Drone News Update

Latest Episodes:

Drone News: DJI RC Plus, Autel Firmware Update, Mavic 2 crash into helicopter, Litchi Updates Feb 25, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: a possible DJI RC Plus leak, Autel firmware update fixes issues with the Nano and Lite, Video of the Mavic 2 crash into a helicopter, and a litchi update adds the A2S, Mini 2, and Mini SE.

A new FCC filing suggests DJI will be releasing a new transmitter! According to the filing, the RC Plus seems to be an intermediate between the RC pro and the RC-N1. We’re not sure if this new controller has a screen This could also be an indication of new drones to come. Will we see this as an option with the rumored Mini 3 or Inspire 3? https://dronexl.co/2022/02/17/dji-rc-plus-fcc-filings/

Autel has released an update for the Nano and the Lite This firmware update adds 24/25/48/50 FPS video Solves Jello issue with nano Adds manual focus Customizable time stamps Speed/video priority modes EVO Nano+ and EVO Nano have gained new high photo resolutions of 8192×6144 and 8000×6000 respectively. https://dronexl.co/2022/02/17/firmware-update-evo-nano-lite-drones/

This story is a bit old, but the video of the crash has finally been released Back story Roughly two years ago - Feb 2020, a Mavic 2 collided with an Airbus helicopter while filming the King of Hammers off-road race in California. There were luckily no injuries, however, The NTSB stated probable cause was the “ failure of the small UAS remote pilot to give way to the helicopter, resulting in an inflight collision” It is important to note that the helicopter operations had a waiver to operate below standard altitudes. https://dronexl.co/2022/02/16/dji-mavic-2-drone-collision-helicopter-ntsb/

Litchi has added support for the Air 2S, Mini 2, and the Mini SE. Litchi says they will support the Mavic 3 as soon as the SDK is released. This update is only for those using an Android operating system An iOS update will be coming in the last week of March or the first week of April. https://dronexl.co/2022/02/23/litchi-update-dji-mini-2-air-2s-mavic-3/

Drone News: UTM Field Test, Superbowl Drone show, NDAA vs Blue UAS, FPV course, FAA admin resigns Feb 18, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: FAA Administrator has announced he will be resigning, the FAA announced this week they will begin Unmanned Traffic Management field testing, the Superbowl drone show, more concerns over blue UAS in comparison to the NDAA, and a new FPV course.

Friday the 11th, the FAA announced the plan to begin testing unmanned traffic management capabilities. Testing will start in the spring of 2022. UTM service will be complimentary but separate from ATM services This field testing is aimed at sUAS operations, generally, below 400’. https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-begins-new-phase-testing-safely-integrate-drones-national-airspace

The NFL put on a drone show for the Super Bowl. This show was shown 4 times, once the Friday prior and three times on Saturday. There were none on Sunday due to the TFR.

Two NDAA compliant drones manufacturers, Terraview and Skyfish are petitioning congress to remove the blue sUAS requirement. These two manufacturers claim the Blue UAS program is causing damage to NDAA compliant manufacturers. Both manufacturers applied for blue UAS, but were told the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) lacked the funding to evaluate their systems. “The Blue sUAS list was never designed to be a gate-keeper for federal government procurement,” says Bruce Myers, Terraview CEO. “It’s actually stifling competition… The DIU never intended the Blue sUAS list to be the be-all-end-all. ” https://dronelife.com/2022/02/12/ndaa-compliant-us-drone-manufacturers-petition-congress-to-remove-blue-suas-requirement-from-gsa/

Check out our new FPV course! This is a step-by-step guide to building a cinematic FPV drone, taught by Don, our FPV instructor. Don goes over what parts to use, how to assemble, and configure the drone to get those awesome dynamic FPV shots. Enroll here: https://pilotinstitute.com/course/cinematic-fpv-drone-from-scratch/

The FAA administration released a memo stating: “Over the past several years, my family has been a source of tremendous encouragement, strength, and support. Nevertheless, after sometimes long and unavoidable periods of separation from my loved ones during the pandemic, it is time to devote my full time and attention to them. As I wrote in my letter to President Biden, it is time to go home.” Administrator Dickson said he made the decision in light of growing extended family and time away from his family. It’s expected Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims will take over Dickson’s duties. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/faa-administrator-to-resign/

Drone News: FAA Interview, Paypixl, DSPA Update, DRL App Tournament, Special PiXL Drone Show Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

This Week, Greg talks with FAA Drone Guy Kevin Morris about the National Airspace System (NAS), Superbowl TFRs, and Remote ID. Bobby Quin, CEO of Paypixl, joins us to talk about his software that helps drone service providers share their data and get paid. Drones are being restricted across the US and the DSPA is fighting back, Greg updates you on what the DSPA is up to. DRL has announced a PAID tournament where contestants will race FPV drones in their app.

Superbowl TFR:https://www.faa.gov/superbowl

DSPA: https://dspalliance.org/

PayPixl: https://paypixl.io/

Check out more from Kevin Morris and the FAA: https://youtu.be/KCXvQ-TYhFs

Paypixl has released its portfolio paywall platform for photographers and pilots This program allows pilots, photographers, and clients to interact, complete jobs, share files, and pay all in one location. Unlike other programs, PayPixl does not own the customer relationships nor the images, models, or other data captured by the pilot. Check out app.paypixl.io

Wisconsin SB868 Assembly Bill 907 No DJI Drones for any state agency

Seattle, WA - Film Permit

Washington State Drone Registration Fee? $15 per aircraft (Part 107)

Money used to create a UAS position

Oregon State Parks Maps with approved locations to fly Could be used for a model in other states

DRL Arcade, a free drone racing app we reported on a few weeks ago, is running a mobile game tournament! The top finishers in each tournament will receive Prizes from DRL including a $250 gift card, a Nacon Headset and controller, and other DRL merch. Check out the app here: https://thedroneracingleague.com/arcade/

Drone News: Inspire 2 EOL, Natulis Cargo Drones, Autel in the Ukraine, Superbowl TFR, DJI & the CCP Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news, DJI has announced the end of life for the inspire 2, Natulis cargo drones, Autel drones are being used in the Ukraine conflict, the upcoming Superbowl TFR, and new information ties DJI to the Chinese Government.

DJI will be discontinuing the Inspire 2 in February “the following products are expected to be sold out in February 2022 the sales will be stopped immediately.” Will we see an Inspire 3 later this year? Drone XL reported a leak that the inspire 3 may be coming as soon as September! https://dronexl.co/2021/12/09/dji-drones-in-2022-inspire-3-mini-3-fpv-mini/ https://dronexl.co/2022/01/27/dji-inspire-2-discontinued/

The company Natilus Drone claims they will be able to reduce air freight costs by 50%. Natilus is based in San Diego, and has 4 sizes of drones in their plan. The 130T is the largest, and has a maximum takeoff payload of 955,000lb. It is suitable for intercontinental flights, as has a range of 5,880 miles. The N3.8T has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 19,000 lb, will be able to carry a load of LD3 containers with a maximum weight of 8,500 lb. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/natilus-drone-claims-it-can-cut-air-freight-costs-by-50-percent-features-a-large-payload-180467.html

Autel aircraft are being used as a resource by those opposing Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine. Autel’s aircraft are not militarized but are instead providing overwatch and recon. These units are being donated by businesses and charities to Ukraine.

There WILL be a TFR around the Superbowl again this year. This will occur on Feb. 13th, 2022 around SoFi Stadium in Inglewood CA. Game day TFR will go into effect at ~2:30 PM PST. 30 NM ring centered over the stadium, the surface to 18,000’. Drones are PROHIBITED in the TFR. https://www.faa.gov/superbowl https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-announces-super-bowl-lvi-safety-plan

A Washington Post report reported that DJI maintains close ties to the Chinese government and received state funding. This is despite repeated claims to the contrary. DJI is not publicly traded, so the list of investors is hard to uncover. Some call this a hit piece ahead of an upcoming FCC vote regarding DJI. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/01/china-funding-drones-dji-us-regulators/

Drone News: Medical Supply Delivery, Drone Sausage Dog Rescue, Osprey v EVO II, and Mavic 3 Update Jan 28, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news, Navajo Nation uses drones for medical deliveries, Drone saves a dog using a sausage, Osprey vs EVO 2, and a big update for the Mavic 3!

A Native American-owned company called “MissionGo” will be helping launch the “Healing Eagle Feather” project This project will deliver essential materials such as insulin kits, meals, anti-venom, and emergency communication devices. No word yet on what aircraft is used, however in the demonstration, an M300 is shown along with a helicopter-styled sUAS. https://www.abc15.com/news/region-northern-az/navajo-nation-to-use-drones-to-deliver-medical-supplies

A Dog in the UK was rescued using a drone and sausage after avoiding rescuers. The dog was stuck in mudflats that would be submerged by the incoming tide when someone had the idea to lure the dog out with sausage attached to a drone. Millie - the Jack Russel was then reunited with her owner.

A student of ours had their EVO 2 taken down by an Osprey. While flying close to a cell tower, the Osprey went after the drone. These pictures tell the rest of the story.

DJI updated the Mavic 3 with promised features Quickshots, Panorama, burst shooting Digital zoom in Video mode Color Display Assist in D Log Support to set RTH altitude for advanced RTH The RC Pro was updated as well to be compatible with the Air 2S. https://dronexl.co/2022/01/24/dji-mavic-3-firmware-update-features/

Drone News: New app secures DJI aircraft, Bengals VS Raiders Drone, Drone that folds while flying Jan 21, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: A new app allows for DJI drones to be flown without transmitting sensitive information, Bengals VS Raiders NFL game flown over by drone, and a drone that folds while flying!

Secure DJI app: https://dronexl.co/2022/01/14/dji-drones-airhub-secure-data-mode/

Last week, during the Bengals and Raiders game, someone with a drone flew over (and inside) the stadium. The operator then went on to post the video on social media. It looks like the drone is only about 20-30 feet over the field during some parts of the video. https://dronexl.co/2022/01/17/illegal-drone-footage-bengals-football-game/

This drone folds in flight to navigate through obstacles that would otherwise cause the drone to crash. Using the propeller’s thrust and reverse thrust, the aircraft can fold up to two arms at a time to fix through smaller holes or into tighter places. These folded arms can also be used to pick up objects, such as a package. Pretty cool use of drones! https://newatlas.com/drones/midair-reconfigurable-quadcopter/

Drone News: BVLOS Corridor, M600 with AED saves a life, Drone show for dog, Two Drone Show Records Jan 14, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: the FAA has approved a 35-mile BVLOS corridor, an M600 with an AED resulted in a life saved, a woman in China spent $12,500 on a drone show for her dog's birthday, and two records set by a drone show in the UAE.

The FAA has approved a BVLOS drone corridor in NY. This corridor will allow BVLOS flights of unmanned aircraft for up to 35 miles. To monitor the BVLOS flights, NUAIR will deploy ground-based surveillance systems to monitor all air traffic and visual observers. https://dronexl.co/2022/01/06/faa-bvlos-flights-new-york/

A DJI M600 saved a life last year by delivering an AED to a man who’d suffered a heart attack in Stockholm. The man was shoveling snow from his driveway when he collapsed. A passerby (who happened to be a doctor) called emergency services. The AED was delivered by drone in 3 minutes, and the man’s heart was restarted before the ambulance arrived. https://dronexl.co/2022/01/05/dji-matrice-delivers-aed/

A woman in China spent $12,500 on a drone show for her dog’s 10th birthday. The show included 520 drones to spell out "Happy 10th birthday to Doudou”. Other images included a birthday cake and a box with a bone in it. The show however was flown inside of a no-fly zone, meaning the drones were at risk to be shot down. Police warned next time, they would shoot the drones down. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/devoted-dog-lover-spends-11000-25898649

DRONE LIGHT SHOW / FIREWORKS SETS -TWO- WORLD RECORDS in the UAE

1 “Highest Altitude Multirotor/Drone Fireworks Display” was the tower of pyrotechnic drones 1,055.8 meters in height, taller than any skyscraper in the world.

2 “Most Remote Operated Multirotor/Drones Launching Fireworks Simultaneously”, when 452 drones launched fireworks simultaneously to create the “Happy New Year” visual in the sky. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDIT5gBuNrY

Drone News: Evo Nano and Lite Arrive, Christmas Day Rescue, Skydio Keyframe, CES Jan 07, 2022

Show notes

This week in drone news: the Evo Nano and Evo Lite have arrived, Christmas day rescue using drones, the new Skydio Keyframe feature, and CES!

After a bit longer than a nano-second, the new Autel drones have arrived!

The Nano is a 249g aircraft with a 1/2” (Nano) or a 1/1.28” (Nano +) sensor and a three-axis gimbal

The Lite is a bit bigger and boasts a 4-axis gimbal with a 1/1.28” or 1” (Lite+) sensor capable of 6k/30 FPS

We’ll be working on getting DeepDives for these new aircraft soon!

CES B-Roll

https://dronexl.co/2021/12/29/autel-evo-nano-lite/

A fire department in VA was able to find two lost hikers on Christmas Day thanks to thermal imaging on a drone.

Rescuers were then guided to the location of the hikers, who’d gone out unprepared for nighttime travel.

There were no injuries reported.

https://nypost.com/2021/12/27/virginia-fire-department-rescues-hikers-on-sharp-top-mountain-with-drone/

Skydio has announced their new “Keyframe” feature which allows an operator to select keyframes and the aircraft will create a cinematic path to match these frames.

Once these frames are set, the user will be able to play back and forwards, as many times as needed and at different speeds

"One of the main things that set professional productions apart is the motion of the camera. With the help of cranes, jibs, and large production crews, Hollywood productions do really unique, interesting things. In the hands of an expert pilot, drone footage can be very cinematic," said Skydio CEO, Adam Bry. "KeyFrame makes this capability accessible to a new wave of creators. Hollywood quality cinematography, available anywhere, anytime."

prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-autonomous-drone-maker-skydio-announces-new-keyframe-capability-for-breakthrough-autonomous-cinematography-301453453.html

Drone News: 2021 Recap - New Drones, Drone bans, Regulation changes, and Pilot Institute Milestones Dec 31, 2021

Show notes

This week in drone news: A recap of the 2021 year including the new drones we’ve seen, drone bans, regulation changes, UAS in public safety, and Pilot Institute milestones.

TRUST: https://trust.pilotinstitute.com/

Drone News: Seattle Drone Laws, Category drones coming soon? Ingenuity hits 30 minutes airborne Dec 24, 2021

Show notes

This week in drone news: Seattle drone laws in question requiring permits for UAS flights, Virginia Tech has received the first approved means of compliance for category aircraft, and the Ingenuity helicopter has hit 30 minutes airborne!

A means of compliance has been accepted by the FAA! Virginia Tech has received the first means of compliance from the FAA. Details are not available on the actual testing method, however, this is the first step towards approved operations over people and category 2/3 aircraft. https://vtx.vt.edu/articles/2021/12/ictas-maap-meansofcompliance.html

The Ingenuity UAS has hit the 30-minute mark! The aircraft has flown 17 times, for a grand total of 30 minutes 48 seconds. “Few thought we would make it to flight one, fewer still to five. And no one thought we would make it this far,” said Ingenuity team lead Teddy Tzanetos. “On the way to accumulating over a half-hour aloft Ingenuity has survived eight months of bitter cold, and operated out of nine unique Martian airfields. The aircraft’s continued operations speaks to the robustness the design and the diligence and passion of our small operations team.” https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/space-flight/mars-helicopter-reaches-30-minute-milestone/

Lots of people are going to be getting drone this holiday season. Pilot Institute asks you to do a few things: Be a good mentor and help educate! Invite new folks with drones or those interested to fly with you. The more in this hobby, the better. Fly safe and Happy holidays!

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