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Drone Girl’s first drone delivery: what it’s like shopping from Walmart with a Wing drone

Posted by Dronerator

For over a decade, I’ve been chronicling the drone industry’s evolution. But believe it or not, I only just experienced my first (real) drone delivery.

I headed to Texas, which is quickly become the land of drone delivery. So much so, that industry experts are calling it the Drone Star State. There, multiple drone delivery companies including Wing, Flytrex, Amazon, Manna, Zipline and DroneUp are all vying for a slice of the drone delivery pie. Some are in early testing phases, while others, like Wing, are fully operational with real customers.

And that’s exactly what I set out to experience — a real, drone delivery. Come with me to experience my first ever, real drone delivery. And if you want the video version of this experience, check it out on my YouTube channel!

The Drone Girl’s first ever real drone delivery at Walmart in Fort worth

first drone delivery Sally French The Drone Girl Nest Tour Wing Google
Sally French, The Drone Girl, tours a Wing “Nest” drone delivery facility at a Walmart store in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

Drone Girl’s history of drone deliveries

Now, I’ve definitely knocked drone deliveries in the past for being mere publicity stunts. And yes, that including Wing itself (way back in 2016). At the time, I criticized them for massively overhyping a curated test project sending Chipotle burritos over merely a single field to students at Virginia Tech. I equated it to a science fair project.

I’ve also personally participated in some test drone deliveries previously. For example, I emceed an event in 2015 on the football field of Harvard for their Making Robotics Fly event, held in tandem with Harvard Business School. There, I helped Matternet put on a demonstration of a t-shirt delivery to the stadium.

But since then, drone delivery has evolved from one-off stunt to serious operations. For example, just six months after crossing the milestone of making 100,000 delivery drone flights, Wing in March 2022 clocked in a new milestone of 200,000 commercial drone deliveries made in its company history. Zipline, which is considered the largest drone delivery company in the world, marked its milestone one million drone deliveries in April 2024.

It was clear: drones were delivering for real customers, and I wanted to be one of them.

Behind-the-scenes at a Wing Nest in Forth Worth

first drone delivery Sally French The Drone Girl nest tour Wing Google
Sally French, The Drone Girl, tours a Wing “Nest” drone delivery facility at a Walmart store in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

I reached out to the folks at Wing to see if they could help make my drone delivery dreams come true.

Wing runs drone delivery operations in a few spots around the world, including Logan and Melbourne, Australia. Then, there are the deliveries with Walmart occurring at a handful of stores in Dallas Fort-Worth, Texas. Since Australia was a bit out of reach, I set my sights on Texas.

Wing delivers to eligible home addresses within a specific radius of participating Walmart stores that have a safe package release zone (e.g. no full forests of towering trees!). Since I wasn’t a Texas homeowner, Wing found me a suitable grassy patch near a Fort Worth Walmart. After all, I also wanted a tour of their “Nest” – the designated area where drones are loaded, take off, and land.

So with that, I made my way to Walmart, first for a Nest tour and then for my actual first drone delivery.

What the Wing Nest is like

A Wing “Nest” drone delivery facility at a Walmart store in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

The Wing Nest is an airport of sorts, but it’s hardly that. It’s really just an area blocked off via a chain-link fence. That space takes up a small chunk of the Walmart parking lot.

At other retailers, like the Logan Mall in Australia, the “Nest” sits on the mall’s rooftop. They could also theoretically sit in any other outdoor space, like a privately-owned parcel adjacent to a store. Nests can vary in size, ranging from a few parking spaces to many more. It’s all dependent on how many drone landing pads are needed, based on demand (and the retailer’s preferences).

Sally French, The Drone Girl, tours a Wing “Nest” drone delivery facility at a Walmart store in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

At the Fort Worth Nest, two rows of drones are laid out on pads, ready to take off when an ordered is made. On the far side sits a single shipping container, which stores backup drones and other supplies. A power generator keeps everything charged.

At this site, the whole operation is executed through a combination of Walmart employees and Wing employees. Walmart employees physically walk to store shelves and get them packed up, bringing them out to a parking lot. But Wing also has an employee onsite who handles the drones.

Separately, Wing staffs employees who work across a handful of Nests in the region to deal with things like maintenance. Then, Wing also operates a Remote Operations Center in the Dallas area. This is sort of like its air traffic control tower. Though operations are fully automated, Wing still employs staff here to serve as a second set of eyes (looking through a computer). They consider factors like winds, weather or traffic. Many of these employees have backgrounds in traditional, crewed aviation.

What placing a Walmart drone delivery order is like

As of June 2024, customers place their orders directly through the Walmart app. Upon selecting their address (and assuming the address is approved), customers can navigate to a screen displaying items eligible for delivery.

Sure, they can always select traditional methods like in-store pickup or delivery on wheels. But should they select drone delivery, they’ll be able to pick certain items. The drones can only carry packages weighing up to about 2.5 pounds, so there’s a natural limitation there. A Wing employee told me that one of their most popular orders is limes. Presumably, people making margaritas forgot a key ingredient. The quick nature of drone delivery can ship it before the house guests have even arrived.

Besides a weight limit, there’s also a size limit. Drones carry boxes designed specifically to fit in the aircraft, so large items won’t work, no matter how light they are. For example, I thought about ordering a dozen eggs. However, the Walmart app only gave me the option for a six-pack (I’m guessing the long, dozen-carton shape wouldn’t fit in the box).

Sally French, The Drone Girl, receives an order of Powerade delivered via drone. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

Upon selecting your delivery item, you check out as you’d normally expect. That means entering your credit card number for payment.

The app keeps you up-to-date in real time, displaying your order status, which includes a map of where the drone is and a clock giving ongoing estimates of the arrival.

The drone’s flight

Once you place an order, a Walmart order packs it, using items from the store shelves. The employee then brings that box out to the Nest, where a person secures it to the aircraft. Then, the drone chooses a “best route” — and that route is almost never the same. That “best” route takes into account factors like wind, which contributes to why it’s different every time.

Wing drones can fly a roundtrip distance of up to 12 miles.

Upon arrival at your home (or in my case, my temporarily-adopted park home), the aircraft gently lowers your order down via its tether and unclips the item for you. Wing recommends you wait until the package fully detaches, upon which you can grab it.

My first drone delivery experience with Wing

first drone delivery Sally French The Drone Girl powerade
Sally French, The Drone Girl, receives an order of Powerade delivered via drone. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

Texas heat called for a refreshing beverage, so I ordered a Powerade for my first drone delivery. It arrived in a speedy 10 minutes, considering the short distance.

To test the system’s limits, I followed up with a slightly more “challenging” order – a glass jar of Alfredo sauce. Thankfully, the jar arrived intact, thanks to the slow and controlled release from the tether.

first drone delivery Sally French The Drone Girl alfredo sauce
Sally French, The Drone Girl, receives an order of Alfredo sauce delivered via drone. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

I spent about an hour on a Friday morning at Wing’s Nest at a Fort Worth Walmart store. That said, I saw only a couple orders placed from customers who weren’t me. Meanwhile, the Walmart store itself was actually pretty busy with customers packing shopping carts.

Wing drones have a strict weight limit. Someone stocking up for groceries for the week ahead, or for supplies for a big party, wouldn’t benefit from drone delivery. It’s more for those one-off items, like the last-minute, forgotten limes.

Will more people use drone delivery?

Drone delivery has especially powerful use cases in situations like emergency medical deliveries, where medication or other supplies needs to be shipped quickly (and doesn’t take up a lot of space). Wing is testing that very thing in Ireland.

The Powerade I ordered was nice on this hot, Dallas day. The Alfredo sauce was a fun party trick. With that, I’m curious to see how sustainable these operations are.

For what it’s worth, I’ve talked to regular people who rely on drone delivery on a nearly-daily basis. One customer, an elderly woman with vision issues who is unable to drive, found drone delivery to be far more convenient than navigating a physical retail store (let alone getting there). Another guy who worked from home (and out of walking distance of any restaurants or cafes) told me he ordered his lunch via drone 3-4x a week. He said his alternative was a delivery service like DoorDash. Since he felt obligated to tip a human driver, he said drone delivery netted out cheaper.

It could be a hit especially during the holidays. A Wing survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers found that 74% of consumers are interested in saving time running holiday errands with near-instant delivery. A drone allows you to skip the trip to the store, which can be especially stress-relieving during the busy holiday season.

Customers are also particularly interested in faster deliveries. Because drones aren’t even contingent upon human delivery drivers, drone delivery has a potential leg up on other types of online ordering. Wing surveyed 5,000 consumers nationwide as part of its 2024 State of Grocery Shopping and Delivery report.

The report found that 84% of shoppers expect their grocery orders to arrive within the same day. What’s more, 30% want delivery within the hour. And yes, they truly are willing to pay for it. 76% of survey respondents said they’d pay more to have their order within 30 minutes or less.

And here’s something else that’s promising for the future off drone delivery.A higher than average rate, 83% of Gen Z survey respondents, said they would pay more for ultra-fast deliveries. Older generations have more patience, presumably.

What’s next for Wing and Texas drone deliveries?

Sally French, The Drone Girl, tours a Wing “Nest” drone delivery facility at a Walmart store in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)

Wing, alongside the other drone delivery players in Texas, says it intends to continue its growth trajectory. In fact, an estimated 75% of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro will have access to drone delivery by the end of 2024 via Walmart and its drone delivery partners alone. 

Much of that growth can be attributed to a July 2024 approval from the Federal Aviation Administration. With that, the FAA authorized both Wing and Zipline to conduct commercial drone flights without visual observers in the same Dallas-area airspace. That’s a first for U.S. aviation.

Wing itself continues to iterate on its software and hardware. We continuously see new prototype aircraft coming out of Wing. Its also experimented with new mechanisms, like its Autoloader hardware and its Wing Delivery Network software system.

Walmart is definitely crushing the space — and so is Wing. (It’s certainly not Amazon.)

Time will tell how regulatory approvals go — and if it’s commercially viable beyond fun stunt to try a few times. I enjoyed my Powerade delivered via drone, and I eagerly await the next one.

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The post Drone Girl’s first drone delivery: what it’s like shopping from Walmart with a Wing drone appeared first on The Drone Girl.

9 ways drone pilots can use ChatGPT and other AI tools (plus great prompts to try!)

Posted by Dronerator

AI technology is revolutionizing various industries — and that includes the drone sector. Sites like ChatGPT and Google-owned Gemini offer pilots tools to streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and ensure safe and efficient flights. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, leveraging AI can significantly improve your drone flying experience and the workflows that follow. It might just be the key to elevating your drone business.

Yes, here at Drone Girl, we’ve embraced ChatGPT too.  We extensively review the products we test by hand. And we’re out in the world checking out drone technology in action for ourselves (did you see The Drone Girl in Paris trying desperately to see the Disney drone light show?!).

But we’ve found ways that AI makes our work better — saving time off the annoying stuff to fill with the fun stuff. And we wanted to share our best tips.

Below are 9 tried-and-true ways drone pilots can use ChatGPT and other various AI tools. For those specific to ChatGPT, we’ve included the exact prompts:

1. Drone flight planning and optimization

AI can optimize flight paths by taking into account weather conditions, terrain, and airspace restrictions. Tools like Litchi provide automated flight planning, ensuring safe and efficient missions.

Try this ChatGPT prompt: “How can I plan an efficient flight path for a coastal landscape shoot?”

2. Creative photography and videography

drone pilots use ChatGPT photo editing
Extra Tip: This photo was created from ChatGPT’s image generator bot

After a long day of capturing stunning aerial footage, the last thing you want is to spend hours editing. AI-powered photo editing software, like Adobe Lightroom and Luminar AI, offers features such as automated exposure adjustments, sky replacement, and intelligent composition suggestions. These tools enhance the quality of aerial images and videos, with capabilities like auto-enhance photos, AI-powered object removal, and one-click templates for quick edits.

Try these ChatGPT prompts for drone photographers:

  • “What are some creative ways to use ND filters in drone photography?”
  • “What settings should I use for capturing sunrise or sunset with my [insert name of your drone model]?”
  • “How can I achieve smooth cinematic shots while flying my drone?”
  • “What are some creative ways to use ND filters in drone photography?”
  • “How do I set up and use the waypoint navigation feature on my drone?”
  • “What is the best way to use the hyperlapse feature for time-lapse videos on a [insert name of your drone model]?”
  • “Can you explain how to use ActiveTrack and other subject-tracking features on [insert name of your drone model] effectively?”

3. Troubleshooting and drone maintenance

Ever get an error message on your drone that just won’t go away? AI tools can assist in diagnosing drone issues and recommending maintenance practices. ChatGPT can help pilots understand error codes, perform routine checks, and prevent common problems.

Try these ChatGPT prompts:

  • “What should I do if the battery on my [insert name of your drone model] is draining faster than usual?”
  • “How do I calibrate the compass on my [insert name of your drone model]?”
  • “What are the signs that my drone’s propellers need to be replaced?”
  • “Can you explain how to properly store [insert name of your drone model] batteries to extend their lifespan?”

4. Advanced mapping and modeling

Software like Pix4D and OpenDroneMap utilize AI for photogrammetry, creating detailed maps and 3D models from aerial images. These tools are essential for applications in surveying, construction, and agriculture, offering features such as 2D orthomosaic and 3D model generation, accurate measurements of areas and volumes, and AI-driven image analysis.

Try these ChatGPT prompts ahead of your next drone mapping project:

  • “How do I create a 3D map using my drone and photogrammetry software?”
  • “What is the difference between orthomosaic and DSM in drone mapping?”
  • “How can I use drones for agricultural monitoring and crop health assessment?”

5. Safety and emergency procedures

Image created from the ChatGPT bot image generator using the prompt: “a drone that has safely landed near a lake”

Imagine you’re capturing a stunning sunset over a lake, and suddenly, your drone signals a low battery or loses a GPS signal. It’s a situation no pilot wants to face, but being prepared is key. AI can provide real-time alerts and safety protocols, guiding you through the necessary steps to land your drone or regain control safely.

Try these ChatGPT prompts:

  • “What are the best practices for a safe emergency landing?”
  • “What are the best practices for flying drones in high winds?”
  • “What are the temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in [Insert area of your flight]?”
  • “What safety measures should I take when flying my drone at night?”

6. Staying updated on regulations

drone pilots use AI national park ChatGPT bot
Image created from the ChatGPT bot image generator using the prompt: “a no-fly zone poster in a National Park”

Heading out for a vacation but not sure of the current regulations for flying your drone? AI tools like ChatGPT can provide drone pilots the latest information on legal flying zones, no-fly areas, and licensing requirements for your destination. Staying informed helps you avoid legal issues and ensures you can fly your drone with peace of mind.

Just be sure to confirm with the government’s website for the most up-to-date regulations, as some AI-powered data sources might not always be on top of the most current regulations.

Try this ChatGPT prompt: “What are the current drone regulations in U.S. national parks?”

7. Intelligent data analysis

drone pilots use AI DroneDeploy

For agriculture and environmental monitoring, AI tools like DroneDeploy offer plant health analysis, terrain modeling, and more. These insights help make informed decisions and optimize resource use.

Try this ChatGPT prompt: “How can I use drones for agricultural monitoring and crop health assessment?”

8. Community engagement and content creation

Want to share your drone shots and experiences with the world? AI can assist drone pilots in creating engaging content for social media and blogs, offering ideas, and optimizing posts. It can even tell you what hashtags to add to a post. This helps pilots share their work, engage with the drone community, and even grow a following.

Try these ChatGPT prompts:

  • “What are some engaging blog post ideas for drone photography enthusiasts?”
  • Enter the caption for a photo, and then type in “generate relevant hashtags for this caption.”

9. Help you study for your Part 107 test

drone pilots use AI ChatGPT bot generated Part 107 test
Image created from the ChatGPT bot image generator using the prompt: “Someone studying for the Part 107 test on the computer”

While our recommended Part 107 test prep courses tend to have all the answers, sometimes you get stuck — or just need a more specific explanation. Sure, many of these services offer 1:1 support, but there’s still going to be some sort of time delay. With ChatGPT, the time delay is no more than a few seconds. With that, it might be helpful in answering your question.

Try these ChatGPT prompts:

  • “I learn best by [insert learning style, like reading or listening]. What are the best resources for me to study for the Part 107 knowledge test?”
  • “I answered [insert the wrong answer] in response to the following question from the FAA’s Part 107 test. [Insert question here]. Explain to me why that’s wrong, and share the correct answer.

How have you used ChatGPT or other AI-powered tools in your work as a drone pilot? Leave a comment sharing how drone pilots can use ChatGPT below!

The post 9 ways drone pilots can use ChatGPT and other AI tools (plus great prompts to try!) appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Drone Star State: why Texas is hot on drone deliveries

Posted by Dronerator

If it feels like all the drone delivery companies you’ve heard of are operating in Texas, your feeling is right. Texas may be the Lone Star State to most Americans. But to us, it’s also the Drone Star State.

Six of the top commercial drone delivery companies in operation today have either test projects or full customer services somewhere in Texas:  Wing, Flytrex, Amazon, Manna, Zipline & DroneUp.

In fact, I just got back from a trip to Dallas to check out Wing’s drone delivery operations myself. You’ll have to stay tuned until next week to hear about my adventures getting my first ever, real drone delivery. But for now, consider this an ode to Texas.

Here’s are a few reasons why Texas might be the very best place to launch not just any drone company, but in particular a drone delivery company:

4 reasons why Texas should be renamed the Drone Star State

1. Topography and climate

Though many delivery drones still operate in most types of rain (extreme stores excluded), Texas’s relatively mild climate makes it a more viable place to conduct drone deliveries. It’s also pretty flat with few natural barriers like tall trees or hills.

2. Public acceptance

The Drone Girl visits a Wing “Nest” at a Walmart store in Fort Worth

For drone deliveries to grow, the public has to actually want it. The majority do — and the rate of Texans keen on drone delivery is higher than the general U.S. population.

According to a survey of 5,000 U.S. respondents, 64% of respondents from Texas said they are willing to use drone delivery. That’s higher than the interest coming out of residents from other nearby states. For example, 63% of North Carolina residents said they’d use drone delivery. Meanwhile, just 57% of Florida residents and 58% of Georgia residents said they were into it.

3. Favorable legislation and government buy-in

Perhaps the most critical factor of them all in dubbing Texas the Drone Star State? Government buy-in, allowing programs like multiple drone flights at once, drones flying beyond visual line of sight and more.

In fact, Dallas is the first place in the entire world where drone delivery companies have been able to fly within the same city limits. That’s critical in progressing drone delivery from nifty science fair-esque test to viable operations. It’s all made possible due to a system of air traffic control for drones, formally referred to as “UTM” or unmanned traffic management.

UTM supports Texas drone deliveries

Texas drone deliveries are made possible due to unmanned traffic management systems. For the Texas UTM system, both the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA worked with the drone delivery companies to implement a set of ‘rules of the road.’

After all, with multiple aircraft, each different company has to operationalize how they coordinate their delivery routes so they can safely share the airspace. As far as U.S. drone deliveries go, Texas is the first place we’ve ever seen such a robust UTM system.

The FAA-approved UTM service operates as a digital data exchange. It’s really not exclusive at all. In fact, any operator in the area can join. When they join in, they can share where they intend to fly. From there, they can confirm their flight doesn’t conflict with another flight.

It’s still relatively new, with initial flights using UTM services having launched in August 2024. But more authorizations are coming to the Dallas area soon.

While UTM has huge implications for package deliveries, it will also allow drones to scale in other verticals such as public safety applications and infrastructure mapping or inspections.

4. Walmart

My first-ever real drone delivery. A Powerade delivered via Wing, ordered from Walmart. (Photo by Sally French)

Texas and Walmart go together like brisket and BBQ sauce. And one reason alone for drone delivery success has to do with one of the biggest corporations there is: Walmart.

Walmart partners with a handful of drone delivery companies, which include Wing (the drone delivery arm of Alphabet) and Zipline (largely considered the world’s largest drone delivery company). Walmart also works with smaller players like DroneUp, which it made a significant investment in.

Walmart runs drone deliveries out of a handful of stores, and it’s list is growing to a point that one day could include most Walmart stores. In Texas alone, Walmart operates about 500 Walmart Supercenters and about 600 retail units as a whole (a figure that encompasses other outposts like discount stores and Neighborhood Markets, too).

Though Walmart has operated in other states, it’s seen some big wins in Texas. In fact, DroneUp had so much trouble scaling that — not only did it lay off about 17% of its staff — it closed its other drone delivery hubs in Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Tampa.

Though DroneUp has had some trouble scaling, forcing it to lay off staff and cease operations in other states. But even though DroneUp has struggled to find success in other states, it’s still — perhaps not coincidently — operating in Texas.

Walmart now offers drone delivery as a built-in customer service through the official Walmart app.

Of course, Walmart is hardly the only retailer interested in drone deliveries. For example, Walgreens has also worked with Wing out of Frisco, Texas.

What’s ahead for drone deliveries in Texas?

With a functional UTM system in place, Texas drone deliveries are able to grow. According to the players involved in the Walmart tests, an estimated 75% of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro will have access to drone delivery by the end of 2024 via Walmart alone. 

And of course, rising tides lift all boats. In the drone delivery realm, success for one player, say delivery companies like Wing, or retailers themselves like Walmart, largely means success for others. And it’s more than just drone delivery. Advancements in other drone use cases can help propel drone delivery forward.

Now drone deliveries aren’t the only reason why we should call Texas the Drone Star State. Texas also happens to be a hotbed for all sorts of other drone activity. With a robust oil and gas industry, drones play a key role in inspecting Texas’ pipelines. For example, DJI worked with Shell on an inspection project down in Houston. Meanwhile, AT&T, which is based in Dallas, has gotten into drones. For example, its 5G Innovation Studio has ben leaning on drones.

Then don’t forget about drone light shows. One of my favorite American drone light show companies, Sky Elements, is based in Texas. Though they put on drone shows pretty much anywhere, one of their highlights was in Texas itself: the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Here’s a look at that fun Houston Rodeo drone show:

So what do you think? Is Texas the Drone Star State?

The post Drone Star State: why Texas is hot on drone deliveries appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Drone Girl in Paris: I’m watching Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade — finally!

Posted by Dronerator

Some have called Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade the best drone show ever. It’s about time I decide for myself.

Tonight, I’m trading in my drone controller for a pair of Mickey Mouse ears. I’m not flying drones tonight, I’m watching them, and I’ll be doing it live tonight at Disneyland Paris. While most folks are in town for the 2024 Paris Olympics, I knew I had to head to Paris before what’s billed as the most mesmerizing drone show ever ends its run on Sept. 30, 2024.

This will be the second drone show I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. The first was also themed to Disney. That was a Star Wars drone show put on by Sky Elements, held after an Oakland A’s baseball game. And perhaps that’s not surprising. I do love Disney just as much as I love drones.

And though this will be my second drone show, I’m planning to see it three times! Yes, I’ll be watching this parade for three nights straight to find out all the right angles to look out for, as well as the best places to watch. Stay tuned for future editions of this Flight Diaries series, as I promise I’ll give you all the tips on watching Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade!

And even if you miss this specific show, expect more going forward. Disneyland Paris has had a fairly long history of drone shows, including past shows like Disney D-Light and Avengers: Power the Night.

The final Sept. 30 performance of Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade might be the last one of this particular show (for now, at least) but expect more shows coming soon. And hey, this show might return itself. After all, the 1970s parade continuously gets updates and returns to Main Street on an unpredictable but still quasi-frequent basis.

What to know about Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade

Disney's Electrical Sky Parade
Photo courtesy of Disney

Brought to life by French drone light show company Dronisos, Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade recreates beloved scenes from the classic Main Street Electrical Parade. That parade debuted in the 1970s, but the 2024 version gets a refresh by way of more than 500 drones. With it, drones fly into the formations of classic characters such as Elliott the Dragon from the 1977 film “Pete’s Dragon.” It’s all synchronized to that same electro-syntho-magnetic soundtrack that was famous in the 1970s.

It runs most nights in the skies over Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris.

The light show drones themselves are modified versions of aircraft from French drone maker Parrot. Parrot is perhaps most famous for its now-defunct Bebop drone. Dronisos made a deal with Parrot to iterate on its platforms to build a drone-show specific product that’s made in France.

Image courtesy of Dronisos.
Graphic courtesy of Dronisos

Dronisos uses a few Parrot drones as its template. That includes the Mambo (initially marketed as a toy drone), which has since been renamed “Helios.” Though, Helios is an indoor-only light show drone.

Dronisos also uses a reworked Parrot Bebop 2, which it mounted a light to, and renamed it the Zephyr drone. It also uses the more powerful Anafi drone, which it modified to be a new aircraft called Autan.

Mickey Mouse Bastille Day Guinness world record drone show Disneyland Paris Dronisos
Photo courtesy of Disney

Not only are the Disneyland Paris drones powerful, but there are a lot of them. Also this summer, Disneyland Paris and Dronisos together set a Guinness World Record for “Largest aerial display of a fictional character formed by multirotors / drones.” As part of the 2024 Bastille Day celebrations (which occur every year on July 14), Dronisos sent a spectacular, tricolor Mickey Mouse head made out of 1,571 drones into the sky.

So with that, I’m signing off to jump on Space Mountain before tonight’s drone show. Au revoir!

The post Drone Girl in Paris: I’m watching Disney’s Electrical Sky Parade — finally! appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Northern lights: 5 incredible drone photos show this week’s insane aurora borealis

Posted by Dronerator

This week, skywatchers across the globe have been treated to a dazzling display of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. And as the auroras put on a show this week, some intrepid drone photographers have been there to capture it all.

The aurora borealis, a mesmerizing dance of light across the night sky, is a dream subject for many photographers. Drones can offer an even more unique perspective. And sure, there is no shortage of images of northern lights taken ultra-far north, like in Canada or Norway. Seeing lights in the U.S., even in lower states, is far more rare.

Photographing northern lights with a drone

The best photos and videos of the northern lights

It wasn’t difficult to scour the internet in terms of some amazing aerial photos of the northern lights that were taken in the U.S. sometime over the past week. From YouTube to Instagram, here are some amazing pieces of art to check out:

1. Kara Murphy on Instagram

The Drone Girl has long been a fan of Kara Murphy. In fact, you might have found her guide on making the perfect drone hyperlapse useful! This week, she sent her Mavic 3 drone in the skies to capture a scene of the town showing the lit up skies overhead.

2. Evan Brodsky on Instagram

Evan Brodsky is usually photography marine mammals (and has some incredible shots of killer whales and other marine animals taken on his drone). Absolutely check out his account for amazing footage of whales and sharks exhibiting full predator mode. But, the northern lights hit the spot this week.

3. STLaerials on Instagram

True to its name, STLaerials gave us one of its most incredible aerials yet: a hyperlapse shot of St. Louis filed on a drone.

4. Primo Media on YouTube

Imagery generally became more vivid the farther north you headed. Primo Media used a DJI Mavic 2 Pro to film the skies north of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

5. Magic of Drone on Instagram

The views were just as vivid in Seattle, too, as captured on the DJI Mini 4 Pro.

Tips for photographing the northern lights with a drone

If you’re ready to send your drone up in the night sky tonight, here’s what you need to know:

Plan your location using forecasts

Track solar activity and aurora forecasts to predict the strength and location of the lights. Aim for a KP index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) of 5 or higher for better visibility.

In general, escape light pollution. Head to the most remote areas you can get. Bonus points for drone pilots, is that remote areas are less likely to have restricted airspace or to leave you in a situation where you’re flying over people. Though, still confirm that it’s legal to fly in said remote spot. Some spots that might seem ideal to fly a drone in, like national parks, actually ban drones.

Have the right gear

While any camera drone can work to photograph northern lights, prioritize one with a good low-light performance sensor and manual shooting capabilities. Consider factors like battery life for extended flights and wind resistance for high-altitude operations.

In general, any of the drones in my guide to the best camera drones will do. Sure, something like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro with its 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera will be one of your best bets, but even cheaper drones, like the sub-$1,000 DJI Mini 4 Pro will do (as evidenced by the shots above).

Then there’s the post-processing gear, too. Image editing software tends to be your friend here. For example, you’ll likely need to apply noise reduction given the high ISO settings (more on that later).

Dial in your camera settings

This is a situation where you’ll likely need to embrace manual mode.

Set your aperture to its widest setting (lowest f-number) to gather maximum light. ISO will likely need to be cranked up (3200 or higher) to compensate for long exposures, but be mindful of noise. Experiment with shutter speeds ranging from 1-12 seconds, depending on the aurora’s intensity.

If your drone offers it, shoot in RAW to enable more flexibility in post-processing.

And beyond the right camera settings, don’t forget about composition. Include interesting foreground elements like landscapes or landmarks for a sense of perspective. As depicted by some of the images above, timelapse and hyperlapse footage can play well with the northern lights.

This allows you to condense a long period of auroral activity into a captivating video, showcasing the ever-changing nature of the lights.

An aerial photo of the northern lights in Finland. (Photo by Getty Images)

What causes the northern lights?

The phenomenon is a result of a powerful geomagnetic storm triggered by a series of solar flares erupting from the sun. These flares hurled charged particles towards Earth, interacting with our planet’s magnetic field and causing the colorful lights to dance across the high-latitude night sky.

Weather teams expect the storm to continue for several more days, offering a rare opportunity to witness this captivating natural wonder. And for drone photographers, the northern lights offer an opportunity to capture aerial art of the night sky’s palette of colors.

    The post Northern lights: 5 incredible drone photos show this week’s insane aurora borealis appeared first on The Drone Girl.

    2024 drone survey offers Avata 2 in effort to break records

    Posted by Dronerator

    The annual Drone Industry Barometer needs its yearly update. And this 2024 drone survey is hoping to break last year’s milestone record of more than 1,000 responses. To do that, it’s offering survey respondents the chance to win the Avata 2 drone.

    Those responses come from people like you — which is why it’s you (yes you) who needs to take this survey. But to make that happen, this DII drone survey first needs responses — from you.

    Drone Industry Insights (DII), a German-based analytics firm, runs the survey. It then uses responses to generate DII’s yearly Drone Industry Barometer. That barometer relies on responses from industry experts, participants, drone pilots and advocates. If you’re reading this, at least one of those descriptors is likely you.

    To participate in the DII 2024 drone survey, fill out the form linked there. Unlike past years that could take up to 20 minutes completely, this one should be a lot more efficient. Drone Industry Insights said to expect it to take about 8-15 minutes to complete. Fill it out here.

    What’s in it for you? For participating, you’ll get:

    • A free copy of the final Drone Industry Barometer 2024 Report: This is something I look forward to getting every year. For Drone Nerds like me, consider it drone data Christmas.
    • A chance to win free tickets to drone events: Tickets to many of the biggest 2024 drone events are up for grabs. In fact, the first 200 respondents for the 2024 drone survey will be entered into a “blitz lottery” for tickets to the International Drone Show on 29 May, 2024 in Odense, Denmark. Otherwise, you’ll be entered to win tickets to other big drone conferences, such as Amsterdam Drone Week, Commercial UAV Expo Americas, Japan Drone, Drone show Korea, African Drone Forum and more.
    • A chance to win a free Avata 2 drone: DII will conduct a drawing among entrants to giveaway the epic Cinewhoop-style racing drone to one lucky winner.
    One survey respondent will win a free DJI Avata 2 via a random drawing.

    That’s not all. DII is raising the stakes for its 2024 drone survey. According to DII, the companies that participate in its 2024 survey receive priority in the 2024 edition of its annual Drone Market Map. And from there, DII plans to improve its annual map in 2024 by producing individual market maps for each country. That offers increased opportunity for drone companies to gain some traction with a more prominent feature. That’s especially critical for otherwise small drone companies that come from smaller countries.

    DII’s annual Drone Industry Barometer serves as a source of insights about drone companies. It digs into their target markets, performance over the past year and expectations for the coming year. And yes, The Drone Girl frequently cites it in our own reporting.

    For example, we used the survey to show you the biggest challenges for drone companies in 2024. And, we used it to uncover the top reasons people use drones, and how drone companies have planned to spend money in 2024. True to DII’s increased-emphasis on individual countries, we also generated country about some other countries. We dug into why Germany has so many drone startups, and how the U.K. grew to become one of the world leaders in drones.

    And when DII’s 2024 drone survey is in, expect more content to keep coming. For now, participate in the DII drone survey here.

    The post 2024 drone survey offers Avata 2 in effort to break records appeared first on The Drone Girl.

    Drone pilots soar together for annual Drone Safety Day 2024

    Posted by Dronerator

    On the heels of news that some U.S. lawmakers want to ban DJI drones, there was no shortage of DJI drones in the air this weekend. That’s because Saturday, April 27 marked the sixth year in a row of Drone Safety Day 2024.

    The national ‘drone holiday’ of sorts is orchestrated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It’s all a way to encourage local drone pilots, businesses, first responders using drones, schools and more to come together and fly drones — all with safety in mind.

    Groups all around the country put on their own live events to localize the FAA’s promotional campaign. As for me, I headed to my nearest Drone Safety Event, which was a Drone Safety Day & Swap Meet at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California.

    Here’s a video recap of the Treasure Island Drone Safety Day 2024 festivities:

    The event took place at the GAA Fields on Treasure Island. Those mark one of the best places to fly drones in San Francisco for one key reason: they’re a FAA-approved FRIA site. FRIA is short for FAA-Recognized Identification Areas, which means no Remote ID is required to fly over the GAA fields.

    My trusty DJI Avata 2 came along for the ride with me on Drone Safety Day 2024. Beyond capturing some epic footage of the vibrant atmosphere, I also learned some tricks from the pros. Drone events like this are always helpful to pick up tips and tricks. Special thanks to the folks from UAV911 who helped me get comfortable flying with the DJI RC Motion 3. I had kind of been avoiding using it in favor of the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 on my new Avata 2 drone. I’m just so much more comfortable on the sticks, so I didn’t want to learn the motion controller functions. Turns out, you can learn new tricks!

    And it’s absolutely great to learn new tricks from drone pilots of all backgrounds, which you can absolutely do here! That included first responders, photographers, professional pilots, teachers and drone racers. With such a range of drone pilots came a range of drones, from the DJI Spark (quite a throwback) to DJI Matrice drones to the new Skydio X10D. Yep, this weekend was actually my first time seeing the American-made Skydio X10 in person).

    Turns out, my Avata 2 wasn’t the only one of its kind there. Despite having launched only a few weeks ago, other San Francisco drone pilots are on top of the latest and greatest, too!

    Here’s some of the footage I caught on my Avata 2 drone:

    The Avata 2 starts at $999.

    The entire day was a fantastic blend of education, connection, and pure drone-loving fun. A big shoutout to the sponsors. That includes SF Drone School, Drone of San Francisco, Uncrewed Pro, and Remote Optix, who made this event possible.

    If you’re a drone enthusiast in the Bay Area and you missed the Drone Safety Day 2024 shindig, well, let’s just say you’ll have major FOMO (fear of missing out) next year. Trust me, mark your calendars early because this is one event you won’t want to miss in 2025!

    And if you’re not in the Bay Area, it’s likely there was a Drone Safety Day 2024 event happening near you. Follow along with the FAA’s website to see what you can plan ahead for next year. Can’t wait until next year? Check out my guide to all sorts of other drone events in 2024 happening around the world.

    Well, assuming we can fly DJI drones next year. Alas!

    The post Drone pilots soar together for annual Drone Safety Day 2024 appeared first on The Drone Girl.

    The 8 best drone podcasts, YouTube channels of 2024

    Posted by Dronerator

    Feeling like a bit of a drone noob in a sky full of soaring tech? Maybe you’re a seasoned wingman or wingwoman who just can’t enough of drones? Podcasts are a fantastic way to stay propeller-powered with the latest drone developments, regulations, and industry buzz. So with that, we put together a guide to the best drone podcasts of 2024.

    The podcasts in this guide were chosen because they did something notable over the past 12 months. Some released particularly-gripping episodes as of late. Others are must-listens now because they offer up critical news insights that you won’t want to miss now. Some launched over the past few months, meaning these brand-new podcasts offer a fresh take on the drone industry.

    This is far from a comprehensive list of all great drone, general aviation or tech podcasts. But, it does call out those that you should consider adding to your podcast feeds this year — that you might not have previously considered. If you have your own recommendations for the best drone podcasts of 2024, leave them in the comments below!

    The 8 best drone podcasts of 2024

    Here’s a deeper dive into the best drone podcasts of 2024, which are listed in alphabetical order:

    1a16z Podcast

    a16z Podcast from Andreessen Horowitz best drone podcasts of 2024

    Hosted by Steph Smith, the a16z Podcast comes from the folks at Andreessen Horowitz, which is a venture capital firm. The podcast discusses all sorts of tech and culture trends, news, and the future. Naturally, it’s a good one for drone pilots to listen to. And, a recent episode was entirely devoted to drones, largely profiling Flock (which is one of a16z’s portfolio companies).

    The episode “Drones, Data, and Deterrence: Technology’s Role in Public Safety” dug into the delicate balance between using technology to combat crime versus respecting individual privacy. Originally aired in January 2024, the episode also took a deep look into the use of drones and facial recognition. It featured voices including a16z General Partner David Ulevitch, Flock Safety’s founder, Garrett Langley and Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

    Give that episode a listen, but subscribe for all sorts of tech discussion that’s neither dumbed down nor subject to hype or outlandish predictions.

    How to listen: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, such as Simplecast.

    Dawn of Autonomy

    Dawn of Autonomy podcast best drone podcasts of 2024

    If the name “Dawn of Autonomy” feels somewhat familiar to you already, it should. The podcast is essentially a rebrand of the popular Dawn of Drones podcast, which first launched back in 2021.

    So why rebrand?

    “We’ve already been covering a wide range of emerging technologies on the Dawn of
    Drones,” said podcast host. Dawn Zoldi. “In the future, drones will be one part of an array of automated systems that will act together harmoniously across the full range of use cases, from delivery to inspection to security services. We wanted the name to reflect the wide range of those technologies to be more inclusive, as well as more precise. Words matter.”

    The show’s host, Dawn Zoldi, is a 28-year U.S. Air Force retired Colonel, licensed attorney and certificated Part 107 pilot.

    With the more-comprehensive rebrand to all sorts of drone systems, expect discussions on topics including AI, IoT, robotics and drones. Each episode runs roughly 45-minutes, and it’s actually streamed live on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. ET across all sorts of channels including the official AUVSI YouTube channel, as well as some of Zoldi’s personal channels.

    How to listen: Among the many ways to listen? Tune in via Zoldi’s personal YouTube, X, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. Though, you can always replay the recordings if watching live isn’t your jam.

    Drone Radio Show

    best drone podcasts of 2024 Drone Radio Show Randy Goers

    It’s a perennial favorite, but once again, Drone Radio Show makes the list of best drone podcasts of 2024.

    Hosted by Randy Goers, Drone Radio Show features forward-looking interviews with some of the top business leaders in drones. For example, an episode from February 2024 interviewed Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer at Joby Aviation. Joby Aviation made huge headlines in February when it announced that it had signed a landmark agreement with the Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services in the United Arab Emirates. Thus, Drone Radio Show is the ideal place to get the top updates from the players actually involved.

    Recent episodes have dug into other unique or controversial topics that’ll give you fresh dinner table discussion fodder. For example, an episode with ANRA’s Amit Ganjoo dug into vertiports. And an interview with Michael Robbins, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), brought in some fresh takes on U.S. competitiveness in the global drone industry — which is one of the top discussion items in the drone industry these days.

    How to listen: Stream Drone Radio Show on Soundcloud, Spotify or pretty much wherever else pods are casted.

    Drone to $1K podcast

    Hosted by the folks behind the Drone Launch Academy, Drone to $1K podcast focuses solely on the business side of drones. If you want to take your hobby into a business, this is your spot to learn how to make money in drones.

    Most episodes of the podcast bring on a different guest — each purporting to make at least $1,000 per month. Some make far more than that.

    David Young, who is also the founder of Drone Launch Academy, hosts the podcast. If Drone Launch Academy sounds familiar, that’s because it’s one of our favorite websites for both Part 107 courses and online drone photography courses.

    How to listen: Apple podcasts, Spotify, Podbay and the Drone Launch Academy website

    Ken Heron’s Thursday Night Live

    Here’s a super entertaining YouTube webcast, which you might consider a podcast. Airing on Ken Heron’s YouTube channel, it’s called Thursday Night Live, and each episode features a guest speaker. The topics are varied, ranging from speculation around drone bans to FPV discussions with pilot Zoe FPV.

    The shows are lengthy, typically running up to two hours (and sometimes longer). They’re all amusing — and sometimes irreverent.

    How to listen: The live show runs on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Central time on the Ken Heron YouTube stream, though you can always replay them after the fact.

    Sky Elements Drone Shows

    This one isn’t really for listening, but more for watching. It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with drone light shows, and there’s no better YouTube channel to indulge in them than Sky Elements Drone Shows.

    Sky Elements Drone Shows is one of the largest drone light show companies in the world, and their YouTube channel makes it possible to watch most of their shows — even if you weren’t physically present.

    Many videos feature behind-the-scenes or previews with Preston Ward, who serves as Sky Elements’ Chief Pilot.

    How to watch: Subscribe on YouTube.

    The Air Up There (Federal Aviation Administration official podcast)

    Air Up There podcast

    The Air Up There is the Federal Aviation Administration’s official podcast, covering all sorts of aviation topics. Naturally, that includes drones.

    Recent drone episodes include one in late December done in tandem with the Drone Racing League Chief Operating Officer Ashley Ellefson. As it turns out, the FAA is collaborating with the Drone Racing League in its efforts to integrate complex drone events (like, well, big drone races) into the National Airspace System.

    In that episode, Ellefson explained how you can get involved and even become a drone racing pilot yourself. And for the tech nerds out there, she shared how DRL is thinking about artificial intelligence and it’s impact on the future of this sport.

    How to listen: You can listen to that particular episode (and subscribe to future episodes!) on FAA.gov, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Google Podcasts. 

    What are the best drone podcasts of 2024 in your eyes (okay, or ears)? Share your recommendations in the comments!

    The post The 8 best drone podcasts, YouTube channels of 2024 appeared first on The Drone Girl.

    DJI Avata 2? The 3 features we want most in a new and improved FPV drone

    Posted by Dronerator

    DJI’s Avata took the drone world by storm in 2022. Its cinewhoop-style design provided an intro for people who know and love DJI’s camera drones to try out first-person view (FPV) drone flying. But much like its camera drones, DJI’s Avata offered up not just stellar image quality but user-friendly features, making it a favorite for both casual flyers and professional videographers alike. But with recent price cuts on the Avata (and yes, even some unverified leaks of a potential new model of the same drone), could a DJI Avata 2 be on the horizon?

    If the latest marketing email from DJI is any indication, the answer is yes. DJI subscribers on Tuesday received an email with the subject line “Ready To Roll.”

    Opening it the shows an obscured photo of what is definitely drone, and almost definitely a drone with the same form as the original Avata, including the built-in propeller guards. It advertises a product launch set for April 11 at 9 a.m. ET.

    Suffice to say, it’s very likely that DJI will launch some sort of successor to the original DJI Avata come April 11. Here’s what we know so far aboutt he next product launch — as well as what we want to see:

    DJI Avata 2 preview: everything we hope for — and everything we expect

    The history of the DJI Avata

    When I first reviewed the DJI Avata, there was a lot to love. I liked how it seamlessly flew indoors, but was still powerful enough for outdoor flight. The camera was much higher quality than what you’d find in other FPV racing drones, making it a really compelling product for filming scenarios like real estate agents filming indoor fly throughs of properties.

    But, the original Avata drone did have some issues. The Motion Controller was supposed to be easier to use, but for people used to the standard joystick controller, it often felt harder to use. The goggles were nice, but had some design flaws, like a dangling battery pack.

    DJI solved a few of the problems criticized in the Avata’s August 2022 launch just about this time last year. In March 2023, DJI gave its goggles a massive upgrade, including no more loose connecting cables. It also launched the new DJI RC Motion 2, with an upgraded joystick and accelerator with reverse function.

    Still though, there’s more that drone pilots say they’d like to see in a potential Avata 2, or whatever the next generation of the DJI Avata drone is called.

    Let’s explore what features we’d love to see in the next iteration of this popular FPV flyer. From there, we’ll dive into the rumors of when we might next see a new version of the DJI Avata drone:

    The original DJI Avata drone, reviewed by Sally French, The Drone Girl.

    3 features we want to see in the next version of the DJI Avata drone

    We could really brainstorm some blue sky features, but here are three realistic sets of upgrades we’d like to see in the next version of a DJI Avata.

    An increased emphasis on cinematography

    The Avata’s 4K camera is fantastic for what it is. But given how many drone pilots have been leveling up the cinematic quality of FPV drone videos. Just check out these winning videos from the annual FPV Video of the Year contest by AirVuz as an example. Yep, many are shot on DJI drones, including the Avata.

    When DJI Avata launched in 2022, it wasn’t totally clear what it was. Was it a camera for filming? Was it a drone for racing? It’s increasingly proven itself best-suited as the former, which is why I’d like to see more features to make filming better than ever.

    Of course, a larger image sensor would always be welcome. But, I’m also looking for better filming workflows. That ranges from more internal storage (the current 20 GB is good in a pinch, but not sufficient to rely on), to better in-app editing capabilities to share video quickly from your phone.

    Here are some key specs on the original Avata:

    • 1/1.7” CMOS sensor
    • 48 million effective pixels
    • Films at 4K/60fps and slow-motion footage at 2.7K/50/60/100/120fps.
    • f/2.8 aperture
    • Ultra-wide-angle lens with a viewing angle of up to 155°
    • D-Cinelike color mode for a broader color palette that enables detailed chromatic adjustments

    Let’s watch to see where DJI can push and improve.

    More FPV freestyle abilities

    I mentioned before that sometimes it feels like DJI doesn’t know what it is. Is it a racing drone or a camera drone?

    But what if you could also call it an FPV freestyle drone? FPV freestyle is something of an offshoot of drone racing. But instead of flying drones as fast as you can, you fly them in a manner that showcases how many tricks you can do, like flipping, flying upside, or maneuvering through tight spaces. Curious to see an example of a freestyle drone flight? Here’s a clip from Zoe Stumbaugh, one of the world’s top FPV pilots (just note that this was not filmed using a DJI drone).

    It’d be fun to see if the Avata could corner the market of FPV freestyle, which is an ultra-fun sport to watch, yet a field of drone flight that DJI has yet to engage in.

    And I have good reason to believe it will be capable of freestyle — just look to the ‘trailer’ that DJI released advertising the April 11, 2024 launch. The webpage shows a drone not just racing, but even doing an entire flip.

    A push to the usual specs

    And my completely unoriginal ask: a general spec upgrade. We generally see this happen in new drone models. But, some things I’d like to see is boosted battery life and longer transmission distance. The current Avata gives us 18 minutes, which is good but not great. And the current transmission distance is 10 kilometers, with a transmission delay of 30 milliseconds. Longer distances and less delay is always welcome.

    The original DJI Avata drone, reviewed by Sally French, The Drone Girl.

    What makes us think an Avata 2 drone is coming

    So why are we talking about the DJI Avata 2 drone now? Beyond the obvious DJI launch page, the rumor mill has been churning. We’ve already seen plenty of leaks (you can find them in a quick Google search on your own!) indicating an April 2024 launch for the Avata 2.

    With those leaks, I’ve seen things like an upgraded Motion Controller and upgraded FPV Controller, too. While leaks should always be taken with a grain of salt, they do give us a glimpse into what DJI might be working on.

    Alas, since they’re unconfirmed, I won’t link to them here — but you should be able to find them on your own.

    Unprecedented discounts on the current DJI Avata model

    Then there’s another, clearer reason why we anticipate the Avata getting an upgrade: DJI’s recent price reduction on the Avata. Often, price drops like this can signal the upcoming release of a new model as DJI clears out stock for the new version. It doesn’t hurt that the company, in turn, drums up excitement for the upcoming release.

    The original DJI Avata drone, reviewed by Sally French, The Drone Girl.

    The DJI Avata Explorer Combo typically goes for $1,278. But now it’s 35% off, selling for $829 on most retailers including Amazon and B&H Photo. That $449 discount is huge. In fact, it’s the biggest we’ve seen. For example, DJI’s most recent sale for President’s Day 2024 priced the DJI Avata Explorer Combo at $889. That puts today’s price at an additional $60 lower than what it was about a month ago.

    Given the price keeps dropping, should you wait to buy the DJI Avata? We wish we had a crystal ball and could give a better answer on that one. For starters, we don’t know what DJI’s stock of Avata drones looks like, so it’s tough to say how quickly the company will sell out. But generally speaking, whenever DJI launches a new product, it discontinues production on the old mode. So jump on this deal now if you want one.

    As for whether you should wait for a potential new model of the DJI Avata? That’s also hard to say. Sometimes new models are cheaper than their predecessors, but they can also be more expensive — particularly if the specs get an upgrade.

    The future of DJI FPV

    Whether the rumors are true or not, one thing is certain: DJI’s Avata reinvigorated the FPV drone market. The Avata 2, if it comes to fruition, has the potential to be even more impressive. With its combination of power, user-friendliness, and innovative features, the Avata 2 could solidify DJI’s position at the forefront of the FPV revolution.

    It could also prove a particularly enticing product now that Remote ID enforcement is in full swing. With that, drones flying outdoors that also weigh 55 grams or more are required to transmit remote ID information (typically via a remote ID module). They also must be registered. But since the rules don’t apply to indoor drone flights, products like the Avata that are specifically designed for indoor flying could be more enticing.

    Here at The Drone Girl, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for the official announcement on April 11. I personally can’t wait to see what DJI has in store for the future of FPV flight!

    Now comes the fun part! It’s time for you to be an armchair DJI drone designer! If you could pick only one new feature on what we’ll call the DJI Avata 2 drone, which would it be? Leave a comment below!

    The post DJI Avata 2? The 3 features we want most in a new and improved FPV drone appeared first on The Drone Girl.

    The state of drones in 2024: How many drones are registered in the U.S., and how many pilots are certified?

    Posted by Dronerator

    How many drones are out there flying in the U.S.? How many commercial drone pilots are certified? As the first quarter has just wrapped up, here’s a look at the state of drones in 2024. And we know it’s April 1 — but just know these stats are no joke.

    For starters, the number of registered drones alone is nearly 800,000. That means — very likely — there are well over a million drones out there in the U.S., considering not all drones need to be registered. And that doesn’t even consider the toy drones you can buy for, say, $30 at your local Target, Costco or Walmart, or online through Amazon. Those almost certainly aren’t registered. After all, only drones weighing 250 grams or more, or that are flown for commercial purposes, need to be registered.

    Here’s a deeper dive into the latest U.S. drone statistics, which the Federal Aviation Administration released on December 31, 2023.

    Drones in 2024 by the numbers

    Registered drones in 2024 in the U.S.

    As of the end of December 2023, there are a staggering 790,918 drones registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). That’s more than the entire population of San Francisco.

    Though there are slightly more registered recreational pilots vs commercial drones registered, it’s actually a pretty even split. As of Dec. 31, 2023, 416,095 recreational drone pilots had registered. Meanwhile, 369,528 commercial drones had been registered.

    That’s based on FAA data around pilots flying under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (which is how hobbyist pilots can legally fly) or Part 107 (which is how commercial pilots can legally fly).

    Recreational drones in 2024: 416,095 pilots have registered

    Though 416,095 pilots have registered with the FAA as of the end of 2023, there are likely far more than 416,095 recreational drones capable of flying in U.S. skies. Here are two reasons why:

    1. For starters, know that the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations covers all drones in that pilot’s inventory. That means that, while 416,095 people have registered as recreational drone pilots, they might have more than one drone. If every recreational drone pilot owned, say, two drones, then that means there are actually more than 832,000 recreational drones out there.
    2. And then, as stated above, only drones that weigh 250 grams or more (or that are flown for commercial purposes) must be registered. And there are surprisingly many high-quality camera drones that weigh less than 250 grams, including the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Autel Evo Nano drone.

    Commercial drones in 2024: 369,528 registered drones

    It used to be that, like recreational drone piloting, commercial pilots would register once and then use that same number to affix on all the drones in their fleet. That changed with the implementation of Remote ID.

    Since September 16, 2023, Part 107 drone pilots have generally been expected to fly in a Remote ID-compliant manner. In the case of Part 107 flights, the FAA requires that commercial drone pilots must each individual Remote ID device module separately within their inventory and each device will get a unique registration number.

    Many drones have built-in Remote ID modules. Though, some pilots use separate Remote ID broadcast modules. That means, rather than scribbling the same registration number on all your drones as hobby pilots do, commercial pilots need a separate number for each drone (if it has a built-in Remote ID module) or individual Remote ID module.

    But here’s where the data gets interesting. That 369,528 figure looks at commercial drones registered as of Dec. 31, 2023. But while Remote ID technically went into effect on Sept. 16, 2023, the FAA didn’t begin enforcing Remote ID rules until March 16, 2024.

    That very likely means that drone pilots hadn’t registered their entirely fleets individually before Dec. 31. But now that we’re past March 16, it’s very likely that 369,528 will go way up, given that commercial operators will now have to register each aircraft in their fleet individually.

    What about paper registrations?

    And no, that doesn’t add up to 790,918. That’s because the remaining 5,295 registrations are actually paper registrations.

    The FAA requires the paper (N-number) registration process if:

    • Your unmanned aircraft is 55 pounds or greater.
    • You want to qualify a small unmanned aircraft for operation outside the United States.
    • You hold title to an aircraft in trust.
    • The small unmanned aircraft owner uses a voting trust to meet U.S. Citizenship requirements.

    You can create a paper registration through the FAA’s aircraft registration website.

    How to register drones with the FAA

    If you’re a drone pilot whose drones don’t contribute to the stats above, you’re likely unregistered. Registration is easy and it’s not too expensive — assuming you don’t have a giant fleet of drones.

    FAA drone registration requirements

    The FAA registration requirements are pretty straightforward. You must be:

    • 13 years of age or older (if the owner is less than 13 years of age, a person 13 years of age or older must register the drone)
    • A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
    • For foreign operators, FAA will consider the certificate issued to be a recognition of ownership rather than a certificate of U.S. aircraft registration.

    FAA drone registration fees

    The fee might be a big contributing factor in why there are so many more drones flying out there than what the FAA has accounted for.

    If you’re flying under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations, you’ll owe a registration fee of $5. It covers all drones in your inventory and is valid for three years, upon which you must renew.

    If you’re flying under Part 107, you’ll owe a registration fee of $5 per drone. Again, it’s valid for three years, upon which you must renew. $5 per drone might not seem to be of a deal until you consider something like light show drones. A single light show typically has at least 100 drones, but even 500 is relatively common. That would entail $500 in registration fees alone for the 100-drone show, or $2,500 for the 500-drone show.

    How to register your drone

    A screenshot of the FAADroneZone website where you can select to ‘Launch Drone Owners and Pilots Dashboard.’

    Whether registering as a recreational or professional pilot, all drone pilots need to visit the official FAADroneZone website to register. From there, click on the button labeled “Launch Drone Owners and Pilots Dashboard” and follow the steps to register from there. (The steps are slightly different whether you visit the Recreational Flyer Dashboard versus the Part 107 Dashboard).

    You’ll likely need to click “Add Device” if you’re registering for the first time. When you do that, you’ll be prompted to enter details about your drone such as the manufacturer, model and serial number.

    Don’t register at any other website. Any other website purporting to help you register your drone is very likely a scam.

    Registered pilots in the U.S.

    Those are the figures for registered drones, but what about actual pilots?

    While 369,528 commercial drones are registered, 368,604 pilots are certified. By those figures, there would be 1.003 commercial drones for every one certified commercial drone.

    And while 416,095 recreational drones are registered, 667,165 TRUST Certificates have been issued. The FAA issues TRUST Certificates to recreational flyers via a free online course. All recreational drone operators flying drones that weigh between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs (250 grams and 24 kilograms) must take the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test). TRUST entails a simple, online course that takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Most providers have a test at the end of the hour training, which allows for unlimited attempts to pass.

    Interestingly, by those metrics, there are just 0.624 drones out there for every certified TRUST pilot. How can that be? Surely people don’t take TRUST without actually owning a drone.

    There are a few possible explanations. For starters, some drone pilots might register as a Part 107 pilot and have taken the TRUST test. I certainly did. (I passed the Part 107 test within the first couple months of it becoming available. Then I passed the TRUST test on the first day it was offered — all in the name of reporting research!).

    Secondly, many pilots might have taken the TRUST test, but not actually have registered their drone. While TRUST is free, registering costs $5. Because enforcement standards around registration have been fairly vague, some drone pilots might not feel the need to be compliant, despite it being the law.

    Recreational vs. commercial drone pilots

    What does seem to make sense is the ratio of recreational vs. commercial drone pilots. For every one certified commercial drone pilot, there are 1.81 hobby pilots.

    It makes sense that 667,165 people would have passed the simple TRUST online course, while just 368,604 pilots are Part 107 certified. Getting your drone pilot’s license under Part 107 is a much tougher process, which requires an in-person, written exam. And common sense alone likely won’t get you a passing score. Most people enroll in an online Part 107 course, which can also cost many hundreds of dollars on its own.

    If you’re reading this, you’re very-likely already certified. Carrying that card around in your wallet indicating you passed is a badge of honor. The question is: have you registered your drone yet? It’s the law, so we sure hope you did.

    The post The state of drones in 2024: How many drones are registered in the U.S., and how many pilots are certified? appeared first on The Drone Girl.