– Rheinmetall, a leading system supplier for defence technology and Auterion, a noted supplier of drone operating systems, will be working closely together to develop standardised software-based components for unmanned drone systems. The two companies signed an agreement, thereby establishing a long-term co-operation. The two partners are combining their expertise in order to create a […]
– China’s Lanying R6000 drone is purportedly intended for non military uses, but concept drawings that displayed Chinese military logos on the wings and body of the aircraft sparked worries that it may be used for military transportation, surveillance, reconnaissance or attacks. Tiltrotor aircraft such as the Lanying R6000 combine the flying speed of airplanes […]
– Thales and Avinor have partnered to implement Norway’s next-generation nationwide Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system, enhancing airspace management for both unmanned and manned aircraft while ensuring full compliance with European regulatory standards. Thales’ Topsky – UAS, powered by AstraUTM, will provide a scalable, automated platform for real-time traffic management, compliance monitoring, and safe integration […]
The third annual Sky Elements Flagship Christmas drone show will take place in North Richland Hills, Texas. The team is partnering with the City of North Richland Hills to fly a massive drone show over the Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletics Complex. A brand new Christmas story will be told in the skies and airwaves over […]
Last week, we told you about a great hotel for drone pilots this winter. That was the Orlando World Center Marriott, which is the first hotel to host its own recurring drone show. But as for a hotel that’s great for drone pilots year round? That’s the Hotel Polaris, which opened on Nov. 14, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In addition to reporting on the drone industry for more than 10 years, I’ve also been a travel reporter. And the Hotel Polaris offers a drone-pilot-approved amenity that I’ve never seen before in the U.S.: a flight simulator.
If you’re a drone enthusiast or professional pilot looking for a hotel that caters to your unique passions, the newly opened Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy might just be your perfect landing spot. Combining state-of-the-art aviation amenities with luxurious accommodations, this property is a dream destination for tech-savvy travelers who love to explore the skies — virtually or otherwise. There’s no better flight simulator than this.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Hotel Polaris, including how you can test out the drone flight simulator:
Everything you need to know about the Hotel Polaris
The Hotel Polaris is located at the U.S. Air Force Academy, though anyone can book a stay there.
The whole project came about through a public-private partnership between the Association of Graduates and Air Force Academy Foundation, the City of Colorado Springs, Blue & Silver Development Partners and Provident Resources Group.
CoralTree Hospitality manages the hotel. That management group is famously behind other niche, luxury properties in standout locations including the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, Calif. It’s even affiliated with some major hotel brands including The Woodlands Resort in Houston (part of the Curio Collection by Hilton) and the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country.
But you came to learn about the Hotel Polaris, which takes things to new heights, literally.
Flight simulators at the Hotel Polaris
The flight simulator, operated by Extreme Simulation, offers a unique hotel amenity. It’s the only hotel in North America to offer flight simulator experiences. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Polaris)
The Hotel Polaris is the only hotel in the United States with immersive flight simulators. With it, guests can step into the cockpit of an F-16 fighter jet or a Boeing 737 Max. These advanced simulators put basic drone simulators like the DRL SIM and Zephyr flight simulator (which you would typically just use on your computer at home) to shame.
The hotel’s three simulators deliver a tactile and visually stunning experience. With components like seats, throttles, switches, pedals and yoke actually sourced from real aircraft — combined with a 200-degree HD wraparound screen — this is as close as you’ll get to real flying without leaving the ground.
For drone pilots, these simulators provide an opportunity to hone navigation skills, understand aviation dynamics and immerse themselves in other types of flight beyond just drones. As far as the actual flights, you can choose a range of flying styles. You might go for an F-16 dog fight, or you might try your hand at simulating what it’s like taking off from Denver International Airport in the 737 Max.
The hotel’s aviation-inspired design
The Aviator is a top-floor bar serving craft cocktails in a starry atmosphere — with great views of the Rocky Mountains. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Polaris)
Hotel Polaris doesn’t just cater to aviators through its amenities; the entire property pays homage to the history and beauty of flight. From hanging replicas of the F-35 and B-2 Stealth Bomber in the lobby to aviation-inspired artwork throughout the rooms, the décor is a love letter to aerospace. The mid-century modern architecture, complemented by rich hues of blue and silver, echoes the Air Force Academy’s aesthetic. The whole vibe is both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
Luxury with a view at the Hotel Polaris
Rooms at the Hoel Polaris have plenty of aviation nods. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Polaris)
With 375 meticulously designed rooms, including exclusive 9th-floor Club Level accommodations, the hotel ensures every guest enjoys comfort and style. Club-level perks like a complimentary breakfast, evening drinks and elevated décor make it ideal for travelers seeking luxury.
Even if you’re not in the Club level, rooms are luxurious. Much of the furniture is custom, including built-in headboards and custom-made side tables. Rooms also have aviation-style artwork, which you’ll also see outside the rooms in public spaces too.
Look out for the mosaic of an airplane dog fight, hanging replicas of F-35 and a B-2 Stealth Bomber, photos from the Academy’s archives and a custom-made aerial sculpture inspired by the Ursa Minor constellation.
The property’s expansive windows offer views of the Front Range and the Academy’s historic campus. Just working from the public space could be inspiring setting for relaxation or creative brainstorming. Consider it perfect for drone photographers editing their footage.
Activities beyond the flight simulators
If you’re traveling with family or friends, Hotel Polaris offers something for everyone. That includes the Junior Cadets program for kids to glider-building activities and the dog-friendly K9 Cadets initiative. For those needing to unwind, the Ascend Spa & Wellness Center offers a range of treatments and wellness activities.
Pamela’s serves American food. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Polaris)
When it’s time to refuel, the hotel boasts six dining outlets. Those include The Aviator Bar for cocktails with a view, and Pamela’s for elevated American cuisine. Doolies soda shop has a fun, casual family-friendly vibe.
There’s also indoor meeting space, an outdoor pool and fitness center. Oh, and it’s pet-friendly.
The Hotel Polaris is pet-friendly. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Polaris)
Exploring the Pikes Peak region
The hotel’s location is convenient for people visiting the U.S. Air Force Academy, perhaps ahead of a college tour or for a graduation ceremony. It sits just outside the North Entrance of the Academy. But it’s not just for people affiliated with education.
All the onsite amenities are the perfect complement to a day spent capturing aerial footage of the nearby Rocky Mountains or the iconic U.S. Air Force Academy chapel.
Drone pilots and nature lovers alike will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to some of Colorado’s most scenic areas. The Rocky Mountains provide ample opportunity for exploration, while the city of Colorado Springs offers cultural and historical attractions.
The hotel is located about 30 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport and an hour from Denver.
Hotel Polaris: is it worth it?
The Aviator is a top-floor bar serving craft cocktails in a starry atmosphere — with great views of the Rocky Mountains. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Polaris)
It just opened — and I haven’t stayed there myself — so I can’t say for sure whether the Hotel Polaris is worth it. But it’s certainly compelling.
Whether you’re a drone pilot looking to refine your skills or an aviation enthusiast seeking a one-of-a-kind stay, this hotel sets a new standard for traveler-friendly innovation. So pack your gear, charge your batteries and prepare to soar. Hotel Polaris could take your next vacation to new heights.
For more information or to book your stay, visit www.theHotelPolaris.com or call (833) 311-5581. Rates start at $229 per night.
Mithril Defense and Texas Legislators Push for UAVs with Pepper Spray to Enhance School Safety Amid Funding Challenges by DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill An Austin-based defense and security company is promoting the use of drones to provide security at public schools, and at least one Texas lawmaker has apparently signed on to the idea. […]
The FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference text has been released. The text includes critical language aimed at addressing potential national security risks posed by Chinese-made drones. Section 1709 of the legislation, titled “Analysis of Certain Unmanned Aircraft and Systems Entities,” outlines a structured approach for evaluating the security implications of communications and […]
When it comes to deciding between the DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mavic 3 Pro, you’re not just choosing a drone—you’re defining your priorities as a pilot. These two DJI drones are powerhouses in their own right, offering distinct features to cater to different needs.
The DJI Air 3S stands out for its portability and versatility, making it an exceptional travel drone. On the other hand, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a professional-grade machine designed to deliver unmatched image quality.
I’ll get straight to the point at top: if you prioritize image quality and that alone (meaning other factors like portability and price don’t matter as much to you), go with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. But for a more well-rounded drone that checks all the boxes — good value, lighter body, better obstacle avoidance, more powerful video transmission, etc. — then go with the DJI Air 3S.
But if you’re still curious to learn more about buying the DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mavic 3 Pro, read on for a detailed breakdown to help you decide:
Triple camera (wide: 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad, medium tele: 1/1.3-inch, tele: 1/2-inch)
Mavic 3 Pro
Flight Time
Up to 46 minutes
Up to 43 minutes
Air 3S
Wind Resistance
Up to 12 m/s (26.8 mph)
Up to 12 m/s (26.8 mph)
Tie
Obstacle Avoidance
Omnidirectional with forward-facing LiDAR
Omnidirectional
Air 3S
Internal Storage
42 GB
8 GB
Air 3S
Video Transmission
O4
O3+
Air 3S
Flight capabilities
Wind resistance: Both drones handle wind speeds up to 12 m/s, which is pretty powerful. Either are capable of flying in strong breezes and at higher altitudes — and both are far superior to cheaper DJI drones like those in the DJI Mini line. Though technically the same in terms of specs, my qualitative opinion says that the Mavic 3 Pro has a slight edge in stability during high-precision maneuvers, owing to its heavier weight.
High winds are no match for either drone. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)
Return to home: Both drones offer automatic return to home features. But the newer, DJI Air 3S has a more advanced version dubbed Next-Gen Smart RTH (Return-to-Home). Assuming enough light outside, the DJI Air 3S uses real-time vision positioning and map construction technologies to memorize flight paths. Note that the tech really only works best when it’s bright out. But when it’s dark out, a different sort of tech kicks in. That’s the forward-facing LiDAR, which can detect obstacles in low-light conditions.
Watch the Air 3S execute a flight returning to home automatically at 2:44 in this clip:
Winner: Tie.
Size and portability
The Air 3S is significantly lighter and more compact. For that reason, I generally consider it a better travel drone versus the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.
Even still though, the Mavic 3 Pro easily folds for transport. And by some dimensions, it’s actually smaller than the DJI Air 3. Still note the size difference (958 grams for the Mavic 3 Pro vs. 724 grams for the Air 3S). That might not seem like a ton, but it’s 32% heavier, which can weigh on you after traveling for a while.
Here’s where the Mavic 3 Pro truly shines. Its triple-camera system, featuring a 4/3-inch Hasselblad wide sensor, provides unparalleled image quality, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Additionally, its two telephoto lenses offer versatility for cinematic shots. If your No. 1 priority is image quality, go with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. It has more options and a larger sensor.
Not to mention, the Mavic 3 Pro’s ProRes recording options and seamless integration with professional workflows make it a filmmaker’s dream.
Then again, the DJI Air 3S is still impressive with its dual-camera system and 1-inch CMOS sensor. Even in normal color mode, Air 3S dual cameras can record 10-bit video using H.265 encoding. Additionally, the drone’s maximum ISO has been raised to 12,800, versus just 6,400 on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. That shouldn’t mean a ton if you’re flying in the day or other bright conditions, but it’s significant for flying at low light. Here are some shots I took on my DJI Air 3S, so you can see what it looks like from a normal, non-professional photographer:
What’s more is that — in D-Log M and HLG color modes — the maximum ISO is raised to 3,200. Again, that means brighter, more detailed shots in darker scenarios. Depending on who you ask, 10-bit and ISO image quality on the DJI Air 3S means even crisper details than the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.
Other considerations while filming
Besides the actual camera quality, the filming experience is slightly different on the two drones — and the Air 3S is better. For starters, the Air 3S has 42 GB of internal storage, versus just 8 GB on the Mavic 3 Pro. 8 GB is a good amount, but obviously 42 GB is far better. You could run hours of flights on 8GB.
Plus, the DJI Air 3S employs a more advanced video encoding compression algorithm that reduces video file sizes by more 30%. That helps you save even more storage space.
Winner: The DJI Air 3S has compelling qualities like more internal storage, but ultimately this goes to the Mavic 3 Pro.
The DJI Air 3S has about 45 minutes of flight time. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)
The Air 3S offers 45 minutes of flight time, slightly edging out the Mavic 3 Pro, which maxes out at 43 minutes. Both drones offer exceptional endurance, but the Air 3S provides a minor advantage for extended flights. I wouldn’t sweat over the 3 minutes of difference here, but technically the Air 3S wins.
Both drones excel in obstacle avoidance, but the Air 3S takes it a step further with its LiDAR-assisted obstacle sensing. That basically means it is better at detecting obstacles, especially in low-light conditions. And yes, the Air 3S is the first DJI drone to feature forward-facing LiDAR.
As far as automatic flight modes, both drones have a strong set of smart features, including the ability to pre-program waypoints that the drone can automatically fly to. Other smart flight modes on both drones include:
FocusTrack: Offers stable tracking shots in multiple directions via ActiveTrack 5.0, Spotlight, and Point of Interest (only available on the Hasselblad camera and the medium tele camera)
MasterShots: With one tap, the drone automatically shoots, edits and adds soundtracks to automatically generate cinematic footage. (only available on the Hasselblad camera
QuickShots: Allows the drones to fly in angles like Dronie, Rocket, Circle, and Helix (only available on the Hasselblad camera)
Making Panoramas on your drone
Now the Hasselblad camera on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro has something called Panorama mode, which composes a 100MP lossless panorama photo. That was unique to just the Mavic 3 Pro at the time.
But now with the DJI Air 3S, we have a similar feature called Free Panorama mode. The Air 3S now captures panoramic shots by stitching together multiple images with a manually selected subject or area. This mode is available in both DJI Air 3S cameras, both with slightly different styles. The wide-angle camera offers a broader Field of Vision, which is an efficiency play. I typically go with the medium tele camera when making panoramas, as it has less image distortion.
Tracking subjects
I consider the DJI Air 3S a slightly better follow-me drone than the Mavic 3 Pro (though both are excellent). The Air 3S earns its edge through two new features called ActiveTrack 360° and Subject Focusing. ActiveTrack 360° keeps any subject optimally in the frame by automatically planning a flight path and adjusting framing. Subject Focusing feature keeps your subject in focus even during manual flight or when the subject moves off-center.
Sally French, The Drone Girl, flies the DJI Air 3S with the DJI RC 2. (Photo by Hamilton Nguyen)
At $1,099, the Air 3S is nearly half the price of the Mavic 3 Pro, which starts at $2,199. For travelers or hobbyists, the Air 3S offers outstanding value. And by many metrics, its specs are better anyway.
The one spec the Air 3S can’t compete on? That triple camera, including the Hasselblad. Given that, professionals seeking the best in imaging and features will find the Mavic 3 Pro worth the investment if they’re being judged highly on image quality.
For most people though, I don’t think they should fall for the “more expensive is better” trap. The DJI Air 3S is a brilliant piece of equipment.
DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mavic 3 Pro: who is each drone best for?
Choose the DJI Air 3S if… You’re a travel enthusiast or hobbyist who values portability, excellent performance, and affordability. It’s a perfect all-rounder for casual pilots and photographers.
Choose the DJI Mavic 3 Pro if… You’re a professional filmmaker or photographer who demands the best in camera technology and advanced flight features. Its capabilities are unmatched for creating cinematic content.
– General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. was awarded a contract on October 4, 2024, to develop a next generation high-frequency (HF) modem for the U.S. Naval Information Warfare (NAVWAR) Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I). The task order was issued by the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific. GA-ASI will […]
– Rheinmetall, a leading system supplier for defence technology and Auterion, a noted supplier of drone operating systems, will be working closely together to develop standardised software-based components for unmanned drone systems. The two companies signed an agreement, thereby establishing a long-term co-operation. The two partners are combining their expertise in order to create a […]
