Ask Drone U
Technology
About
We’re Drone U, a group of guys who have turned their passion for flight into a profitable business. We love hearing from our fans, and we love helping by answering their questions. That’s why we started the Ask Drone U podcast in 2015. Since then, we are one of the largest, most popular DAILY drone podcasts out there. Each episode features an actual question submitted from someone just like you! We wish we could answer everyone’s question(s), but we’ll do our best to get through as many of them as we can. So plug in those headphones because it’s time to learn together about everything drone: FAA, insurance, business strategies, videography, drone tips, flight techniques, drone tricks, expert advice, cameras, gimbals, and so much more. #askdroneu
Episodes
- ADU 1394: How American Drones Are more relevant for the Drone Industry’s Future and Why It Matters
How American drones are transforming in drone industry As regulations tighten and supply chains strain, American-made drones are stepping into the spotlight, promising new levels of safety, reliability, and profitability. It is now more im…
- EDL 019: Turning Passion to Profession: Running successful drone business in Hawaii, with Gabe Hanohano
In this episode, Gabe Hanohano takes us on his inspiring journey of building a successful drone business in Hawaii. Starting with a deep-rooted passion for photography and technology, Gabe navigates the intricate world of drones, sharing t…
- EDL 018: Revolutionizing Drone Services with RAAD’s Innovative Approach to Drone Piloting – A Conversation with Teej Ragsdale
In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, host Rob Burdick sits down with Teej Ragsdale, the visionary co-founder and CEO of RAAD, an innovative aerial intelligence network. Teej's journey from finance and crypto to renewable energy has uni…
- ADU 1393: The Broader Implications of the FCC’s Drone Regulations and how to navigate them
Navigating the FCC ban on DJI: What it means to pilots In this episode of ADU, we delve into the intricate details of the recent FCC ban on DJI. This episode unpacks the multifaceted implications of the ban, which is part of a broader nati…
- EDL 017: The Future of drones in Golf course management – A Conversation with Graeme Heinrich
In this captivating episode of "Elevating Drone Life," we journey with Graeme Heinrich, a seasoned expert in the drone industry, as he shares his remarkable transition from traditional golf course management to the innovative world of dron…
- ADU 1392: Exploring Drone Security: Opportunities and Challenges
Drone Security: Opportunities and Challenges Don't miss out on our exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Drone U Black Friday Deals page! Whether you're flying for fun or profit, now's the time to elevate your skills with our to…
- ADU 1391: The Future of Drones: New Drones, Opportunities and Challenges
How should pilots navigate the ever evolving drone industry? Don't miss out on our exclusive Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals at Drone U Black Friday Deals page! Whether you're flying for fun or profit, now's the time to elevate your sk…
- ADU 1390: What Opportunities are available for Pilots amidst the DJI Ban
What opportunities and drone options should pilot explore before/after DJI Ban? In this episode of Ask Drone U, Paul and Rob tackle one of the most common questions surfacing around the proposed DJI ban: Which drone should you buy before t…
- ADU 1370: Navigating the Drone Industry: In-House vs. Contractors
How should pilots navigate the fast changing drone industry? In this episode of ADU, hosts Paul and Rob discuss the evolving landscape of drone programs, focusing on employment trends, measuring success, and the importance of quality inspe…
- EDL 016: From Hobby drone pilot to Mastering FPV Drone Flying – A Conversation with Cameron Goldberg
In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, host Paul Aitken speaks with Cameron Goldberg, a renowned FPV drone pilot known for his stunning aerial shots at Red Rocks. They discuss Cameron's journey into drone flying, the challenges of operat…
- EDL 015: How Skylights Tech is Transforming Drone Shows
Discover how Skylights Tech has transformed the art of storytelling through drones, creating breathtaking aerial displays that captivate audiences worldwide. In this captivating episode of "Elevating Drone Life," we take you behind the sce…
- ADU 1388: Buy DJI or American drones before DJI ban?
What should you know about the FAA Part 108 and how can it impact your drone operations? Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. We are announcing bootcamps in November and December. Sign up today before we are s…
- ADU 1389: FAA’s Part 108 and its impact on drone operations
What should you know about the FAA Part 108 and how can it impact your drone operations? Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. We are announcing bootcamps in November and December. Sign up today before we are s…
- EDL 014: DroneSoccer and inspiring the next generation of aviators: Lina Pineros from CrewConcept
Discover how DroneSoccer is shaping teamwork, tech skills, and future aviators. Planning to get kids involved in Drones? What better way than to get them introduced to Drone Soccer - a fun and innovate program for kids to be involved in co…
- ADU 1387: What LiDAR systems are NDAA compliant?
What should pilots know about NDAA compliance for LiDAR systems. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-day Flight Mastery + Videography Training, followed by 4…
- ADU 1386: Drone Rules for 2025 AND 2026
Recreational, Commercial, VLOS, BVLOS, LAANC, Authorizations, Remote ID, Registrations. Flying recreationally vs commercially today and in 2026? Flooded with the tons of flight and drone requirements for flying commercially or recreational…
- ADU 1385: How to Choose the Right Drone for Your Enterprise Program?
What drones can pilots choose based on their requirements and what are some of the best drones across multiple domains. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's In-Person training. This is our five-day boot camp that includes a one-d…
- ADU 1384: What do changing tariffs mean for pilots and How should pilots navigate tariffs
Have new tariffs been signed and what are the implications for pilots. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to ta…
- EDL 013: How to Start a Drone Business and Go Full-Time: Keson Drayton’s Success Story
Want to start a drone business in 2025 and get paid to fly? This episode reveals how Keson Drayton turned a career layoff into a profitable freelance drone business—using hustle, mindset, and the “Costco effect” to win clients. From pickin…
- ADU 1383: Drones as first responders and regulations on DSP operations
What should DSP know from a first responder regulations perspective. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take…
- EDL 012: From Hobbyist to Tech Leader: How Brian Owens Turned Drone Innovation Into Construction’s Future
Want to build a serious drone career in construction, VDC, or mapping? This episode explores how Brian Owens transformed construction workflows using drones and BIM models—and how you can profit from it. In this episode of Elevating Drone…
- ADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work?
As a pilot what are my options for building and developing systems for my drone. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's…
- EDL 011: From Laid Off to 6-Figure Drone Filmmaker: Jason Flakes’ FAA-Approved Flight Plan
Want to grow your drone business, book high-paying contracts, and get FAA-authorized for restricted airspace? This episode reveals how Jason Flakes did it—step by step. In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Jason Flakes,…
- ADU 1381: What are the best drone jobs for RV parks?
Tips for pilots to approach RV parks for seeking drone business. Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take fli…
- ADU 1380: Types of work available for Pilots living in rural areas
Can pilots secure profitable drone jobs in rural areas? What skills are required? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U in-person training, a unique in-person training event that is focused on developing a holistic drone pilot, wher…
- EDL 010: How Jorge Alvarez Grew Drone Permission Into a Construction Drone Powerhouse
In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, we talk with Jorge Alvarez, founder of Drone Permission, about his journey from the concrete and construction industry to becoming a leader in drone services across Florida and the Caribbean. Jorge…
- EDL 009: Elevating Drone Life – Interview with Keith Stancil from NasvilleDrone on Building a Successful Drone Business
Welcome to Elevating Drone Life, the podcast for drone professionals !! Elevating Drone Life is a podcast for drone professionals by drone professionals. It is a podcast that takes you on a journey through the exciting and ever-evolving wo…
- ADU 1379: Navigating Drone Business Success: Drones, Tech Upgrades, and maintaining the Right Mindset
Should we emphasize getting the latest drone for business or bootstrap? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U in-person training, a unique in-person training event that is focused on developing a holistic drone pilot, where you will…
- ADU 1378: Is the Air 3S and Pix4D sufficient for construction project timelapse?
Whats a good drone for construction project timelapse? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U Experience training, a unique training event that is focused on developing a holistic drone pilot, where you will be immersed in an experie…
- ADU 1377: Mapping and Block Chain Technology – Powerful Combo or Fools Errand?
Is it advantageous to use Blockchain technology in the mapping industry? or are we complicating matters? Today's episode is brought to you by Drone U Experience training, a unique training event that is focused on developing a holistic dro…
- ADU 1376 : Drone Insurance Canceled?! What Pilots Need to Know About Non-Renewals & Coverage Changes
How to deal with drone insurance issues? Who are the best players in the drone industry for drone insurance? On today's episode we discuss all about drone insurance including covering topics of insurance in the event of theft out of vehicl…
- ADU 1375: How to build out a 3 year projection for an SBA Loan
How can business owners project 3 year revenues and maintain a steady flow of revenue? On today's episode we discuss ways to project finances and revenues for future and ways by which individuals and business owners can set up systems to e…
- ADU 1374: How to save waypoint (Mission) in case the drone is lost / stolen
What options do pilots have to save their flight data? On today's episode we answer Kevin's question on how we can save and manage flight data on your drone in the event of a theft of your drone/drone system. Join Paul and Rob as we show a…
- ADU 1373: How can drone 2D/3D models help make dirt work efficient in construction projects?
Can 2D or 3D models make dirt work in construction more efficient? What techniques exist and how can businesses go about efficiently conducting earth work. Happy New Year from Drone U to you and your family. Today’s episode is also brought…
- ADU 1372: AI Tracks & Legal Beats: Unlocking Copyright-Free Music for Drone Video Creators
Using AI for developing creative content for business. Happy New Year from Drone U to you and your family. On today's episode we discuss how we can use AI for creative endeavours. When is it ok and when it isn't and how we can use AI for m…
- ADU 1371: Interview with Bobby Sakaki, UAV expert and CEO of UAS Nexus on Drone Industry Geopolitics, DJI Ban, and the Future of U.S. Drone Tech
Landscape of US Drone Industry: DJI Ban, equipment, tech and future of the industry. On today's episode we talk with Bobby Sakaki, UAV expert and CEO of UAS Nexus. We discuss with Bobby on the current state of the UAV industry and his insi…
- ADU 1369: The Jersey Swarm: All the Theories About the Drones in New Jersey
Whats all with recent news of drone swarm? Are there people who are aware of these drones and their flight missions? Today’s episode is also brought to you by Colorado Drone Chargers, specialists who offer drone charging systems that charg…
- ADU 1368: Feedback after Interview with Adam Bry, Skydio’s stance, DJI Ban and the Road Ahead
Interview with Adam Bry, comments, feedback and more on the DJI Ban. On today's episode we discuss about some of the recent feedback we received from the online community about our recent interview with Skydio's Adam Bry. We discuss certai…
- ADU 1367: Interview with Adam Bry Co-founder & CEO at Skydio on Navigating Drone Industry Geopolitics, Supply Chain Challenges, and the Future of U.S. Drone Innovation
Navigating the Drone Industry's Geopolitical Crossroads: Security, Innovation, and the role of Skydio in minimizing reliance on DJI. In this episode of Ask Drone U, Skydio CEO Adam Bry discusses public perception, the challenges and geopol…
- ADU 1366: Happy Thanksgiving and great Black Friday deals you should not miss !
Learn about some of the best Black Friday deals currently live. Happy Thanksgiving from Drone U and go-live of our Black Friday offers. On today's episode we talk about some of the awesome Black Friday deals that we have found in the marke…
- ADU 1364: Role of drones in the construction Industry: Interview with Joshua Marriott, Director of VDC & Field Solutions at The Weitz Company
Role of drones in the construction industry, how data and analytics is used in the construction industry and managing drone projects On Today’s podcast, we have a special guest, Joshua Marriott, Director of VDC and Field Solutions at the W…
- ADU 1362: Guest Podcast: Interview with Yoshi Schechter from Alamo Airborne on Drones, Business and more
Yoshi Schechter from Alamo Airborne and discussions on drones, business, drone services and the art of being successful in multiple domains. On Today's podcast, we welcome Yoshi Schechter from Alamo Airborne. Yoshi is a Senior Business Dir…
- ADU 1361: What are the equipment and parameters for success in the construction industry?
What are the best equipment and parameters for success in a busy construction/mapping world? Today's episode has been sponsored by Drone U's October Mapping bootcamp. This is our three-day boot camp plus one-day Flight Mastery Training. We…
- ADU 1360: How Does my Drone Business Survive if DJI is Banned ?
DJI Ban - what can i do to help my business survive the ban ? On Today's podcast, we discuss the DJI ban and how things are evolving in the industry. Will you and your business survive this evolution of the drone industry, how you can navi…
- ADU 1359: Who are the Front Runners in the American Drone Market ?
The current status of the American Drone Market - who are the front runners? On Today's podcast, we discuss the current status of the American drone market, automation and drone systems. Paul and Rob also touch on the Freefly systems and w…
- ADU 1358: Which foundational computing laptop should I buy for my Drone Business ?
Laptops - which one should you invest in for your drone business and why? On Today's podcast, we have discuss a question that we get asked very often - which laptop should i invest in ? Join us as we discuss both operating systems (Windows…
- ADU 1356: What are some of the best drones for family activities?
Family Drones - which ones are the best in the market ? On Today's podcast, we have a casual discussion at a picturesque location on the lake and discuss about some of the ideal drones for family activities. Register for our In-person Trai…
- ADU 1355: What qualifies as good training and how does one identify it ?
Good training and how one can identify it. On Today's podcast, we discuss a very pertinent and important question - what is good training and how does one identify it ? Register for our In-person Training events HERE Tune in today !! Get y…
- ADU 1354: Which is the best Mapping Software for Volumetric Measurements
Best mapping software for volumetric measurements On Today's podcast, we discuss about what the best software choice there is when it comes to volumetric measurements. Register for our In-person Training events HERE Tune in today !! Get yo…
- ADU 1353: How to get the most accurate volumetric measurements ?
How to get the most accurate volumetric measurements? On Today's podcast, we discuss about volumetric measurements, stockpiles and how to get the most accurate information Register for our In-person Training events HERE Tune in today !! Ge…