In this article, I review the new Brother AirScouter WD-300C Head-mounted Display, that I have been using for the last 3 weeks. In much of my commercial drone work, I am a single operator drone pilot. That means I am having to control the drone and the camera simultaneously. That translate into looking down at my tablet and back up to the drone, so I can fly safely and still get the shot. I am finding that using a headset even helps me do a better job when I am piloting and have a second operator controlling the camera because I can see what … [Read more...] about Becoming a Better Drone Pilot: Brother AirScouter WD-300C Head-mounted Display Review
UAV
Becoming a Better Drone Pilot – Why would I use a landing pad with my drone?
When I fly my drone, most places have dust, dirt, sand or vegetation and other debris on the ground. Even when there is asphalt, there is most often dirt, dust, small sticks or stones, that gets kicked up from the wind generated by the rotors/propellers. Why use a landing pad? Protect the drone's electric motors The most important reason to me is to keep fine dust, dirt and sand out of the electric motors that power the drone. Each motor has an intake, that draws in air, to keep the motor cool. I have been told by technicians in the … [Read more...] about Becoming a Better Drone Pilot – Why would I use a landing pad with my drone?
Your First Phantom Drone: Part 3 – Settings and beginner drone photography
You have flown in beginner mode using GPS a few times and are getting comfortable with the controls. You can launch it yourself and bring it back home. You should be able to fly forward, backward and sideways. It is time to spread your wings and break out from the beginner mode. Using the DJI Go App, set the maximal altitude to no more than 120 meters or 400’ as required by the FAA. Micro SD cards It’s also time to take some photos. Make sure you have a micro SD card installed in the drone (hint: it goes in upside down). Through the DJI Go … [Read more...] about Your First Phantom Drone: Part 3 – Settings and beginner drone photography
Your First Phantom Drone – Part 2: Unboxing and Preparation
In Part 1, I wrote about buying a new or used drone and getting it registered. Now it’s time to unbox it and prepare for its maiden voyage. Here is an excellent YouTube tutorial from DetroitBORG called “DJI Phantom 4 Unboxing and Review”. I highly recommend watching this if you purchased a later model DJI Phantom. Hopefully, you have the sturdy Styrofoam box with carrying handle that it came in along with a set of 4 propeller blades and an extra set. Propellers, similar yet different In each set of propellers, there are two subtly different … [Read more...] about Your First Phantom Drone – Part 2: Unboxing and Preparation
FAA Releases Drone Rule
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the "Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems" final rule for non-hobby and non-recreational purposes today. Read on for a brief summary. The whole summary of part 107 is here. The rules take effect in 60 days. Highlights of part 107 The rule includes UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) that weigh less than 55 pounds (25kg.) These aircraft may not be used over crowds of people not involved in its operation. Drones my not be operated inside a covered structure or stationary … [Read more...] about FAA Releases Drone Rule
What to Look For At NAB 2016
It is that time of year again. NAB is just around the corner. My inbox and social media have already been flooded with official announcements and "unofficial" leaks. What am I excited to see on the show floor? There is a lot to cover, so let's dive in. Lytro Cinema — Lytro's light field cameras caused quite a stir in the photography community a while back. And, while the consumer market was not ready for the Illium, Lytro has not been idle. I knew they had VR projects in the pipeline, but I did not see Lytro Cinema coming. … [Read more...] about What to Look For At NAB 2016
DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
At least as much as anyone, I'm intrigued by drones. I've always wanted to be a pilot, I'm reading a book on the Wright Brothers right now, I fly every chance I get, and if I ever have a first born son, I'm torn between naming him Bernoulli or Orville. I'm crazy about flying, but I don't own a drone. However, the newest announcement from DJI certainly has me considering it more than I ever. I have three concerns that have kept me back from buying a drone, but the Phantom 4 seems to address them pretty well. 1. The Camera As much as I like … [Read more...] about DJI’s Phantom 4: A Photographer’s Take
10 Tips for New Drone Flyers
Drones are really a lot of fun once you safely learn to fly them. Here are a few important tips to help you get up and flying. I didn't list them in any particular order, so be sure to read through all of them before you get started. Know how to shut your drone off quickly! As youre learning to fly your drone, things can sometimes get out of control. The best thing to do is land the drone and shut it off. Practice just turning it on and off, without lifting it from the ground. Find a large, open area outside for your first flight. … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for New Drone Flyers
Registering a Drone is Easy
Registration of drones-unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs is now the law of the land starting today, Monday December 21, 2015. The process couldn't be simpler. Go to https://registermyuas.faa.gov. If you are flying a micro-drone (they usually cost less than $100.00) that weighs less than half a pound, no registration is needed. If it weighs between .55 and 55 pounds you must register. Click Register My Drone to get started. The whole process takes about five minutes. You will enter your email then create a password. Once that's done the … [Read more...] about Registering a Drone is Easy
Like It Or Not, All Drones Must Be Registered
Today, the FAA formally announced plans for the registration of small unmanned aircraft (UAS), better known as "drones". The new laws apply to any UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) including payloads such as on-board cameras. Effective December 21st, all owners of qualifying drones are required to register them with the FAA. Failure to comply may result in civil and criminal penalties. Registration includes a $5 fee, which will be refunded for all registrations submitted before January … [Read more...] about Like It Or Not, All Drones Must Be Registered
