en la sierra Cebollera, Cameros, La Rioja. Spain.
Photo by Autel Evo II Pro.
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Commercial Drone Alliance Urges Swift Action on BVLOS Rule-making
The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has officially called on the Trump administration to expedite the deregulation process for commercial drones, particularly focusing on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. This request aims to catalyze the adoption of commercial drones, fortify the position of domestic manufacturers, and bolster national security. In a letter addressed to […]
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Palm Springs Drone Fest hotel, speaker details emerge
If you weren’t already hyped for Palm Springs Drone Fest & Expo happening this month from March 21-23, new details on where to stay just took this event to the next level. We now know exactly where the VIP speakers, performers and sponsors will be staying. And trust me — it’s not just a hotel, it’s a full-on desert retreat that will make this event feel even more exclusive. I can’t wait to see the FPV footage coming out of the resort grounds.
Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025: what to know
Palm Springs Drone Fest is a first-of-its-kind celebration of all things drones. Running from March 21 to 23, 2025 at Palm Springs High School in California, it’s set to be the ultimate drone fan event. Registration is already open, but new details around where the hotel (and afterparty) is make this even more compelling.
First off, we have a list of the speaker lineup, which consists of top industry leaders including La’Quata Sumter, Ph.D of Steam Thru Drones, drone pilot and safety expert Desiree Ekstein, agricultural photographer Fiona Lake, Promo Drone CEO Jamar Williams, Women and Drones founder (and children’s book author) Sharon Rossmark and even me, Sally French!
Also expect to get to meet VIP guests including Moon Hee Suh of FIDA International and China’s April Wei.
The Palm Springs Drone Fest hotel: Acres Landing Airstream Resort & Hotel
Acres Landing Airstream Resort & Hotel (Desert Hot Springs) stands as the official Palm Springs Drone Fest hotel. This VIP hotspot isn’t your typical event lodging — it’s a luxury Airstream resort with hot mineral spring pools, epic desert vibes and a level of exclusivity that’s unmatched. This is where the who’s who of the drone industry will be staying, making it the place to network, unwind and maybe even sneak into the invite-only afterparty.
Rumor alert: There’s an invite-only VIP afterparty happening here…and if there is, I may or may not be there.
If you’re looking for a nearby stay, check out Aqua Soleil Hotel, another great option just minutes away from the action.
Why Palm Springs Drone Fest is a game-changer
Looking for a way to meet other drone pilots in person? There hasn’t been a ton in the way of large-scale meetups. Many of the larger conferences like Interdrone in Vegas have called it quits. COVID-19 also put a damper on much of the momentum around in-person events.
But finally, the Palm Springs Drone Fest offers something this industry has desperately needed.
Sure, there are conferences focused almost entirely on the business side. There are targeted events for industries like DFR or law. But what about a huge celebration around the pure joy of drones? Palm Springs Drone Fest is it.
This will bring together hundreds of people who love all facets of drones to Palm Springs High School.I expect it to be the best (and most fun) drone event of 2025. Palm Springs is located in southern California’s Sonoran Desert and is famous for its resorts (and also for hosting the famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival). With this, maybe it’ll become famous for its drone festival, too.
Palm Springs Drone Fest highlights
Here are some other highlights to expect:
- Live Demos & Hands-On Experiences: Get up close with the latest drone tech and watch the pros in action.
- Special Performance by Esther Anaya: International violinist Esther Anaya will bring her electrifying performance to the festival, blending music and drone artistry like never before.
- Stunt Actor Fiona Dorn: Because drones aren’t just for filming action—they ARE the action!
- Incredible Drone Light Show: As the sun sets over Palm Springs, prepare to be mesmerized by a jaw-dropping drone performance. If you’ve never seen a drone light show before, know that this will redefine your perception of aerial entertainment.
- Drone Film Festival: Enter (or just watch) cinematic drone footage.
- Drone Soccer World Cup Qualifiers: Witness (or compete in) fast-paced drone soccer matches. And yes, you can fly with the Korean Drone Soccer National Team or train to be a drone soccer official.
- Breakout Sessions: Learn from industry experts about drone business opportunities, film production, and even drone-based search and rescue.
The ultimate drone festival experience
As it stands today, large-scale drone festivals like this are rare. While there are scattered drone meetups, competitions, and educational conferences across the country, few offer the comprehensive experience of Palm Springs Drone Fest. Whether you’re into high-adrenaline drone sports, cinematic aerial photography, or simply networking with fellow drone lovers, this event is set to be a must-attend destination for the drone community.
Register now for Palm Springs Drone Fest
It’s the first-ever Palm Springs Drone Fest. That means yes, you need to be there.
As far as tickets? They’re already flying fast. With no-risk refunds up to 7 days before (aside from fees), grab yours now before they sell out.
A one-day pass is just $33.85 (includes festival entry, breakout sessions, trade show access, free parking, and more). But let’s be real—you’re going to want the three-day all-access pass to catch every light show, tournament, and demo.
Oh, and rumor has it I’ll be there too. So if you want to meet up, this is the event to make it happen. Whether you’re coming to compete, connect, or just have your mind blown, Palm Springs Drone Fest is THE event of 2025. See you in the desert!
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UK Royal Navy Peregrine Helicopter Drone Conducts First Operation in Gulf
The UK Royal Navy has used its new mini-helicopter drone for the first time on drug-hunting operations in the Middle East. At just three metres (10ft) long, yet capable of sorties lasting up to five hours at ranges well over the horizon, Peregrine is the first remotely-piloted helicopter operated by the Royal Navy. It’s been […]L3Harris Launches New Technology to Control Autonomous Swarms
– L3Harris Technologies has introduced AMORPHOUS, its new software that features a single user interface to operate thousands of autonomous assets simultaneously. Designed with an open architecture, this software enables the United States and allied militaries to control a mix of uncrewed platforms, payloads and systems, even if another manufacturer produces them. AMORPHOUS, which stands […]HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany Expand Cooperation
The sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany have strengthened their collaboration in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and systems, with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH serving as the prime contractor. This strengthened alliance supports QinetiQ’s Global Threat Representation strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a global service provider for military exercises, from operational analysis to […]Heven Drones Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Raider UAV
– Heven Drones, which is headquartered in Miami but has a research and development facility in Carmel, Israel, unveiled a new hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the Raider at the IDEX 2025 defence exhibition, held in Abu Dhabi earlier in February. Speaking to ESD at IDEX 2025, Benzion Levinson, founder & CEO of Heven […]Teledyne FLIR Defense Gets $15M Contract for Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drones for Germany
– Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has received an order from the German Army to provide its Black Hornet 4 Personal Reconnaissance Systems to German armed forces. Teledyne FLIR performs as the supplier within a two-year agreement with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to deliver […]🌉✨ Istanbul by Night – A Stunning Aerial View! 🚁🌙 – Drone Footage on HOsiHO.com
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Sony Airpeak S1 deal at B&H offers free gift worth a whopping $750
On the same week that DJI unveiled a huge upgrade to its enterprise drone lineups by way of the new DJI Dock 3 for its DJI Matrice 4D and 4TD drones, there’s a Sony Airpeak S1 deal that makes this non-Chinese drone (and great DJI alternative) even more appealing.
The Sony Airpeak S1 is one of the most powerful professional drones on the market today. It stands out for its compatibility with Sony’s Alpha Series and FX3 Cameras. Flying these high-end cameras through the air is critical for a range of uses, from making Hollywood films to detailed map-making. It’s also got a high-performance flight system built for commercial applications that’s capable of withstanding harsh conditions.
And perhaps to make it even more attractive (especially in light of the new DJI Dock 3), there’s a deal for shoppers. Between now and March 7, 2025, purchasing an Airpeak S1 through B&H Photo gets you an extra incentive: a free Amimon Transmitter for CONNEX Mini HD Video Link. That’s pretty impressive, considering the transmitter is pegged at a $749 value.
The B&H Sony Airpeak S1 deal: what you get
For a limited time through March 7, B&H is sweetening the deal on the Sony Airpeak S1 ($8,999). It’s doing so by bundling it with the Amimon CONNEX Mini Transmitter (Air Unit). This device is the heart of the CONNEX Mini video downlink system. It delivers zero-latency 1080p60 performance with a line-of-sight range of up to 1,600 feet. At just 2.1 ounces, it’s ideal for drones carrying compact mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GH4 or high-end cinema rigs like the Sony FX3.
Included in the free gift:
- CONNEX Mini Transmitter (Air Unit)
- Two antennas
- Power cable
- Micro-HDMI cable
Note: The receiver (Ground Unit) is sold separately.
What makes this drone so special?
The Airpeak S1 is Sony’s bold entry into the professional drone market. It’s been positioned as a top-tier alternative to Chinese-made drones like those from DJI. Given the increasing push to restrict Chinese-made drones, particularly for government and industrial use, the Airpeak S1 is more relevant than ever.
Key Sony Airpeak S1 specs
- Max Speed: 55.9 mph (fastest in its class)
- Max Angular Velocity: 180°/s
- Max Tilt Angle: 55°
- Obstacle Avoidance: Vision sensors and LiDAR for stability
- Flight Time: Up to 22 minutes (without payload)
- Gimbal Compatibility: Gremsy Gimbal T3 ($2,199 required for use)
- Camera Compatibility: Sony Alpha Series & FX3
This drone, which first was announced in 2021 at CES, initially targeted professional photography and video production. But it didn’t take long for the surveying and industrial application side of the drone industry to pick up on the drone. Besides not being made in China, it stands out for its robust flight control, advanced obstacle sensing and seamless integration with Sony’s high-end cameras.
In April 2023, Sony rolled out even more upgrades which addressed some early issues with the initial drone, like short flight times. That was by way of the new LBP-HM1 Battery, which can now fly for up to 30 minutes without a payload (up from 22 minutes). Sony also launched the Gremsy Gimbal PX1 for Airpeak, which is 40% lighter than the initial GBL-T3 from Gremsy, which is also key in reducing flight times).
Sony’s April relaunch also rolled out even more features to appeal to industrial applications like mapping or inspections. That included a RTK GNSS system for Airpeak S1 with high-precision positioning capability.
The full cost breakdown
If you’re considering purchasing the Sony Airpeak S1, here’s what you’ll need:
- Sony Airpeak S1 Drone: $8,999
- Gremsy Gimbal T3 (required for camera use): $2,199
- Sony Camera (Alpha Series or FX3): Sold separately
- Lenses: Sold separately
That means the base setup — before adding a camera and lenses — is already at $11,198. Given the investment, the free CONNEX Mini Transmitter is a welcome bonus, adding professional-grade video downlink capabilities without additional cost.
Why this Sony Airpeak S1 deal matters
With the U.S. government increasingly scrutinizing the use of Chinese-made drones, the demand for American-made and allied-nation drones has never been higher. While DJI still dominates the market, the Airpeak S1 is a powerful alternative, offering a secure, professional-grade option for filmmakers, surveyors and enterprise users who need to future-proof their operations against potential bans.
There are a number of pieces of legislation floating around there that seek to ban DJI drones. For example, there’s Congresswoman Elise Stefanik’s Drones for First Responders (DFR) Act. That act would impose a new, 30% tariff specifically on drones made in China in its first year. The tariffs would grow in size until 2030, upon which the DFR Act would completely ban the importation of drones that contain critical components made in China.
And of course, tariffs on Chinese imports are making Chinese-drones more expensive anyway.
The Sony Airpeak S1 is made by, well, Sony, which is a Japanese company. It’s not subject to those tariffs and restrictions. Companies hiring you for a job might demand you use a non-Chinese made drone, which makes the Sony Airpeak S1 an attractive pick to fly for high-paying contracts. That’s alongside other enterprise drones from American drone companies such as Freefly, Inspired Flight and Ascent Aerosystems.
But for those considering making the jump to the Sony Airpeak S1 in particular, now is an excellent time to buy given the B&H deal. The promo period runs through March 7.
Learn more about the Sony Airpeak S1 deal over at B&H Photo, and score your free CONNEX Mini Transmitter.
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