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Videos

July 31, 2025

Challenges of Using Drones for Natural Resource Work with Federal Agencies (YDQA EP115)

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove welcomes Troy Walton and Susan Cohen from the Carolina Drone Lab at UNC Chapel Hill to explore the complex realities of using drones for natural resources and environmental management. Topics include: Navigating drone regulations and approval chains on military…

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July 24, 2025

Why Does Crew Resource Management Matter for Remote Pilots? (YDQA EP 114)

How does Crew Resource Management (CRM) — a core aviation principle — apply to drone teams in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry? In this episode, host Chris Breedlove welcomes Aaron Varnau from WithersRavenel to explore the real-world application of CRM in daily drone operations. Aaron shares his journey…

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July 21, 2025

3 Tips For Passing Part 107 Exam

3 Tips For Passing Part 107 Exam If you want to dive deeper into Drone Launch Academy and level up your drone skills, here are some links to some of the online drone courses we offer: Part 107 Exam Prep Course- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-exam-study-course/ Drone Mapping and Modeling Fundamentals- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-mapping-and-modeling-fundamentals/ Aerial Video…

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July 17, 2025

How Are Drones Used For Cutting-Edge Science? (YDQA EP 113)

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove talks with Josh Matheson from Duke University’s Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab. They explore how affordable, off-the-shelf drones like the DJI Phantom and Mavic series are being used in groundbreaking science—from tracking elephant health in Zambia, to monitoring…

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July 10, 2025

How Do Sub-250g Drones Empower The Next Generation Of Spatial AI? (YDQA EP 112)

Discover how lightweight drones like the DJI Mini series are revolutionizing spatial AI and creating unprecedented opportunities for drone pilots worldwide! 🎯 What You'll Learn: Why sub-250g drones are the secret weapon for urban mapping How Spexi's standardized drone network has captured 3.5+ million acres The regulatory advantages of micro…

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July 4, 2025

Easiest Way to Do an Aerial Survey? (Complete Walkthrough of Wingtra Ground System)

Learn more about Wingtra Ground here: https://wingtra.com/ground/ Learn more about Wingtra Cloud here: https://wingtra.com/wingtracloud/ *Chapters* 0:00 - Intro 1:20 - What a Normal Aerial Survey Workflow Looks Like Today 11:18 - Intro to Wingtra Ground and Cloud 13:16 - Flight Planning in Wingtra Cloud 18:18 - GNSS Fieldwork with Wingtra…

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July 3, 2025

Are Ground Control Points Necessary for Public Safety Scene Documentation? (YDQA EP111)

Join host Chris Breedlove as he welcomes back Calvin Rikard, public safety specialist at Duncan -Parnell and former South Carolina Highway Patrol collision reconstruction expert, for a critical discussion about ground control points (GCPs) in drone surveying and documentation. What You'll Learn: ✅ The shocking reality of how inaccurate drone…

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June 26, 2025

How Are Drones Used To Conduct Bridge Inspections? (YDQA EP 110)

Ever wondered how drones are transforming the way we inspect bridges? In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Dr. Joe Burgett from Clemson University to explore the role of drone technology in bridge inspection. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why bridge inspections are federally…

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June 19, 2025

How Are Drones Used To Monitor the Coastal Environment? (YDQA EP 109)

Join host Chris Breedlove as he explores how drones are revolutionizing coastal environmental monitoring in Maine with Will Kochitzky, Assistant Professor at the University of New England. Key Topics Covered: Centimeter-scale mapping accuracy for coastal change detection Pre and post-storm documentation for FEMA applications Maine's proactive sea level rise legislation…

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June 18, 2025

Free Training - How to Launch a Drone Business in 2025 (Even If You’re Starting From Zero)

This is a FREE training for aspiring drone entrepreneurs. Discover the exact steps to go from drone hobbyist to paid pro — even if you've never had a client, flown commercially, or marketed a service before. 🚀 In this free training, you’ll learn: ✅ The 3 most profitable services new…

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June 12, 2025

What Do the New UAS Executive Orders Really Mean for Drone Pilots? (YDQA EP 108)

Two major drone executive orders signed June 6th - here's what drone pilots need to know! Chris Breedlove & David Young break down "Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty" and "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" - including the big BVLOS timeline that could change everything. KEY POINTS: BVLOS operations: 30 days for proposed…

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June 5, 2025

What Is the State of U.S. Drone Manufacturing? (YDQA EP 107)

The US drone industry is facing its biggest challenge yet. Shipping delays have tripled, orders are becoming $90K gambles, and some overseas suppliers have stopped shipping to America entirely. If you're an FPV pilot, drone racer, or run educational drone programs, this affects YOU directly. 🔥 WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS…

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May 29, 2025

What Is The Current BVLOS Status And Part 108 Impact? (YDQA EP 106)

Welcome to another episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations with Kyle Miller, Director of Sales at Censys Technologies. Key Topics Covered: Definition and practical applications of BVLOS operations Censys Technologies' approach to long-range…

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May 23, 2025

FREE TRAINING: How Engineers & Surveyors Are Using Drone Mapping to Work Faster, Safer, and Smarter

During this free, expert-led training, you'll learn all about how real-world engineering, surveying, and construction firms are integrating drone mapping into their workflow—and what you can do to keep up in a rapidly changing industry. You'll learn how to: ✅ Save hours of fieldwork using aerial mapping techniques ✅ Deliver…

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May 22, 2025

What Are Real-World Examples Of Complex Drone Operations? (YDQA EP 105)

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Matt Nanney from AECOM to explore real-world examples of complex drone operations and how to effectively manage their unique challenges. Matt shares valuable insights from his 16+ years of experience, covering a wide range of advanced…

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May 15, 2025

Recommended PC Specs for Mapping/3D Modeling (YDQA EP 104)

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, Chris from Drone Launch Academy breaks down the key PC specifications you should consider for handling data-intensive photogrammetry and LiDAR processing tasks. Whether you’re using software like Pix4D, DJI Terra, Trimble Business Center, or LP360, this video highlights the general hardware requirements…

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May 8, 2025

What Are Best Practices For GCP Targets In Lidar And Photogrammetry Missions? (YDQA EP 103)

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove welcomes Eric Harkins from Back Forty Aerial Solutions to discuss best practices for target placement in both LiDAR and photogrammetric drone mapping missions. Eric shares his extensive experience in aerial mapping and provides valuable insights on: The difference between…

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May 6, 2025

FREE TRAINING: The 5 Most Missed Questions on the FAA Part 107 Exam (And How to Get Them Right)

Are you ready for the FAA Part 107 exam? Most people think they are... Until they hit one of these five questions. And then their confidence goes out the window. Join this free training where Drone Launch Academy founder David Young will walk you through the 5 questions that trip…

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May 1, 2025

How Are Drones Being Used For Ocean Rescues? (YDQA EP 102)

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," host Chris Breedlove interviews Shawn Barry from Oak Island about how drones are transforming ocean rescue operations. As Oak Island's full-time drone operator for public safety, Shawn shares groundbreaking insights on: -How drones deploy personal flotation devices (PFDs) to distressed swimmers in…

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April 25, 2025

FREE VIRTUAL EVENT: Drone Career Day - Construction Edition

During this free virtual event, your students will have the opportunity to: ✅ Hear from industry professionals that use drones every day in their careers ✅ Ask questions live and get in-depth answers from the pros in real time ✅ Learn about exciting career opportunities with drones

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April 24, 2025

What RTK Correction Methods Are Used In Drone Mapping, and When Should Each Be Used? (YDQA EP 101)

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," we tackle the question: What are the different RTK correction methods for drone mapping missions, and when should you use each one? We explore the differences between Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Process Kinematic (PPK) workflows, breaking down how these technologies improve GNSS…

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April 15, 2025

FREE TRAINING: From Flight to Finished Map - The Complete Workflow for Drone Mapping Beginners

During this free training, you're going to learn firsthand from Drone Launch Academy founder David Young and successful drone mapping business owner Rut Patel. You'll learn: ✅ What drone mapping is — and why it matters ✅ Real-world use cases for drone mapping and modeling in industries like construction, agriculture,…

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April 10, 2025

How Are Drone Tethers Being Used? (YDQA Ep 100)

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered. In this episode, we're diving into the exciting world of tethered drones—how they're being used today and where they're headed in the future. We cover: What tethered drones are and how they differ from traditional UAVs Legal and regulatory considerations in the U.S.…

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April 3, 2025

What Should You Buy To Do Drone Mapping? (YDQA EP 99)

Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered. Today we are answering the question 👉 "What equipment do I need to start drone mapping?" Or more specifically… "What drone should I buy for mapping?" In this episode, we cover: 🚁 Key drone features for mapping (automated missions, mechanical…

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