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Avy Appoints New CEO to Advance Emergency Drone Networks

Benjamin van der Hilst to Focus on Expanding Drone Technology and Nationwide Networks Avy, a company known for its aerial drone networks designed for emergency services, has named Benjamin van der Hilst as its new CEO. Van der Hilst assumes the role following the leadership of Avy founder Patrique Zaman, who will continue as a […]

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Cyber Monday 2024: could this be the last great deals day for drone pilots?

Cyber Monday has become the go-to day for drone enthusiasts to snag high-tech gear at steep discounts. Even a simple 20% discount can mean hundreds of dollars in savings — making this Cyber Monday 2024 a great opportunity to jump on drone deals.

But speaking of Cyber Monday 2024, today’s deals might mark the end of an era for budget-friendly drones. After all — with potential tariffs looming — DJI and other Chinese drone makers may never be able to offer prices this low again.

It all comes down to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. Donald Trump has said that he would impose the across-the-board tariffs on Day 1 of his second term as president. In a post on Truth Social, Trump also threatened an additional 10 percent tariff on all products from China, which means DJI drones. Some have worried the Trump Administration could go so far as to ban drones from China.

This comes at a time where drone prices have been historically low relatively to what they entail. Just ahead of the 2024 holiday season, DJI released the DJI Air 3S drone, which is a tricked out version of the older DJI Air 3 — albeit for the same $1,099 price. Also this season, DJI released its cheapest drone yet: the DJI Neo (which comes in at less than $200).

However, that trend could change, and Cyber Monday 2024 could be the last chance for drone pilots to capitalize on historically low prices before tariffs drive costs back up.

If you’re considering a drone purchase, these Cyber Monday 2024 deals might mark your best opportunity to grab Chinese-made drones without breaking the bank.

Cyber Monday 2024: The best deals on camera drones we’ve seen

If you’re looking to acquire a new drone at a reasonable price, now’s the time to act. Here are some of the best Cyber Monday 2024 drone deals, particularly on Chinese-made options:

1. DJI Air 3

  • Deal: $879 (down from $1,099) on DJI’s official website and select retailers like Amazon.
  • Why It’s a Steal: I’ve never seen the price this low on this lightweight, foldable drone. It stands out for its dual-camera systems, exceptional flight time and cutting-edge obstacle avoidance. It’s the older model of the new DJI Air3S, but it still holds its own as a great, budget-minded choice for travelers. Learn more in my DJI Air 3 review.

2. Autel EVO Lite+ (40% off)

  • Deal: $1,149 (down from $1,249) on B&H Photo.
  • Why You’ll Love It: Wowzers, I consider the Autel Evo Lite+ to be the top non-DJI alternative to the DJI Mini lineup — and this makes it even more compelling. A 40% discount (bringing it down to $689 as a starting price) is staggering. Learn more in my Autel Evo Lite+ review.

Get the Autel Evo Lite+ now. Discounted pricing is available at retailers including:

3. HOVERAir X1 (30% off)

  • Deal: $299 (down from $429) on the HOVERAir X1.
  • Why You’ll Love It: That’s not the only competing, non-DJI drone on sale. The HOVERAir lineup of drones are also made in China, and the company wants to get in the hands of consumers now by offering a discount. Through the end of today, you can nab the HOVERAir X1 for up to 30% off. Plus they are throwing in a free bonus battery.

Learn more in my HoverAir X1 review. and then get in on the HOVERAir X1 sale before it ends on Dec. 2.

4. DJI FPV Avata 2 Pro View Combo

Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Avata 2 with the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3. (Photo by Sally French)
  • Deal: $748 (originally $1,388).
  • What’s Special: Experience the thrill of first-person drone piloting with DJI’s best FPV drone available on the market today. With this combo, you get goggles that put you in the cockpit, as well as high-speed flight capabilities. And though it’s marketed as a racing drone, it’s actually a great camera drone too — particularly if you’re looking for an indoor drone. Learn more in my DJI Avata 2 review.

5. Potensic Mystery Box Surprises for less than $20

  • Deal: $19.99 for a mystery box worth $40
  • Why it’s fun: This is the most chaotic Cyber Monday 2024 deal I’ve seen, and I love it. Why? You don’t know what you get. Plunk down $20, and Chinese drone-maker Potensic will send you a surprise box. They promise it’s worth $40 in value — but that assumes you’ll actually value the items you get the same way. Think of it as paying $20 for the thrill of the anticipation.

Purchase a Potensic Mystery Box Surprise now starting at $19.99.

Why we’re watching Cyber Monday prices closely — and into 2025

To be clear, proposed tariffs would impact far more than just drones. Expect major shakeups for prices on other things such as cars, food, and all sorts of other materials and finished goods.

If tariffs are implemented, drone pilots should expect price increases as soon as early 2025. That could mean bad news ahead. But for now, the good news is that it’s made Cyber Monday 2024 a golden opportunity for drone enthusiasts to upgrade or expand their fleets.

Now those deals named above are all related to Chinese-made drones. However, there are a bunch of other Cyber Monday deals for drone pilots. Many of these deals come from American companies, including those offering online Part 107 course deals.

What drones are you eyeing this Cyber Monday 2024? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Cyber Monday 2024: could this be the last great deals day for drone pilots? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Sweden to Contribute to Ukrainian Production of Long-Range Drones

On Friday 22 November, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson received his Ukrainian colleague Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov at Karlberg Palace. At the Palace, Mr Jonson presented plans for a new Swedish financial contribution to the Ukrainian defence industry with a focus on the mass production of long-range missiles and long-range drones. A bilateral meeting […]

Spain Busts Hashish Smugglers Who Used Ukrainian Drones

Spanish police on Thursday said they had broken up a criminal network that used Ukrainian-made drones to fly hashish from Morocco to Spain, arresting 10 people. The suspects based in southern Spain flew the drugs across the narrow Strait of Gibraltar separating Morocco from the Iberian Peninsula “using uncrewed aircraft”, police said in a statement. […]

Drones Take Science to New Heights: UAF Research at AGU24

Exploring Snow, Sea Ice, and Remote Education with UAV Technology Scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Geophysical Institute are leveraging drone technology to push the boundaries of research in challenging environments. At the 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting, UAF researchers will present innovative projects showcasing drones’ capabilities in measuring snow and […]

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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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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 […]

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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