Episodes
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To all the Harnessing Aerial listeners this year and everyone who liked, subscribed, or shared the podcast this year - THANK YOU!
This is a wrap for 2020 and Season 1 of the Harnessing Aerial podcast but don't worry, we will be back in 2021 with other great guests & value-packed content!
If you have any suggestions for guests or topics you want to hear from, please connect & message Leo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-adams/
Also, to learn more about job opportunities with Skye Link drop us a note at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!
To join Skye Link's nationwide pilot team, you can create a free account on www.skyelink.org/register.
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Show Notes:
What You Will Learn-
(1:20) How Darshan got involved in the UAS industry and how he progressed on his drone industry journey to become regarded as a top industry consultant, speaker, & leader.
(7:00) What Darshan’s role was at the NCDOT and how he was involved in standing up one of the leading state UAS programs, the FAA IPP, and other state drone operations.
(10:00) What the foundation of a successful UAS program is and the piece education plays in long term success.
(12:05) What the NC DroneSafe Initiative is and how it creates a safety culture within the local communities
(14:00) Why do some drone pilots overlook safety procedures and what drone pilots need to be doing to ensure they act in a safe manner and conduct smooth operations
(19:00) Why flight safety begins at the top of the organization but does not end there – how pilot safety training is crucial to foster a strong safety culture within UAS programs.
(23:00) Tips & suggestions for drone pilots to get involved in disaster response operations and partner with companies to fly for emergency response, hurricane damage assessment, and other public safety operations
(28:30) How Darshan formed the AUVSI NC chapter and what their focus is and how they are involved in the North Carolina UAS community. How UAS professionals can follow Darshan’s steps to start their own local UAS groups.
(33:00) What the new normal is with drone conferences and why virtual workshops, trainings, webinars will continue to be the networking and education forum for years to come
(37:10) Darshan’s top lesson learned and piece of advice for drone pilots from his time in the drone industry
Links Mentioned:
AUVSI NC website
AIRAVAT
Darshan’s Linkedin
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Missing episodes?
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What You Will Learn-
(1:20- 4:08) Bobby’s background dating back to 2006 with RC and how he became a UAS pilot, technician, manufacturer and innovator
(4:15- 6:45 ) What Watts Innovations does, who they manufacturer drones for, and how they have been able to compete with the major UAS manufacturers in the industry with a unique strategy
(6:50) How did the idea of PRISM begin and what will the platform offer
(8:15 -14:30) All about the PRISM platform (customizations/modifications, airframe, compatible payloads, systems, battery type, remote controller, technical specifications including flight time, industry/service use cases)
(14:30) How COVID-19 has effected Watts Innovations, how Bobby had to pivot with the PRISM launch during the ongoing pandemic, and other strategy changes for Watts Innovations
(17:45-23:00) Is PRISM fully American Made? – The platform components that are engineered and manufactured in the US vs the specific parts that are sourced outside the US.
(23:00) What flight software PRISM runs on, what other flight mapping software it is compatible with, and the various functionalities Watts QGC offers.
(25:55) Versatility and portability features of PRISM
(27:30) When PRISM will be available to purchase & when they will begin shipping
(28:50) How to pre-order PRISM, what is the price of PRISM, and what is included at that price
(31:30) What is Propulsion ID, how it is built into PRISM, and why it is key for the versatility of the platform to be gimbal or propulsion system agnostic
Links Mentioned:
https://wattsinnovations.com/
https://instagram.com/wattsinnovations
https://www.facebook.com/WattsInnovations
https://www.youtube.com/user/BobbyWattsHeli
https://www.linkedin.com/company/28660144
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What You Will Learn-
(1:00-4:20) Fritz’s background within Public Safety and how his journey lead him to the UAS industry within roles at Skydio and the Chula Vista Police Department
(4:35-10:00) How the Chula Vista Police Department was able to obtain the first BVLOS waiver granted to a public safety organization, the considerations that went in place to successfully get approval from the FAA , and how that opened up their operations
(10:45-13:30) Recommendations for Public Safety agencies applying for a BVLOS waiver– Also where to get resources to help you with the waiver application process
(13:45) Steps for public safety organizations to take to develop a UAS program
(16:00) The top drone for public safety organizations and what features they need to look for when adding a UAS to their fleet.
(19:45-24:00) The impact that Skydio is making here in the US drone industry and what the future outlook is after Skydio has become one of the US government’s 5 approved drone companies and announcing a $100M Series C funding round
(24:00) How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Skydio including the publicized production issues and how they have shown resilience during this time
(26:30) Outside of public safety, what the other industries that Skydio drones are being used in successfully
(30:00) What advanced technology and features have been built into the Skydio 2
(32:15) Fritz top lessons learned from his time in the industry and his tips for drone pilots out there
William “Fritz” Reber, Head of Public Safety at Skydio and former police captain of the Chula Vista Police Department joins Leo for a lively conversation on drones in public safety diving into how the Chula Vista Police Department was able to obtain the first BVLOS waiver granted to a public safety organization and tips for other agencies interested in obtaining the new FAA tactical BVLOS waiver. They also dive into Skydio’s future outlook between being named 1 of 5 US approved drone platforms, $100M Series C funding round, past pandemic production issues, and all the advanced technology and features that have been built into the Skydio 2.
Links Mentioned:
Skydio‘s website
The email for the emergency response program is [email protected]
Chula Vista PD Drone Program
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David Young, Founder of Drone Launch Academy joins Leo for an interesting discussion centered around how new drone pilots can grow their business and develop their skills to find early traction and create long term success within the industry. David shares stories from the thousands of drone pilots his company has trained and provides interesting branding and marketing tips that will surely help new to the industry remote pilots score early wins and build momentum.
What You Will Learn-
(1:15) How David got into the aviation industry and founded Drone Launch Academy
(7:30) The benefit of taking an actual hand on or virtual educational drone course vs just trying to learn on the fly on your own
(9:00) Considerations/important factors to help you decide if taking a drone course is right for you
(11:00) What courses Drone Launch Academy offers and what value they can bring to your drone service business
(13:45) Top methods that drone pilots/DSPs are using to market and find new business
(15:40) One tactic to grow your business, expand your network, and build more experience when starting a new drone business or offering a new service.
(20:00) What the most common skillset that all the most successful drone pilots and dronepreuners have in common
(23:35) Branding and digital marketing tips for drone service providers
(26:15) The difference between “traffic that you own” vs “traffic you don’t own” and why creating an email list is key to growing your business
(28:50) Why referrals are critical once you get a couple initial clients for your business
(30:00) David’s top lessons learned from his almost 5 years in the drone industry and his countless conversations with drone pilots in the Drone Launch Academy community.
Learn More About Drone Launch Academy Courses: (Discount Code Through Below Links)
Part 107 Course ($50 off) Aerial Photo Pro ($50 off) Aerial Roof Inspection Pro ($100 off) Aerial Video A to Z ($100 off) Drones 101 ($20 off) -
Show Notes:
What You Will Learn-
(5:00/11:50) The founding story of InterDrone and how it progressed from a hobbyist drone show into a top commercial UAS conference in thee industry
(7:45) The importance of networking and recommendations to broaden your network & reach within the industry
(10:45) How the COVID-19 pandemic has effected InterDrone and what the current plan is for the 2020 conference
(15:00) What InterDrone looks for in its speakers/presenters in order to drive high value quality educational content and what their vetting process looks like
(17:45) Suggestions for finding you own voice when creating or curating content that resonates with your audience
(18:45) The importance of listening to your audience to shift your content and/or business strategy & ways to do that
(20:00) Why flight logging is one of the most underrated marketing/sales tools for drone pilots and drone service providers
(21:55) How a niche focused strategy helps you build expertise and credibility within your industry segment to grow your business
(22:45) Why Google Ads is a crucial tools for DSPs and how to use it effectively for your drone service business
(24:35) Mike’s top 3 insights/lesson learned from his 5+ years in the UAS industry
Learn More About InterDrone: https://interdrone.com/
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What You Will Learn-
(1:20-4:30) How Ryan got involved in Aviation and why he decided to specialize in aerial thermography.
(4:50) The benefits of specialization and selecting a niche for your business
(7:00) Recommendations for getting into aerial thermography and the process and unique ways of conducting a cost benefit analysis to decide if it is the right niche for you
(12:00) How to leverage LinkedIn to effectively market your business, sell your drone services and network within in the UAS industry
(15:50) How obtaining a part 107.29 daylight waiver can open up opportunities for your UAS business to offer more aerial thermography services and the services you can offer once you obtain that waiver
(17:30) Tips when applying for the part 107.29 daylight waiver
(19:30) The importance of utilizing UAS risk assessment and safety checklists to minimize the 3 types of risk and hazards during drone operations
(20:37) What the IMSAFE acronym means as it relates pilot risk assessment in both manned and unmanned aviation
(22:35) Recommendations for pilots to start developing and where to find UAS risk assessments, pre/post flight checklists, and other standard operating procedures documents.
(24:50) How manned aviation experience can benefit you as an unmanned pilot
(27:50) Best drone software for flight planning, airspace, mapping, flight logs and other tools to keep your UAS operations safe & organized
(31:25) Ryan’s top 3 lessons learned from his experience in the industry
(37:00) Rapid Fire 3 Final Questions
Links Mentioned:
https://infraredaerial.com/
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What You Will Learn-
(1:15) How Bryan got involved in aviation and at Zipline
(2:30) What Zipline is and how they are innovating in the drone delivery space
(3:20) The progression of Zipline from beginning delivering medical supplies in Africa to now operating for COVID response here in the United States and North Carolina
(4:40) How the lessons learned from operating in much lesser controlled airspace in Africa translated to operations in North Carolina where the airspace is much more congested and heavily regulated
(6:25) How Ziplines safety orientation and partnership approach has been helpful in allowing them to obtain BVLOS approval from the FAA.
(7:45) How Zipline is leveraging their BVLOS waiver for COVID in North Carolina
(8:49) What is entailed in the BVLOS waiver and what is required to remain compliant
(10:45) The technology behind and built into the Zipline UAS aircraft
(12:35) What makes Zipline unique compared to other drone delivery companies out in the industry
(14:40) How Zipline’s current North Carolina operations are building a framework to give them scalability within the United States as regulations continue to open up for a more UAS integrated NAS.
(16:35) What Zipline’s expansion plans look like in the coming years both here in the US and internationally
(18:20) What are the lessons learned so far from operating in rural vs urban environments and how route planning plays a crucial role in operational safety
(20:05) Advice for UAS operators and how to find their passion and niche in the UAS industry
(21:25) The correlation between safety and being successful in the UAS industry
(23:40) How being a private pilot is very helpful to get into in the drone delivery industry but will be less important in the future
(25:55) Where you can connect further with Bryan or learn more about Zipline’s operations or employment opportunities
(27:00) Rapid Fire 3 Final Questions
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In this solo episode with host and CEO of Skye Link, Leo Adams, dives into what is a drone network, why most have a bad reputation within drone pilot circles, and the pros and cons of working with a nationwide drone service provider pilot network.
Leo also discusses how a "Conscious Capitalism" business mindset was the framework behind Skye Link and how it continues to drive the company's decisions to this day.
Agree or Disagree with Leo's thoughts? Share your feedback with us on this LinkedIn post: https://tinyurl.com/Dronenetworks
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What You Will Learn-
(4:00) An early history at how drones and aerial cinematography developed in Hollywood & film production industry prior to part 107 regulations
(8:00) What is Hollywood Drones and what they are doing in aerial cinematography
(12:25-17:00) The challenges of getting into professional television and film – Strategies to get over this barrier to become an aerial cinematographer
(13:40) How the 1 Inch sensor changed the game and allowed drone pilots to more easily get into aerial cinematography – which drones you can use for cinematography
(14:45) Importance of building a portfolio to showcase your brand
(17:00) Marketing strategy for landing real estate shoots and clients
(17:55-22:25) Skip’s top 5 drone photography shots that every drone pilot needs to master
(21:00) How to get the perfect “listing shots” for all real estate shoots and wow the realtor/agent/broker
(22:25-26:30) The most important aerial cinematography (video) shots that every drone pilot should master
(27:05) Should pilots use manual or auto camera settings and which situations are best for each method
(30:00) What Drone Flyers Academy is and how it helps at risk community to learn about drone technology
(35:00) How drones are being used in various verticals through the COVID-19 pandemic
(37:30-42:10) Practical steps remote pilots can take to become a UAS instructor
Cut out when I finish asking my question at 44:06 to 45:32 just before Skip starts his point
Links Mentioned-
http://Hollywood-Drones.net
www.Droneconnects.com
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What You Will Learn-
(5:15) How Drone View Photography partners with civil engineering and smaller surveying firms to offer drone based LiDAR imaging services
(5:30) What is LiDAR and how it works from an aerial perspective when compared to land surveying
(7:10) Use cases for aerial LiDAR imaging
(7:50-9:30) Strategy for overcoming the cost barrier to get into drone-based LiDAR
(8:33) Typical costs of a LiDAR scanner
(10:00) How you can effectively partner with other drone companies to acquire a shared LiDAR sensor and how to manage logistics to create a mutually beneficial relationship
(11:15) Why renting a LiDAR scanner can be an effective strategy for getting into aerial LiDAR to start with
(13:45) How to find & begin partnerships with surveying firms as a drone service provider and how to structure them to create a win win relationship for both sides
(16:40) How you can overcome client objections related to cost of using LiDAR and demonstrating the ROI clients will receive if they invest
(17:00) How a subcontractor model can be an effective way to support land surveyors with your aerial LiDAR services so you become a partner not a competitor
(18:30) Typical turnaround times for LiDAR processing vs traditional timelines for land-based surveying
(20:40) Tips for drone pilots and service providers that have multiple businesses and commitments to juggle their workload effectively
(23:55) Why outsourcing aspects of your workflow and creating great partnerships can free up your bandwidth and open more doors for your drone service business
Links Mentioned-
www.droneviewphoto.com
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Questions-
(1:10) Can you share some more about your background and Women Who Drone?
(5:25) What are some branding tips you have from your success establishing a great brand in Women Who Drone?
(7:40) Was your main social media Instagram, or did you try to launch on multiple social platforms?
(9:30) Do you recommend user generated content even for small drone service providers or what content creation tips would you offer those types of companies?
(11:37) What other software/tools would you recommend for marketing
(14:00) Do you have any recommendations for DSPs out there to develop new business and find clients?
(16:55) What can both men and women do to support Women Who Drone?
(20:00) What women would you spotlight who are doing amazing things in the drone industry
(23:38) What are some biggest lessons learned from the challenges you’ve faced through your years in the industry?
(26:00) Final 3 Rapid Fire:
-Coolest place the drone industry has taken you?
-Favorite drone to fly?
-Favorite project you have worked on?
What You Will Learn-
(3:30) What is Women Who Drone and how are they helping females in the drone industry
(6:00) What goes into creating a successful brand and why designing your colors, tone, look, feel of your brand is crucial before you actually start marketing
(8:05) What is User Generated Content and how it can facilitate your content creation strategy
(9:50) Why the type of brand/company you are should be the guiding factor in your content creation workflow and how to make that determination
(10:35-13:30) Elena’s recommended software/tools to use in your business (scheduling, social, design, editing, etc)
(14:50) Ways Women Who Drone inspires, educates, and empower women in the drone industry
(16:06) Why a portfolio is critical to find opportunities for drone service providers
(17:15) How men and women can get involved in supporting gender diversity in the drone industry
(20:15) Some examples of women doing amazing things in the drone industry and for Women Who Drone
(24:00) Elena’s lessons learned from her time in the drone industry around funding, marketing, partnerships and more.
Links Mentioned-
-Women Who Drone Youtube Channel
-WomenWhoDrone.co
-Facebook/Instagram/Tik Tok @WhoWhoDrone
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Show Notes:
Questions-
(2:23) Can you give us some background on your company Dronescape?
(7:10) What opportunities are out there for drone service providers to partner with their local/state or even federal governments?
(9:17) Tell us about Scanscape and how drone pilots or clients can utilize that technology for aerial infrared infrastructure inspections
(11:57) Can DSPs partner with Scanscape to outsource the data analytics and processing for infrastructure inspections?
(13:35) Having been through ITC infrared training, is that something you would recommend to others?
(17:05) Tell us about you experience as an instructor at CPCC teaching UAS public safety and part 107 courses?
(19:10) DO you have any suggestions for anyone out there interested in becoming a UAS instructor/educator?
(21:26) Did you start offering part 107 courses and then expand to other types of specific trainings?
(23:56) As an ANSI contributor you have great visibility into the UAS regulatory space, tell us about how you see in the future of UAS federal regulations?
(27:40) What is your opinion on Drone Remote ID?
(29:28) What lessons have you learned from your time in the drone industry
(31:30) Final 3 Rapid Fire
-Favorite drone to fly?
-What is the coolest project you’ve worked on?
-What is your favorite way to get drone news/industry info?
What You Will Learn-
(2:57) Why being a professional engineer gives you an edge for securing state/government contracts
(3:30) What the IPP is and how NCDOT and others are involved including drone delivery of medical supplies
(7:20) Processes/Tips for drone service providers to partner with their local/state governments
(9:30) Process of conducting aerial infrastructure inspections for prime contracts with government entities
(12:00) How drone pilots and DSPs can provide infrastructure inspections even if they do not have experience as a professional engineer or analyzing the infrared/visual infrastructure data
(13:45) Considerations that should be made before investing in infrared specific training
(15:00) Which thermal equipped drones/sensors work best for certain use cases & pros and cons of each
(19:20) Suggestions and pathways for drone pilots interested in becoming a UAS instructor/educator
(22:20) How offering part 107 courses opens up further opportunities to begin teaching more specific coursework to existing and new students/pilots
(24:10) What ANSI is and how it is developing UAS industry standards and a specific roadmap for various drone activities
(28:45) What the federal government is looking for out of remote ID
(29:45) Why specialization and post processing are key to finding success as a service provider in the UAS industry
Links Mentioned-
Dronescape.net
Scanscape
ANSI Roadmap 2
Drone Charlotte Group
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Questions-
(1:11) Tell us about your background and what brought you into the drone industry?
(2:43) Tell us more about Raptor Maps solar specific drone services and the data analytics it provides?
(4:10) How has the industry-specific focused strategy helped fuel Raptor Maps growth?
(7:10): Can you talk to us about all the various types of solar companies and what the differences between them are?
(9:50) What drone services are being offered to solar EPCs, O&M, and asset management firms?
(13:30) What challenges are solar companies having when trying to create their own drone program?
(15:30) What are the pros/cons of using image & video capture to inspect solar farms? Which method does Raptor Maps use to process inspection data?
(19:54) What recommendations do you have for drone service providers interested in getting more involved in the solar industry?
(23:22) Which drones and thermal sensors work for solar inspections? What are the pros and cons of various options out there?
(29:03) Where do you see the solar industry moving and how do you see drones continuing to support the industry
(32:10) Final 3 Rapid Fire:
-Coolest place the drone industry has taken you?
-Craziest client request?
-Coolest project you have worked on?
What You Will Learn-
(3:00) How Raptor Maps is supporting the solar industry with its cutting edge drone analytics software
(5:25) How an industry specific focused strategy can help propel business growth and differentiate yourself from competitors
(7:30) The differences between various kinds of solar companies, what they do, and the relationships between each of them
(10:00) The drone use cases in solar and the services drone providers can and are offering in the solar industry
(13:45) The challenges that solar companies are having when trying to implement drone technology and where opportunities lie for DSPs
(16:30) How to capture high quality infrared and visual data to inspect solar systems
(17:45) The most common types of thermal anomalies found in solar inspections that are incorrectly identified
(18:30) The pitfalls of processing solar inspection data into orthomosiacs and using it to generate inspection reports rather than image based analytics
(20:10) Why solar companies with internal drone programs still often need drone service provider support
(20:50) Tips for drone pilots and service providers to get more involved within the solar industry and find opportunities
(23:50) What thermal sensor work for solar inspections and why only certain resolution sensors work
(24:20) What lens size for thermal sensors is the best (ie 9/13/19/25/etc)
(25:25) Why software considerations are so important to establish before even doing flight planning and conducting the solar inspection
(26:45) Why a dual IR & RGB sensor is extremely beneficial for solar inspections and the pitfalls of using an infrared only sensor like the XT
(29:30) Where the solar industry moving in the future, how drones will continue to support the industry, and where opportunities can be found moving forward
(32:55) The opportunities in solar warranty claim inspections
Links Mentioned-
www.Raptormaps.com/resources
www.Raptormaps.com/contact-us
For more information on the podcast or this episode visit: https://skyelink.org/blog/Harnessing-Aerial-Podcast-Launch
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Questions-
(1:15) Tell us about being the blimp cam operator at Madison Square Garden and how you got that job?
(4:35) Tell us more about Lyfted Media and what you all do?
(7:00) What are some suggestions for pilots out there on how to put together an effective eye catching demo reel?
(8:30) Do you have any recommendations for cinematography focused drone pilots for finding clients?
(10:50) What are some avenues for DSPs to develop new business?
(15:05) What are your top cinematic drone shots that drone pilots should master?
(17:35) Where do you stand with using manual vs auto camera settings?
(20:00) I know you are working on your waiver to operate UAS over people, How has the process been to obtain that waiver thus far?
(23:05) Some people use lawyers to obtain COWs, is that something you are doing or would recommend?
(24:20) What are your top 3 lessons from your experience in the drone industry
(27:45) Final 3 Rapid Fire
- What is the coolest project you have ever flown?
- What is your favorite drone to fly?
- What keeps you motivated?
What You Will Learn-
(1:45) The story behind how MSG decides to use blimps during Rangers & Knicks games
(3:40) How flying a blimp is different than flying any other UAS
(7:15) How to create an AMAZING demo reel and the importance of telling a story in your reel through music, motion and other important factors.
(9:00) Tips for drone pilots interested in getting into aerial cinematography
(11:02) Jimmy’s secrets for developing new business and finding quality client leads
(12:10) The types of trade shows where you really find clients
(13:35) Unique ideas for new drone pilots to connect with clients face to face in your community if you can’t afford or attend trade shows
(15:20) The top cinematic drone shots that drone pilots need to practice and should master
(17:50) Is it best to use manual or auto camera settings
(18:45) The importance of ND filters
(20:15) Why obtaining a waiver to fly over people is crucial for aerial cinematographers and how receiving one can enhance the shots you do get on a shoot
(23:25) Managing the balance between cost vs convenience in your business
(24:35) Jimmy’s top 3 lessons learned and recommendations for drone pilots and service providers to be successful in the drone industry
Links Mentioned-
Lyftedmedia.com
Instagram @LyftedMedia
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Show Notes:
Questions-
(1:10) How did you get started in the UAS industry
(2:30) Can you breakdown the different UAS policy options
(4:55) Does speaking in detail about your UAS operation with your insurance broker present an opportunity to help save you money?
(6:30) What do drone pilots need to look out for when dealing with their general insurance company?
(8:30) Tell us why client ask for waiver of subrogation and adding them as an additional insured
(10:15) How easy is it to get those waiver of subrogation and AI additions to your policy?
(10:55) What are the factors that affect the cost of a UAS insurance policy?
(12:30) How much would an average policy be for a single drone operator with 2 drones?
(13:20) Does your experience as a drone pilot effect your insurance premium?
(14:38) What are some additional tips and tricks for drone pilots to save money on their policies?
(16:10) What does the process of filing a UAS claim look like and do you have any suggestions for pilots if/when they have to go through that process?
(18:55) What are you seeing as standard UAS insurance policy limits
(20:10) What are your thoughts on the on-demand drone insurance companies out there?
(24:15) Do you have any final tips for drone pilots out there trying to consider which policy is best for them?
(25:30) Final 3 Rapid Fire
-Craziest client request?
-Most unique place the drone industry has taken you?
-Biggest lesson learned?
What You Will Learn-
(2:45) Difference between liability, hull, payload and other UAS insurance policy options
(5:05) How and why asking questions and having detailed discussions with your insurance broker will save you money
(6:45) What HUGE mistake drone pilots are making when purchasing insurance policies through their general insurance company
(8:35) Why clients ask for waiver of subrogation and to add them as an additional insured. How to present those options to make you look professional to your clients.
(11:00) Which factors affect the cost of a drone insurance policy and which factors have the greatest impact on your insurance premium.
(11:55) How to calculate your expected hull and payload insurance costs depending on the equipment you have
(13:00) Average UAS policy prices for liability, hull, and payload
(13:30) How & why your experience as a drone pilot can affect your insurance premium cost differently depending on the nature of your operations
(14:45) Tips and tricks for drone service providers to save money on their policies
(16:15) Best practices for filing a claim on your UAS insurance policy
(19:15) What the aviation industry standard policy limits are and which industry verticals usually require higher liability limits
(20:20) The drawbacks to using on-demand drone insurance apps
(24:30) Considerations and tips to decide the best UAS policy for you
Links Mentioned-
Bullockagency.com
For more information on the podcast or this episode visit: https://skyelink.org/blog/Harnessing-Aerial-Podcast-Launch
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Questions-
(1:15) Tell us about your background and how you got to Drone Deploy today.
(2:37) Tell us about how you grew a small drone service business into a large company offering enterprise services to large customers
(4:10) What are Enterprise clients really interested in when it comes to the data they are looking to acquire using drones?
(5:50) What are some challenges enterprise clients have when scaling out their drone program and where are there opportunities for Drone Service Providers (DSPs) to supplement those companies with their services?
(7:10) Do you have any tips for DSPs to help them create great portfolios of their work?
(9:40) What is the difference between drone service company and drone software business and how to partner together to maximize value for clients
(11:15) What makes Drone Deploy better than other mapping software and why should drone pilots look at Drone Deploy over others?
(13:05) What are most UAS pilots overlooking about Drone Deploy and what they need to understand about Drone Deploy
(14:30) Is Drone Deploys streamlined analytics only done through the app market?
(15:35) What industries does Drone Deploy offer their turnkey analytics for?
(16:45) Are the turnkey analytics DD offers super expensive or what is the pricing structure?
(17:45) What other major drone industry players do we need to keep our eyes on in 2020?
(19:43) What is the vision and future outlook for Drone Deploy?
(21:00) Do you have any suggestions for new DSPs or DSPs that want to grow further within the mapping industry?
(22:15) How do you go out there to acquire new client, any business development tips?
(25:00) Rapid Fire Round – Final 3
Coolest project you have worked on?
Biggest lesson learned as a droneprenuer?
Favorite drone to fly?
What You Will Learn-
(2:45) How Andrew raised capital and scaled his small drone business
(3:26) The importance of data in drone operations
(4:25) How clients are using drone data in construction, agriculture, oil & gas, and engineering firms.
(5:30) The barriers for enterprise clients to begin a drone program and the challenges once they begin implementing aerial data.
(6:05) What you need to do in order to provide services to and partner with companies that have internal drone programs
(7:15) How to build a winning portfolio that will help you convert more prospects into clients.
(8:15) Why a free to fee model can actually work but how you need to structure it in order for it to be successful
(10:00) The difference between a drone service company and drone software business
(11:56) The strategy that has helped elevate Drone Deploy to become a leader in the drone software space and how its differentiated from others
(13:23) Why Drone Deploy is much more than a mapping software and how it’s drone program management software help DSPs from flight planning and airspace coordination, to complete data analysis and reporting
(14:40) How Drone Deploy offers specialized data analytics/reporting and where to find those turnkey services outside of the app market
(15:35) How facility managers are utilizing drones and aerial data
(17:55) The drone industry players you need to keep an eye on in 2020
(19:50) What Drone Deploy is investing in throughout 2020 and beyond & how it will help DSPs of all types
(21:07) The actions DSPs need to be taking to grow their drone service business and what is less important that they need to put on the back burner
(22:28) The ways Drone Services Providers can develop new business and improve their sales
(23:21) How important going to conferences and getting face to face contact with prospects/client is to help your drone service business
(24:13) How Coronavirus can actually help drone service companies to get in with enterprise clients that may have internal UAS programs
For more information on the podcast or this episode visit: https://skyelink.org/blog/Harnessing-Aerial-Podcast-Launch
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Questions-
(1:20) Tell us about your background in Aviation and UAVs from your time in the Navy & Army.
(6:04) What does your company MODUS specialize in?
(8:30) What is LiDAR and how does it work?
(11:18) What industries are you seeing Drone Based LiDAR being used in?
(15:50) What are the key factors you should be considering when acquiring a LiDAR sensor?
(18:05) What are some scenarios that LiDAR is best to use over photogrammetry?
(23:00) Is the added cost of LiDAR worth it if you are currently using ground control points, ppk or rtk systems?
(25:12) Your biggest challenge starting a geospatial consulting / LiDAR business?
(31:15) Rapid Fire Round – Final 3
What is the coolest project you have worked on?
Favorite place to fly?
Favorite drone to fly?
What You Will Learn-
(5:26) What are the two main challenges in the drone industry right now
(8:34) What LiDAR is and the difference between a LiDAR sensor and a normal visual camera
(10:25) Why would you use LiDAR? What situations is it beneficial
(12:05) The industries that have the highest usage of drone based LiDAR and what are companies in those industries specifically using LiDAR for?
(15:10) What kind of LiDAR system do you need for your use case
(15:35) Which LiDAR sensors can give you the best ROI
(16:25) The factors and data requirements you need to know to evaluate which LiDAR sensor is best for your clients requirements
(18:31) When to use photogrammetry vs when to use LiDAR and the benefits of each method
(23:35) Difference between ground control points and quality control points
(25:20) Challenges when starting LiDAR mapping business
(26:50) Why BVLOS is important from a mapping perspective and the operational barriers it creates in the current regulatory environment
(29:00) How do you show the cost saving benefits and demonstrate risk reduction of LiDAR to potential enterprise clients
(29:50) Importance of knowing your customers to start selling drone-based LiDAR services
Links Mentioned:
-ASPRS Standards (http://www.asprs.org/a/society/divisions/pad/Accuracy/Draft_ASPRS_Accuracy_Standards_for_Digital_Geospatial_Data_PE&RS.pdf)
-LiDAR Equipment / Rentals (modus-ai.com)
-Online LiDAR Training (learn.modus-ai.com)
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Questions-
(1:10) Tell us about your background
(4:20) What services and consulting does Aerial Camera Services provide?
(6:20) Tell us about branding, how you did it and any tips to successfully brand
(9:05) What has been your biggest challenge in having to wear so many different hats as a solopreneur?
(11:52) What would be some tips for drone pilots to find success and get out of those dead end jobs.
(14:10) What drones and sensors are you working with currently?
(18:00) Would you recommend sUAS infrared training or recommend pilots to become a certified thermographer?
(26:45) Final 3 Rapid Fire:
-What is your go to healthy snack for a full day drone job?
-Favorite drone to fly?
-Favorite place you have ever flown?
What You Will Learn-
(3:30) The importance of becoming a good drone flyer to be a good drone service provider
(5:50) Why you need to narrow your niche and how it can help you win customers
(6:30) Tips for branding yourself and your company
(9:45) Ways to optimize your time as a solopreneur to become more efficient and maximize your effectiveness
(12:04) Tips for drone pilots to find success and get away from dead end jobs/clients.
(13:20) Suggestions to brand new pilots or for anyone that wants to get into the drone business
(15:25) Lessons learned from drone crashes
(16:28) Why using pre/post flight checklists and operational documentation is essential for safety
(18:10) Should you become a certified thermographer if you would like to offer aerial infrared imaging
(22:25) The importance of understanding your thermal sensor and basics of thermography to offer infrared imaging and inspection services successfully
(24:20) Why the lowest cost provider strategy can be a downfall to any drone business
(26:00) How saying No to clients can help elevate your business, help you win back more time, and ultimately differentiate your business
For more information on the podcast or this episode visit: https://skyelink.org/blog/Harnessing-Aerial-Podcast-Launch
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Questions-
(1:14) Tell us about your UAS background
(1:52) How is the Los Angeles Fire Department utilizing drones?
(3:30) What services/consulting do you provide at Hot Shots?
(5:12) Were you the driving force for LAFD to start using drones & aerial data?
(5:55) What drones does LAFD have in its arsenal currently?
(6:30) How are you all utilizing the Mavic 2 Enterprise?
(8:30) What would you say to other public safety agencies that have not invested in drone technology yet but are considering doing so?
(10:15) Would you recommend the Mavic 2 Enterprise as a starting point for public safety orgs or something else?
(11:30) What are some opportunities out there for DSPs to partner with public safety organizations?
(15:00) How important is hands on training and how does that helps differentiate yourself from other pilots?
(17:25) What tips do you have for operators trying to obtain COAs?
(21:20) Have you ever been approached during your UAS operation by any kind of authority figure and how did you handle it?
(23:50) What are some lessons you have learned as a small business owner and how to create sustainable success
(27:55) With the COVID19 situation going on currently, we have been seeing drones being utilized for detecting temperature readings in humans, from your perspective, is that effective?
Final 3 Rapid Fire Questions:
Where is the coolest place the drone industry has taken you?
What is your favorite drone to fly?
If you could have one superpower what would it be?
Cut 32:38-33:27
What You Will Learn-
(2:00) How the Los Angeles Fire Department started utilizing drones and how they set up their UAS program for those use cases
(6:45) How LAFD is leveraging its different drones and which drones are best for each use case including the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual, M210 with XT2, Phantom 4 Pro.
(8:40) The various factors that public safety organization need to consider before investing in building out a drone program
(10:30) Recommendations for public safety agencies on how to dip your toes in to drone technology without diving in headfirst too quickly
(11:45) Where there are opportunities out there for DSPs to partner with public safety departments and how they should go about approaching those organizations
(15:20) The difference between certification and qualification and why the distinction matters to improve as a drone pilot
(17:35) Tips and tricks for obtaining COAs and for safe operations in the field
(21:30) How to handle being approached by people or authorities during your drone operation
(24:00) What actions you should take to grow your drone business
(26:45) How to leverage social media and LinkedIn effectively for your brand and business
(28:10) Derricks take on if drones are effective to detect temperature readings in humans
Links Mentioned- Hot Shots
For more information visit: https://skyelink.org/blog/Harnessing-Aerial-Podcast-Launch
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