Safran Electronics & Defense and Edge Autonomy presented Lanner, a new configuration of the Penguin Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) during the exhibition Eurosatory 2024. The Lanner configuration is based on the field-proven Penguin UAS platform and has been specifically modified to meet the requirements of the SDTL (Light Tactical Drone […]
Thales is currently developing the UAS100 drone system designed to perform long-range inspection, surveillance and alert missions for industrial, civil and homeland security users. The ScaleFlyt avionics solutions contributed to the safety of a full drone system which recently received the first full Design Verification Report for drone operations to be granted by the European […]
A new video released on platform X has unveiled a Soviet-era Yak-52 training aircraft used by Ukrainian forces, featuring victory markings on its fuselage. These marks symbolize the aircraft’s growing and effective role as a drone hunter. Amid escalating Russian drone incursions, this inventive use of the Yak-52 showcases a flexible and responsive air defense […]
A drone show has been held at Glastonbury Festival to mark the start of the event. Drone art show company, Celestial, created an immersive light display in the sky depicting the Tor, some of the festival’s most iconic artwork, and the Glastonbury sign in its signature font. John Hopkins, CEO, said the show was “a […]
It’s no secret that I am in love with the DJI Mini 3 drone. It’s one of the best quality drones give the low price tag. And right now, that low price tag is lower than ever.
Sharp eyes from Drone Girl readers have spotted the DJI Mini 3 drone with RC-N1 Remote going for just $419. That’s a $50 discount from the latest low price we’ve seen of $469.
And that’s massively lower than the $559 price that the same RC-N1 configuration of the DJI Mini 3 was set at when it launched at the end of 2022. What was a 16% (or $90) discount is now an even more impressive 25% ($140) discount. All that at a time when the general rate of inflation over the same perio (from December 2022 to now) is 8%.
Imagine practically everything else being 8% more expensive, while one of DJI’s best drones on the market is actually 25% cheaper.
I’ve also spotting some other configurations that offer potentially an even-better deal. For example, for just $20 more, Adorama is selling a $439, upgraded DJI Mini 3 drone with basic accessories kit that also throws in a SanDisk Extreme microSD card, Slinger shoulder bag and a Corel software kit. The software kit alone is considered a $200 value.
Excellent image quality: The DJI Mini 3 packs a punch with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and dual native ISO. That enables true-to-life colors in both bright and low-light conditions.
Easy to fly: With an extended battery life of up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (or 38 minutes with the standard batter), you’ll have ample time to fly. The intuitive and user-friendly controls also make it easy to fly, even for beginners.
Ultra-lightweight: The sub-250 gram weight of this drone has all sorts of practical reasons beyond just portability. Weighing in at under 250 grams, the DJI Mini 3 falls into a weight class that exempts it from certain drone regulations in many countries, including the United States. You don’t even have to register this drone in the U.S.
Made for social media: TikTokers and Instagram Reels makers, rejoice! The DJI Mini 3 features a unique tilt mechanism that allows for true vertical shooting. That’s ideal for capturing vertical photos and videos specifically formatted for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
While the latest version in the Mini lineup, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, is overall a far better drone than the DJI Mini 3. That’s given improved features like a more powerful transmission system and obstacle avoidance. Still, it’s tough to justify the Mini 4 Pro’s $759 price tag now that the Mini 3 is just $419.
I wish I could say I had a crystal ball. And if I did, I’d use it to see how prices will change. With Amazon Prime Day coming on July 16 and 17, we tend to see prices on tech products fall further on all sites, not just Amazon.
But it’s impossible to say if the DJI Mini 3 will end up on a Prime Day deals list. It’s also impossible to predict if it’ll go lower than this $419 price tag if it does.
Then there’s another factor to consider: the potential that the U.S. bans future DJI drones. Yes, a proposed ban on DJI drones that has already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives has sent shockwaves through the drone industry. It’s not entirely clear whether the ban would apply only to new drones, or if existing drones would be grounded too.
For what it’s worth, it’s unlikely the ban would apply to already-purchased drones. Plus, that assumes it even passes in the Senate and that the president signs it into law, which is perhaps even more unlikely. But, it has left some drone pilots wondering if now is a good or bad time to buy DJI drones. Assuming the ban only applies to new drones, though, it could be a golden opportunity to scoop up a cheap drone that you resell on eBay
That said, what if you’ve been eyeing the DJI Mini 3 but the price tag was a bit too high? This sale is the perfect time to take the plunge. With its excellent image quality, long flight time, portability, and user-friendly features, the DJI Mini 3 is a great value at its regular price. At this record low price, it’s an absolute steal.
And hey, if future drones do get banned, then you could always sell this one. On the bright side, you might potentially even turn a profit.
Looking for even more deals? And yes, that means deals on more drone stuff beyond just the DJI Mini 3! Check out my guide to the best drone deals of summer 2024.
Agricultural drone swarms on the Drone Radio Show! Arthur Erickson, CEO and Founder of Hylio, talks with host Randy Goers about his company, the FAA exemption for agricultural drone swarms and how this will impact the drone industry. Listen below: Drone Radio Show · Swarming Drones Coming To A Farm Near You – Arthur Erickson, […]
State Report Reveals Dramatic Increase in Drone Flights Despite Modest Budget Growth By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill The state of Minnesota reported that the number of times police agencies in the state deployed drones without a warrant nearly quadrupled over the past four years, from 1,171 such missions in 2020 to 4,326 flights in […]
We took drone pictures for a Corporate event, in ideal weather, following the Helios boat from the Vieux-Port to the Frioul islands, then on to the Calanques and Riou island (no drone in the Calanques National Park, as it’s strictly forbidden!).
End of the day at the Cercle des Nageurs with a drone photo of the seminar participants! Equipment used: Drone Mavic 3 Pro + GoPro12 and 5m boom
Nous avons assurer les imagesdronepour unévènement Corporate, par une météo idéale, en suivant le bateau Hélios du Vieux-Port aux îles du Frioul, puis vers les Calanques et l’ile de Riou (pas de drone dans le Parc national des Calanques car c’est formellement interdit!).
Fin de journée au Cercle des Nageurs avec photo drone des séminaristes !
Matériel mis en oeuvre :Drone Mavic 3 Pro + GoPro12 et perche 5m
In the ever-evolving world of drone technology, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. To stay competitive, maximize your connections and push your skills to the next level, you would be wise to join a drone membership program or community.
And sure, there are plenty of great, free online drone communities, which I’ve outlined previously on The Drone Girl (and participate in myself). But it’s often the paid drone pilot communities that tend to offer a more robust trove of resources and expert insights.
Free is good, and always preferred. But in my more-than-10 years reporting on the drone industry, I’ve often found that sometimes the drone membership programs that mandate recurring dues inevitably have higher levels of engagement and more quality discussion. Plus, the best drone membership programs often include more than just a place to chit chat with others, but can also entail member-exclusive discounts on drone-related products, free resources (such as access to exclusive libraries of videos, webinars and PDFs), job boards and sometimes freebies, like swag or invitations to IRL events.
Yes, I know having to pay for one more subscription service can be annoying. But drone pilots who own small businesses might be able to make their drone membership community does a tax write-off (do check with your accountant first). And pilots who work for companies with learning stipends might be able to make their drone membership count as a qualifying expense.
With that in mind, here’s a guide to some of the best drone membership programs and communities to join (broken down by type of group, but listed in alphabetical order):
AUVSI: best for policy makers and established businesses
For pilots especially interested in drone industry advocacy, AUVSI likely fits the bill. As the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to unmanned systems (including drones), AUVSI has been seen as a source for championing the safe and beneficial integration of drones into society.
The group represents corporations and professionals across more than 60 countries — most of whom work in either government, academia or the actual industry (whether that’s defense, civil or commercial markets).
AUVSI is behind one of the world’s biggest, annual drone events: the XPONENTIAL conference. XPONENTIAL 2024, held in April 2024 in San Diego, stood out this year for its new Cyber City area that focused specifically on digital defense.
AUVSI membership benefits include:
An invitation to join a local AUVSI chapter (which entails IRL meetups)
An exclusive career center
Access to annual, in-depth industry reports
Discounts to events, including the aforementioned XPONENTIAL conference
AUVSI is best geared towards drone pilots who want to:
Contributing to the responsible development and use of drone technology.
Staying ahead of the curve on industry trends and regulations.
Networking with key decision-makers in the drone space.
Membership fee: $150 annually, though there are plenty of discounts, including if you commit to more than a year, or if you’re an active or retired military member.
Drone Dojo: best for tinkerers and DIY drone builders
Drone Dojo gets a shoutout in my guide to the best free online drone communities given its free-to-join forum, but there’s another, more-hidden community that’s far more vibrant: the Drone Dojo Discord.
The company first rose to prominence in the drone industry when it launched its Raspberry Pi drone kits. These kits were revolutionary in taking the guesswork out of what types of pieces you need to make your own drone, instead shipping it to you in a $1,000 Raspberry Pi drone kit (with a corresponding / taking you through the process, step-by-step).
Since then, Drone Dojo has expanded its offerings with far more courses and kits, including:
Beyond access to that exclusive Discord community, Drone Dojo membership benefits include:
Github code access
A t-shirt
$30 discounts on drone and rover kits
Access to all the Drone Dojo courses
Drone Dojo is best geared towards drone pilots who want to:
Tinker, hobby, and generally turn a dream for a drone project into reality.
Learn through a range of styles, from structured video courses to vibrant online communities.
Actually build physical stuff, including drones and light shows.
Membership fee: Starts at $27 per month, but use my discount link to get your first month for just $1. High tiers unlock more benefits like deeper discounts, custom zoom call consultations and free rental kits.
Drone Launch Connect: best for pilots looking to launch a drone business
Aspiring to transform your drone passion into a profitable venture? Drone Launch Connect is a community that caters specifically to commercial drone pilots — and in particular those who want to make money in drones.
It’s also a super compelling drone membership program because members get access to many of the classes within Drone Launch Academy’s robust offering of courses, which cover topics ranging from getting your drone pilot’s license, to leveling up your drone company’s social media presence.
Access to roughly two-dozen online workshops, including Drone Launch Academy’s Part 107 course, courses that cover the basics on flying DJI drones, guides to getting airspace authorization and more.
Invitation to live, bi-weekly expert Q&A sessions.
Additional discounts on pricier Drone Launch Academy courses not included in the Drone Launch Connect package, such as their $799 Drones to $1k course.
An invitation to Drone Launch Live, which is an in-person drone event happening later in 2024 in Florida (exact date tbd)
Drone Launch Connect is best geared towards drone pilots who want to:
Launch a business in the commercial drone industry.
Secure high-paying freelance or full-time drone pilot positions.
Network with other commercial drone businesses and industry professionals.
Though if you want to join Drone Launch Connect, you’ll want to jump on this now. Come Friday, June 28, Drone Launch Academy is putting a temporary halt on accepting new members. So get in on this killer membership deal before they put a cap on the community size.
EAA: best for pilots interested in unique aircraft beyond just drones
True to its name, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fosters a vibrant community for all things aviation, including drones. While not solely focused on drones, the EAA offers valuable resources and networking opportunities for drone pilots.
Its signature event, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, is one not to be missed. Held annually in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it’s world’s largest airshow and features amazing aerial acrobatics, all sorts of aircraft on display (ranging from fancy private jets to fun, experimental planes), and great entertainment. I went to EAA in 2016, and I can’t wait to go back.
Annual membership dues starts at $48, and gets you discounts to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (which alone can pay for itself), alongside other benefits such as:
A monthly subscription to Sport Aviation magazine
Invitation to local EAA chapter events and meetings
Free admission to nearly 400 museums, including the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh
EAA is best geared toward drone pilots who:
Have a broader interest in aviation beyond just drones.
Seek a supportive network of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Want to access member benefits and discounts on all sorts of aviation-related products and events.
Or, you could pay $1,495 for lifetime EAA membership. It technically pays for itself after about 31 years, but that doesn’t account for inevitable, inflation-related increases in annual dues. Plus, lifetime EAA members get bonuses goodies that money can’t buy, like a personalized lifetime member jacket, as well as a lifetime member personalized ID card, patch, pin, plaque and decals.
Membership fee: $48 per year (individual) or $60 per year for a family membership (includes a spouse and any children under the age of 18).
Choosing the right drone community
The best paid drone pilot community for you hinges on your specific goals and interests. Are you chasing breathtaking aerial visuals or aiming to build a commercial drone business? Do you crave industry advocacy or simply want to stay informed on regulations? By carefully considering your needs, you’ll find the perfect community to propel you forward in your drone pilot journey.
What drone membership programs do you belong to? Was it worth it to pay to join? Tell me about them in the comments!
And speaking of paid communities, The Drone Girl community is — and always will be — free to participate in. I want to make my content free to provide access to information for everyone. That said, I make money purely off sidebar ads, affiliate links and donations like yours. I know the ads are annoying, but I must pay my staff! If you want to keep content like this going and minimize the irritating ads, please consider making a donation today!
Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports), a provider of vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, has announced it has entered a partnership with Jeju Air Co., Korea’s number one low-cost airline, to support the deployment of vertiports for air taxi operations in Korea. The agreement, formalised during a signing ceremony at Gimpo City, Korea, will […]
Safran Electronics & Defense and Edge Autonomy presented Lanner, a new configuration of the Penguin Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) during the exhibition Eurosatory 2024. The Lanner configuration is based on the field-proven Penguin UAS platform and has been specifically modified to meet the requirements of the SDTL (Light Tactical Drone […]
