Drone Nerds Drives Innovation, Collaboration at Second-Annual ElevateUAV Conference

Florida’s Can’t Miss Drone Show by DRONELIFE Contributor T. Seth Ford (Nashville, TN) Images courtesy Seth Ford, used with permission. Kovens Conference Center, Florida International University, November 12–14, 2024 Sounds of rotors, lots of them, echoed outside the Kovens Conference Center at Florida International University for the ElevateUAV 2024 Conference, hosted and organized by Ft. […]

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Drones Transform Emergency Response with Advanced Communication Technology [VIDEO]

AERIAL Research Project Develops Groundbreaking UAS Communication Systems The AERIAL research project, a collaboration between VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and New York University Tandon School of Engineering, is advancing drone technology to enhance urban safety and emergency response. This three-year project, concluding in December 2024, focuses on creating advanced communication systems for Unmanned […]

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Black Friday 2024: the best drone deals you can shop today

The wait is over — Black Friday 2024 is officially here! If you’re a drone enthusiast, this is the best time of year to snag incredible deals on drones, accessories and pilot training courses. Companies are competing for your dollars, offering steep discounts and exclusive bundles to help you take your flying skills to new heights.

I’ve been tracking drone prices for over a decade, so I know which sales are actually worth your money. To save you the hassle, I’ve sifted through countless promotions to bring you the best Black Friday 2024 drone deals.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift for the drone pilot in your life, here are the top deals to grab right now:

Best drone deals

20% off DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo (now $1,240)

Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Air 3 in July 2023.
Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Air 3 in July 2023.

Price: $1,240 (normally $1,549)

Sure, the DJI Air 3S drone is the spiffier version of this one that’s on sale. But I still maintain that the DJI Air 3, which is a mid-range drone that I loved when I first reviewed it in 2023, is perfect for hobbyists and semi-pro pilots. Its standout features include omnidirectional obstacle sensing, improved internal storage (42GB), and an all-new Panorama mode. With a $300 Black Friday discount, it’s an excellent buy for those looking to save while still getting a top-notch drone.

Related read: DJI Air 3 vs. DJI Air 3S: which is better given the price tag?

Now on most days, the Air 3S Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 retails for the same price as the DJI Air 3 on normal days. But this weekend, the DJI Air 3 is $300 cheaper.

Up to 30% off HOVERAir X1 plus free battery

The ultra-portable HOVERAir X1 offers 4K video, auto-follow, and cinematic templates, making it a great selfie drone. While I typically recommend the DJI Neo for its lower price, the X1’s free battery and steep discount make it a solid alternative DJI alternative.

Read my HoverAir X1 review, and then check out the HOVERAir X1 sale before it ends on Dec. 2.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo (DJI RC): 0% APR and free water bottle

DJI Mavic 3 The Drone Girl Sally French

The Mavic 3 Pro is the best of the best. This flagship drone boasts a triple-camera system, Hasselblad imaging tech, and 43 minutes of flight time. When you shop directly through DJI, the company sweetens the deal with 0% APR financing and a free water bottle.

The 0% APR financing offer can be helpful in allowing you to spread out payments with no interest. Just realize the risks of jumping on such an offer. Missing payments or stretching your finances too thin can lead to fees or negative impacts to your credit scores down the line.

25% off Lumenier QAV-PRO products

Over at GetFPV, all the Lumenier QAV-PRO products are 25% off. No coupon codes needed. The discount automatically applies at checkout.

Other drone gifts I’m loving

Potensic Mystery Box Surprises (starting at $19.99)

Each Mystery Surprise Box from toy drone maker Potensic contains surprise items like mini drones, batteries, and propellers. It’s a fun and affordable gift idea for hobbyists.

Drone Pilot Ground School’s lowest price ever (just $107, or 65% off)

The Drone Pilot Ground School drone pilot’s license course helped me pass the Part 107 test on my first try. At just $107 through Nov. 29 with the discount code FLYDAY24, this is now the lowest price ever offered.

Enroll in Drone Pilot Ground School (and enter promo code FLYDAY24) here.

Pilot Institute’s Buy More, Save More sale

Pilot Institute is the best choice or pilots interested in both uncrewed and crewed aircraft training. Besides their Part 107 courses, they offer training in areas such as  checkrides and instrument ratings

For Black Friday, you save more depending on how much you enroll in. The terms of their sale is:

  • 30% discount when purchasing 1 class
  • 40% discount when purchasing 2 classes
  • 50% discount when purchasing 3 or more classes

Shop the Pilot Institute 2024 Black Friday sale here.

UAV Coach online courses (50% off)

UAV Coach offers courses for beginners and aspiring drone business owners. Highlights include their Drone Business Blueprint and Drone Mapping Essentials. And now through Dec. 4, 2024, almost all UAV Coach courses are 50% off with the code BFCM24. There are a few exceptions that don’t qualify for the discount, such as the Drone Mapping Essentials Workshop (DME) and Hands-On Flight Training.

Course Retail Price Discounted Price
The Drone Business Blueprint (DBB) $149 $74
Drone Mapping Essentials (DME) $199 $99
Skill Builder (SB) $119 $59

Course bundles offer deeper discounts, like the Commercial Drone Business Bundle, which includes DPGS and the Drone Business Blueprint for just $199 (normally $448).

These courses are great for either straight up newbies, or people who are familiar with drones but are new to launching a business. The Skill Builder is an amazing intro to drones class for someone who needs a flying confidence boost. Meanwhile, Drone Mapping Essentials is one of the best online drone mapping classes to learn what you need to know ahead of growing a drone business that actually makes big money.

Enroll in UAV Coach (and enter promo code BFCM24) here.

Peltier Photo Courses: 25% off

Former Air Force pilot John Peltier is offering a 25% discount on all courses at Peltier Photo Courses this week. His training lineup ranges from a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep Course to photo courses on topic areas such as “Basics of Light, Composition, and Color.”

To get in on the 25% off deal, use discount code CYBER24. The deal is available through Wednesday, Dec. 4.

A stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott for their drone show

A Christmas themed drone show from Sky Elements. (Photo courtesy of Sky Elements)

I prefer experiences, not things, which is why I love this gift idea: a stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Why? They’re running a Christmas drone light show.

Their Cyber Sale offers 25% savings on weekend stays through Jan. 20, though you must book anytime on or before Travel Tuesday.

Deals on other great gadgets for drone pilots

DJI Osmo Action 4 Camera Standard Combo: $90 off

The DJI Osmo Action 4 camera. (Photo by DJI)

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a rugged action camera that is waterproof while capable of capturing stunning 4K footage.

Normally $299, a few authorized DJI retailers including B&H and Drone Nerds have it on sale for just $209.

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Over-Ear Active Noise Canceling Headphones: $150 off

Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver for editing videos or working in noisy environments. Today, the normally $349 headphones are on B&H Photo for just $199.

52% off DJI Power 1000 (now $480)

Price: $480 (normally $999)

For drone pilots who love road trips or outdoor adventures, this compact power station is a must-have. At over 50% off, this deal is hard to pass up, especially considering this is the best portable power stations for drone pilots.

Black Friday 2024 has shaped up to be the perfect time to upgrade your drone gear or dive into pilot training at a fraction of the cost. These deals won’t last long, so act fast before items sell out!

Have you found any other great Black Friday drone deals this year? Share them in the comments!

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Drone Accessory Maker Unusual Machines Shares Surge After Donald Trump Jr. Joins Advisory Board

Florida-based Unusual Machines, Inc., a drone and drone components manufacturer, announced on November 27th that Donald Trump Jr., an investor in the Company, has joined the Company’s advisory board. “Don Jr. joining our board of advisors provides us unique expertise we need as we bring drone component manufacturing back to America,” said Allan Evans, Unusual […]

Leonardo’s Falco Xplorer Completes Successful EUDAAS Demonstration

The European Detect and Avoid System (EUDAAS) demonstrator, integrated into Leonardo’s Falco Xplorer, completed its final test flight at Trapani airport, validating advanced sensors, digital flight controls and smart technologies for safe integration of large remotely piloted aircraft into European air traffic alongside other crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Leonardo announced the successful completion of a […]

Dynetics Gets US Army Contract Worth up to $4BN for Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2

On November 13, 2024, the Army awarded Dynetics, Inc. an Undefinitized Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity letter contract for Indirect Fire Protection Capability Inc 2 Low-Rate Initial Production, Full Rate Production, and Support Services. The contract valued at $4.1 billion will initially procure 18 IFPC Inc 2 launchers. The total not-to-exceed dollar value of the undefinitized contract […]

Finland’s Summa Defence to Establish a Drone Production Facility in Finland with Ukrainian Partners

The Finnish defense and security technology group Summa Defence Ltd is establishing a drone production facility in Finland in collaboration with its Ukrainian partners. The purpose of the facility is to rapidly increase production capacity for drones used in combat in Ukraine, while also introducing industrial-scale drone production in Finland and Europe. Widescale drone production […]

Black Friday Part 107 drone training course deals

Looking for a Black Friday Part 107 drone training course deal? A bunch of great online Part 107 test prep courses are offering mega discounts this week — and even into next week.

Under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107, any operating a drone commercially needs to obtain a drone pilot license, formerly referred to as a “remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating.” In order to get that, you will need to pass an in-person written exam, which you’ll commonly hear referred to as the “Part 107 test.”

For most people, online training programs are the most cost-effective and time-efficient ways to study.

Four of my favorite programs are offering discounts this Black Friday week and into Cyber Monday 2024. So with that, here are the Black Friday Part 107 course deals you need to know:

$107 off Drone Pilot Ground School: best overall

Between now and Nov. 29, you can get access to Drone Pilot Ground School, which is the largest Part 107 training course in the world for just $107. That’s the lowest price ever offered on this course.

And I officially endorse it. After all, it’s what I used to study for (and pass!) the Part 107 test.

The course is normally $299, but will be on sale now for just $107. Enter promo code FLYDAY24 to qualify for the discount.

Their course includes hours video-based lectures, practice questions, a “cram sheet,” flash cards and more. There are also weekly zoom calls to ask questions and network.

Plus, Drone Pilot Ground School offers a money-back guarantee that you’ll pass on your first try. — the industry’s #1 online test prep course that guarantees you’ll pass the FAA Part 107 test on your first try or your money back.

Check out my full Drone Pilot Ground School review.

Pilot Institute’s Buy More, Save More sale: best if you’re interested in flying crewed aircraft, too

Pilot Institute is primarily known for their courses for crewed aircraft. With them, you can learn about checkrides and instrument ratings. But you came for Part 107 courses, and those are on sale in a sense too — but only if you purchase other courses. That’s because the Pilot Institute Black Friday sale is a buy more, save more type deal.

Sure, you can save a little bit on just the Part 107 class. But if you throw in others, you’ll save even more. Here are the discounts:

  • 30% when purchasing 1 class
  • 40% when purchasing 2 classes
  • 50% when purchasing 3 or more classes

Shop the Pilot Institute 2024 Black Friday sale here.

Peltier Photo Courses: best if you’re also interested in photography

I like the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep Course for people who also want to improve their photography. That’s because — though instructor John Peltier’s Part 107 course is solid — his bread and butter are his drone photo courses, such as  “Basics of Light, Composition, and Color.” Other courses are specific to major camera brands like Nikon and Fujifilm.

Through Dec. 4 (the end of Cyber Week), all of Peltier’s courses at Peltier Photo Courses are 25% off. To get the deal, you need to enter Peltier discount code CYBER24 and shop by Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Looking for other Black Friday deals on gear, accessories and drones themselves? See my guide to the best Black Friday 2024 drone deals here!

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Bayraktar TB3 UAV Successfully Continues Ship Tests

The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, which made aviation history as the first unmanned aerial vehicle to take off and land on a short-deck vessel, is successfully continuing its shipboard tests. During its second flight test conducted on November 26th. aboard TCG Anadolu, cruising off the coast of Çanakkale, Bayraktar TB3 performed two more successful takeoffs and […]

Ukraine Sends Shahed Drones Back to Russia and Belarus Using Spoofing Technology

Ukraine is using advanced electronic warfare systems to intercept and alter the satellite coordinates of Russian Shahed strike drones, redirecting them back into Russian and Belarusian territory, Le Monde reported on November 26. A source close to Ukrainian military intelligence revealed “This is the result of our ‘spoofing’—intercepting satellite coordinates.” On the morning of Tuesday, […]