The MTA is looking to potentially deploy drones as eyes in the sky that would provide additional insights on its fleet of close to 6,000 buses. A document posted to the transit agency’s website last week says New York City Transit’s Department of Buses is reaching out to qualified vendors for ways to “manage and […]
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 […]
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. […]
– Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems Inc., Roseville, California, is awarded a $34,856,449 modification (P00013) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0042123C0010). This modification increases the contract ceiling to provide continued non-recurring engineering in support for the XQ-58A Unmanned Aerial Systems mission systems and subsystems integration for the Marine Corps. Additionally, this modification provides for flight […]
US-based IronNet and Asterion Systems have joined forces to test a unique Hitchhiker interceptor drone on the Ukrainian frontline. The two firms have come together to test the effectiveness of the counter drone technology in real combat situations, and Ukrainian frontlines offered the perfect backdrop. IronNet is an artificial intelligence (AI) based cybersecurity company, while […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
The wait is over — Black Friday 2024 is officially here! If you’re a drone enthusiast, this is the best time of year to snag incredible deals on drones, accessories and pilot training courses. Companies are competing for your dollars, offering steep discounts and exclusive bundles to help you take your flying skills to new heights.
I’ve been tracking drone prices for over a decade, so I know which sales are actually worth your money. To save you the hassle, I’ve sifted through countless promotions to bring you the best Black Friday 2024 drone deals.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift for the drone pilot in your life, here are the top deals to grab right now:
Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Air 3 in July 2023.
Price: $1,240 (normally $1,549)
Sure, the DJI Air 3S drone is the spiffier version of this one that’s on sale. But I still maintain that the DJI Air 3, which is a mid-range drone that I loved when I first reviewed it in 2023, is perfect for hobbyists and semi-pro pilots. Its standout features include omnidirectional obstacle sensing, improved internal storage (42GB), and an all-new Panorama mode. With a $300 Black Friday discount, it’s an excellent buy for those looking to save while still getting a top-notch drone.
Now on most days, the Air 3S Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 retails for the same price as the DJI Air 3 on normal days. But this weekend, the DJI Air 3 is $300 cheaper.
The ultra-portable HOVERAir X1 offers 4K video, auto-follow, and cinematic templates, making it a great selfie drone. While I typically recommend the DJI Neo for its lower price, the X1’s free battery and steep discount make it a solid alternative DJI alternative.
The Mavic 3 Pro is the best of the best. This flagship drone boasts a triple-camera system, Hasselblad imaging tech, and 43 minutes of flight time. When you shop directly through DJI, the company sweetens the deal with 0% APR financing and a free water bottle.
The 0% APR financing offer can be helpful in allowing you to spread out payments with no interest. Just realize the risks of jumping on such an offer. Missing payments or stretching your finances too thin can lead to fees or negative impacts to your credit scores down the line.
Each Mystery Surprise Box from toy drone maker Potensic contains surprise items like mini drones, batteries, and propellers. It’s a fun and affordable gift idea for hobbyists.
Pilot Institute is the best choice or pilots interested in both uncrewed and crewed aircraft training. Besides their Part 107 courses, they offer training in areas such as checkrides and instrument ratings.
For Black Friday, you save more depending on how much you enroll in. The terms of their sale is:
UAV Coach offers courses for beginners and aspiring drone business owners. Highlights include their Drone Business Blueprint and Drone Mapping Essentials. And now through Dec. 4, 2024, almost all UAV Coach courses are 50% off with the code BFCM24. There are a few exceptions that don’t qualify for the discount, such as the Drone Mapping Essentials Workshop (DME) and Hands-On Flight Training.
Course bundles offer deeper discounts, like the Commercial Drone Business Bundle, which includes DPGS and the Drone Business Blueprint for just $199 (normally $448).
These courses are great for either straight up newbies, or people who are familiar with drones but are new to launching a business. The Skill Builder is an amazing intro to drones class for someone who needs a flying confidence boost. Meanwhile, Drone Mapping Essentials is one of the best online drone mapping classes to learn what you need to know ahead of growing a drone business that actually makes big money.
A stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott for their drone show
A Christmas themed drone show from Sky Elements. (Photo courtesy of Sky Elements)
I prefer experiences, not things, which is why I love this gift idea: a stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Why? They’re running a Christmas drone light show.
Their Cyber Sale offers 25% savings on weekend stays through Jan. 20, though you must book anytime on or before Travel Tuesday.
Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver for editing videos or working in noisy environments. Today, the normally $349 headphones are on B&H Photo for just $199.
52% off DJI Power 1000 (now $480)
Price: $480 (normally $999)
For drone pilots who love road trips or outdoor adventures, this compact power station is a must-have. At over 50% off, this deal is hard to pass up, especially considering this is the best portable power stations for drone pilots.
Black Friday 2024 has shaped up to be the perfect time to upgrade your drone gear or dive into pilot training at a fraction of the cost. These deals won’t last long, so act fast before items sell out!
Have you found any other great Black Friday drone deals this year? Share them in the comments!
Florida-based Unusual Machines, Inc., a drone and drone components manufacturer, announced on November 27th that Donald Trump Jr., an investor in the Company, has joined the Company’s advisory board. “Don Jr. joining our board of advisors provides us unique expertise we need as we bring drone component manufacturing back to America,” said Allan Evans, Unusual […]
The MTA is looking to potentially deploy drones as eyes in the sky that would provide additional insights on its fleet of close to 6,000 buses. A document posted to the transit agency’s website last week says New York City Transit’s Department of Buses is reaching out to qualified vendors for ways to “manage and […]
