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Flying drones near Waikiki: the best spots for photographers

Posted by Dronerator

Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about flying drones near Waikiki. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I will be in Waikiki for work at the end of next month, and I was wondering if you could recommend any specific places I should look at photographing with my new drone? Also, if there are any specific requirements for flying around the island/water? Still getting used to flying beyond my line of sight and wanted to use this opportunity to get more comfortable and see some cool stuff!

Waikiki, which is one of the key tourism areas on the island of Oahu, offers incredible aerial photography opportunities. In fact, it was the first place I went after getting my hands on the DJI Air 3S! However, flying drones in Hawaii as a whole comes with some strict regulations. Let me break down both the best spots for flying drones on Oahu (and specifically in Waikiki), and the rules to keep you flying legally.

Here’s a reel I shot on Oahu (though this was mostly around the North Shore):

A quick disclaimer on drone line of sight requirements

Before we talk about great spots for flying drones near Waikiki, I first need to address something important in your question. You mentioned wanting to get more comfortable “flying beyond my line of sight” – but here’s the thing: flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is illegal under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations unless you have a specific waiver, which requires extensive documentation and approval.

Under Part 107 (if you’re flying commercially) and even under recreational guidelines, you must keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times. This means you need to be able to see your drone with your own eyes (not through the camera feed) throughout the entire flight. So rather than getting comfortable with BVLOS flying, focus on maximizing what you can capture while staying legal and keeping your drone in sight.

Hawaii-specific drone regulations

Though the FAA regulates the skies, Hawaii regulates what happens on the ground, which means prohibiting drones from launching in certain areas. Here are some rules and recommendations for staying both within the law and just generally being a respectful pilot in and around Waikiki.

State parks and beaches: Drones are prohibited from taking off, landing, or operating within all Hawaii state parks. This is a big one because some of the most iconic spots in the Waikiki area, such as Diamond Head State Monument, are state-managed.

Airport proximity: Honolulu International Airport isn’t far from Waikiki. Check with a B4UFly approved service provider or Aloft before every flight to ensure you’re not in controlled airspace.

Respect and privacy: Hawaii takes privacy seriously. Avoid flying over private property without permission, and be especially mindful of residential areas and people on beaches.

Wildlife: Keep significant distance from wildlife, especially sea turtles and monk seals. Disturbing protected species (whether or not a drone is involved!) can result in serious fines.

The best drone photography spots near Waikiki

Now with that in mind, here’s the answer to your actual question: the best drone photography spots near Waikiki:

Diamond Head Crater

While you cannot fly within Diamond Head State Monument, you can film Hawaii’s iconic crater from approved locations nearby. The crater’s distinctive profile against the ocean makes it so that it’s almost more scenic to film it from afar. Be sure to stay outside park boundaries and maintain line of sight.

Magic Island (Ala Moana Beach Park)

This man-made peninsula offers beautiful sunset shots with Waikiki’s skyline in the background. Check current regulations as park rules can change, and arrive early to scout your takeoff location. The contrast between the calm lagoon and open ocean creates compelling compositions.

Kaka’ako Waterfront Park

This urban park area can provide interesting perspectives of Honolulu’s developing skyline. The industrial-meets-beach vibe offers unique photo opportunities you won’t find in typical tourist shots.

Offshore Waikiki Beach (with caution)

Flying over the ocean from public beach access points can yield gorgeous shots of the turquoise water and surfers. However, you must maintain visual line of sight, respect beachgoers’ privacy and stay aware of your battery life. Keep a safe altitude and distance from people in the water.

As always, rules can change (and they might be different at the time of your flight versus the time you’ve read this). Check official government websites — or simply in-person signage — for the most up-to-date information.

Pro tips for flying drones near Waikiki

Golden hour is your friend: Light is almost always at its best during sunrise and sunset. In Waikiki, the colors bouncing off the water and buildings create magic that midday sun can’t match.

Check wind conditions: Trade winds in Hawaii can be stronger than you expect, especially at higher altitudes. Start low and test conditions before committing to complex shots.

Backup your footage: This is good practice whenever you’re traveling with a drone. Don’t wait until you’re back home to transfer files. Memory card failures happen, luggage gets lost, etc. Backup your footage while still in Hawaii.

Consider a spotter: Having someone help you maintain visual line of sight while you focus on camera work makes flights safer and more productive.

Waikiki and Oahu offer phenomenal drone photography opportunities, but staying legal and respectful ensures everyone can continue enjoying these privileges. Focus on mastering your skills within visual line of sight – you’ll be amazed at what you can capture while following the rules.

Happy flying, and enjoy those Hawaiian skies!

The post Flying drones near Waikiki: the best spots for photographers appeared first on The Drone Girl.

How a retired IT guy became San Francisco’s most sought-after drone pilot

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I (re)discovered drone pilot and photographer Eric Thurber the way many San Franciscans discover hidden gems in their city — scrolling through Reddit. His stunning shot of the Golden Gate Bridge stopped me mid-scroll, and when I learned it wasn’t even captured with a drone, I knew I had to talk to him.

What followed was a fascinating conversation with one of the Bay Area’s most successful drone photographers, whose Instagram feed @thurber_shots has amassed roughly 120,000 followers thus far and has attracted top-tier clients like the Golden State Warriors, Waymo, UCSF and even drone light show company Sky Elements.

What makes Thurber’s story particularly compelling is that this wasn’t the plan. A retired IT professional, he turned a photography hobby into a thriving second career — one where the work now comes to him rather than the other way around. But it didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t without lessons learned the hard way.

Here’s our interview, which you can catch in video form or read below. (Editor’s note: this interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity).

Photographing iconic landmarks — without a drone

Sally French: Let’s start with that Golden Gate Bridge shot that initially caught my attention. You used a 360 camera, not a drone. What inspired that creative approach?

Eric Thurber: The beauty of a 360 camera is that in post-production, it’s what you can do that matters. You’re capturing everything, so you don’t have to think about composition while shooting. I took a suction cup, stuck it to the roof of my car and drove across the bridge. Later, I could turn it and manipulate it however I wanted.

It’s a great way to showcase the Golden Gate Bridge in an amazing visual format without breaking the law — because you can’t fly drones over the bridge. A lot of people do, but I’m glad I don’t.

Following the laws (which are especially tricky in San Francisco)

SF: You’re clearly committed to flying legally, and your video stood out to me because you don’t really see many interesting shots taken in between the Golden Gate Bridge just because it’s illegal to fly drones there.

Now speaking of — flying legally isn’t always easy in San Francisco, which has so many regulations. Can you talk about navigating the regulations?

ET: I could talk about this stuff all day because I live in the regs. Half my days are spent filling out waiver requests and dealing with the city, dealing with parks and rec, all of that stuff.

The thing is, the FAA is in the business of educating you, not busting you. If you work with them, everything works out. I’m very familiar with DHS, the police — who really don’t have anything to do with drones but I know them — the FAA, the local FSDO, all of that. I carry Part 107.145 and Part 107.39 waivers for operations over people and moving vehicles, plus $2 million in drone insurance through Skywatch AI. I have whole coverage, the whole thing.

But getting permits from the City of San Francisco for commercial work? That’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. In fact, I have yet to personally get a permit approved from them because their requirements are absolutely stringent and unrealistic. They want me to guarantee coverage for every person that the drone flies over from the city government, and Skywatch won’t underwrite it.

SF: Is San Francisco more strict than other cities you’ve worked in?

ET: It’s strict in a sense if you’re going to do commercial work. If I wanted to shoot Outside Lands, for example? I couldn’t get the permit through the city. Now, I didn’t technically have to get that permit because I’m not making money directly — I’m just flying for me and I might share it — but that’s the catch-22.

Launching a wildly successful career in drone photography

SF: Speaking of commercial work, how did you turn this into a career? You’re a retired IT guy — this wasn’t exactly the plan, was it?

ET: Not at all! My photography goes back many, many years. I have a site called Eric’s Media that shows all my regular still shots. Then I got into drone photography, and over the years, I got into taking drone video — that’s where I really never looked back.

Instagram is where it all happened. The Golden State Warriors found me there — they reached out through Instagram. You’ll see my stuff on their social feeds or on the Jumbotron. I’ve done quite a bit of shooting for them. I’ve also worked with Waymo, UCSF, several local commercials. Sometimes I’m out with film crews, sometimes I’m doing one-offs or handling the whole production. I let the work come to me. I really don’t go out and hustle it. But once you make a name for yourself, the work really starts coming in.

SF: What was the turning point? Was there one video that changed everything?

ET: Yes, and it’s gone now because the FAA made me pull it. This was years ago when I was new to drones. I flew from Yerba Buena Island right over the top of the Bay Bridge’s Western Span. I’d seen NBC do something similar during a game and thought, “I’m gonna do this too.” Turned out, man, that was wildly illegal.

It got reported and went viral. The FAA said “pull that, you know.” But they were educational about it. Subsequently, everything has shifted. I get waivers now, and if I can’t do it legally, I won’t do that type of thing.

But here’s the thing: people will say on Instagram you need a shot to go viral. While that’s true, you need several of them if you want to carry momentum. One viral video will get you 10, 20, 30,000 followers. But you need to be consistent — posting three or four times a week with quality content. It’s a grind. I’ll say that. It’s a lot of work.

SF: Let’s talk about content. What’s your favorite content to create?

ET: Time lapses of fog — I love fog. The hyper lapses are what really launched me, to be honest. Those are the ones that really took off. They’re hard to do. Not a lot of people can do them with the effort that goes into it.

SF: Is there a trick to making a great time lapse?

ET: Yeah, it’s involved. I put up a video on it because I get so many questions. Essentially, over five to fifteen minutes, you’re going to take a series of 200 to 300 shots at one to three second intervals. Then you’re going to put them all together in Lightroom, process them, then they go out to your video editor. There’s a whole thing that has to happen for the way I do them, because I want superb quality.

You can shoot a hyperlapse straight from the drone and post it. That’s up to you. But if you want the stuff to look the way I post it, you have to go through all those other steps. It’s very involved, but the results speak for themselves.

SF: For aspiring drone photographers, what’s your advice for breaking into the commercial space? So many people do this for fun and want to make it a career.

ET: It’s difficult. It really depends on what you want to do. I hate to use myself as an example because I had to have a lot of viral videos and then people came to me. I wasn’t even necessarily looking.

But there are great opportunities out there for people who want to get into real estate, that kind of thing. The biggest thing you could do is stay consistent. If you’re posting on social and you take long breaks, it’s going to cost you. You’ll lose likes, lose engagement.

Videos really make a difference. If you’re shooting photos, you’re really going to be stuck in a pack that’s already saturated. If you’re doing videos, you’re breaking out of that pack a little bit. But I’ve noticed a lot of photographers aren’t interested in just doing video — it’s a catch-22. Consistency, I would say consistency is the best thing.

SF: Does it make sense to specialize? Some people say focus on construction or oil and gas. But even within artistic photography, should you specialize in real estate or cruise ships or drone light shows?

ET: What you’re speaking to is a niche, and definitely everybody needs to have their own. For me, I consider a lot of what I do fine art video — romanticizing traffic, romanticizing the city. These are topics people like to talk about too, which increases engagement. I just let everybody comment. I don’t limit anybody. Whether they like what I post or not, that’s fine. All it’s going to do is increase your engagement.

I love bridges, not just the Golden Gate. Some of my biggest posts are of the Vallejo Bridge, the bridge out in Pittsburgh. I’m almost always on the 6X cam on my Mavic 4 Pro or the 7X on my Mavic 3 Pro because I love compression shots. And I’ll hit the same spot three or four times, maybe even five, before I get something I’m happy with. I’m a true perfectionist.

Top gear for drone pilots

SF: What equipment are you working with these days?

ET: I have two Mavic 4 Pros, a Mavic 3 Pro Cine, and the Avata 2 for FPV work — though I rarely fly that. FPV pilots are a whole different breed. They’re very, very good at what they do, and it takes years to learn. It’s all very manual, not like just picking up your satellite drone and flying around.

Most of what I do is stuff around the city or whatever I’m commissioned to do, and I’ll use my Mavics for that. The Mavic 3 Pro has the parachute and the prop guard and all of my waivers tied to it, so most of the time I’m using that for professional work. I also shoot with a Sony α7S III, GoPro, DJI Osmo Action 5, and use various ND filters and the DJI Mic 2 for audio.

SF: Any dream spots left to fly?

ET: I’ve hit them, to be honest. I work for my shots, and I’ve gotten them. I love bridges, I love compression, and I keep going back to the same spots until I get exactly what I want. Some of my favorite videos are fog videos — those time lapses are what really launched me. When you romanticize the city the way I do, you hit these spots over and over until the light is perfect, the fog is perfect, everything comes together.

SF: Any last parting words of advice?

ET: Just be consistent, follow the rules and do something a little bit different. There are a lot of people locally who do the same shots — we were all in that group, chasing the same dozen or so shots. I broke out of that because I wanted to do something different. I stopped looking at what other local photographers were doing and started looking at people in other cities for inspiration. That’s where I get my ideas now, and some of my own too.

Eric Thurber flies with DJI Mavic 4 Pro, Mavic 3 Pro, Mini 4 Pro, and Avata 2, along with a suite of professional camera gear including the Sony α7S III, GoPro Hero, DJI Osmo Action 5 and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Follow his work on Instagram @thurber_shots and YouTube @thurber_shots for tutorials and behind-the-scenes content from one of San Francisco’s most dedicated aerial photographers. Check out Eric Thurber‘s full photography portfolio at EricMedia.com.

The post How a retired IT guy became San Francisco’s most sought-after drone pilot appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Autel vs. DJI: how should I plan in the event of a Chinese drone ban?

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about going for Autel vs. DJI. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I am a professional photographer leaning towards the DJI Air 3S or maybe the Mavic Pro 3 Pro. But, I have been reading more about the issues with the government and DJI.

I was looking at the Autel Robotics EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle. Should I go with a DJI drone or avoid it because of the potential ban? Are Autel’s drones even in the same ballpark?

A professional photographer in Southern California? I got my professional start in the drone world down in SoCal too! Whether you’re working as a wedding photography, on Hollywood films or documenting environmental change for a news outlet, there are so many opportunities in SoCal (and more!) for drone pilots.

Before I dive into helping pick the best drone for you, let me address your concerns about the drone ban:

Is DJI at risk of being banned?

Let’s start off with an important clarification. DJI is a Chinese drone company (perhaps no surprise to anyone). But — despite what many assume — Autel is also a Chinese drone company. If there were to be broad bans or restrictions, they’d likely apply to Autel too, not just DJI.

What’s the latest U.S. policy (and updates on potential bans) around DJI or other Chinese-made drones?

There are all sorts of proposed policies floating about. Here are some of the major ones:

  • NDAA & FCC “Covered List”: The FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act mandates a one-year national security review of Chinese-made drone companies like DJI and Autel. If no agency completes the review by December 23, 2025, their drones could be automatically added to the FCC’s “Covered List,” blocking new imports and sales in the U.S.
  • Commerce Department Investigations: As of mid‑July 2025, a formal “Section 232” investigation is underway into the import of drones and components from China due to national security and supply-chain concerns. That includes both DJI and Autel. This could result in tariffs or further restrictions.
  • Executive Orders (June 2025): President Trump issued directives aimed at encouraging U.S. drone manufacturing, easing rules for drone operations and restricting foreign-made drones. U.S. agencies are being pushed to favor domestic products and secure supply chains.

For now, no active ban on drones you already own exists.

Much of this proposed legislation is focused on banning the sale, import, or use of Chinese drones by government agencies, or restricting new sales of consumer drones in the U.S.

It’s not about grounding drones you already own — at least, not at this time. Of course, policy could evolve, but a full ban on flying consumer drones you already purchased seems unlikely, and would likely face significant legal pushback.

So my advice? Go ahead and get the drone that suits your needs best. And hey, now might be the best time to buy a DJI drone. After all, we might see prices go up due to tariffs. Or, outright bans on new drones for import into the U.S. could even make a DJI drone an ultra-hot commodity.

How to pick the best drone for your photography career

With that out of the way, let’s talk about the best drone for your photography business.

DJI Air 3S vs. Mavic 3 Pro: Both are winners (but the Air 3S is a better value)

You’ve clearly done your homework, because the DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Pro are both some of the best drones for professional photographers. The Air 3S stands out for its value. It has excellent image quality, obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight features, all at a lower price point. And because of its slightly smaller size, I consider it the best drone for travel photographers.

If budget matters (and for most of us, it does), the Air 3S wins.

That said, the Mavic 3 Pro offers a triple-camera system and a bump in camera quality that seasoned pros might appreciate, especially for high-end commercial work or documentary filmmaking. If your clients demand the absolute best in resolution and flexibility, it might be worth the upgrade.

Autel EVO II Pro vs. DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Since you also brought up the Autel EVO II Prov V3, here’s how all three drones compare, side-by-side:

Feature Autel EVO II Pro V3 DJI Air 3S DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Sensor / Camera 1 “ CMOS, 20 MP, adjustable aperture 50 MP 1 ” wide-angle (dual-camera body) Triple-camera: 4/3″ Hasselblad, telephoto(s)
Video 6 K @ 30 fps, 4 K HDR 4 K @ 60 fps, 4 K slow-mo 120 fps Up to 5.1 K video (wide), 4 K high‑fps support
Flight Time ~40 minutes ~45 minutes ~43 minutes
Obstacle Avoidance 360° with 19 sensors Omnidirectional, faster in dynamic scenes Advanced—dual/omni sensors
Transmission Range ~15 km (SkyLink 3.0) ~20 km (OcuSync 4.0) ~15 km (O3+)
Weight ~1.19 kg ~0.72 kg ~0.96 kg
Portability Bulkier, rugged build Compact, foldable, lightweight Mid‑size, foldable

DJI’s drones are stronger overall, especially for the price. I do think the Autel EVO II Pro V3 is an impressive DJI alternative, but if your rationale for needing an alternative is seeking a non-Chinese drone, then the Autel EVO II Pro does not fit that bill.

My advice? Don’t worry about a ban for now. If anything, getting a DJI drone now is better in the event a ban on importing new drones does kick in (though I think that would be unlikely anyway).

Do you have a question I should answer? You can contact me here!

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Can you wear glasses with DJI Goggles? Here’s what to know before flying the Avata 2

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about wearing glasses with DJI Goggles. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

Thanks for the information so far regarding Avata 2 and flying indoors; I find it very helpful!
My one concern is: how well would the goggles work if I wear glasses normally?

Ahead of buying the DJI Avata 2, glasses-wearers probably wonder if the two can work together. The answer is yes, you can wear glasses with DJI Goggles – kinda. The thing is, you don’t actually wear them.

Sally French, The Drone Girl, reviews the DJI Avata 2 wearing the DJI Goggles 3 and using the DJI RC Motion 3. (Photo by Sally French)

Adjustable diopters are the key

That’s because the DJI Goggles 2 and DJI Goggles 3 are designed to work with drones such as the Avata 2 — and they are designed with some features that make them friendly to folks with less-than perfect vision. Most notably, they include adjustable diopters, allowing you to change the focus of the screens without needing to wear your prescription glasses. The catch? Your prescription must fall within the supported range.

The DJI Goggles 2 diopter adjustment covers a range from -8.0 to +2.0. That means if your glasses fall somewhere in that range, you can ditch your glasses entirely and just dial in your correction directly using the built-in knobs.

The DJI Goggles 3 have a slightly smaller range of -6.0 D to +2.0 D.

Related read: DJI Goggles 3: Is it worth upgrading for your DJI Mini 4 Pro or Air 3?

Sally French, The Drone Girl, flies the Avata 2 drone with the DJI RC Motion 3 while wearing the DJI Goggles 3. (Photo by Sally French)

Can you wear glasses and the DJI Goggles 2 simultaneously?

However, if your prescription is outside that range, things get clunky.

You can try to wear them under your goggles, but often it depends on the style of frames you’re wearing (smaller and thinner frames are better). Even still, my glasses-wearing drone co-pilots tell me the fit isn’t always super comfortable — especially if your glasses are large, thick-framed or sit high on your nose bridge.

The DJI Goggles N3 don’t have diopters at all, but DJI does explicitly say they can be used with personal glasses. Again though, your mileage may vary in terms of actual fit.

Another solution: lens inserts

here's a hack if you wear glasses with DJI Goggles
RHO-Lens inserts

One more potential option if your prescription falls outside that -8.0 to +2.0 range on the Goggles 2 (or -6.0 D to +2.0 D on the Goggles 3). Consider prescription lens inserts. Companies like RHO-Lens and VR Wave make custom prescription inserts designed specifically for DJI goggles. They’re more comfortable, reduce fogging and offer a cleaner viewing experience than wearing traditional glasses under the headset.

Though, they’re not necessary if you can just use the diopters on the DJI Goggles.

TL;DR: Are DJI Goggles glasses-friendly?

In short, DJI Goggles 2 and 3 are compatible with glasses-wearers, but they’re not optimized for actually wearing glasses. If you wear small, thin glasses, you’ll likely be fine. For a more comfortable experience — especially for longer flights — consider using the built-in diopter adjustment or investing in prescription lens inserts.

Now go forth and fly — glasses, goggles, or both!

If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

Related read: How to turn any DJI drone into an FPV drone

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Drone show courses for schools? Here are your three best options

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about drone show courses for schools. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I stumbled upon your pages while researching CoDrone EDU. I am in the process of purchasing an 18-pack of drones. I teach drones at my high school. I like that the drones can be programmed. Have you been able to program a “drone light show” using these?

— Omer

I love seeing drones used in high schools. And I love drone light shows ever since I saw my first one at the Oakland Coliseum put on by Sky Elements. Blending light shows and drone show courses in school? Perfection.

I’m guessing you found me through this fantastic CoDrone review which was written by my friends over at Kammerer Middle School. Some of their sharpest students are using the CoDrone to learn about coding, building and flying — and Kammerer’s students detailed their experience in a review on my site.

But while the CoDrone EDU is a fantastic platform for introducing students to drone programming in both block-based and Python environments, it’s not the best if you really want to put on a drone light show with your high school students. Sure, creating a drone light show with them is possible — but it’s not really their bread and butter. It’s also not explicitly laid out in their standard curriculum or documentation, which is why you’re hitting a roadblock.

The reality of drone light shows with CoDrone EDU

You can customize your CoDrone’s LEDs. With Python coding, you can learn how to change which parts of the drone light up, choose patterns and select LED colors.

But would I call that really a light show drone? Not really. Besides being generally limited in scale, complexity and lighting capabilities, CoDrone EDU drones don’t have high-brightness LEDs suitable for full-scale outdoor light shows. It works for indoor demos or classroom projects as a simplified “light show.” So yes, using their onboard lights and synchronized movement is absolutely within reach.

Of course, you will need to lean heavily on your programming skills and be patient with trial and error, especially in syncing drones over Bluetooth. Some educators have had success using precise delays and pre-coded flight paths, but there’s no built-in “drag and drop” feature for multi-drone choreography.

In short, it’s a suitable option if you, say, already have CoDrone in your school district. But if you’re starting fresh, you have better options.

Three better options for drone show courses in schools

If your primary goal is to introduce students to actual drone swarm light shows — especially if you want to go big with multiple units and visible lighting — here are three solid alternatives:

1. Drone Cadets Swarm Show Program (turnkey, polished, group-ready)

Drone Cadets offers a more plug-and-play experience for schools, camps, and youth groups interested in light shows through its Drone Flight School Course. They’ve built a full swarm curriculum using specialized drones made just for this kind of thing. You’ll get:

  • Pre-synced, custom-built drones for light shows
  • Software designed to choreograph formations
  • Full lesson plans, ideal for educators
  • In-person or virtual training available

And besides just learning how to fly drones, you’ll learn other skills like soldering, flying and FAA rules. Now the catch? This course is pricey. The 20-hour course is enough to train 20 students, and it costs $25,000.

It’s a higher-end investment, but well worth it for schools seeking something structured and impactful. Plus, their team is responsive and helpful for teachers just starting out.

I did have the joy of trying out a one-hour version of the course for myself, which I condensed down into a 4-minute video. Check it out here:

2. Drone DoJo Light Show Course (budget-friendly, DIY-focused)

If you’re more of a hands-on tinkerer and prefer to lead the charge yourself (or if $25,000 just sounds like a lot to you), you have another option. That’s Drone Dojo’s Light Show course, which is a self-paced, online course that walks you through building your own fleet of light show drones.

The course itself costs just $27 per month, unlocked through a Blue Belt Membership with Drone Dojo. Drone Dojo actually offers all sorts of courses on other topics such as how to build a Raspberry Pi drone and “How to program a drone using Python.”

This course is pretty advanced, so it would only be suited to higher-level, motivated students in a smaller group (say an after-school robotics club). With it, you’re expected to do your own soldering and 3D printing (and of course, coding).

And if $27 sounds too good to be true, that’s because it’s the price of the course only. The course is largely written around the assumption that you’ll use Drone Dojo’s PiHawk drone kit, which costs $1,000 per drone. If you want a 10-drone light show, well, you’ll need to fork over $10,000 on gear.

Learn more about the Drone DoJo Light Show Course.

3. DroneBlocks Light Show Kit (artistic, STEAM-focused)

The DroneBlocks Light Show Kit is a mid-point between structured and DIY. At $7,495 for a 10-drone kit, it’s an investment — but one designed specifically for indoor light shows in classrooms and gymnasiums. The drones use ultra-wideband (UWB) base stations for precise indoor positioning (no GPS required), and the software allows students to design, simulate, and perform their own light shows.

What makes DroneBlocks shine:

  • A visual, drag-and-drop interface to choreograph drones
  • Real-time simulation before flight
  • Repair tools and tripods for setup
  • A curriculum-lite approach that encourages creativity over strict lesson plans

This kit doesn’t come with a full curriculum like Drone Cadets does, but it’s also a lot cheaper. If you’re leading an after-school STEAM club or robotics team and only looking for drone show courses (but don’t need the rest of drone curriculum cover), DroneBlocks is a solid pick.

And of course, prices go up the more drones you add. For example, a 90-drone kit costs $58,000.

Learn more about the DroneBlocks Light Show Kit.

Picking a drone show course for schools

If you’re sticking with the CoDrone EDU 18-pack, you can create a simplified light show experience with some creative programming and patience — but you’ll be pushing the limits of what the system was designed for. For a true educational light show experience, I’d recommend supplementing or switching to one of the above systems depending on your budget and goals.

If a light show is your focus, I’d recommend starting with either Drone Cadets for ease, Drone Dojo for DIY flair, or DroneBlocks if you have the budget and want to emphasize design and creativity.

Either way, your students are going to have an unforgettable learning experience. Happy flying!

The post Drone show courses for schools? Here are your three best options appeared first on The Drone Girl.

What are the best American-made drones for surveying orchards?

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about American-made drones for surveying orchards. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

My coworker and I are trying to develop a program for surveying acorns in our oak orchards. For now, we fly the Matrice M300 RTK using the DJI Zenmuse P1 Full-frame 45MP Photogrammetry Camera. The Zenmuse H20N just wasn’t sharp enough for us to make the acorns out. We have mapped a couple of large orchards that we have to divide into three or four sections to be able to handle battery swaps. We usually can fly a whole orchard in 20-minute chunks, using 4 sets of batteries.

We are having to replace our DJI drones with drones made in the USA. I wonder if two or three drones and cameras pop into your head if I tell you that we have to see green acorns on green tree crowns in the fall to be able to count them.

Surveying acorns in oak orchards? That’s the kind of niche, high-impact application that just screams “the future of drones is here.”

You’re absolutely right to be thinking carefully about your imaging payload—green-on-green in a forest canopy is no joke, especially when your targets are as tiny (and well-camouflaged) as acorns.

It’s also unfortunate that you may no longer be able to use the Zenmuse P1. It’s a full-frame, 45MP photogrammetry powerhouse that has long set the gold standard for high-resolution aerial mapping—especially in forestry and agriculture. The P1’s crisp detail really seems hard to beat for pinpointing small, camouflaged objects like acorns in dense canopy.

I’m guessing you’re amongst those facing pushback in using either DJI or other Chinese-made drones. Federal agencies and programs tied to U.S. infrastructure or defense have put many operators in the difficult position of having to swap out best-in-class tech for alternatives that don’t always offer an equal performance-to-cost ratio.

In situations where the performance tends to match those of DJI’s products (and my recommendations do), the cost is far higher. Hopefully your work is well-funded.

So what should you do? Though much more expensive, here are my best USA-made alternatives to the Matrice 300 RTK + P1 combo:

1. Freefly Alta X + Sony A7R V (61MP) or Phase One iXM-100

  • Why it might be a good fit: The Alta X is Blue UAS-approved, ultra-stable, and can carry heavy, high-end imaging payloads like the 61MP Sony Alpha series (budget pick) or Phase One’s 100MP iXM sensor (upgrade pick). You’ll need a gimbal to match (like Freefly’s Movi Pro or Gremsy), but you’re looking at insane resolution—perfect for counting acorns mid-canopy.
  • Pros: Customizable, reliable, American-made, payload flexibility, proven in forestry and precision ag
  • Cons: Expensive (it’s $19,000 before the Gimbal or camera), requires integration work, larger footprint. If you pair it with a Sony Alpha camera, note that it won’t adhere to your American-made standards (though I wasn’t sure if you were referring to just the drone with that).

2. Inspired Flight IF1200A + Sony RX1R II (42MP)

  • Why it might be a good fit: Inspired Flight is also Blue UAS-listed, and the IF1200A is a direct Matrice-class swap—RTK-compatible, rugged, and capable of carrying full-frame Sony sensors. The RX1R II doesn’t get as much love these days, but it’s lightweight and razor sharp, which might give you the visual edge needed to spot green-on-green objects.
  • Pros: Similar flight time and size to your M300 setup, American-made, good payload options
  • Cons: Limited payload plug-and-play support compared to DJI, fewer software ecosystem tools. and again, the cost is massive at $34,000 (and that’s just for the drone).

Buy the Inspired Flight IF1200A now from Drone Nerds.

3. Teledyne FLIR SkyRanger R70 with EO/IR Payload

  • Why it might be a good fit: The SkyRanger is battle-tested (military and forestry alike), and while its default payloads may not match the P1 in raw resolution, Teledyne’s new optical payloads are catching up. It’s a closed system, but still reliable. If you go with this option, try to work with them directly to see if it can be customized to your specific data resolution needs.
  • Pros: Secure, durable, made for complex aerial survey missions
  • Cons: Pricey, less flexibility in sensor selection

How to choose the best American-made drones for surveying orchards

It’s tough to beat your current setup, but there are at least some good American drone companies out there that might serve what you’re looking for.

The tl;dr here: if you’re mid-transition away from DJI (ugh, I know many other readers feel your pain as well), and want to keep similar workflows, the Inspired Flight route might be the smoothest. But if you’re open to custom rigs and want absolutely uncompromising image quality, Alta X + Sony/Phase One still delivers what you need — and won’t cost as much as the Inspired Flight.

Happy flying (and acorn counting)!

If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

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Parrot support: how to fix issues with ANAFI USA and other Parrot drones

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about Parrot support. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

Do know any way to contact Parrot? I have an ANAFI USA, and the other day I got a notification of a forward camera malfunction. Because the online system does not recognize the serial number, I can’t get past that point of getting “support” from Parrot. I don’t have a problem sending it to a third party but this thing was NOT cheap, as you know. Any suggestions?

–Steve

Hi Steve,

Thanks so much for the kind words — and I hear you loud and clear. The ANAFI USA is a serious investment — and it’s super frustrating when something goes wrong, especially with a model that should be reliable enough for public safety teams and industrial pros.

You’re not alone in your experience — Parrot’s direct support has gotten trickier to navigate in recent years, especially for individual users. Since Parrot pivoted hard toward enterprise and government customers, they’ve streamlined their support access. That’s good news for their bank account, as evidenced by the latest Parrot Q1 2025 earnings, and it’s good news if you’re an investor.

But it’s bad news for solo operators, like yourself. It’s left people like you in a tough spot if the system doesn’t recognize your serial number or if you’re not tied to a large-volume account.

My recommendation for Parrot support? Drone Nerds

My preferred partner for drone repairs also doubles up as a drone seller that’s authorized by most major drone companies: Drone Nerds.

Drone Nerds has a stellar reputation in the drone community for exactly this kind of issue. Whether it’s a warranty claim, parts replacement or diagnostics on that “Forward camera malfunction,” Drone Nerds is generally better at providing support for Parrot drones that individual users often can’t get themselves directly from the company.

Annoyingly you will have to pay out of pocket for repairs since you’re not going directly through Parrot. But if you can’t get in touch with Parrot, the payment might be worth the hassle. How much can you expect it to cost? Drone Nerds told me that repairs typically cost about 30% to 50% of the price of buying the same drone brand-new. 

And for what it’s worth, Drone Nerds is very easy to get in touch with through their website or via phone at 786-708-7807 (they’re based in Florida but handle nationwide service).

When you do contact them, be clear that it’s an ANAFI USA — not the consumer version — since support protocols may differ.

Happy flying!
-Sally

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Buying drones from a brick and mortar store? Here’s where to go

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is a question about where to buy drones from a brick and mortar store, specifically in Mississippi (but my answer applies to many states!). If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here. Note, the following question has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Hello, my name is Justin, and I’m from the great state of Mississippi. I need help finding a good, reliable place to buy a Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo set.

I‘m buying it to take photos and videos both for work, which consists of making ads for the car dealership where I work. I’ll also use it for fun.

I would LOVE to buy the Mini 4 Pro at an actual brick-and-mortar store so I can return it easily if I have problems or get to know someone who works there who can help if I need it. I’m not completely against ordering online, as long as it is from a well-known and reputable seller.

-Justin, Southern Gentleman

Hey Justin!

I’d be honored to help you find the perfect place to buy a DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo. Since you’d prefer a brick-and-mortar store, your best bet in Mississippi is Best Buy:

Best Buy

  • Why it’s a solid option: Most Best Buy stores stock the DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo, and they often carry drone accessories, too. Returns are easy, and they have a neat feature where you can place your order online and then do same-day pickup in store. You might also know them for their Geek Squad, which promises to provide technical support and protection plans (assuming you don’t want something like DJI’s own Care Refresh plan.
  • Find your local store: There are eight Best Buy stores in Mississippi. Hopefully there’s one near you.

Online but reliable sellers

If you’re open to ordering online from reputable retailers (which I know you mentioned), these are 100% trustworthy:

DJI’s Official Store

Benefits of shopping through DJI’s official store include that they often have promos. Some of those promos entail free gifts or store credits.

And now is a good time to buy from DJI. The company just restocked the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Along with the restock news, DJI hinted that price hikes are coming to account for tariffs, so now might be the best time to buy. You’re also buying directly from the source.

The drawback? Some readers have been saying that they have been having issues getting their drones delivered because they’re stuck at U.S. customs. Given that, it might be better to shop from a U.S.-based retailer like Amazon, Drone Nerds or B&H Photo.

Amazon

Shopping for the Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo on Amazon is incredibly convenient — and can even help you save a little money. If you have an Amazon Prime Visa Card, you can earn 5% back on your purchase, which adds up on a big-ticket item like a drone.

Another huge perk? Amazon’s return process is super smooth. If anything’s wrong with your drone or you simply change your mind, you can often print a return label instantly and drop it off at a nearby UPS or Amazon hub — no questions asked.

That said, you need to make sure you’re buying from a trusted seller. Look for listings that say “Ships from and Sold by Amazon” or “Sold by DJI Official Store.” Avoid sketchy third-party sellers.

Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from Amazon now.

B&H Photo Video

B&H Photo is a dream destination for any gearhead. If you ever find yourself in New York City, it’s worth planning a pit stop to wander through the aisles of their flagship Manhattan store — one of my favorite detours in the Big Apple.

Even if you’re not local, their online experience is just as reliable. B&H has a stellar reputation for customer service, fast shipping and a deep selection of drone accessories. Their staff actually knows what they’re talking about, too — so if you have questions, you can get real answers from real pros.

They also frequently run promos, and their checkout system is super clear when it comes to taxes and shipping timelines.

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

Drone Nerds

If you want a more boutique experience with real, personalized support, then Drone Nerds is your spot. Their customer service is phenomenal — and they’re one of the most knowledgeable DJI-authorized retailers out there.

One thing that really sets them apart? The Drone Nerds in-house drone repair team is arguably the best in the business. So if anything ever happens to your drone, you can rest easy knowing they’ve got your back.

Order the DJI Mini 4 drone from Drone Nerds now.

Where I’d buy (if I were you)

If you want a local brick and mortar store, I’d start by calling your local Best Buy to see if they have the Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo in stock. That way you can walk out with it today and have someone to talk to face-to-face if anything comes up.

If you’re buying online, my top pick is Drone Nerds for the unmatched support, especially since you’re serious about using this drone for both business and fun. That repair team is a lifesaver if anything ever goes wrong.

If speed and savings are your thing, Amazon is excellent — just be picky about the seller. And if you want gear shopping to feel like a kid-in-a-candy-store experience, B&H is your place, especially if you might pick up other photo gear down the line. If you make it to New York, the B&H brick and mortar store is amazing.

Is the DJI Mini 4 Pro the best at its price?

DJI Mini 4 Pro
The Mini 4 Pro.

Short answer: YES. Especially for your combo of work and play.

  • It’s lightweight (<249g so no registration required for most use).
  • Shoots 4K video, has 360° obstacle avoidance, and excellent ActiveTrack.
  • Incredible range and stability, perfect for dealership shots and creative fun.
  • The Fly More Combo gives you real value with extra batteries, a better case, and the upgraded RC 2 controller.

It’s one of my favorite travel drones next to the DJI Air 3S, and it’s also one of the best drones for photographers overall.

If you were doing heavy lifting, like towing cinema cameras, I’d say look bigger. But for ads, aerials, hobby content, and even client work? The Mini 4 Pro is exactly the sweet spot.

Happy flying!

-Sally

If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

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DJI Matrice vs Mavic and Air drone lines: do I need to upgrade?

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Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is a question about upgrading to the DJI Matrice vs Mavic or Air series of drones, which are much cheaper. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here. Note, the following question has been edited for clarity and brevity.

I am not a pro, but am thinking I might try launching a drone business in my retirement. I am also a sailor and I am thinking about offering drone footage to sailors who want to show off their boats!   I have “droned” a dozen lighthouses on the coast of Mass and Maine and done a bunch of other flying.

I have salivated over the DJI M30T drone, thinking I could save some little kid’s life someday. But with a $10,000 price tag, that would be way out of the budget. Getting a paying gig in drones is the only way I could justify the price.

Not to mention that drone, while extremely cool in so many ways, does not even have MasterShots, or other cinematic stuff. Still, I thought maybe I could do inspections as well or even try mapping.

Then there’s the new Matrice 4, which is touted as “rescue” or public safety drone (as well as mapping, etc.,) but it is not waterproof!  DJI lost some respect from me when they touted this. Can you imagine telling the parents of the 4-year-old lost in the nearby woods that you could find her in 10 minutes but that you cannot even take flight until the rain stops since it will wreck your $10,000 drone? Yikes…

I love this question, which really has a lot of prongs to it! Let me take it in pieces:

DJI Matrice vs Mavic drones, and how to launch a drone business with them

Let’s start out by talking about these drones on your mind (and your wishlist!) I totally get the temptation to purchase something like the M30T or Matrice 4 drones. Both are incredible tools for high-end commercial applications. Here’s a quick overview of each:

DJI M30T drone: an overview

The DJI M30T is a rugged, enterprise-level drone designed for public safety, search and rescue, and industrial inspections. It features thermal imaging, zoom capabilities and an IP55 rating, making it highly resistant to dust and water. Its compact, foldable design (it almost resembles the consumer, camera drones in the Mavic line) makes it easier to transport than larger Matrice models.

It costs about $10,400 with DJI Care or about $9,989 without DJI Care.

Key M30T features

  • 48MP zoom camera, 12MP wide-angle camera, laser rangefinder
  • 640×512 thermal camera for night and low-visibility operations
  • IP54-rated weather resistance (water and dustproof)
  • 41-minute flight time
  • OcuSync 3 Enterprise transmission system
  • Compatibility with DJI FlightHub 2 for real-time mapping and fleet management

The M30T is ideal for emergency response teams, infrastructure inspections and industrial applications where portability and durability are key.

DJI Matrice 4 drone: an overview

DJI Matrice 4 Series

The Matrice 4 Series is the newest in DJI’s lineup of commercial drone built for advanced enterprise applications, including mapping, surveying and rescue operations. DJI launched the Matrice 4 in January 2025, followed by its accompanying DJI Dock 3 in February 2025. DJI’s new Matrice 4 Series consists of two products that are similar, but one is more advanced with thermal imaging capabilities.

The Matrice 4T (that’s the one with thermal imaging) starts at $7,299. The more affordable 4E is better for high-speed aerial mapping assuming you don’t need any thermal images, as it starts at a more affordable $4,799.

Unlike the M30T, it does not have an official IP rating for waterproofing, which (as you noted) is a concern for users needing true all-weather capabilities. DJI advises that you should avoid contact with water while flying this drone and — if it rains during the flight — to return and land as soon as possible.

Key Matrice 4 features

  • Customizable payloads for specialized sensors, LiDAR, and thermal cameras
  • AI-enhanced flight planning and automated workflows
  • 49-minute flight time (depending on payload, using standard propellers)
  • Multi-payload support, allowing users to swap out sensors for different tasks

The Matrice 4 is geared toward high-end commercial operators, such as surveyors, construction firms and public safety teams looking for a flexible, multi-purpose drone with AI-assisted capabilities.

When enterprise drones make sense over consumer drones

As you pointed out, the high cost of these drones needs to pay for itself. Even the cheapest of the drones in this mix, the DJI Matrice 4E, comes in at just under $5,000, which is almost 5x what you’d pay for the DJI Air 3S, which is one of my favorite camera drones and easily the best travel drone.

These drones are ideal if you need that high degree of specialization. Your DJI Flip isn’t going to be making detailed maps. But as you noted, even these high-end drones sometimes lack critical features.

For example, the Matrice 4’s lack of waterproofing as a “rescue” drone is indeed a head-scratcher, especially since DJI markets this as an ideal product for first responders. Instead, it seems that DJI likely prioritized modularity and sensor options in favor of weather resistance.

What about high-end camera drones?

DJI Mavic 3 Pro
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Cine version. Photo courtesy of DJI.

I also want to acknowledge your point about MasterShots, or other cinematic stuff. In rare cases is a jack-of-all trades drone the best drone. The Matrice 4 line and the M30T drone are more geared toward industrial applications, not making Hollywood movies.

For a high-end camera drone, you’ll like want the Mavic 3 Cine Combo. The combo gets you the improved DJI RC Pro controller, as well as other key features for film editors such as Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding for richer video processing. It also has convenient features such as an internal 1TB SSD onboard for high-speed data storage.

How to break into drone businesses

If you’re serious about commercial work, start by deciding what sort of niche you want to lean in to in the drone industry. Do you want a paid gig in Hollywood, or do you want to conduct search and rescue missions?

Do some market research: You might have a passion or prior background that might make your decision easy. If you’re more open-minded, then do some market research. Just as you wouldn’t open a coffee shop in a neighborhood without finding out what other coffee shops are around (and if the neighbors even like coffee), find out what drone pilots are already in the area and what fields have the most demand.

Network with local businesses to find out how they could benefit from a drone. You might be able to get away with a prosumer drone like the DJI Air 3S if you need a visual camera, but don’t need all the bells and whistles of something like a thermal camera. Since you mentioned search and rescue, connect with public safety teams to see if there’s actual demand for drone services in your area.

Gain knowledge in that area: You mentioned getting paid gigs in mapping. That’s a smart move! These highly-specialized drone jobs pay much more than something like, say, aerial real estate photography that even a kid with a nice drone could do. But more pay necessitates more knowledge.

Before investing thousands of dollars in a drone, invest just a few hundred dollars to see if mapping is something you want to do. There are great online drone mapping courses out there for less than $200. Sure, you could pay close to $1,000 for a specialized in-person course, like UAV Coach’s Drone Mapping Essentials 2-Day Workshop. But even UAV Coach offers a similar (albeit pared-down) online course for less than $200. Consider making a smaller, more manageable investment by enrolling in a low-cost online mapping course to see if mapping piques your interest in the first place.

Enroll in a drone business course: I love The Drone Business Blueprint course, which also comes from UAV Coach. If you’re not really sure what exactly you want to do in making money in drones, this course can help you hone in on that. It’s $119 which, again, is a far better upfront investment than spending thousands of dollars on a drone with features that are suited for use cases you aren’t actually using.

Related read: The Drone Business Blueprint: a review of UAV Coach’s newest course

Before you buy a new drone, understand the market. Put together a business plan. Then make that big investment — but only if you really need to.

Drone business ideas to consider

Since you’re already flying lighthouses and coastal areas, here are some realistic ways to monetize your drone skills:

  • Sailing footage: Market your aerial videos to boat owners or regatta organizers. High-quality footage is valuable for yacht brokers and event promoters. You could do this with a more affordable but still high-quality camera drone like the DJI Air 3S.
  • Real estate aerials: Coastal properties, marinas and luxury homes benefit from drone photography. Again, a DJI Air 3S is likely sufficient.
  • Mapping and inspections: These fields require additional software training (think DroneDeploy or Pix4D), but they can be lucrative. Start by enrolling in a mapping course. From there, you may need to offer free services to local businesses to build a portfolio.
  • Search and rescue: Thermal cameras can make search and rescue operations much more efficient, particularly at night. But you might not need to go with a fancy, thermal drone at the outset. You could start your business with daytime drones, in which case, again something like a DJI Air 3S or Mavic 3 Pro can be sufficient. If the business grows, then upgrade to a thermal camera.

If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

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Louann Cormier: Drone competitions are leading the next generation of STEM leaders

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What happens when you put a drone in the hands of a student who never thought they’d be interested in STEM? According to the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)’s Louann Cormier, the results are nothing short of transformational.

One of the best ways to pique that interest is through the Aerial Drone Competition. The fun STEM event is now the largest student-centered drone program in the U.S., and it’s changing the game for middle and high school students nationwide. Through friendly competition, students get hands-on experience in piloting, coding and teamwork.

I sat down with Louann Cormier, a senior program manager at RECF to dive into how the competition is shaping the future of STEM education. She’s seen why drones have such a powerful impact on students. And yes, they’re more than just high-tech toys; they’re a gateway to critical thinking, career opportunities and personal growth.

Do you know an awesome drone girl I should profile? Contact me here.

Louann Cormier Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Aerial Drone Competition
Louann Cormier of the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. (Image courtesy of RECF)

Here’s our conversation:

The Drone Girl: What inspired you to start working with drones and join the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)?

Louann Cormier: I started as a parent volunteer in competitive robotics, supporting my children in the program. Over the years, I took on roles as a coach, event partner and advocate before joining  RECF as a Regional Support Manager. I’ve always had a passion for aviation, which led me to earning a BS in Aviation Management, obtaining my private pilot’s license, and flying drones for enjoyment.

When the RECF launched its drone program, it was a perfect fit. Now, I get to combine my love for aviation, drones, youth development and competitions – all in one role.

DG: Amazing combination! So can you share what the Aerial Drone Competition by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) actually is?

LC: Teams compete in four missions: teamwork, piloting, autonomous flight, and communications. While drones are certainly the highlight of the Aerial Drone Competition, it’s so much more than that. Not only do teams learn how to fly and code drones, but students also learn teamwork, decision-making, critical thinking, and communication skills.  

DG: Okay, well that kind of leads to my next question. What makes this so unique from the other robotics competitions out there?

LC: Students learn to navigate challenges and setbacks in a supportive environment, building resilience and problem-solving skills for the future. Since all events are indoors, the focus stays on completing the different missions, not the weather.

DG: And you’re not subject to FAA regulations that way either! They only regulated airspace outside. Smart! Okay, so what kind of feedback have you received from students and coaches throughout the competition season?

LC: The most common story I hear is how this program transforms students. It usually starts like this: “See that student over there? They didn’t like school, never engaged in class, and weren’t interested in any programs.” Then, we put a drone in their hands and invited them to join the team, and everything changed. Now, they’re smiling, communicating, and engaging.

DG: Oh my gosh, I love that! And I’m not surprised.

LC: Yes. I’ll hear that they now show up for class, do their homework and take pride in their work because they want to stay on the team.  Beyond technical skills, their confidence grows. A student who once avoided speaking now collaborates with teammates, strategizes with alliance partners, and presents to judges.

DG: The power of drones!

LC: The drone program isn’t just about flying. It’s about unlocking potential and having fun while learning.

DG: Okay, well you might have already answered this question already too, hah! But, what is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

LC: The smiles on the student’s faces! At every competition, I hear stories from coaches, teachers and mentors about students who finally see their hard work pay off. It’s not just about high scores or awards; it’s about that fist-pump moment when they nail a landing or solve a problem they’ve been working on for weeks.

DG: I need to go to one of these competitions!

LC: Yes, it’s so rewarding when they come upon the realization that I can do this. That’s what truly matters. Seeing that confidence grow, watching students push past challenges and knowing this program is making a difference is the best part of my job.

DG: So I’m curious. Are you seeing an increase in student participation in the Aerial Drone Competition?

LC: Drones continue to be a hot topic, and students see them and say, “That’s cool, I want to do that!” We’re seeing a surge in interest, not just from traditional STEM students who love math and physics but from a whole new group of learners. These bright, passionate students are now engaging with STEM in a hands-on, exciting way. 

DG: What do you think drives that growth? 

LC: Many come from the video gaming world, where they constantly strategize, manage resources and solve complex challenges. These same skills apply to the Aerial Drone Competition to manage time, optimize teamwork and execute a mission. Students thrive and use their problem-solving skills in the real world. This program opens doors for students who never saw themselves in STEM, making it so powerful.

DG: Now my understanding is that you have some big names involved in partnering with or supporting the Aerial Drone Competition.

LC: At a corporate level, we’re proud to be supported by NASA and Google.org, which gives grants to our teams. The Aerial Drone Competition features the Robolink CoDrone EDU, a versatile, programmable drone designed for education. These partnerships provide students with hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world careers. 

At a local level, you will find people from drone and tech companies, local law enforcement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), universities and many residents volunteering their time at competitions, such as referees or judges.  

DG: Now this is the fastest-growing student-centered drone program in the U.S.

LC: In just four seasons, the Aerial Drone Competition has soared from 381 teams in 28 states to over 2,000 teams across 48 states and Washington, D.C.

DG: Wow! Over those four seasons, have  you noticed any surprising developments or milestones?

LC: With an even split between middle and high school teams, competition is fierce — but not always in the way you’d expect. Middle school students consistently hold their own against high schoolers, often winning awards through focus, determination and practice. This competition isn’t about age or size but strategy, skill and perseverance. 

DG: Hah, well you know I am always rooting for the little guy!

LC: Every team competes on a level playing field, using the same drone, which removes accessibility barriers and keeps the focus on innovation. No matter their grade level, students who work and think strategically rise to the top.

DG: Super cool. So how do you see drone technology evolving over the next few years, and what impact could this have on students participating in the program?

LC: It’s hard to know where drone technology will be since there seems to be  new advancements happening almost every day.  However, as drone technology expands, so do the opportunities for students to innovate and lead in their fields.

More industries are leveraging the benefits of using drones such as construction, movie making, and farming.  For students, it’s a great advantage to gain valuable experience, and employers get skilled workers ready to adapt to new technology.  As drone technology expands, so do the opportunities for students to innovate and lead in their fields.

Louann Cormier
Louann Cormier of the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. (Image courtesy of RECF)

DG: Okay so I’m just curious to go through a day in your life. What would you say that looks like?

LC: I start each day with a cup of tea and do some puzzles, like Connections, to get my brain working. Then I mostly help answer questions for teams and event partners as they organize upcoming events. As a program manager, I get to do fun things like test the next season’s game elements and prototypes. I often travel to competitions to see all the magic happen and talk to parents, coaches and public officials about the Aerial Drone Competition. 

DG: And speaking of those in-person events, there are many! I know people can find those on the REC-F’s events page.

Connect with Louann Cormier on her LinkedIn, and learn more about the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) here.

If you know any awesome drone girls I should profile, please contact me here.

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