On October 20th I started a new series on Drone Life to help all drone pilots become wiser pilots with every flight. As a public safety manned and unmanned pilot, I’ve been a part of many challenging flights. Every flight is a learning experience, and I’ve learned so much the hard way.  In the earliest days of UAS flying, the …

This recent training flight of mine gives you a good perspective of how difficult it would be for an airplane or a helicopter to spot a drone if a collision was likely. The video also demonstrates good crew coordination and communications. This is what is needed between an RPIC and a VO, for example. There is so much going on …

A recent FCC press release is one of the most bizarre I’ve seen from a public official when it comes to drones. According to Federal Commission Commission Commissioner Brendan Carr, your DJI drone is collecting your heart rate and sending it back to China. “DJI drones and the surveillance technology on board these systems are collecting vast amounts of sensitive …

There was a recent aircraft accident in Houston. The recording of the radio communications between the three helicopters and tower is a great example of the value of the type of radio communications and coordination that should occur between drone pilots and aircraft above incident scenes. In my experience dealing with new helicopters, they are very professional and will relocate …

Supply-chain delays and components shortages are spilling over into the aviation market, making it difficult and more costly for planemakers to get ahold of certain parts. This comes as demand for commercial planes is surging, and could put the airline industry’s recovery at risk. So far the aerospace industry has avoided component shortages, largely because Boeing (BA) and Airbus (EADSY) …

A reader asked, “What kind of drones have white red, and green lights?” Again, it is another UAS question with no great answer. Facts About Lights Under CFR 107 A drone is not required to have any lights on it to fly except for an anti-collision light when flying between civil twilight and night. Manned aircraft have a requirement for …

A reader asked me what the payload capacity is for a Skydio 2 drone. As is usual, there is no clear answer because several factors impact the payload capacity of any drone. Environmental Air density impacts the lift component of an aircraft. The thinner the air, the less lift is available. Thin air can be created by altitude or temperature. …

DJI has announced a new firmware update for the M300. One item caught my eye since it can assist pilots with part of their preflight responsibilities as described in Appendix E of AC 107-2A. In particular, is item four that states the pilot must “Verify all the manufacturer-required components that make up the small UAS are present and operating as …

Today’s question from a reader is “Do drones work better without propeller protectors?” If you have a question to ask, click here. That’s a Loaded Question There are two issues we have to deal with regarding propellers. One is safety and the other is performance. Propeller Safety On one hand, it really doesn’t matter if a drone propeller operates better, …

“How far can I fly at night using my strobe lights?” is a question many just get wrong. Let’s look at the facts. Your UAS is required to have anti-collision lighting on it that can be seen for three statute miles. Unfortunately, some incorrectly assume that means they can fly for three miles at night. To fly within the regulations, …