makes sense-Why umbrella coverage might be the smartest investment you can makehttps://www.bearinginsurance.com/darnold@bearinginsurance.com
In this week’s episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Benton Szejk from Wingtra to talk about where the drone industry is headed.With all the uncertainty around regulations, supply chains, tariffs, and evolving executive orders, many drone pilots and professionals are wondering: what’s next? Benton shares insights from the manufacturer’s perspective on:-The impact of the Blue and Green lists for drone certification-Supply chain challenges and how Wingtra is preparing for the future-Recent executive orders and what they mean for UAS policy in the U.S.-Key features needed for BVLOS operations-Wingtra’s latest technology, including obstacle avoidance, LTE connectivity, and AI-powered tools-How drones are being used for mapping, surveying, environmental monitoring, and even public safetyWhether you’re a drone operator, educator, or just passionate about the future of UAS, this episode offers encouragement and practical insights into what’s ahead for the industry.https://wingtra.comhttps://wingtra.com/ray/ https://info.duncan-parnell.com/acton/media/23538/WingtraRAY-Roadshow
In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, Chris dives into the current state of play with DJI drones in the U.S. — from the impact of the 2025 NDAA to the inconsistent enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Drawing on years of experience in drone distribution, Chris shares behind-the-scenes insights on customs delays, shipment inconsistencies, and what this could mean for drone buyers, businesses, and hobbyists alike.We’ll cover:-Why DJI shipments have been unpredictable since late 2024-How U.S. customs enforcement is affecting availability of enterprise vs. consumer drones-What the upcoming NDAA security review deadline means for future DJI models-Practical advice for those considering a DJI purchase now vs. waiting-The role of advocacy groups in shaping the future of drone accessIf you use DJI drones for work or recreation, or are thinking about starting a drone business, this episode will help you understand the risks, timelines, and possible scenarios ahead.📌 Resources Mentioned:https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/navigating-u.s.-customs-demonstrating-djis-commitment-to-ethical-production-labor-practices https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/dont-ground-innovation-the-real-world-cost-of-banning-dji-in-the-u.shttps://droneadvocacyalliance.com/take-action/* We apologize for the audio quality issues
In this episode, David teams up with licensed land surveyor and aerial mapping expert Michael Detwiler to break down how to assess the accuracy of your drone mapping projects—step by step.Using real-world data from two WingtraOne Gen II drone flights (including a park survey and an orange grove redevelopment), they review:-How to interpret accuracy reports from Wingtra and Pix4D-What RMS error means in practice—and why it matters-How many GCPs and checkpoints you really need-Common pitfalls in ground control and image calibration-Why PPK-enabled drones like Wingtra can drastically improve accuracyWhether you're a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced mapper refining your process, this conversation offers practical insights into how to evaluate and improve your mapping results.📍 Tools used: WingtraOne Gen II, Wingtra Ground Kit, Pix4D Cloud, Global Mapper🎯 Best for: Drone mappers, land surveyors, photogrammetry professionals🛠️ Learn how to build confidence in your data—and know what’s “good enough” for survey-grade deliverables.
In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove welcomes Troy Walton and Susan Cohen from the Carolina Drone Lab at UNC Chapel Hill to explore the complex realities of using drones for natural resources and environmental management.Topics include:Navigating drone regulations and approval chains on military basesAdapting to shifting drone compliance lists (Blue List, Green List, NDAA rules)Tool selection challenges and the rising cost of specialized equipmentInterdisciplinary collaborations with agencies like the EPA, NASA, Forest ServiceInternational research experiences in the Amazon and GalápagosStudent involvement, drone racing, and community engagement at UNChttps://tarheels.live/drones/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kzqh1l17Hg
How does Crew Resource Management (CRM) — a core aviation principle — apply to drone teams in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry? In this episode, host Chris Breedlove welcomes Aaron Varnau from WithersRavenel to explore the real-world application of CRM in daily drone operations.Aaron shares his journey from studying Unmanned Aerial Systems at Purdue to coordinating remote sensing crews. He breaks down how CRM helps teams:-Avoid costly mistakes through clear roles and communication-Manage high-stress drone missions (like flying near manned aircraft)-Stay safe and effective in extreme conditions like summer heat-Maintain checklists, battery care, flight logs, and airspace coordination-Train new pilots for field readiness — not just test scores* We apologize for the audio quality issues on the host's side.
In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove talks with Josh Matheson from Duke University’s Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab. They explore how affordable, off-the-shelf drones like the DJI Phantom and Mavic series are being used in groundbreaking science—from tracking elephant health in Zambia, to monitoring shark behavior with AI, to modeling oyster reefs and 3D mapping seals and whales.Josh shares real-world stories of students and researchers using consumer drones to collect high-quality scientific data, proving that you don’t need a $30K drone to do meaningful work. This episode highlights how accessible tech, paired with creativity, is making cutting-edge research more inclusive and powerful than ever.🎓 Learn more about Duke’s drone lab https://marineuas.net/new/ 📩 Got a question for the show? Email chris@dronelaunchacademy.com
Discover how lightweight drones like the DJI Mini series are revolutionizing spatial AI and creating unprecedented opportunities for drone pilots worldwide!🎯 What You'll Learn:Why sub-250g drones are the secret weapon for urban mappingHow Spexi's standardized drone network has captured 3.5+ million acresThe regulatory advantages of micro drones in different countriesReal-world applications from emergency response to gaming/metaverseHow drone pilots are earning $300-600+ per day contributing to this networkOur expert guest is Alec Wilson, COO of Spexihttps://www.spexi.com/ai https://explorer.spexi.com/
Join host Chris Breedlove as he welcomes back Calvin Rikard, public safety specialist at Duncan -Parnell and former South Carolina Highway Patrol collision reconstruction expert, for a critical discussion about ground control points (GCPs) in drone surveying and documentation.What You'll Learn:✅ The shocking reality of how inaccurate drone data can be WITHOUT ground control points✅ Real case studies from major incident investigations (including a train crash and fatal collision)✅ The difference between ground control points and check points✅ Best practices for GCP placement and collection✅ Why the "3x accuracy rule" matters for your final deliverableshttps://www.duncan-parnell.com/public-safety/public-safety-solutions
Ever wondered how drones are transforming the way we inspect bridges?In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Dr. Joe Burgett from Clemson University to explore the role of drone technology in bridge inspection.What You'll Learn:✅ Why bridge inspections are federally mandated and critical for public safety✅ The difference between routine inspections and detailed inspections ✅ How drones eliminate the need for dangerous "Snooper trucks" and keep inspectors safe ✅ Two different approaches: expensive enterprise drones vs. multiple affordable units ✅ Real challenges of flying under bridges (GPS loss, wind, wildlife, fishing lines!) ✅ The future of digital twins for comprehensive bridge documentation ✅ How South Carolina DOT trained their entire bridge inspection teamConnect with Joe:Joe's Bio: https://www.clemson.edu/caac/about/facultybio.html?id=1805SCiDUC: https://www.sciduc.org/
Join host Chris Breedlove as he explores how drones are revolutionizing coastal environmental monitoring in Maine with Will Kochitzky, Assistant Professor at the University of New England.Key Topics Covered:Centimeter-scale mapping accuracy for coastal change detectionPre and post-storm documentation for FEMA applicationsMaine's proactive sea level rise legislation (1.5 feet by 2050, 3.9 feet by 2100)Equipment recommendations: DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK for photogrammetryInspired Flight 1200A with YellowScan Mapper for LiDAR applicationsSeasonal monitoring strategies to capture winter storm impactsThe importance of relative vs. absolute accuracy in environmental monitoringEpisode Links:https://www.une.edu/people/will-kochtitzkyhttps://iceandclimate.org/media/https://www.une.edu/magazine/2024-edition/mapping-and-revitalizing-maines-coastline