Drones

Congressional Testimony: Regulation, Education Needed for Drone Industry to Scale

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AUVSI Testimony: Michael Robbins Speaks Before House Subcommittee on Aviation Michael Robbins, President & CEO of the Association of Uncrewed Systems and Vehicles International (AUVSI), recently testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation. Representing the world’s largest trade association for uncrewed systems, robotics, and autonomy, Robbins highlighted the critical role of […]

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Revolutionizing Window Cleaning: Drone Wash Takes to the Skies

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How a Colorado-Based Startup Overcame Extreme Conditions with Innovative UAV Technology from Apellix Apellix, a Jacksonville, Florida-based company focused on robotic arm and end effector-equipped UAVs, recently released a LinkedIn post discussing one interesting application for their innovative drones- window cleaning. Jay and Nicole Hanna, two drone professionals in Colorado, alongside CTO Ray Jeans, are […]

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La Torraccia – Ravenna , Emilia Romagna , Italy

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Ancient coastal watchtower, it was located at the entrance to the Candiano port area (at the time south of Ravenna). It is currently located in the countryside between Classe (RA) and the sea, visible from the right bank of the Fiumi Uniti proceeding towards the sea and from the Classe pine forest not far from the Ortazzo naturalistic area. Commissioned by Cardinal Legate Paolo Savelli and designed by architect Pietro Azzoni, it was built in 1670

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Amazon Prime Day 2024: the best drone deals

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Amazon Prime Day 2024 kicks off today, featuring deals on everything from kitchen appliances to clothes to toys. And yes, drone pilots can get excited about new gear too. Yep, Prime Day 2024 brings plenty of deals on drones and drone-related products.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Amazon Prime Day 2024 deals on drones and accessories. And I need your help! If you find a great deal that others might love, leave a comment below!

By the way — before you shop — check out my primer Amazon Prime Day guide. There you’ll find tips and tricks for finding the best deals today and tomorrow (including how to shop the Amazon Prime Day 2024 deals without actually having a Prime membership). 

The best Amazon Prime Day 2024 drone deals we spotted

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

Save $310 on the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo

The DJI Air 3 drone features two cameras: a wide-angle and a 3x medium telephoto, both capable of capturing 48MP photos and 4K/60fps HDR videos. Additionally, the drone offers significant flight improvements, including:

  • Up to 46 minutes of flight time
  • Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
  • O4 HD Video Transmission System

The DJI Air 3 is ideal for someone who is constantly on the go, or a nice sweet spot drone for professional photographers who might not necessarily need the highest-end cameras. 

The DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo is usually $1,549, but is on sale for $1,239. If you are not looking for the extras that come with the fly more combo (DJI RC controller, intelligent batteries), the Air 3 with DJI RC-N2 is also 20% off. 

Save $230 DJI FPV Explorer Combo 

The DJI FPV drone is ideal for experienced drone pilots, especially those trying to get into FPV-style flying. 

The drone weighs 795 grams and has a flight time of 16 minutes. The Explorer Combo comes with Goggles Integra. The DJI Goggles are arguably one of the highest-quality goggles out there.

The DJI FPV Explorer Combo is usually $999 but is 23% off for $769.

Save $90 on the DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo

DJI’s most affordable drone is now even more affordable on Amazon Prime Day 2024. When this drone was released last month, it quickly moved to Amazon’s No. 1 best-selling drone, and for good reason. 

The DJI Mini 4K is a fantastic entry-level drone with the ability to shoot 4K video, sub-250 gram weight, and ease of flight. It also comes with omnidirectional obstacle sensing, making it effectively crashproof. 

The Fly More Combo comes with an RC-N1 controller, 2 intelligent batteries, and a shoulder bag. The DJI Mink 4K Fly More Combo is normally $449 and is now on sale for 20% off at just $359.  

If you already have a DJI controller, perhaps skip the Fly More Combo and purchase the DJI Mini 4K which is also 20% off for just $239. 

DJI Mini 3 Pro drones under 250 grams

Save $70 on the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo

With the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo, you’ll get the Mini 3, the RC controller, a shoulder bag, intelligent flight batteries, and several other accessories. Usually $719, it’s on sale on Amazon for $599.

The DJI Mini line is considered DJI’s drone line for beginners. So this Fly More combo comes with everything you need, I can’t think of a better gift for the novice drone lover in your life. If you do end up purchasing this as a first-time drone, consider the Drones 101 course from Drone Launch Academy. Also this week (though not actually on Prime) the course is currently 50% off. 

Notable DJI Mini 3 features include its lightweight (249 grams), long flight time, and 4K HDR video. 

So is $599 a good deal? For what it’s worth, the DJI Mini 3 drone is actually ultra cheap over at Costco — albeit not in Fly More Combo form. On Costco, the DJI Mini 3 drone is on sale through July 21 for just $299. The catch? It’s backordered for two weeks, and you’ll need to pick it up at a warehouse. Plus, that also requires a Costco membership.

If you want the full Combo version, or you don’t have access to a nearby Costco (nor a membership to boot), then Amazon is your best bet. But Costco members, don’t overlook the beloved warehouse chain.

Save $160 on Bwine F7 GPS drone

For an alternative drone to DJI that also costs less than $500 (when on sale), look to the Bwine F7 GPS drone. We haven’t independently reviewed this drone so we’re unwilling to full endorse it — but at least the deal looks good. The Bwine F7 GPS drone is usually $599 but is currently on sale for $370. 

That’s because the Bwine F7 drone itself has fairly impressive specs for the price. That includes a detachable 4k video camera, a 3-axis gimbal, plus 5x digital zoom. Note that while the Bwine is a DJI alternative, it does not make the list of American drone companies. 

Save $60 on the Holy Stone GPS drone 

Another alternative drone to DJI that costs less than $200 (when on sale). And it is not always easy to find cheap beginner drones for under $200.

The Holy Stone drone shoots in 4K, has a return-to-home feature, has a 5GHz FPV transmission, and flies for an impressive 46 minutes.  The drone is usually $229 but is on sale currently for $169.

Save $104 on SanDisk 4TB Extreme Pro

The SanDisk 4TB Extreme Pro is a massive storage device. Any drone photographer knows the more storage, the better. 

Consider the SanDisk 4TB Extreme Pro for its impressive NVMe solid state performance, offering up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds, which ensures quick and efficient transfer of high-resolution footage. The SanDisk Extreme Pro is usually $400 but is 26% off for just $296.

If you want something with slightly less storage, Samsung’s SSD T7 Shield 1TB is 50% off! It usually goes for $169, but is now on sale for $79.99. 

Save up to $36 on Samsung SD/MicroSD cards

Believe it or not, the microSD card you buy for your drone matters. For example, a more powerful drone will require a more powerful SD card. Lucky for you, many of the microSD cards that made our list of best microSD cards for drones, are on sale for Prime Day. 

Here are some of the best deals on Samsung MicroSD cards:

Use The Drone Girl’s guide to help you select the right microSD card for you, or if you want the best deal, then we’d recommend the 512GB Pro Plus microSD. 

Save $38 on the Pelican Vault hard case 

For photographers who frequently travel with their drone and possibly other camera gear, consider this Vault case. 

The case comes with padded dividers and Velcro brand fasteners, so you can ensure each of your items is safely stored. The cases are also sealed against moisture and dust. 

The Pelican Vault hard case is usually $189 but is currently on sale for $151. 

Save $12 on the Samsung 256GB USB Type-C drive 

Flash drives are perfect for storing your irreplaceable drone photos and videos, important work, school documents, and more. 

The Samsung flash drive transfers 4GB of files in 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.13 read-speeds. The flash drive is usually $35 but is on sale for $22.99.

Top Amazon Prime Day 2024 deals on products not for your drone (that we still love!)

Amazon Prime Day is packed with fantastic deals on a wide range of products, not just drone-related ones. So, we curated some excellent offers that, while not specifically for your drone, are sure to delight any drone enthusiast. 

Save $130 on the GoPro Hero11 Black Bundle 

For drone photographers looking to expand their filming POV, try the GoPro Hero11. The camera can shoot 5.3K video, has a water-repelling lens cover to help eliminate lens flare, and has a photo resolution of up to 27MP.  

The bundle comes with the Hero11 black camera, 2 batteries, a curved mount, a mounting buckle, a USB-C cable, and a head strap.  

The GoPro Hero11 bundle usually goes for $380 but is 34% off for just $250. 

Save $60 on the Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker 

For drone photographers, you either spend the day running around capturing the best footage or are stuck behind a desk all day editing said footage. 

A Fitbit can be an excellent way to ensure you are getting your steps in, every day. The Fitbit Charge 6 has 40+ exercise modes, built-in GPS, active zone minutes, 24/7 heart rate, and more. 

The Fitbit Charge 6 usually goes for $160 but is on sale for $100. 

Save $10 on an ergonomic office chair

For all those hours editing drone footage, upgrade your work from home office with this ergonomic office chair. The chair comes in three different colors oil black, off-white, and dark brown.

The chair has an adjustable high-back, rotatable wheels, and flippable armrests. The office chair is usually $109, but is on sale for $98.

What’s your best Amazon Prime Day 2024 find so far? Tell me in the comments!

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Lockheed Martin to Develop Artificial Intelligence Tools for DARPA

Posted by Dronerator
. Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $4.6 million contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for dynamic, airborne missions as part of its Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program. This project aims to provide advanced Modeling and Simulation (M&S) approaches and dominant AI agents for live, multi-ship, […]

Crash-Perching on Vertical Poles with a Hugging-Wing Robot

Posted by Dronerator
Perching with winged Unmanned Aerial Vehicles has often been solved by means of complex control or intricate appendages.  Mohammad Askari, Michele Benciolini, Hoang-Vu Phan, William Stewart & Dario Floreano, researchers at the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland, present a method that relies on passive wing morphing for crash-landing on trees and other types […]

Quantum Systems Deploys ‘Receptor AI’ in Ukraine

Posted by Dronerator
The Munich-based manufacturer of dual-use reconnaissance drones that use multi-sensor technology to collect data for government agencies and commercial users, Quantum Systems, confirms for the first time the deployment of a previously unreleased AI sensor upgrade of the type “Receptor AI” in Ukraine. The new upgrade kit is based on a Jetson Orin Nvidia chip […]

Everything you need to know ahead of Amazon Prime Day 2024

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Amazon Prime Day starts tomorrow, July 16, 2024 and runs through Wednesday, July 17. For drone enthusiasts, this means plenty of exciting deals on DJI products, drones, memory cards, and more. 

Over the next two days, we will share the best drone deals as we find them, but here’s a sneak peek at some current drone-related offers, along with tips to help you prepare for Prime Day and save even more money.

Skydio drones Amazon

How to participate in Amazon Prime Day 2024

Amazon Prime Day is a two-day event starting tomorrow. To participate, you need to be an Amazon Prime member, which costs $139 per year. However, here’s a tip: sign up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. You can enjoy the Prime Day deals and then cancel your membership within the 30-day period if you decide not to keep it. That way you can still snag a drone (or whatever you buy) on sale — and not also have to shell out the $139 for the Prime membership.

That’s not the only way you can avoid paying the full $139 Amazon Prime membership fee, though. Amazon offers discounted memberships for eligible customers, including students, EBT recipients, and those on select government assistance programs.

Best deals before Amazon Prime Day  2024

The larger deals will run tomorrow July 16 through Wednesday, July 17, but some items that might appeal to drone pilots are already on sale right now. Don’t wait on these deals though. If something catches your eye, snag it before it sells out. That said, here are some of the best Prime Day 2024 deals right now

Prime Day 2024

Get 10% back with Amazon Prime rewards Visa card 

To maximize your savings, consider signing up for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card. This card has no annual fee, but you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership. The card offers several benefits:

  • 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
  • Travel Insurance
  • Extended warranty and purchase protection

One of the best perks is the potential to double your 5% earnings on certain Amazon products to 10% during special promotional periods. Eligible products for this increased cashback include the DJI Air 3, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, and the DJI Avata drone.

How to plan for Amazon Prime Day 2024 today — so you’re ready tomorrow

When you log onto Amazon’s website, you might feel overwhelmed by the various promotions. And with sales popping up left and right you may be left wondering, am I getting the best deal? 

Before starting your shopping day, list some must-haves and some that would be nice for your Amazon Prime Day 2024 purchases. 

Next, when you’ll often see different types of deals next to the sales items. Here is a breakdown of what the deals mean. 

  • Best Deal: Prime-Exclusive Best Deals offer significant discounts and are available either until the promotion period ends or inventory runs out. If you see something you want it, snag it given that inventory restriction.
  • Deal of the Day: These deals tend to be featured prominently to drive brand awareness to that particular project. Depending on the actual item, these deals runs for either 24 or 48 hours during the event, subject to selection and scheduling.
  • Lightning Deal: These are limited-quantity deals that run for 12 hours or until sold out. If you see this as a must-have item, purchase it right away. You’ll typically see a countdown clock letting you know when the deal expires.
  • WOW: These are some exciting, super limited-time deals. Though maybe not a huge deal, these deals tend to be considered “rare,” perhaps because that item doesn’t usually go on sale otherwise. If you see it for any must-have or would-be-nice, purchase it right away, as you’re unlikely to see such a deal again.

What’s on your shopping list tomorrow? Check back here as we bring you the best Prime Day 2024 deals for drone lovers. 

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This Amazon credit card tip can get you 10% back on popular DJI drones

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Here’s a money hack of sorts, that can save you big money: the Amazon Prime Card Bonus.

To take advantage of this deal hack, you’ll have to hold the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card. The card has a $0 annual fee, but you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member in order to apply. Amazon Prime membership costs $139 annually. Though, it’s discounted at $69 a year for students or $6.99/month for some qualifying government assistance recipients). The card has a myriad of benefits, which include:

  • 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores
  • Travel insurance
  • Extended warranty and purchase protection

But one of the best benefits can actually double the 5% earnings on certain Amazon products to 10% — but only for certain windows of time. And among the products eligible for 10% back include the DJI Air 3, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and the DJI Avata drone. But hurry, this offer is only available for a limited time — presumably until the 10th annual Amazon Prime Day officially kicks off next week.

How to save 10% on drones at Amazon

Here’s how the 10% discount on DJI drones purchased on Amazon works:

  1. Purchase a qualifying Prime Card bonus product. You can browse every eligible product here. All of them offer at least 10% back, and some offer even more. The eligible DJI drones include:
  2. Pay for the purchase using your Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card. Annoyingly, it doesn’t work if you pay with other methods such as a gift card.
  3. The card always gets you 5% back. This adds an additional % back (in the case of the DJI drones, the additional 5% makes it 10% back).
  4. Within two billing cycles, you’ll see the money added to your account. It’s issued either as rewards points when you pay with a store card, or as a statement credit for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card.

And though Amazon Prime Day kicks off for its 10th year beginning July 16 at 12:01 a.m. PDT, here’s good news for people not looking to shop this week.

What to know about the Amazon Prime Card Bonus program

The Amazon Prime Card Bonus program is usually available year-round. If you can pay on an eligible Amazon credit card, Amazon is often the best place to buy DJI drones. With that rebate, you likely won’t find DJI drones that cheap anywhere else.

And the savings aren’t the only reason to shop for drones on Amazon. Amazon offers free and ultra-fast shipping for most orders. Returns are easy. Amazon sends you shipping labels to cover the shipping cost. Or, you can simply print back the returned items to the Customer Service desk at Whole Foods which can be even easier. Refunds are fast, with the money back to your account within 3-5 days of the return being processed.

Don’t drag your heels on filling your card, as Amazon Prime Day starts July 16 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and lasts just 48 hours. Shop now, and you might be the giver of one of the best drone gifts yet.

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Do I have to remove the drone from its bag when going through airport security?

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about taking your drone through airport security, and whether you have to remove it from the bag. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I had a question regarding going through airport security with a drone. I have a DJI Phantom 3 and want to know if I have to remove the drone from its bag when going through airport security?

Ah, traveling with a drone — especially now during peak summer season! The answers seem to change based on who, and when you ask.

First, let me make it clear: you can bring a drone through airport security if you are traveling in the U.S. Here’s the wording, directly from the TSA’s website:

“Drones are allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline for their policy.”

But to answer your question more specifically about whether you have to remove it from your bag? That answer is more unclear.

The TSA does travelers who do not have TSA PreCheck to remove large electronic items, such as laptops and printers from their bags. But, it’s unclear whether a drone is a “large” electronic item, or if it’s more in line with a small electronic item, such as a smartphone, which you don’t have to remove. Particularly if you have a super tiny drone, like a DJI Mini 4!

Based on my experience alone, it varies not just by airport, but by who is doing the screening. The TSA sometimes even requests that you remove books from your bag when going through screening!

For example, when I went to Canada as part of a trip to the Arctic Circle with Quark Expeditions, rules varied by Canadian airport. The airport in Edmonton, Canada specifically told me to not remove my drone. I even specifically asked the screener as I got in line.

So for my next flight in Calgary, Canada, I kept my drone in the bag. Alas, the security in Calgary, Canada stopped me and had to check my bags specifically because they spotted my drone.

My advice is this: politely ask the screener at the front of the security process what they suggest. Say, “By the way, I have a drone that weighs about 3 pounds in my bag. Do I have to take it out?”

Sine procedures seem to differ so dramatically, this is the best way to avoid unnecessary backups. If you don’t ask upfront, you slow down the line for everyone else. If you take out your drone when you don’t have to, you also slow down the line.

But if you don’t ask — but screeners your drone out — your bag might need to get checked again. Again, that’s another hangup.

Keep in mind that while you can bring your drone through the TSA, some airlines may ban drones. Check with your individual airline’s website to make sure drones are not on the prohibited packing items list.

What to know about airport security and flying with drone batteries

One important thing to note, there ARE restrictions on flying with batteries in the U.S.

All spare, or otherwise uninstalled lithium ion and lithium metal batteries (such as drone batteries) are only allowed in carry-on baggage, according to the FAA. Lithium ion drone batteries are not okay in checked baggage.

Additionally, there are sometimes limits on how powerful your drone battery can be. Lithium ion, rechargeable batteries, which are common for drones, are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. If they exceed that, you must receive specific airline approval. For drone batteries with 101–160 Wh, you’re only allowed up to two, according to the TSA.

But airlines can choose to be more stringent than the FAA. For example, Southwest only lets you travel with up to 20 spare batteries at a time.

Pro-tip: If you need to travel with more batteries, give the spare ones to your travel companion to hold onto.

And remember, all of this applies to domestic flying in the U.S. If you were flying internationally, that would be a different story. Check with that international destination first. That avoids potential drone confiscation. Equally annoying is if you’re asked to leave your drone at customs and told to pick it up at the end of their trip.

If you ever DO take your drone internationally, UAV Coach has a really excellent master list of drone laws by country. There you can find out if you need to register, if you need a license, and if you can even bring that drone into the country.

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