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.

The post Do I have to remove the drone from its bag when going through airport security? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

The proposed ban on DJI drones in the U.S. has sent shockwaves through the drone enthusiast community. Many drone pilots (or wannabe drone pilots) these days are wondering if they should still buy a DJI drone given the news.

Fear not, aspiring aerial photographer or weekend drone videographer. Before you shelve your drone dreams, let’s delve into the situation and see if there might actually be a buying opportunity here. As it turns out, now might be the best possible time to buy a DJI drone.

What to know about the proposed ban on DJI drones in the U.S.

A federal law already exists that restricts government agencies from using DJI drones due to security concerns.

The potential civilian-use ban that’s hot in the news today (and is one of the most debated pieces of legislation in the U.S. drone industry ever), called the “Countering CCP Drones Act,” could be a game-changer.

So what is the Countering CCP Drones Act? Introduced by Republican Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI), it specifically targets Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies Company Limited (the Chinese drone maker commonly known as DJI Technologies).

The bill proposes a wide-ranging ban on new drones manufactured by DJI, ultimately preventing new DJI products from coming to market in the United States. To do that, the legislation could add DJI to a Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List, potentially prohibiting future DJI drones from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure and in turn rendering them moot from flying — and not much more useful than a paper weight.

A version of the Countering CCP Drones Act was included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA FY25), which passed in June 2024 the U.S. House of Representatives by a narrow margin that fell along party lines. The next step is the Senate, which is majority led by Democrats. Given that, it’s less likely the ban — which echos other Republican-led, anti-China sentiment (such as a proposed TikTok ban) — would necessarily pass in the Senate.

Read the full text of the National Defense Authorization Act (HR 8070) here. It’s more than 1,000 pages long, but the section pertaining to the DJI ban is in SEC. 1722, on page 726.

So with that in mind, is now a good time to buy a DJI drone?

The ban may only apply to new drones

Here’s the key detail: it might only restrict the sale of new DJI drones — which seems to be the most likely outcome. The wording is actually quite vague.

Under section b, it states that DJI’s telecommunications and video equipment, including software, from DJI would be added to the Defense Department’s Section 1260H List of “Chinese Military Companies” alongside the current list of about 50 other Chinese companies.

Even if it does pass, it’s unclear though, how the FCC would actually implement this. The FCC could grandfather current drones. It could also choose to make some sort of grace period before outright banning drones. Ultimately, the FCC would have more authority to decide. Some experts have said the ban would not apply to existing drones, but the current text is pretty vague, so it’s difficult to say for sure.

With that, here are some reasons for — and against — the decision to buy a DJI drone in 2024:

DJI drones are cheap right now

It’s never been a more affordable time to get a quality DJI drone at a low price. DJI is actually in the midst of its half-yearly sale right now, offering discounts on its own site as well as reputable third parties such as Amazon and B&H Photo, or authorized retailers such as Drone Nerds.

And in general, DJI prices have been trending lower. For example, the Avata 2 FPV drone launched in April 2024 for $999 for the starter kit. Compare that to perhaps its closest sibling drone, the DJI Avata. The older model launched in August 2022 at $1,168 for the equivalent kit. That’s a 15% price decrease for DJI’s newest FPV drone at the time in roughly two years.

And compare that to the general rate of inflation, which — between that same period from August 2022 to April 2024 — is up a whopping 6.1%.

It’s pretty incredible to see DJI dropping its prices, particularly when prices for pretty much everything else are going up.

You might end up with a rare commodity

Assuming the ban goes through and the FCC doesn’t block existing DJI drones from operating in the U.S., you’d still be able to soar through the skies with your trusty DJI companion (of course, following FAA regulations as always).

And if the ban goes through, existing DJI drones could become more valuable as new ones become scarce.

Imagine snagging a pre-owned DJI Mavic Air 2 today and flipping it for a profit later through a reseller like eBay. Yes, selling used drones can be a somewhat lucrative way to make money. Here’s where the “gold rush” aspect comes in. You could potentially snag a bargain on a quality drone now, then benefit from its increased value if the ban materializes.

A well-maintained DJI drone could be a fantastic long-term investment, especially if the ban materializes and existing models become collector’s items. With proper care, your DJI Phantom might transform from a recreational flying companion to a valuable piece of tech (and a potential conversation starter at drone enthusiast gatherings).

Why buying a DJI drone right now might be a bad idea

f the Countering CCP Drones Act passes and applies more broadly than anticipated, it could render your brand new DJI drone unusable. But that’s not the only reason why you might not want a DJI drone:

Businesses might not want you using DJI drones

Outright ban or not, the talk alone of a DJI ban could have ripple effects on the business of Part 107-certified drone pilots who take on contract work. If your potential client requires the use of a non-DJI drone for security reasons or out of principle, being solely equipped with DJI models could put you at a disadvantage in securing those contracts.

Support might be lacking going forward

Additionally, with the potential for alternative drone manufacturers to gain market share due to the potential ban, you might miss out on the latest features or innovations from competing brands if you rush into a DJI purchase now.

If a ban goes through, we might see an end of firmware and software updates to DJI, providing for a less optimal (and potentially buggy) experience.

Plus, companies that currently offer to repair drones might stop supporting DJI drones.

Consider DJI alternatives

We don’t have a crystal ball, so it’s impossible to say what will happen to DJI going forward. That said, risk-averse drone pilots in the market for a new aircraft might be best off with a DJI alternative. They might not offer the same brand recognition or user experience as DJI, but they can at least fill some of what could be a DJI void.

Among the best, affordable options include the Crazyflie Nano drone made by DroneBlocks. For a camera drone, consider the HoverAir X1 or Autel EVO Nano+.

And on the enterprise end, high-quality drones (with high price tags to match) include the Freefly Astro Prime drone, the Parrot Anafi USA drone and the Sony Airpeak S1.

So with that, what say you? Are you seizing the moment to nab a DJI drone right now? Or are you holding off to see what happens? Tell me in the comments!

The post To buy or not to buy a DJI drone: Navigating the proposed DJI drone ban appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about finding a mentor in the drone industry. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I passed my FAA Aeronautical Exam! Now what? How can I get a mentor? How do I know where to begin or get experience? I’m overwhelmed. Can you help?

Congratulations on passing your FAA Aeronautical Exam!  That’s a huge accomplishment, and it means you’re well on your way to having a career in drones. But it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed now.

The drone industry is incredibly broad, and there are so many directions you might go. There are so many unexpected drone career paths you could take. Cirque du Soleil artists used drones disguised as lampshades to set the stage for a creative show scene. Breweries are using drones to help brew beer. Marine biologists can actually mount DNA collection devices on drones to study whales.

For people who want to launch their own drone small business, I’ve seen tons of successful business ventures including launching exterior building cleaning businesses via spraying drones. You might support real estate agents by using drones to capture aerial photos of homes. You could launch a wedding photography business.

Specializing in higher–tech areas like drone mapping can also level up your ability to maximize profits.

All of those examples involve actualling using drones, but then there are tons of other career paths that revolve around drones, but don’t necessitate you actually flying them. One of the most in-demand jobs in the drone industry is software engineer, though companies are also hiring in fields like marketing and sales.

Alas, I’ve likely overwhelmed you with potential directions that you could go. That’s all despite you clearly stating that the options overwhelmed you. Alas! My bad.

Ways to find a drone mentor

So as you’ve said yourself, finding a mentor can be a great way to get on the right path. There are a few great ways to go about it:

Engage in online drone communities and forums

There are tons of drone forums, including from the major drone retailers like DJI. Many of these communities have dedicated sections for mentorship and finding flying buddies.

Some are more niche, dedicated to certain demographics or regions. For women, one of the best organizations is Women and Drones. Women and Drones is known for its annual Women in Emerging Aviation Technology Awards, as well as its Hall of Fame (of which I am gratefully a member). The organization’s weekly online Coffee Connections series hosted by Desi Ekstein features a different spotlight speaker each time.

“Their weekly Coffee Connection with Desiree Ekstein is a great way to learn the latest in drones from experts in their fields,” said Loretta Alkalay, who is a New York-based aviation attorney and professor.. “Once you have a feel for the jobs that are out there, you can connect with people in that field and maybe see what internships are available.”

Join professional societies

There’s no shortage of professional societies that have their own built-in mentoring platforms.

Elena Major, who works in operations and membership for UK trade operation ARPAS-UK, recommends The Royal Aeronautical Society, which is the world’s only professional membership association dedicated to the aerospace and aviation industry. The organization recently extended its scope to include the drone industry, and it’s also got a mentoring platform for women called Alta. Though membership entails an application (and application fee) plus hefty annual dues, there are free student and apprentice membership tiers for qualified applicants.

Use social media to reach out to experts you admire

If you’re interested in working with a specific person, simply reach out online. An aerial photographer might be best reachable via Instagram, while an industrial pilot might be best found on LinkedIn.

Sure, there’s no guarantee the potential mentor responds, but it can be worth a shot.

Isabelle Nyroth, who successfully founded Swedish drone consultancy group Yvarbrims, said she’s always been happy to help people who approach her on LinkedIn  asking for advice on next steps in pursuing a career in drones

“It can be intimidating to approach someone online if you don’t know where to start or what to ask, but a good place to start is to connect with someone that you look up to and just ask for a 5-minute chat,” she said.

Emily Andreu, who runs a drone Instagram account called @thedroneprincess, found success connecting with other drone pilots on Instagram. For example, after another pilot she admired commented on one of her posts, she messaged him back.

Since then, he’s helped her with editing and setting up shots.

Network with other professionals nearby

The most successful drone businesses often get more requests for work than they can take on. Sometimes, networking with people who do the work you’re interested in doing can be a smart way to land gigs. For example, Andreu said she connected with another drone pilot who was teaching local drone flying courses.

“He passed some jobs off to me because I was certified,” she said.

Let it happen organically

Sometimes, spending enough time in the drone industry — including attending drone events in-person — makes it possible to find informal mentors. And often, the mentors found organically can be the best.

Don’t overlook mentors outside the drone industry

While it can seem logical to hook up with a mentor who is successful in the drone industry, sometimes the best mentors know nothing about drones.

Diana Casetti, who specializes in real estate, demolition and construction aerial videography, recommends (and has personally used) SCORE. SCORE is an organization specifically designed to support small businesses in the U.S. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offers a range of small business services including free mentoring, webinars and workshops.

“They will meet with you at a frequency that works for you and guide you through running a small business,” she said. “Mine has connected me to other drone operators locally that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. We share ideas and support each other.”

I’ve got a drone mentor, now what?

Having a drone mentor on its own won’t guarantee you success in drones. It’s a good step, but it’ll require you to do the legwork. And yes, the leg work often means approaching the mentor-mentee relationship thoughtfully.

For starters, be transparent about what you can offer as a mentee. While you likely wouldn’t pay a mentor, be cognizant about how you can reciprocate and support their business, too.

“All healthy relationships must be mutually beneficial & respectful,” said Fiona Lake, an Australian professional photographer.

Carys Keiser, who works as a drone pilot and camera operator, recommends setting clear expectations from both parties.

“If someone approached me and asked me to mentor them, I’d ask them what they wanted and how I might be able to help,” she said. 

Additionally, approach a mentor who can specifically address your challenges. For example, since Keiser specializes in using drones for TV film shoots, she says she typically can best support people in aspects of the industry like technology and law. She also said that as a mentee, you should be able to support the person mentoring you, too.

“Being a mentor or a mentee should be rewarding for both parties, and it should have clear set goals and boundaries,” she said. “The natural occurrence of a mentorship is that the mentor recognises the potential and enthusiasm in the person they’re mentoring. That reward for the mentor usually occurs when paths cross through work or training situations.”

The post How to find a mentor in the drone industry appeared first on The Drone Girl.

I absolutely love being a guest speaker in STEM classrooms. As The Drone Girl, my mission is to get the world excited about drones and all the benefits they offer — whether it’s solving world problems (for example, drones make agriculture more efficient which can reduce food insecurity) — or inspiring young people to pursue a high-paying career in a technical field whether or not they work in drones or some other related field.

That said, I get dozens of requests per year from organizations like public schools, Girl Scout troops and after-school STEM programs to come in as a guest speaker. Understandably given the state of education today (and more specifically the lack of funding and resources in educational areas), most of those guest speaking engagements are done for free.

As much as I’d love to take every one of these requests for guest speakers, I can’t do every one for free. Thus, I have to be discerning about which ones I do (though I do paid gigs which you can book via my Intro). As far as my pro bono speaking gigs go, I generally prioritize requests that are closer to my own personal heart (e.g. my own alma mater or schools nearby) or that come from educators whom I already have a longstanding relationship with (e.g. they’ve long given me Instagram likes, which are a surprisingly valuable currency!).

So how can YOU bring a guest speaker into your own classroom? Here’s a step-by-step guide to securing a drone expert for your classroom:

1. Hone in on a guest speaker you already have a relationship with

Career day tends to draw in parents of students because, well, they’re already invested in that classroom for obvious reasons! The best speakers are the ones who are invested in that group of students already. While a parent of a student might be the closest connection, other good options might include guests from local businesses.

Another great way to find a pro bono speaker is to look for someone who is trying to grow their public speaking business. Someone looking for experience ahead of a speaking at a major conference might be willing to use a classroom of less-judgmental grade school kids (who haven’t paid them anyway) as a testing ground for their presentation. If they’re trying to get booked as a drone conference speaker, they might use your classroom as a resume builder.

And speaking of relationship-building, it’s entirely possible to build that relationship from afar. I notice the people who always comment on my YouTube videos, or who consistently retweet my tweets. For content creators like me, likes/comments/shares are an incredibly valuable form of currency, and I notice the folks who constantly support me in that regard. In return for all the social media support, I’m willing to support their classroom, too.

2. Share what you can offer the guest speaker in your request for pro bono work

It’s brutal being a teacher — particularly a public school educator. While speakers likely wouldn’t expect actual dollars in exchange for presenting to a public school, what can you offer them?

I mentioned social media follows, likes and shares — and those are certainly something you can offer. When I spoke to the kids at Kammerer Middle School, dozens of them ended up following me on Instagram — which is valuable to me!

Get creative in what else you can offer. For example, a drone expert coming in as a guest lecturer at a university might find value in the opportunity to scout qualified interns.

3. Make the request for guests speakers easy and straightforward

Busy individuals appreciate efficiency. Propose flexible volunteering options that they can easily make fit their schedule, whether it’s offering a few choices of specific days or times, or perhaps offering the speaker to provide a recorded video clip.

Clearly outline what work you’d want done, plus the time commitment involved — and be reasonable in the request. I’ve been asked to participate throughout a two-hour lecture which I just couldn’t justify (though I would have accepted had I been asked to pop in for, say, 20 minutes of the class).

4. Hire professionals

And of course, if you do have a budget, there are some businesses and organizations who sell services to speak to STEM classrooms. One example of that is Georgia-based STEAM thru Drones, which is part of the Focusing On Me, Inc. 501(c)(3) STE(A)M initiative.

STEAM Thru Drones offers 45-minute interactive programs either in-person or through Zoom for grades 4 and above. The company’s founder , Dr. La’Quata Sumter, said she does some for a fee and some pro bono (she said the number she does for free is based on donations made to the non-profit).

For something a little more involved, you might consider an in-person flight training course designed for schools, such as Drone Cadets Flight School. Available in the greater NY area, the Drone Cadets program can be taught as a 10 to 30-hour course for groups of 10 or more.

The post How to bring drone experts in as a guest speaker to your STEM classroom appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about the GI Bill, and what sorts of drone-related education it might cover. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I plan on getting my Part 107 license. What courses are offered 100% online, and how can I apply to use my GI Bill?

Getting your Part 107 license is an exciting step! Congrats on making the commitment toward what’s effectively becoming a certified drone pilot!

Now you’ve asked a two-parter question. The first part has a straightforward answer. The second part requires a little more parsing of fine print — on top of determining what exact GI Bill eligibility you have (as well as the specific benefits you qualify for based on your circumstances).

We’ll start with the easy one:

100% online Part 107 courses

What Part 107 courses are 100% online? Luckily, numerous reputable institutions offer comprehensive Part 107 license courses entirely online.

Some charge on a subscription basis, which typically means less money upfront (but the downfall being you won’t have access forever. Others charge a one-time fee for lifetime access, which is nice if you need more time to go through the materials — or you simply want to brush up on what you learned when it comes time to renew your Part 107 certificate.

I’ve extensively reviewed all sorts of Part 107 training programs and have outlined the best Part 107 online test prep courses. In the spirit of saving you a click, here are some of my top picks:

• Drone Pilot Ground School: $299 for self-study, or $339 for the guided study which includes phone support and unlimited practice exams (use Drone Pilot Ground School coupon code DRONEGIRL50 to save $50 off).
• Drone Launch Academy: $199 for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Exam Prep Course, or $39 for the flashcards (use Drone Launch Academy coupon code DRONEGIRL50 for $50 off the main course).
• John Peltier’s FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep Course: $139 for lifetime access, or $79 for 30-day access (use Peltier promo code DroneG20 to save $20).

That said, none of the above recommendations qualify to receive government funds through the GI Bill. The GI Bill can only be used at accredited institutions of higher education such as colleges or universities — or by non-accredited training programs that have been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck in using your GI benefits to cover your drone education. Read on to learn more: 

Using the GI bill to pay for drone education and certification

If you’re a veteran or eligible dependent, you can utilize your GI Bill benefits to cover certain aspects of drone education and certification. As is the case for understanding your GI bill coverage for any sort of education, here’s how to understand what you qualify for and how to apply:

1. Determine your GI Bill eligibility: Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website to determine your GI Bill eligibility, how much of your benefits you’ve used and how much you have left to use for your education or training (the website requires you be logged in to your verified account).
2. Verify that the institution is approved: From there, ensure the program you’re applying for is actually approved by the VA for GI Bill funding. An easy way to do this is by using the VA’s GI Bill® Comparison Tool, which not only displays accredited schools, but allows you to compare them against each other on factors including cost, length and type of program, as well as cautionary information such as student complaints or other previous issues that have brought legal scrutiny. In addition, selecting a specific school under that tool allows you to get granular and calculate your individual benefits by inputting details about your specific scenario, such as military status.
3. Actually apply for GI Bill benefits: You won’t get the money unless you actually apply, which can be done in person at a VA regional office or by mail. Learn more about applying here.
4. Enroll in a program: Once your GI Bill benefits are approved, you can enroll in your course of choice. In some cases, the VA will directly pay the institution for your tuition and fees. In others, you’ll pay out of pocket and then money is paid out to you.

An 100% online drone courses covered by the GI Bill: Clemson Drone

Your best bet for an online, Part 107 course that’s also covered by the GI bill is over at Clemson Drone. They offer an online, self-paced Part 107 Exam Prep course that takes an estimated eight to 16 hours to complete. But that’s not all on their lineup of online courses — they’ve got five total. Their courses are:

• Part 107 Exam Prep ($300): This online, self-directed course prepares you for the FAA CFR 14 Part 107 knowledge test to earn your remote pilot certificate. 
• UAS Essentials ($1,800): This online course includes the Part 107 Exam Prep content, but adds on a more structured class format with additional teachings that aren’t so self-paced. That includes flight training via a simulator, plus training on 3D mapping, modeling and surveys in a format that’s graded by a human instructor who delivers customized, unique feedback.
• UAS Essentials Plus ($2,300): This course offers all of the above, but also adds on weekly online zoom calls with the professor, with an add-on APSA flight proficiency exam (which might provide you a leg up in the job market when you pass it).
• Applied UAS Thermography ($1,500): This is another self-paced, online course that digs deep into thermograms, post-production and image tuning. Coursework is reviewed by an actual professor.
• UAS Vocation ($3,500): This course includes pretty much everything you need to get a job as a serious drone pilot, besides the job itself. When you complete the course, you’ll earn a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, APSA BPERP Flight Proficiency Certification, and the Level 1 UAS Thermography Certificate. 

All five of those classes are entirely online, which fits the criteria you laid out.

Just note that only Clemson’s UAS Vocation course has been approved by the SSA for VA Chapter 33 benefits (so enrolling in just the $300 Part 107 course won’t cut it for coverage). The UAS Vocation course is also eligible for tuition assistance through the Army Ignited program. 

That said, I haven’t reviewed any of the Clemson courses. I opted out of reviewing it in my Best Part 107 test prep guide because — besides already being more expensive than the others — it didn’t have as robust offerings as the others on my review list. Even the most expensive drone course I recommend, Drone Pilot Ground School, costs just $249 with coupon code DRONEGIRL50 but includes more practice exams (five versus two through Clemson) as well as longer access (two years versus 10 weeks with Clemson).

Given that, I wouldn’t recommend Clemson’s course for most people — but for folks who have GI Bill coverage, it’s a different ballgame considering you’ll likely qualify for coverage to enroll in the $3,500 UAS Vocation course.

Using VA benefits to cover the Clemson Drone UAS Vocation course

The Clemson UAS Vocation course is approved as a Preparatory Course for eligible students using Chapter 33, post 9/11 Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits. The course is 100% reimbursed to veterans upon completion.

If enrolling in the UAS Vocational course from Clemson Drones feels like the right move for you, then take these four steps to be reimbursed: 

1. Confirm that you are eligible for Chapter 33 “preparatory course” benefits and have remaining entitlement to cover the $3,500 tuition fee either online or by calling the VA at 1-888-442-4551. Just note that the Clemson Drone Course is listed as “LACAS-UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYS VOCATION” which is a different facility code than Clemson University. 
2. Enroll in the course on the Clemson Drone site and select the dropdown option indicating you are “Eligible for 100% VA reimbursement.” Save your receipt.
3. Complete the course over eight weeks (Clemson Drone will provide you with an enrollment verification letter).
4. Complete and submit VA Form 22-10272 and VA Form 22-0803 for reimbursement.  

Other ways to learn about drones under the GI Bill

You specified online Part 107 courses, but that’s not all the drone training you can find through the GI Bill.

There’s also the Drone Workforce Solutions Drone School, which is based out of Wilmington, Delaware. They offer a range of in-person drone training courses that are largely specified to certain industries. For example, the Agriculture and Forestry Drone Collected Imagery Training Course teaches students how to use cloud-based systems and remote sensing to monitor and manage crops. The course entails 20 clock hours and has a tuition fee of $3,850.

Then there are other major universities that offer their own drone courses. For example, you might enroll at the University of Missouri (yes, I’m a graduate) and take the very class I took in drones (that’s Drone Journalism Course 7442). That course is specific to teaching students how to use drones for journalistic use but it also prepares students to pass the Part 107 test and involves hands-on flight training. That’s not the only drone course at the University of Missouri. You might pursue a degree (or at least take classes) in the field of Agricultural Systems Technology, where there are courses that teach about using drones for precision agriculture, or for precision pesticide application.

Should you opt to use your GI benefits to enroll in an advanced degree, like a Bachelor’s of Journalism from the University of Missouri for example, you could very well find yourself enrolling in a drone course.

Other universities have also offered drone courses, including Colorado State University’s 2-week online drone training program (though check if such programs are covered by your GI Bill benefits before enrolling).

Then there are other benefits you might also be able to take advantage of, including tutoring assistance (up to $100 per month, for an aggregate total of $1,200). If you’re seeking a career in drones, you might find it beneficial to not just have the knowledge from the Part 107 courses and actual drone flying experience — but to augment it with other digital skills, such as software development. The VET TEC program, which stands for Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses can cover tuition for approved courses in high-demand training areas such as computer programming, data processing and information science. Find out if you’re eligible here.

Have any veterans out there had success using their GI Bill benefits to further their drone education? Share your experiences in the comments below!

The post GI Bill: what drone education classes are covered? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about U.S.-EU reciprocity around drone licenses. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

What’s up with the European Union and regional Civil Aviation Authorities, vs the FAA not being able to talk to each other to develop some kind of reciprocity with drone permitting — particularly if we have a Part 107 license? 

As the drone industry evolves, so too do the regulations governing their operation. Yet across two of the biggest governing bodies — the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — their regulatory approaches have evolved in pretty different directions.

For drone operators, especially those with Part 107 licenses issued by the FAA in the US, who are seeking to fly their drones in the EU, that’s made things more difficult than perhaps they had hoped.

The drone regulatory landscape in the EU

The EU’s approach to drone regulation is — by most metrics — a more restrictive approach than the US.

As of Dec. 31, 2020, civil drone operators in the EU are subject to Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which classifies drones into three categories based on their weight and intended use:

• Open Category: This covers the majority of leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities (e.g. the drone weighs less than 25 kg, doesn’t fly over people and stays within the pilot’s line of sight). Within the open category are three subcategories that have increasingly fewer requirements (with A1 having the most, and A3 having the least):
  • A1: Flights over some people, but not over assemblies of people.
  • A2: Flights close to people.
  • A3: Flights far from people.

For the most part, drones weighing less than 250 grams are considered to be in the Open Category and can be flown without a permit in most areas.

• Specific Category: This category means that drones don’t meet ‘open’ requirements and will require a permit to operate. These permits are typically issued by national aviation authorities.
• Certified Category: This is the highest-risk category, and it applies to drones that execute complicated operations such as flying over large crowds, delivering items, etc. To fly in the Certified category, the drone needs to be certified, and it can only be flown by a licensed remote pilot and must meet stringent safety requirements before they can be flown.

The Part 107 license in the US

Relative to EASA, the FAA has a more streamlined regulatory approach for drones, largely splitting drone operations into recreational (e.g. flying for fun) and commercial (flying for business).

Under the FAA’s Part 107, commercial drone operators can obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) after passing an online knowledge test. With an RPC, drone operators receive what’s effectively a drone pilot’s license, allowing them to fly drones weighing less than 55 pounds in most uncontrolled airspace without obtaining additional permits (though it is more complicated for drones weighing 55 pounds or more).

Meanwhile, recreational pilots generally just need to take and pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (called TRUST) online test, have a current FAA registration and  broadcast Remote ID information for most types of flights.

The challenge of reciprocity between the US and EU

Given the differences in regulatory approaches, there is not currently any sort of reciprocity with drone permitting. But what about future plans? I reached out to the FAA to see if there were any developments — and alas there are not.

“We are not aware of any current discussions between EASA and the FAA to develop any reciprocity with drone permitting,” said Rick Breitenfeldt, a Public Affairs Specialist at the FAA in an email to The Drone Girl.

The EU’s Specific Category regulations are largely more stringent than the FAA’s Part 107 requirements. As a result, drone operators with Part 107 licenses wouldn’t necessarily be able to meet the requirements to obtain a permit to fly their drones in the EU.

Recommendations for American drone pilots who want to fly in Europe

If you are a drone operator with a Part 107 license from the FAA, but you want to fly your drone in the EU (let’s say, you’re an American on vacation in Europe and want aerial footage of your trip), here’s what you must do to ensure compliance with local regulations:

1. Register as a drone operator with the National Aviation Authority of the first EASA state you intend to operate from (so if your first stop is Germany and you’re heading to Italy on the second stop of your European vacation, you’d register your drone with Germany’s Federal Aviation Office).

Registration can sometimes be expensive though. In the Germany example, The fee per registration is €50 for visitors. Luckily though, once you are registered in one EASA Member State, your registration is valid across all other EASA Member States, so you wouldn’t need to register (and pay yet another fee) for your next stop in Italy. 

2. Once registered, you’ll receive a ‘drone operator registration number, which must be displayed (typically via a sticker) on all the drones you’ll be flying in Europe.
3. You need to train and pass the drone pilot’s certificate online exam and get the European certificate in any EASA Member State. Some National Aviation Authorities offer the training and exam in English. 
4. Comply with the European Drone regulations, which can add on additional requirements (for example, someEASA Member States mandate you hold third party insurance). 

What’s the best European country to register your drone?

Many folks recommend registering in Ireland. For starters, the site is in English, which removes any translation barriers. But Ireland’s process is also among the most straightforward and cheap. 

When registering with the Irish Aviation Authority, registration as an operator costs €30 and is valid for two years. Their “training” requirement (as mentioned above in step 3) is super simple; it’s a free online course that only takes about 15 minutes, and entails you watching a short video and then answering 40 simple questions. Once you pass, you’ll receive a “Proof of Online Training” certificate which you should print out and keep with your drone as you travel throughout Europe. Though, note that certification is still required for drones over 250g and costs €30.

Learn more about registering as a drone pilot in Ireland here.

What about drones under 250 grams?

Many types of drone flights are far easier if your drone weighs less than 250 grams, which has led to the rise in popularity for drones such as the DJI Mini 4.

Check with the country, exact type of flight and type of drone you’re flying (learn more here). But generally speaking, very simple drone flights such as toy drones weighing less than 250 grams that aren’t flying over people don’t require registration.

Do you think there should be some sort of reciprocity between drone pilots in the EU and US? Why or why not? Leave your thoughts on reciprocity around drones below!

The post Reciprocity between US and EU drone pilots: is it possible? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about sorting out the best path for drone education geared toward young adults. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I have a 14-year-old daughter who is enthusiastic about learning how to fly a drone and contributing to our local marine mammal center through videos and pictures.

I’d like her to obtain FAA’s Part 107 certification to grasp the basic rules, and I also need to purchase a suitable drone for her. Fortunately, my daughter has received a $1200 voucher that she can use for educational purposes.

1. Should I prioritize getting the drone first, the FAA’s Part 107 test, or both simultaneously?
2. Are there any schools around here where she can learn how to fly a drone?
3. What type of drone would be suitable for my daughter?

So much great stuff here! I absolutely love your daughter’s enthusiasm for not just the drone industry, but what sounds like a passion for conservation! Plus the $1,200 voucher toward her drone education sounds like icing on the cake.

Particularly when it comes to drones in the world of marine conservation, the use case of using drones to count whales — something I documented way back in 2013 — comes to mind. DJI has even endorsed the concept of what’s now referred to as the “Snotbot,” and the drone making giant worked with agencies like the Ocean Alliance to provide drones to research whales.

Even oil and gas giants like Exxon Mobil have sought to be better about minimizing their environmental impact — which has included bringing in drones to better understand marine life before conducting offshore operations.

What’s compelling about drones in the world of marine life is that it’s not just limited to drones flying over water to take pictures. One drone called the Bathydrone is being used to drag sonar units to log underwater data. Then there are also underwater drones such as the Gladius Mini and the PowerVision PowerRay that glide below the surface to gather data via waterproof cameras.

Regarding your questions, here’s a deeper dive to help you and your daughter embark on her drone education journey:

Should you learn how to fly drones first, or get a Part 107 license first?

You don’t need a Part 107 license to fly drones — it’s only required if you’re flying them for commercial purposes — like, for example, your daughter wants to take on a side hustle flying drones for customers.

(For the uninitiated, under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107, anyone wanting to operate 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 many people refer to as the “Part 107 test.”)

The knowledge you acquire in studying for the Part 107 test is less about how to actually fly drones, and more about how to navigate airspace, containing questions about things like airport operations, airspace classification and weather effects on drones. It’s all good information to have, but it’s generally not going to provide information on how to actually fly the drone.

Given that, I’d typically recommend that most people learn to fly the drone first before studying for the Part 107 test. It’s more practical, and it’s more fun!

Once she’s fired up about drone-flying, she’ll likely be more gung-ho about studying for the Part 107 test, which is perhaps a little less exciting given that it’s entirely theoretical rather than practical knowledge (though studying for the Part 107 test is nonetheless interesting to people who appreciate learning).

Part 107 age requirements

What I stated above applies to any sort of drone pilot, but there’s another reason why your daughter shouldn’t prioritize getting that Part 107 license first: she can’t even get it right now.

To be eligible to even take the Part 107 FAA Drone Test, you must be at least 16 years old. Given that your 14-year-old daughter has two years ahead of her, she can certainly start studying for the test now purely to acquire the knowledge — but being able to even get certified is a fairly long way away given her age.

Drone education: what drone schools teach kids how to fly drones?

While I love the convenience of Part 107 online courses, the act of learning how to fly a drone is best done in-person.

Now some drone pilots never take an in-person course. Particularly for people who have experience in related RC fields like video games, then flying a drone can be pretty intuitive. For those folks, just read the manual carefully first, and go fly on your own, trial-and-error style.

That said, in-person drone flying courses make for an excellent way to guarantee you’re getting the information you need from experts. If you can afford it (and it sounds like your daughter’s $1,200 voucher might help), then definitely go for the in-person drone training course.

In-person drone training sessions can sometimes cost less than $200, particularly for a one-time session.

UAV Coach (which also happens to offer an incredible online Part 107 training course too) offers two-three hour, personal drone flight lessons for individuals or small groups. The training courses are offered in more than 20 cities around the U.S. including Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Denver, Chicago and — not too far from you — either in Los Angeles and San Diego (view all the available cities here). These classes can offer your daughter tons of 1:1 attention, and come with plenty of scheduling availability to work around her school schedule.

For more options on where to fly drones, I’ve put together a more complete guide on the best in-person drone flying schools.

As far as learning how to pass the Part 107 test (which your daughter can certainly do now, with the understanding that she can’t actually take the test for a couple years), check out my guide to the best Part 107 online test prep courses.

One more reason I love UAV Coach: they offer a high school scholarship program. If granted the scholarship, she’ll get free access to their online Part 107 test prep course. To apply, she’d need to answer a few essay questions and receive a letter of recommendation for her school.

The next application period opens on Jan. 1, 2024 and runs through Feb. 28. But now for the bad news: Drone Pilot Ground School requires you to be at least 16 years old to receive the scholarship. Luckily she’s got the $1,200 voucher to cover the $299 course fee — though you can use coupon code DRONEGIRL50 to save $50. Or, if you move really fast, you can take advantage of the Drone Pilot Ground School Black Friday 2023 sale, which will save you an even bigger $107 (just note that you can’t double up and use my coupon code on the sale).

What type of drone would be suitable for my daughter?

As far as the best drone for your daughter’s drone education, it really depends on your budget and what she’s looking for. I have a guide to the best drones for kids, but this is really more geared toward younger kids, and your 14-year-old daughter sounds pretty motivated and mature that she might be past those. You might also check out my guide to the best drone for a STEM program, though those tend to focus on teaching people about building and coding.

Since she’s focused on learning how to fly, you might check out my guide to the best camera drones. After all, most people start with camera drones. Then they might move into higher end drones with LiDAR units or thermal cameras once they’ve got a grasp for what specific use cases they want to use the drone for.

With a budget of around $1,200, I’d probably recommend the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It starts at about $750, which gives you wiggle room to buy the upgraded Fly More Combo or save some money for the Part 107 course.

• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from Amazon now.
• Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from B&H Photo now.

If you really want something top-of-the-line, you could splurge on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Admittedly though, that might be overkill.

There’s also one more thing to consider when it comes to drone education. I often recommend absolute beginners start off with a cheap practice drone. These types of drones tend to actually be more difficult to fly than expensive, high-end drones with automated control software — and that’s a good thing. Pick up a toy drone for cheap, make sure it’s a hobby you like, and then invest the multi-hundred-dollars into a truly excellent quality drone.

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