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:
Connect with Tom and check out Freefly Flux:
https://freeflysystems.com/flux
https://freefly.gitbook.io/astro-public/other-user-manuals/freefly-payloads/flux-lidar-payload
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:
Whether 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:
👉 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:
We’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/
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:
Whether 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.com
https://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:
Whether 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:
If 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_drone
https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers
https://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 make
https://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 safety
Whether 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.com
https://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 access
If 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.s
https://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 accuracy
Whether 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 bases
Adapting to shifting drone compliance lists (Blue List, Green List, NDAA rules)
Tool selection challenges and the rising cost of specialized equipment
Interdisciplinary collaborations with agencies like the EPA, NASA, Forest Service
International research experiences in the Amazon and Galápagos
Student involvement, drone racing, and community engagement at UNC
https://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 mapping
How Spexi's standardized drone network has captured 3.5+ million acres
The regulatory advantages of micro drones in different countries
Real-world applications from emergency response to gaming/metaverse
How drone pilots are earning $300-600+ per day contributing to this network
Our expert guest is Alec Wilson, COO of Spexi
https://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 deliverables
https://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 team
Connect with Joe:
Joe's Bio: https://www.clemson.edu/caac/about/facultybio.html?id=1805
SCiDUC: 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:
Episode Links:
https://www.une.edu/people/will-kochtitzky
https://iceandclimate.org/media/
https://www.une.edu/magazine/2024-edition/mapping-and-revitalizing-maines-coastline
Two major drone executive orders signed June 6th - here's what drone pilots need to know!
Chris Breedlove & David Young break down "Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty" and "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" - including the big BVLOS timeline that could change everything.
KEY POINTS:
Check these links for more information:
1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/restoring-american-airspace-sovereignty/
2. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/06/unleashing-american-drone-dominance/
The US drone industry is facing its biggest challenge yet. Shipping delays have tripled, orders are becoming $90K gambles, and some overseas suppliers have stopped shipping to America entirely. If you're an FPV pilot, drone racer, or run educational drone programs, this affects YOU directly.
🔥 WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:
Why your drone orders are taking 3-4 weeks instead of 1 week
The "tariff gamble" - how a $30K order can become $90K overnight
Which drone components are most at risk (spoiler: it's not what you think)
What to stockpile NOW before shortages hit hard
The 3 critical components every FPV pilot should buy immediately
Why US drone manufacturing is decades behind (and how that's changing)
Real examples of companies losing money on warranty claims
Which components will NEVER be made in America (and why)