New AI-Driven “Spectrum Warrior” Enhances Drone Detection in High-Threat Zones As drones become more advanced and pose an increasing threat to military operations and critical infrastructure, the need for effective counter-drone systems has grown. In response, MyDefence has introduced its latest innovation, the AI-powered “Spectrum Warrior,” designed to improve soldier protection and strengthen defenses in […]
Aerodome introduces cutting-edge tools to enhance safety and efficiency for public safety agencies. Aerodome, a company focused on improving drone-as-first-responder (DFR) technology, has announced significant upgrades to its DFR 2.0 system. The new features, designed to increase situational awareness and improve communication, include Aerovision, Aerodome Mobile Apps, and a Community Engagement Dashboard. These tools aim […]
Volunteers use heavy-lift drones to bring life-saving supplies to isolated communities in North Carolina’s mountainous region after roads are destroyed by the storm. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill After Hurricane Helene, a powerful and deadly storm, cut off almost all major roads serving western North Carolina, isolating thousands of people, a small group of […]
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!
– Skyports Infrastructure along with SEA Milan, the owner of Milan’s airports, and 2i Aeroporti, the leading Italian airport infrastructure investment company controlled by F2i infrastructure funds, have announced the formation of VEGA, a joint venture company established to advance the AAM ecosystem across Milan and the wider Lombardy region. VEGA – Vertical Gateway – […]
– Dedrone is now officially part of Axon. The acquisition unites two companies with a shared mission to improve public safety and national security by staying ahead of persistent and escalating threats, enabling faster, more effective responses and ultimately protecting more lives in more places. Dedrone’s smart airspace security technology integrates with Axon’s public safety […]
The Lithuanian government has announced that it will provide thousands of locally manufactured GA-10-FPV-AI first-person view (FPV) drones to the Ukrainian and Lithuanian armed forces as part of a major investment in a low-cost capability that transforms modern combat. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense announced a $1 million contract with the Vilnius-based drone company […]
Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, announced the development launch of the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that will complement the future Rafale F5 standard after 2030. The announcement was made at a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS) at the Saint-Dizier air base, […]
Join AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Mike Ginter as he flies with the TITAN Aerobatic Team at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Take a look at how the Titan Team safely and with precision execute their tight-formation aerobatics routine. Peak Performance videos explore high-risk, high-performing flight operations where pilots and crews push themselves […]
My YouTube subscribers already have seen it, but I’ll share it with you too, now: my latest YouTube video. It’s an in-depth DJI Neo unboxing, revealing my first impressions of the new, $199 DJI Neo.
DJI Neo has been one of DJI’s worst-kept secrets ever. Perhaps the launch of the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX drones had something to do with it. Alas, the DJI Neo launch (which happened a month later in September 2024) was a surprise to just about no one. But what has been a surprise is how well it holds up after getting my hands on it in person.
I outlined in-depth DJI Neo drone specs and details back when DJI first named the drone, but here are some key features:
4K video: Footage is surprisingly clear and smooth — particularly considering the low price point.
Compact design: Despite its (mostly) powerful performance, the Neo is lightweight and portable. It comes in at just 135 grams, and it’s small enough to fit in a larger jacket pocket or purse.
Prop guards and hand launch: These two go, well, hand-in-hand. DJI encourages you to take this drone off from the palm of your hand. With the drone flying that close to you, this is a key safety feature for you (and your walls).
So with that, what’s inside the box? Don’t wait! Check out my unboxing video below:
My first impressions of DJI Neo
From the moment I powered it on after doing this DJI Neo unboxing video, the drone impressed me. The setup was super easy, and within minutes I was ready to fly. The hand takeoff and landing actually works, and the follow-me is quite responsive. I did try controlling it in manual mode from my smartphone, which was also very easy and intuitive.
Video quality is as sharp as you’d expect from DJI (join me next week for a look at the actual footage and flight).
The Neo is perfect for creators who are constantly on the go (like me!) or anyone looking to get started in the drone world with a reliable and easy-to-use device.
That said, it does have some initial drawbacks. It doesn’t do well even in a breeze, so count on making this an indoor drone or otherwise only flying it on calm days.
It also is not the drone for you if you’re seeking sweeping landscape shots. The drone’s maximum flight height is just 120 meters (that’s less than 400 feet) — and that’s when used with a controller (which requires an additional cost). When using just the hand launch or mobile or Mobile App Control, the maximum flight height is 30 meters (about 100 feet) That’s only about half as tall as Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. And no, these limits can’t be overridden in the DJI Fly app.
The DJI Neo Fly More Combo includes a charging hub and batteries.
And the battery life is pretty short at just 18 minutes max. Given that, you’ll likely want to spring for the Fly More Combo, which adds another $125 to the price. (The DJI Neo Fly More Combo typically retails for $325).
I’ll put together a more complete review later, but for now, I wanted to share this DJI Neo unboxing video with you so you know what’s inside. In short, DJI Neo is packed with features that make flying fun and accessible, while still offering the high-quality footage and advanced tech that seasoned pros will appreciate.
The Drone Girl unboxes the DJI Neo drone, which is an affordable hand-launch drone from DJI.
