It’s no surprise that the demand for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) professionals is growing. From infrastructure inspection and agricultural surveying to emergency response and filmmaking, drones are transforming industries worldwide. As commercial UAS applications expand, proper training and certification is essential. And Clemson University is one of those top players offering it.

Clemson Drone is an online UAS training program through Clemson University, offering a two-course Comprehensive UAS Training Program.

The course offers not just certifications you need to land a job, but practical skills you need. Courses are structured yet flexible to serve everyone from students new to drone technology or experienced pilots seeking advanced training.

Clemson Drone’s two-course program

The Clemson Drones course is broken out into two programs: UAS Vocation and UAS Mission Administration

UAS Vocation: laying the foundation for a job in drones

The UAS Vocation course is designed for individuals looking to develop a strong foundation in drone operations. Whether you’re just starting your drone career or seeking a structured approach to mastering UAS technology, this eight-week, fully online course provides training in key areas, including:

• FAA Part 107 Exam Preparation – Gain the knowledge needed to pass the FAA’s Part 107 exam and obtain your Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Flight Training Using Advanced Simulators – Build essential flight skills with a professional-grade simulator and an included flight controller.
• 3D Mapping and Modeling Techniques – Learn how to create high-resolution maps and models using DroneDeploy, a leading industry software.  Enterprise-level license included.
• Introduction to UAS Thermography – Explore the fundamentals of thermal imaging and its applications in inspections and surveillance.

Certifications earned upon completion: UAS Vocation graduates leave the program with three of the industry’s most recognized certifications:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate – Required for commercial drone operations.
• APSA Flight Proficiency Certificate – Demonstrating hands-on piloting skills.
• Level 1 UAS Thermography Certificate – Certifying competence in thermal imaging applications.

The course is designed around eight week-long modules, though you don’t have to confine yourself to eight weeks if that doesn’t work with your schedule. In fact the program offers incredible flexibility as students receive access to all course materials on day one. Sure, you could follow the eight-week structure or you might slow down or take additional time based on individual schedules and learning preferences.

Additionally, weekly live calls with Dr. Joe Burgett offer personalized support and expert insights. Dr. Burgett, a tenured professor at Clemson University and director of the Clemson Applied Technology (CAT) Lab, is a leading figure in drone education. As the chair of the FAA’s CTI Curriculum Committee, he ensures that students receive the most relevant and up-to-date training available.

UAS Mission Administration: advanced training for experienced pilots

The UAS Mission Administration course is designed for pilots who already have foundational drone skills and are ready to advance into mission planning, program management and high-level UAS operations. This eight-week online course focuses on:

• Advanced mission planning and execution – Develop the skills necessary to lead and coordinate complex drone operations.
• Immersive 360-degree virtual mission simulations – Engage in real-world mission walkthroughs in various environments, from bridge inspections to emergency response.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) development – Learn how to craft professional SOPs using AI-powered tools.
• NIST-based flight assessments – Evaluate your piloting proficiency using standardized flight tests recognized by industry leaders.

Certifications earned upon completion: Graduates of UAS Mission Administration earn three AUVSI Trusted Operator certifications, which are:

• Level 1, 2, and 3 Trusted Operator Certifications – Recognized industry-wide as the benchmark for high-level UAS competency.

Like UAS Vocation, this course is also fully online and structured for flexibility, with weekly live sessions led by Dr. Burgett.

Support for Active Duty Military and Veterans

Clemson Drone is committed to supporting active-duty military personnel and veterans in their transition to civilian careers. Through various funding and reimbursement programs, service members can gain FAA certifications and industry-recognized training at little to no cost.

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program (Chapter 31) – Provides tuition assistance for veterans with service-connected disabilities to pursue career-aligned training, including Clemson Drone’s courses.
• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) – The UAS Vocation course is approved for full tuition reimbursement under the GI Bill, helping veterans gain drone industry credentials.
• Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AF COOL) – Covers the cost of drone certification training for enlisted Air Force personnel, including preparation for the FAA Part 107 exam.
• Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program – Provides financial support for Army servicemembers pursuing civilian certifications related to their military occupational specialties.

Specialized course offerings for targeted training

For individuals seeking more specific drone training, Clemson Drone also offers specialized courses derived from the UAS Vocation curriculum. These courses provide targeted skills for professionals looking to focus on a particular niche within the drone industry, including:

• Part 107 Exam Prep – A self-paced online course designed to prepare students for the FAA Part 107 knowledge test, an essential certification for commercial drone operations.
• UAS Essentials – Covers the fundamentals of drone operation, including flight simulation and basic 3D mapping for industries like construction and real estate.
• Applied UAS Thermography – An in-depth course focused on thermal imaging techniques, essential for building inspections, search and rescue and energy audits.

These courses are better for those looking to gain specific skills without committing to the full UAS Vocation program (and they’re much more affordable, too).

Clemson Drone is one of the American universities leading the way in professional drone education, offering a structured, certification-driven approach to UAS training.

The Clemson Drone’s website has more course details, enrollment options and information about upcoming start dates.

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The following guest post about drone use throughout the conflict in Ukraine was written by Mary-Lou Smulders, Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone. Dedrone, which was acquired by Axon in 2024 is an airspace security company that builds technology to detect, track, identify, analyze and mitigate drone threats while enabling “good” drones to fly.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the lessons learned about uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and airspace control will influence military strategies worldwide for years to come. The historical context of air superiority, rooted in the experiences of World War I, serves as a backdrop for this ongoing evolution in aerial warfare.

During WWI, airspace superiority was defined as the side that had the most capable airplanes (crewed aircraft) flown by the best pilots. This control was crucial for effective reconnaissance, bombing missions and ground support.  

For nearly a century, the principles of air superiority remained largely unchanged, influencing military strategies in conflicts ranging consequently from World War II to the Cold War. However, the current conflict in Ukraine has highlighted a significant shift in how air superiority is achieved.

While traditional air forces relied on crewed aircraft, the introduction of UAVs has transformed battlefield dynamics. Ukraine’s innovative use of drones, such as the Turkish made Bayraktar TB2 and various first-person view (FPV) models, has effectively allowed it to counter a numerically superior Russian air force. This reliance on UAVs has enabled Ukraine to conduct reconnaissance, target enemy positions and boost morale by disseminating successful strike footage, demonstrating that control of the skies can now be contested through advanced technology and resourcefulness. 

By the end of 2022, Ukraine had successfully repelled much of the Russian invasion force, a remarkable achievement attributed to its resourcefulness in leveraging UAV technology to overcome shortages in conventional munitions.

This transformation in aerial warfare has fundamentally and forever changed the definition of air superiority, setting a precedent for future conflicts — and emphasizing the importance of adaptability and innovation in modern military strategy. 

The role of airspace security in Ukraine’s Defense 

At the start of the invasion, Ukraine possessed a small air force consisting of Soviet-vintage combat aircraft, of which only one-third were airworthy. It was hopelessly outmatched by the Russian Air Force, which fielded more modern systems and in vastly greater numbers. And yet, Russia failed to penetrate deep into Ukraine’s airspace, thanks to a robust air defense system based on the S-300. For similar reasons, Ukraine’s small fleet of Sukhoi SU-27s and MIG-29s didn’t dare launch raids into Russian-controlled territory. 

This impasse led both sides to rely on drones for missions that would traditionally have been conducted with attack aircraft. Ukraine turned to the Bayraktar TB2 — an affordable turboprop UAV that had already seen battle in Iraq, Syria and Libya. During the initial counter-offensive, where it pushed Russia’s forces from the outskirts of Kyiv (and then from the entire North of the country), the Bayraktar TB2 engaged a variety of Russian targets, including armoured vehicles, surface-to-air missile installations and even two fuel trains. 

They not only proved that the Bayraktar TB2 could fly where crewed aircraft couldn’t. But, more importantly, it relayed footage of its attacks back to the operator, which could then be disseminated online. In many respects, the Bayraktar TB2 wasn’t just a capable weapon platform it becames a valuable tool in the information war as well, helping raise Ukrainian morale as it faced impossible odds. The exploits of this UAV even inspired a song, which later achieved viral international notoriety. 

As the war dragged into its second year, Ukraine’s pushback of Russian forces came to a stop, with the frontlines largely stabilized. This presented a challenge. Russian military doctrine emphasizes superior artillery firepower, as the Royal Services Institute noted. Ukraine was, once again, outgunned, with the country experiencing acute shortages of both Soviet-era shells, as well as those for Western-provided howitzers. 

And so it again turned to UAVs to overcome its disadvantages. Ukraine sidelined the Bayraktar TB2 — which was increasingly vulnerable to Russian air defenses and electronic warfare — and instead pivoted to smaller, cheaper first-person view (FPV) drones. These included Western-made UAVs — like the American Switchblade 300 — and repurposed consumer drones, but most consisted of domestically-made aircraft built from ad-hoc workshops nationwide. 

Building resilience and countering threats 

In 2024, the Ukrainian government committed $2 billion to the production of FPV drones, and according to Ukrainska Pravda, there are 200 suppliers across the country. Using easily accessible components and repurposed munitions, often taken from landmines and rocket-propelled grenades, these FPV drones have been used to devastating effect. As with the Bayraktar, Ukraine’s military routinely shares footage of successful FPV strikes, providing welcome morale boosts as the war dragged into its third year. Crucially, they have reduced Ukraine’s dependence on international military aid. 

Russia also turned to drones, deploying the Iranian-designed HESA Shahed-136 to target Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, particularly its power generation and transmission facilities. Although considerably more expensive than Ukraine’s FPV drones, they can operate over long distances while still being cheap enough to deploy in large numbers. 

Ukraine has responded to this threat with similar resourcefulness. Rather than use its limited air defense missile inventory, it has developed a sophisticated electronic warfare apparatus, which can disrupt the communication and navigation systems of the Shahed-136, even when deployed in large swarms.  

This sophisticated counter-drone technology has demonstrated its value in evening once impossible odds, as demonstrated on Sunday, Jan. 5, when — under the cloak of an electronic warfare system — Ukraine launched another incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Unable to use its own FPV drones, Russia was caught off-guard, and it was forced to rely on traditional aviation and artillery assets to respond.  

Ukraine has also chosen to protect its most critical infrastructure with kinetic defense systems, like the German-made Gepard. Although most Western militaries have retired the Gepard in favor of high-tech alternatives, based on the assumption that future air threats would come from high-altitude crewed aircraft, the Gepard’s radar-guided cannons have proven capable at engaging kamikaze drones at close range. 

The Russian-Ukraine War is often described as the “first full-scale drone war.” For outsiders, it provides grizzly lessons about how UAVs can help a defender overcome insurmountable odds and how to adapt when conventional military aircraft aren’t available. Ukraine’s use of drones in an offensive capability and its experience in defending against Russian drone swarms has already changed the aerial warfare rulebook. 

Just like WW1 — and the impact of early biplanes and tanks — changed the military rulebook, the same is happening in Ukraine. Kyiv’s resourcefulness in using UAVs offensively — and defending against hostile drones — will directly inform the drone/counter-drone defense strategy and procurement for years to come. But as the war drags into its third bloody year, we should never forget the human cost of these lessons. 

-By Mary-Lou Smulders, Chief Marketing Officer at Dedrone

If you’d like to submit a guest post, contact The Drone Girl here.

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As the Drone Girl, I’m always getting questions from new pilots! This question is only a semi-new pilot, as this pilot is wondering how when it’s time to upgrade my drone! Patrick Sherman, a long-time drone enthusiast who has risen to become a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University specializing in drones joins us to answer.

One reader wrote in to say: I bought a cheap $299 drone at BestBuy to learn drone maneuvers, but when I am ready to upgrade I am leaning towards the DJI Mini 3 Pro or the Mavic 3 Classic. The new Mavic 3 Pro looks really nice, but pricey! Do I really need all that zoom when starting out?

Patrick Sherman, who is also the author of the book “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes” knows a thing or two about launching a drone business. Given that, I asked him to help me answer this question

Here was his response (and if you want more of his insights, grab a copy of his book today!):

When it comes to making a purchasing decision on your next drone, select the least expensive option that will allow you to accomplish your goals, whatever those may be. Goals vary by pilot. For a newbie that goal just might be getting comfortable on the sticks. For someone who has aspirations of selling their photos, that very well may be having a higher-quality camera.

Especially when you’re getting started with drones, The Drone Girl has long recommended using any sort of cheap, practice drone you can get your hands on. Alas, it sounds like you’ve done that!

When to upgrade to a better camera drone

That said, you did mention upgrading from your existing toy drone to something slightly better. For what it’s worth, the Mavic 3 (in either its Pro or Classic form) still might be more than what you’re looking for.

Unless you need a powerful telephoto lens or high-quality cameras because you’re going to be doing professional aerial photography in the immediate future, I’d go with the Mini 3 Pro. It will get you into the DJI ecosystem, giving you the opportunity to become familiar with the company’s hardware and software without putting a huge investment at risk as you continue learning how to fly.

For now, it sounds like a powerful telephoto lens or high-quality camera might just be overkill.

For what it’s worth, the Mavic 3 series — whether you opt for the standard or the Pro version — are formidable aircraft. In fact, many consider the DJI Mini 3 to be the best DJI drone under $600.

What matters most at this point in your career is to continue learning how to fly. Learning will necessarily involve making mistakes, and the less your aircraft costs, the less those mistakes will cost you.

Good luck!

-Patrick Sherman

Are you starting out as a remote pilot? Do you have other questions you’d like Patrick to answer? The chances are that he already has answered it! Check out his new book, “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes,” published by Aviation Supplies & Academics – the leading publisher of aviation-related books in the United States. Copies are available on Amazon!

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

The post When am I ready to upgrade my drone? And how much do fancier specs like zoom really matter? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

As the Drone Girl, I’m always getting questions from new pilots! To help me answer this fun topic — meeting up with local drone pilots — I’ve enlisted the help of Patrick Sherman. Like me, he’s a long-time drone enthusiast who has risen to become a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University specializing in, you guessed it, drones! 

One reader wrote in to say: I just passed my Part 107 exam, and I am excited to start flying! However, what I would really like to do is to meet up with other drone professionals near me drone professionals, which is Pacifica, California, just south of San Francisco. Do you have any connections/suggestions for any groups or individuals that I can meet and learn from?

Patrick Sherman, who is also the author of the book “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes” knows a thing or two about launching a drone business. Given that, I asked him to help me answer this question

Here was his response (and if you want more of his insights, grab a copy of his book today!):

Congratulations! It sounds like you’re starting out your career in small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations on the right foot! Finding your tribe and learning to fly using an inexpensive aircraft are two of the best things you can do when you’re just getting started.

First of all, in terms of finding other pilots in your vicinity, I’d encourage you to use the magic of the Internet. I did a Google search for “San Francisco Drone User Groups” and immediately identified half a dozen groups on Facebook, Meetup and other online forums that are based in your region. Check ‘em out. You might also consider using the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Club Finder tool to identify model airplane flying fields in your area. This can be another great place to meet fellow pilots with a range of different interests.

-Patrick Sherman

Are you starting out as a remote pilot? Do you have other questions you’d like Patrick to answer? The chances are that he already has answered it! Check out his new book, “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes,” published by Aviation Supplies & Academics – the leading publisher of aviation-related books in the United States. Copies are available on Amazon!

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

The post How do I meet local drone pilots in-person? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

As the Drone Girl, I’m always getting questions from new pilots! This one answers whether I need to register my drone again if I’ve bought it from a reseller.  To help me answer this one, I’ve enlisted the help of Patrick Sherman. Like me, he’s a long-time drone enthusiast who has risen to become a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University specializing in, you guessed it, drones! 

One reader wrote in to say: Hello, I purchased a like-new DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2, the seller had the drone activated with DJI and FAA registered. The drone has the FAA Registered label. The seller made no effort to un-register the drone or remove his name, or to wipe the SD card. Should I ask the seller to un-register the drone with the FAA? Or just register the drone myself with the FAA?

I asked the seller and he wants me to provide the drone serial number and FAA register number. I don’t trust the seller much now after sale stuff, but should I use his help or now worry much about it? Thanks for any help with this topic.

Patrick Sherman, who is also the author of the book “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes” knows a thing or two about launching a drone business. Given that, I asked him to help me answer this question

Here was his response (and if you want more of his insights, grab a copy of his book today!):

You’ve actually got a couple of different issues you need to sort out with the original owner of the aircraft. Let’s look first at the question of FAA registration, before diving into your questions around wiping the SD card.

Do I need to register my drone again if I bought it in used condition from a reseller?

According to the FAA, when a drone leaves your possession – either because it is lost, sold, or retired from service – you are required to un-register it on the FAA DroneZone website. And, indeed, it is in the former owner’s best interest to do so. Here’s why:

Let’s say you’re the new owner and you lose control of the aircraft and send it careening into the local high school marching band. People get hurt and instruments are damaged. When the FAA investigates, the first thing they are going to look at is the registration number on the aircraft – and then they are going to knock on the door of the person attached to that registration number, and they likely aren’t going to be in a forgiving mood.

So, the person who sold you this aircraft should be anxious to un-register it from their FAA account. Otherwise, they lack a fundamental understanding of the concept of legal liability.

Once the aircraft is in the clear, you can register it like a new aircraft under your own account. 

Consider your DJI account

Something else you need to worry about is if the aircraft is registered to you in the DJI database. Obviously, this doesn’t have any particular legal consequences associated with it. However, if the aircraft ever requires service, if you need to unlock airspace or something else along those lines, you’ll need to be the registered owner with the company that built the thing. So, find out the status of that, as well.

Related read: How do I sell my used drone?

What do I do with an SD card on a drone I bought in used condition?

Finally, as regards the SD card – format it. Unless there is some really gorgeous imagery on it. Then, it would be polite to contact the seller and make sure they have a copy before it vanishes into digital limbo forever.

Be well!

-Patrick Sherman

Are you starting out as a remote pilot? Do you have other questions you’d like Patrick to answer? The chances are that he already has answered it! Check out his new book, “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes,” published by Aviation Supplies & Academics – the leading publisher of aviation-related books in the United States. Copies are available on Amazon!

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

The post I bought a used drone. Do I need to register my drone again? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

As the Drone Girl, I’m always getting questions from new pilots, like this one about whether recreational drone pilots need to register with the FAA! To help me answer this one,  I’ve enlisted the help of Patrick Sherman. Like me, he’s a long-time drone enthusiast who has risen to become a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University specializing in, you guessed it, drones! 

One reader wrote in to say: I want to start learning how to fly drones. I’m planning to start with something like the DJI Mini 3 Pro, which weighs less than 250 grams, but all of the rules are really confusing. First, am I required to register it? Also, do I need to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before I can start flying?

Patrick Sherman, who is also the author of the book “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes” knows a thing or two about launching a drone business. Given that, I asked him to help me answer this question

Here was his response (and if you want more of his insights, grab a copy of his book today!):

Great questions! And, yes, the rules are absolutely a bit confusing, so let’s get them figured out for you. 

Understand the difference between recreational versus commercial drone flying

First of all, I’m making the assumption that you are going to be flying for recreation because you’re just starting out. This is just for fun: You’re not intending to earn money by taking aerial photographs or to use your aircraft to assist a volunteer search-and-rescue organization, or something like that.

If you are planning to use a drone professionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires you to register it regardless of how much it weighs. You’re also required to become a certificated Remote Pilot in Command by passing the Part 107 Airman Knowledge Test (AKT). However, again, assuming that you’re flying for fun and your aircraft weighs less than 250 grams, then you are not required to register it with the FAA.

Passing TRUST

However, as you are clearly already aware, there is still a test you have to take: The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which the FAA requires no matter how much your aircraft weighs. The good news is that it’s free. Plus, it’s so easy that you literally cannot fail. 

The FAA partnered with a number of organizations including the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the Boy Scouts, and my own employer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to host the test on their websites. A quick Internet search will provide you with a plethora of options.

You don’t even need to create an account! Simply, take the test, which includes a series of short, informational presentations that tell you how to answer each question. And, if you get a question wrong, you get another shot at it. Literally, you can’t fail. At the end of the test, you’ll be provided with a certificate. You should download it, print it out, and keep a copy with you while you’re flying.

Have fun – and fly safe!

-Patrick Sherman

Are you starting out as a remote pilot? Do you have other questions you’d like Patrick to answer? The chances are that he already has answered it! Check out his new book, “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes,” published by Aviation Supplies & Academics – the leading publisher of aviation-related books in the United States. Copies are available on Amazon!

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

The post Do recreational drone pilots need to register and pass TRUST — even if their drone is under 250 grams? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

As the Drone Girl, I’m always getting questions from new pilots! To help me answer this smart question about whether homeowner’s insurance covers drones, I’ve enlisted the help of Patrick Sherman. Like me, he’s a long-time drone enthusiast who has risen to become a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University specializing in, you guessed it, drones! 

One reader wrote in to say:  My daughter wants to learn how to fly drones, which I think is great, but I checked my homeowner’s insurance policy and there is a clause that says something about how it doesn’t cover aviation-related losses and liability. Does that apply to drones?

Patrick Sherman, who is also the author of the book “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes” knows a thing or two about launching a drone business. Given that, I asked him to help me answer this question

Here was his response (and if you want more of his insights, grab a copy of his book today!):

Great question! People often overlook the question of drone insurance  — especially when it comes to recreational pilots. For starters, drones are often positioned as toys that aren’t likely to cause any serious harm. However, anything turning at 5,000 rotations per minute – the typical speed of a drone’s propellers – or falling from 400 feet in the air has the potential to cause serious injury or damage.

And secondly, unlike in other countries, the U.S.’s civil aviation regulatory, the Federal Aviation Administration, does not require drone insurance as a requirement to fly drones. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it.

Can homeowner’s insurance cover drones?

Let’s talk about that clause in your homeowner’s insurance policy. I am neither an insurance agent nor an attorney, so this should categorically not be regarded as legal advice upon which you should make any decision. However, it is my understanding from knowledgeable people that the sort of clause you describe is very common in insurance policies and, yes, drones are included. In other words, a single mishap could put you, personally, on the hook for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.

An easy, cheap way to get drone liability insurance

However, I certainly don’t want to put you off having your daughter learn to fly and, fortunately, there is an easy solution. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has been around since 1937 and one of the major benefits they offer to members is a $2.5 million liability policy that will protect you from claims related to the operation of remotely controlled flying machines. To be sure, the AMA’s primary focus is on conventional model airplanes, but the policy applies 100% to drones.

The best news is that assuming your daughter is age 18 or younger, annual membership in the AMA costs just $15, including the insurance and a host of other benefits (including a monthly magazine that features articles from yours truly!). To keep the policy in force, it’s important that your daughter follows the AMA’s safety code, but these are straightforward rules designed to keep everyone safe. After all, learning to fly means learning to fly safely.

Have fun!

-Patrick Sherman

Are you starting out as a remote pilot? Do you have other questions you’d like Patrick to answer? The chances are that he already has answered it! Check out his new book, “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes,” published by Aviation Supplies & Academics – the leading publisher of aviation-related books in the United States. Copies are available on Amazon!

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

The post Does homeowner’s insurance cover drones? appeared first on The Drone Girl.

The following guest post about weather forecasting for drone flights was written by Emily Newton, who has eight years of experience creating tech articles for sites including DZone, TripWire and ReadWrite. When Emily isn’t writing, she enjoys reading and playing video games.

When you get a new drone, it can be tempting to get out and fly immediately. While you’ll want to start using it as soon as possible, consider that outside factors can turn an exciting flight into an expensive problem. Pre-flight planning, and in particular weather forecasting, is crucial for safe drone flights.

Inability to recognize potential weather hazards can limit your flight time at best — and damage your drone at worst. Learning how weather conditions affect drone performance and safety is critical.

Common weather patterns and how they impact drones

Here’s a closer look at how different kinds of weather impact drones.

Wind

Wind generally represents the chief resistance to your drone in the air. Drone propellers must work harder to maintain position and direction in higher winds, decreasing battery life.

Most drones have wind ratings between 4 and 14 meters per second, which translates to the ability to tolerate wind speeds of roughly 9-31 miles per hour (mph). For example, the DJI Mini 4 Pro has a maximum of 10.7 m/s. The Mavic 3 Pro is even more powerful at 12 m/s.

But while that technically means you can fly in those conditions, that’s nearing the maximum speed of many commercial quadcopters. Consequently, flying at even low speeds in 30 mph winds takes a similar toll on your battery as flying at your max.

While, you can’t always always tell the exact wind speed since they can change quickly, you can estimate it based on visual and auditory cues. A simple way to estimate wind speed is by doing a visual scan of common objects like leaves, branches or flags. Here’s a rough framework for how you can estimate wind speeds:

• 8-12 mph: leaves will blow up from the ground and flags will extend fully
• 13-18 mph: branches will begin to move
• 19-24 mph: Small trees begin to sway
• 25 mph+: You can hear whistling

Wind typically increases with altitude, so drones generally experience more resistance than pilots feel on the ground. Similarly, physical obstacles like buildings or trees can create turbulence, which drones experience as wind gusts.

Precipitation

Many drones are water-resistant, but that doesn’t mean waterproof. Heavy rains can slip between cracks to damage electrical components. Heavy rain or snow also introduces downward resistance, making drone motors work harder to maintain altitude and reducing battery life.

Moisture poses similar hazards. While rotors will work fine in fog or light snow, the resulting moisture buildup can damage drone sensors, especially sensitive optical components. 

Drones’ water resistance often comes as an IP rating, where the second numeral indicates liquid protection on a scale of zero to nine. A score of one is enough to resist vertical drops but nothing at an angle or pressure. Drones need at least a five to be safe in heavy rain. Otherwise, the pressure or direction could force water through their protective layers. 

But don’t assume every drone has an IP rating. If it doesn’t, that likely means it’s not even considered water-resistant. In fact, that’s the case for many top-tier drones. The DJI Mavic 3, for example, doesn’t have an IP rating at all, so don’t risk flying this drone even in mist.

Temperature and humidity

Temperatures can also pose unique hazards. Most batteries operate most efficiently around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temperatures increase electrical resistance, so flight times drop in the cold.

Specific flight times per battery level vary by drone, but here’s what to expect from your battery at different temperatures:

Efficiency doesn’t fall along a consistent scale. Instead, it gets more dramatic the colder it gets. Below zero, battery life becomes roughly half what it is at room temperature.

Batteries may be more efficient at higher temperatures, but the air is less dense. Consequently, drones produce less lift, meaning they can’t carry as much and have to work harder — decreasing battery life — to reach the same speed.

Humidity can also pose a challenge to drones, which have relatively delicate sensors. Higher humidity — which is more common in warmer temperatures — leads to moisture buildup in sensitive electronics. Some drones are more durable than others, so if you know you’ll be flying in moisture, it can be worth investing in a more rugged drone. On the other hand, some of the lower-cost consumer drones (including the DJI Mavic Mini and even the more advanced DJI Mavic Pro) have sometimes received criticism for not being able to tolerate moisture.

How to use weather forecasting to protect drones

Weather forecasting for drones is essential for safe and effective flights. Luckily, basic weather monitoring technology can protect your equipment.

Understand your drone’s limits

Know which conditions are too hazardous for your drone. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for a wind rating and IP score.

Avoid flying near maximum recommended conditions. For example, avoid winds more than two-thirds of the drone’s wind rating. That’s because gusts can introduce speeds at least 10 mph faster than average wind speeds, quickly taking conditions outside of those parameters.

Avoid flying in the rain if your drone has an IP rating below four. Even at a higher score, don’t sustain long flights in a downpour.

Use weather forecasting models

Using the right tools for weather forecasting for drones is important. Temperature and precipitation predictions are helpful but don’t offer enough on their own to inform safe usage.

Forecasting apps usually show humidity, air pressure, and wind speeds and directions. The National Weather Service is a great resource, including specific forecasts for aviation. Be sure to be as detailed as possible with your flying location for the most relevant data.

Other excellent forecasting tools include UAV Forecast, AccuWeather and Clime. They offer similar levels of information, so experiment with them to find which interface and additional features best suit your needs.

Plan flights for mild weather

Yet even the most accurate forecasting tools aren’t perfect, particularly when considering the aboveground but below-plane-level altitudes drones fly at. Consequently, err on the side of caution.

Only fly on days and times well below your drone’s safe operating range. Monitor how the weather progresses while you’re flying. Conditions can change quickly and extreme weather is becoming increasingly common, so quick responses to unexpected situations may be necessary.

Monitor drone conditions

Always monitor your drone’s state of repair. Pay attention to battery levels while flying, as these are the most susceptible to weather-related hazards. As a rule of thumb, start bringing your drone back for landing once your charge drops to 30%.

Before flying, inspect your drone for damage and charge its batteries. Remember to also charge them in warm temperatures to ensure they can recharge to full capacity. However, ensure they don’t get too hot, either. Lithium-polymer batteries, typically found in drones, lose capacity above 77 degrees Fahrenheit even faster than at lower temperatures. Extreme high-temperatures can lead to overheating and excessive voltages. 

When not using your drone, store it and its batteries in mild, dry conditions away from the elements. Regularly calibrate onboard sensors to ensure they remain consistent despite changing conditions.

Weather forecasting for drones keeps equipment safe

Consider the risks and follow these steps to account for weather-related hazards if you want your drone to last as long as possible. Understanding the importance of weather forecasting for drones is the first step in using this equipment more effectively. Doing that will give you more performance for your money.

–Guest post by Emily Newton

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