Drone News Update

Latest Episodes:

Drone News: Mini 3 Pro released, Ingenuity recovers from dust storm, WingCopter cert, FliteFest 2022 May 13, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news; DJI released the Mini 3 Pro, the drone on mars is recovering from a dust storm, Wingcopter gets criteria for part 21 cert, and FliteFest 2022!

Download comparative footage and images on our blog!

Mini 3 Pro Blog Review: https://pilotinstitute.com/dji-mini-3-pro-review/

Learn about the newest addition to DJI's lineup!

DeepDive: https://pilotinstitute.com/course/dji-mini-3-pro-deep-dive/

See Greg and the Team's opinions on the Mini 3 Pro!

Review: https://youtu.be/pn2iJq5hrcU

Should you upgrade from the Mini 2?

Mini 3 Pro vs Mini 2: https://youtu.be/8oqmifYVVwQ

The Mini 3 Pro was officially released on Tuesday, and it packs some awesome features in a tiny drone.

4k60

1/1.3” CMOS

Landscape/portrait mode

Focus track, Master shots, and Quickshots

New RC Plus

Deep Dive! Link to our own review

Ingenuity experienced a blackout due to dust accumulation on its solar panels

This resulted in a pause in the mission for both ingenuity and for perseverance.

This shows that a “Test vehicle” designed for four flights has become a massive asset for the Perseverance team.

With 28 completed flights, the Ingenuity is the first power flight on another planet!

https://www.space.com/mars-ingenuity-helicopter-blackout-dust

On Wed Wingcopter announced the FAA had issued the special class airworthiness criteria.

This is NOT yet an airworthiness certificate but rather the requirements that must be met to obtain an airworthiness certificate!

This is a huge step forwards for drone delivery!

https://wingcopter.com/airworthiness-criteria

We just booked our travel to FliteFest 2022!

FliteFest is in Malvern, Ohio in June 22-26, and is a remote control flying conference.

Join us and the guys at flitefest to fly both drones and airplanes!

https://www.flitefest.com/

Drone News: Snapchat Drone, Skyward ending ops, Disney Drone show, Find your stolen drone, PI Update May 06, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news; Snapchat has released a drone, Skyward to end operations in June, Disney Paris celebrates with a drone show, an app to find your stolen drone, and finally an update on free stickers!

Snapchat has released a drone!

This drone, “Pixy” is a "free-flying sidekick” and is essentially a selfie drone.

Pixy is autonomous, taking video as it flies which is then transferred to and saved within Snapchat’s app.

The drone is ducted and weighs only 101g.

$249.99 -

https://www.pixy.com/shop?utm_source=g_brandsearch&utm_medium=pixy_paid&utm_campaign=us_g_brandsearch_conversion_snapchatpixy&utm_term=snapchatpixy&utm_content=shop_page

Skyward, a Verizon company, announced this week that they would end operations.

Skyward provided LAANC airspace authorization, and fleet management.

Refocus on ground robot management. connectivity services, and solution development.

They will continue services through June 30, 2022.

This is yet another LAANC provider that is having a difficult time monetizing in the drone space.

AirMap shut down operations a few months ago and was purchased by Drone Up shortly after.

If you need a replacement, be sure to look at either Aloft or UASidekick.

To celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Disney Paris, the park launched a drone show!

The show featured 150 color changing drones prior to the fireworks show

The only previous drone show occurred in 2016 in Orlando.

This goes to show that Drones may be the next big thing next to firework shows!

https://www.avinteractive.com/news/drones/first-drone-show-launched-inside-disney-theme-park-03-05-2022/

The Australian Company DroneSec has launched a “Stolen Drone Registry”

This database allows users to report drones stolen, including the make, model, serial number, and date/location of the loss.

The system actively scans eBay, Facebook marketplace, and other locations for matches.

Once a match has been found, the person who reported the theft is contacted.

https://dronexl.co/2022/04/27/stolen-drones-info/

Pilot Institute is proud to announce we’ve shipped over 10,000 stickers

We’re not stopping! We’re going to continue this to bring awareness to the only correct place to register your drones - the FAA’s website!

The cost is $5 on the FAA’s site, and our stickers are free.

Order yours at pilotinstitute.com/free

Drone News: Whitehouse Seeks More Power over Drones, DJI Inspire 3, New FLIR, Pilot Institute Wiki Apr 29, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news; The Whitehouse has released an action plan calling for more power to regulate drones in and around sensitive locations, DJI Inspire 3 leaks, a new FLIR camera, and our newly released Pilot Institute Wiki!

The presidential administration is calling on congress to expand authority of both federal and local governments to take action against drones.

This action plan calls for expanding fed and local agencies that can track/monitor drones “flying in their airspace”.

It also involves creating a ground system to detect drones that can be used by federal/local governments.

“adopt legislation to close critical gaps in existing law and policy that currently impede government and law enforcement from protecting the American people and our vital security interests.”

This plan also involves allowing counter UAS operations for certain authorities.

https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-federal-aviation-administration-congress-90c34d902cacb04d0d7369356d9706c1

DJI Inspire 3 reportedly shown in a video

Zenmuse X9

To be released In September - Before the 16th?

https://dronexl.co/2022/04/22/dji-inspire-3-video-dji-insiders/

Mini 3 release delayed?

According to Jasper Ellens, a longtime DJI Leaker, the Mini 3 will release May 10th.

FLIR has released a new camera!

This camera is a 640x512 Boson LWIR, along with a 64MP EO camera

IP54

56g

60Hz video output via USP or MIPI

Hopefully, we’ll see some cool new thermal drones soon!

https://www.flir.com/products/hadron-640r/

We know you guys have trouble finding a single resource for local drone regulations.

Over the last few months, we have been working hard to create a source that you can edit and update.

We just released our new wiki page which contains not only all the local drone regulations but suggestions for places to fly locally.

The best part is, we want your contribution to telling us where you love to fly in your state, as well as any other drone laws we didn’t find.

Up and down vote locations to fly

Submit a photo and suggest places to fly

Submit new or updated regulation

The Phoenix page is the perfect example of what we will achieve for the rest of the country.

Check it out at pilotinstitute.com/drones

We’ve also launched Facebook groups for each state!

This is to help you network and get into your local UAS community.

This is a perfect place to organize meetups and learn about the local regulations and fight existing or new drone laws (alongside organizations like DSPA).

Join your state’s group!

Drone News; DJI Mini 3 Pricing, GoPro Hero Black Bones, BVLOS FPV Waiver, Gresco Buys DJI AZ Apr 15, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news; More leaks of the DJI Mini 3 including pricing, GoPro has released a slim action camera for drones, the first BVLOS waiver has been granted for FPV without a visual observer, and Gresco acquires DJI Arizona.

Looks like the mini 3 will be released on either the 27th or 28th of April

Other leaks suggest a possible 1” sensor on the mini 3 pro

This has been supported by leaks on other sites, such as Amazon

Pricing has also been released, and combos may start as low as ~$520, and extend to ~$1250.

https://dronexl.co/2022/04/11/dji-mini-3-pricing-leaked/

https://dronexl.co/2022/04/08/mini-3-release-date-april/

https://dronexl.co/2022/04/13/amazon-dji-mini-3-drone/

GoPro has released the Hero 10 Black Bones

This is an action camera specifically for lightweight FPV drones.

Resolution up to 5.3K60 and hyper smooth 4.0

Pricing is currently 399.98.

https://dronexl.co/2022/04/13/gopro-hero10-black-bones-fpv-drones/

On April 11th, 2022 Kenji Sugahara was awarded a BVLOS FPV waiver that does not require a visual observer.

This waiver is based on sheltered operations and flying below obstacles.

https://dspalliance.org/fpv-bvlos-waiver/?fbclid=IwAR1V1Kxje4_i1YZ7tl4psBIeDmyW0z4wH2Ki5Z8xi2-CA75k6x55k-H3h-0

DJI Arizona/Innovative UAS will be merging with Gresco Technology Solutions.

DJI Arizona has been servicing consumers in Arizona since 2014 and will now be focusing on the Enterprise Market as part of Gresco.

Gresco has been one of the leaders in providing UAS services to the public safety, electric utility and transportation sector.

Drone News: DJI Mini 3 and Mavic 3s Leaks, AUVSI Xponential, Ingenuity Wins Collier Trophy Apr 08, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: Two DJI leaks point to a new Mavic 3S and a new Mini 3 and/or Mini 3 pro, AUVSI Xponential is just around the corner, and the Ingenuity helicopter has won the Collier Trophy.

Mini 3 pro?

3 axis gimbal

Possible 180-degree view

Obstacle avoidance

Maximum aperture f/1.7

249g

https://dronexl.co/2022/04/02/dji-mini-3-pro-video-photos-release-imminent/

Rumors of a new Mavic 3s

New telephoto sensor - 1”

Main camera unchanged

Larger battery - 15% increase in battery life

Fixed satellite lock time

Fall 2022 or Q1 2023

https://dronexl.co/2022/03/25/dji-mavic-3s-fall-release/

AUVSI Xponential is just a few weeks away!

Greg and Jason will be attending

Use promo code PILOTINST20OFF for 20% off tickets

Our partners at @AUVSI are known for convening the best & brightest minds in uncrewed systems and autonomous tech. This April, they’re hosting their flagship event, XPONENTIAL, in Orlando. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of autonomy! Learn more: xponential.org

The Ingenuity helicopter has been awarded the Collier Trophy by the National Aeronautic Association.

To date the Ingenuity has logged a total of 43 minutes of flight time over 24 flights.

Ingenuity is the first powered and controlled flight of an aircraft on another planet.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/mars-helicopter-wins-collier-trophy/

Drone News: Texas Law unconstitutional, NY Rec Pilot Fined 15K, TBSRRS, South Florida Drone Meetup Apr 01, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: Texas law 423 has been found unconstitutional by a federal judge, a recreational pilot in New York was fined more than $15,000, an update from our travels to the Texas Public Safety Robot Response Summit, and an upcoming South Florida Drone Meetup.

Texas Drone law 423 was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge

The law restricted drone use and distribution of images captured via drones.

“The challenged Texas statutes prohibited legitimate newsgathering that causes no harm, and unconstitutionally drew distinctions that disallowed journalistic drone photography but allowed the exact same drone photography when done for other favored purposes. Judge Pitman properly found that these distinctions were improper and that the statutes were so vague as to be unconstitutional.”

https://petapixel.com/2022/03/30/stringent-texas-anti-drone-law-overturned-in-federal-court/

A drone pilot from NYC was fined by the FAA over 15k last December.

The pilot stated they were operating under 44809 but did not meet the requirements.

The operator was issued a $15,205 fine.

The FAA issued fines for three flights, including

107.12, No remote pilot certificate,

107.13, drone not registered,

107.19(c) Posing a hazard to people, aircraft or property,

107.23(a) Flying at night without a waiver (Prior to new rules),

107.29(a) Flying over people without a waiver (Prior to new rules),

107.41 Flying in controlled airspace without authorization,

107.65 No 24 month recency of knowledge.

Brinc Drones and ICOR robotics have partnered to save lives.

This partnership will enable ICOR robots to deploy Brinc aircraft into structures.

DroneSense has launched remote drone operations geared towards public safety.

This allows an operator to remotely pilot a drone in order to respond to emergencies.

The web-based interface allows for near-real-time control with minimal video latency.

https://www.newswire.com/news/dronesense-launches-remote-drone-operations-software-designed-for-21667096

New firmware update for EVO Nano and Lite Series drones

Dynamic tracking of video subject (person only) on EVO Lite+

160Mbs video and image downloading from drone to phone via Wi-Fi

8-bit Log video

HDR video

More enhancements and issue fixes

April 2nd, 2022 7AM - 4PM

FREE

Jensen Beach Causeway Park

Jensen Beach Causeway (southside)

Jensen Beach, FL 34957

Drone news: DJI Matrice 30, Mars Drone Extended, Attempted Drone Smuggling, and Industry Update Mar 25, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: the DJI Matrice 30 has been released, the Ingenuity drone on mars has been extended to continue flights, a man attempting to smuggle drugs using drones has been arrested, and events/UAS industry update.

Mavic 3 DeepDive: https://pilotinstitute.com/course/dji-mavic-3-deep-dive/

The Matrice 30 was released this week

Available as M30 or M30T

48MP 1/2 CMOS and 5x to 16x optical and 200x digital zoom

12MP wide-angle cam

8k photo and 4k 30 fps and laser range finder.

M30T has an additional 640x512px radiometric thermal cam

IP55, OcuSync 3 Enterprise, 41 minute flight time, quick recharge, local data mode, emergency 3 prop landing, 3.7kg

along with releases of the

DJI RC Plus - New enterprise smart controller

DJI FlightHub 2 - Flight planning and docking station software

DJI Dock - Docking station for the M30

DJI Zenmuse H20N - Night Vision

https://dronexl.co/2022/03/21/foldable-dji-matrice-30-m30/

NASA has officially extended flight operations for the Mars drone Ingenuity!

Currently, Ingenuity has logged over 38 minutes of flight (One Evo 2 or Mavic 3 battery) and traveled 2.9 miles The missions will focus on supporting the Perseverance, providing route assistance, assessing targets, and imaging other features outside of the rover's reach.

https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/space-flight/mars-helicopter-mission-extended

A man in Washington County Tennessee has been arrested after flying a drone over a jail yard.

The drone was carrying a package wrapped in black electrical tape.

Officers managed to grab the package and disconnect it from the drone.

The drone then crashed due to the fishing line being tangled in the propellers.

The package contained illegal narcotics and oxycodone pills.

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/drugs-smuggle-drone-washington-county-wcyb-east-tennessee/51-ef893852-e526-4dc7-ab3d-34844a89e532

Drone News: Three DJI Leaks, BVLOS ARC Report, eBee Tac Blue UAS, Oregon State Parks Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Join Greg as we talk about the most recent DJI Leaks, the BVLOS Report published by the ARC, eBee Tac became an approved Blue UAS, and an update on the issue within Oregon State Parks.

Give Billy some love: https://www.youtube.com/c/BillyKyle

New Matrice https://dronexl.co/2022/03/15/foldable-dji-matrice-drone-m400/Expected to be the Matrice 30. Expected to be released on March 21 Compact Enterprise drone, a hybrid between the Matrice 300 and the Mavic Enterprise

Inspire 3 https://dronexl.co/2022/03/14/dji-inspire-3-specs/Rumored to have 8K @ 75 FPS, 4K at 200 FPSSuper 35 CMOS, ProRes 4444XQ 10 Bit & 422HQ

Mini 3 body leaked https://dronexl.co/2022/03/15/dji-mini-3-body-leaked/

This could show the body of the rumored Mini 3 The BVLOS Report is out! There is tons of information in it, and we’ve been reading over the 250-page document along with the voting results. We will have a live Q&A session about the report today Friday, March 18 at 6pm Eastern/3pm Pacific with Kenji Sugahara (on the ARC) and Vic Moss We’ll be making a full video on the results and what this may mean for the industry If you want to read it, here’s the link! https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/committees/documents/media/UAS_BVLOS_ARC_FINAL_REPORT_03102022.pdf

The eBee TAC has been added to the Blue sUAS cleared list!

This is the first under the DIU’s Blue sUAS 2.0 The Ebee is made by sensefly and owned by AgEagle. We’re interested to see how many others that are part of the Blues sUAS will be selected and we hope this adds more competition to the Blue sUAS market for better drones! https://www.suasnews.com/2022/03/ebee-tac-drone-solution-added-to-blue-uas-cleared-list-by-defense-innovation-unit/

This is a call to action!

Oregon is looking to change the rules to allow drones to be flown inside their state parks - except in sensitive areas. Comments are currently open on this proposed rule change. We need YOU to email Oregon State Parks and support this change, many people are opposing this rule change simply because they don’t like drones. The email is in the description! OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov https://dronexl.co/2022/03/08/oregon-drone-community-help-now/

Drone News: Oregon State Parks, TX Workshop, IRIS Automation BVLOS with Reno Fire, DJI Mini 3 Specs Mar 11, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: Oregon State parks are looking to change their rules to allow drones and we need your help to ensure it goes through, an upcoming industry event in Texas, IRIS Automation's BVLOS waiver with Reno Fire has been approved, and Mini 3 Specs.

Please email the Oregon State Parks department!!!

Oregon State Parks: OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

This is a call to action!

Oregon is looking to change the rules to allow drones to be flown inside their state parks - except in sensitive areas.

Comments are currently open on this proposed rule change.

We need YOU to email Oregon State Parks and support this change, many people are opposing this rule change simply because they don’t like drones.

The email is in the description!

OPRD.publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

https://dronexl.co/2022/03/08/oregon-drone-community-help-now/

Iris Automation, on behalf of the Reno Fire Department, has gotten a waiver to fly BVLOS

Without any visual observers

Without any use of ground-based detection equipment

This was achieved using the Casia X sense and avoid technology.

https://www.reno.gov/Home/Components/News/News/19976/576

More DJI Leaks now include possible specifications!

DJI Mini 3 Spec Guess. 1/1.3″ CMOS, F1.7 large aperture

The gimbal is tilted at a large angle, and you can shoot upwards

The camera supports vertical mode

3 direction obstacle avoidance

Active Track

O3 transmission

New remote control with screen

https://dronexl.co/2022/03/06/dji-mini-3-specs/

Have you experienced PSI testing troubles? If so:

This is not acceptable. I need you to do 3 things:

- Email PSI to let them know your experience: https://www.psionline.com/contact/form?tab=support

- Email the FAA Testing Branch to let them know about your experience as well at afs630comments@faa.gov so they can follow up.

- Email me at greg@pilotinstitute.com so I can compile the data and email both of these entities.

Drone News: DJI RC Plus, DJI Mini 3 rumors, DJI Agras T40 and T20P, Man arrested for drone smuggling Mar 04, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: More DJI RC Plus images, DJI Mini 3 possibly leaked, DJI Agras T40 and T20P appear on the FCCs database, and a man arrested for smuggling drugs and other things with a drone into prison.

Have you experienced PSI testing troubles? If so:

This is not acceptable. I need you to do 3 things:

- Email PSI to let them know your experience: https://www.psionline.com/contact/form?tab=support

- Email the FAA Testing Branch to let them know about your experience as well at afs630comments@faa.gov so they can follow up.

- Email me at greg@pilotinstitute.com so I can compile the data and email both of these entities.

Free drone registration labels:

https://pilotinstitute.com/free/

Our Other Channels

- PIXL Drone Show: drone related podcast, posts every Tuesday morning. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbeSmbjvE0etKry8Nk2n0CQ

- Pilot Institute Airplane: our airplane channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIgBjGoM-yn_3bH8Qr9xkXA

Our courses

- Part 107 Made Easy: the most comprehensive ground school online. https://bit.ly/2AkRWq0

- Drone Business Made Easy: start your drone business with a solid foundation. https://bit.ly/3dVT55T

- Drone Flying 101: the perfect course for beginners. https://bit.ly/2XUy3Pc

- Drone Maneuvers Mastery: become a better pilot with these 50 maneuvers designed to improve your flying skills. https://bit.ly/3hkWkG3

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The DJI RC Plus that we talked about last week has been spotted in use!

The DJI leaker OsitaLV tweeted that the new DJI RC Plus may work with upcoming drone models, such as the DJI Matrice 400RTK

The controller appears to have a number of customizable buttons and large antennas.

https://dronexl.co/2022/03/01/dji-rc-plus-spotted-matrice-drones/

(Photoshopped?) images of a possible Mini 3 have been leaked by the long-time DJI Leaker OsitaLV.

The images show a smart controller of sorts and a strange looking mini style drone.

Most are discarding this “leak” as a joke, however there are rumors that a Mini 3 will release in April.

https://dronexl.co/2022/03/01/dji-mini-3-release-date/

Another leak from the FCC has added the DJI Agras T40 and the DJI Agras T20P to the list of upcoming DJI aircraft

Both aircraft seem to use the new DJI RC Plus smart controller

No word on when these will be released or which aircraft is shown in the picture.

https://dronexl.co/2022/02/25/drones-in-agriculture-dji-agras-t40/

A man in South Carolina was arrested after authorities say he crashed a drone filled with contraband into a prison yard.

The package on the drone contained 558g of Marijuana, 585g of tobacco, four hacksaw blades, and three lighters.

According to warrants, the man, Joshua Bryan Jordan, was seen flying on the aircraft’s video.

https://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/summerville-man-arrested-after-crashing-drone-with-contraband-into-prison-yard/

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