Little more than an idea just a few years ago, professional drone racing has become a fairly popular fringe sport. With skilled pilots, high-end racing drones, and occasional television slots on ESPN networks, the Drone Racing League in particular has generated enough attention to spark some discussions about whether or not it can in fact become a major spectator activity. To that point, Red Bull looked at drone racing’s growth so far and called it the sport of the future just last October. That’s an exciting prediction from a company that knows what it’s doing in fast-paced sporting action. But what does it really mean? Just how big would drone racing have to become in order to live up to this proclamation? And is there potential that short-term growth could ultimately just reveal a cap, and that drone racing would settle into a niche space all its own? We can’t answer all of these questions. However, with drone racing still relatively small, we can think of things another way that might reveal some of the possible paths for the sport. Specifically, which of the other fringe sports (or “sports”) from the past few decades might provide the best model for what to expect from the DRL, and drone racing as a whole? eSports The most common comparison to the DRL tends to be eSports, for a few different reasons. For one thing, there’s a heavy tech component, and “sport,” at least in the eyes of many, is a bit of a stretch as a classification. By that same token however, another positive aspect of this comparison is that like eSports, drone racing has an everyman component to it; anyone can pilot a drone, without having to be a world-class athlete (or even a good one). If drone racing does wind up following a similar trajectory, it will indeed become a full-fledged global phenomenon. The key issue with this as a projection, though, is that there is not nearly the existing worldwide interest in drones and drone racing that there is in video games. Poker The so-called “Poker Boom” of the early 2000s is another interesting comparison, and may in fact be the best one. Poker transformed rapidly from a known game to a televised phenomenon. It was on ESPN despite not being a traditional sport, and it showcased something anyone could do, being done by masters. And when you describe it that way, drone racing is actually quite similar. This raises interesting questions about the long-term viability of the sport. On the one hand, the Poker Boom arguably sparked the growth of the entire online casino industry we know today. Beyond poker, pages’ worth of games in the slot, jackpot, roulette, and table game categories are now popular online all over the world. So, we may not see the World Series of Poker on TV as much as we used to, but there is in some sense a legacy. This speaks to the potential of drone racing flaming out in some sense, yet remaining popular and influential in online circles. UFC If you follow UFC, you may be aware that it’s actually been struggling of late. However, its rise to the top was virtually unprecedented in the last several decades of sports. It was essentially a brand new sport when it first arrived on the scene, and catapulted to incredible heights. There were fighters who became massive celebrities, events that were viewed by tens of millions, sold out arenas, and even films made about the sport. It’s difficult to imagine drone racing following a similar path, but if nothing else the UFC’s rise can provide a blueprint for how the DRL should grow, rather than necessarily how it will. For instance, it’s said that a focus on the fan experience helped UFC surge, and on a related note the fighters were very recognizable and familiar. It’s this last point though which drone racing should emulate UFC. As of now, there just isn’t enough focus on the athletes, who have the potential to rope in so many more fans if and when they reveal themselves to be entertainers in addition to pilots.

Photo Credit: DJI Technology Co. If you’re seriously considering taking the big leap into the world of drones, there’s no better place to start than DJI. Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI) is the premier drone manufacturer of the world. The company emanates from the technological heart of China, Shenzen. From there, they have developed a global presence and a stellar reputation among professional UAV pilots and drone enthusiasts. That’s why Women Who Drone recommends the following DJI drones for beginners. Tello - $99 Photo Credit: DJI Technology Co. Tello is an entry-level drone designed to introduce kids and adults to flying and programming. It’s an easy-to-use drone that can be flown with either a controller or Tello phone app. To develop programming skills, Tello also has an educational app, called Tello Edu, that supports Scratch, the introductory coding language made for kids and teens. This app enables the user to learn coding skills while also programming their Tello to move using coding blocks. Its other key features include smartphone VR and VR headset compatibility, a 13-minute flight time, 720p HD transmission, 5mp photography, and auto take-off and landing. DJI Spark - $399 Photo Credit: DJI Technology Co. The DJI Spark is a small drone with a lot of quality features that are ideal for anyone interested in aerial photography. Available in Alpine White and Lava Red, this mini drone can launch from the palm of your hand after identifying you with FaceAware, a facial recognition technology. Unlike Tello, Spark comes with the following Intelligent Flight Modes: QuickShot for easy photos and videos, TapFly which allows you to direct your drone's flight by tapping in that direction, ActiveTrack recognizes and Tracks moving objects, and Gesture uses hand gestures to take pictures. Its camera can record 1080p video and take 12mp photos. Other features include a mechanical gimbal that helps take stable photos and Pano and ShallowFocus photography. The Spark also has a 16-minute max flight time, and a Sport Mode that supports FPV goggles for an immersive aerial experience. DJI Mavic Air -$799 Photo Credit: DJI Technology Co. Available in Arctic White, Onyx Black, and Flame Red, The Mavic Air has many of the same features as the Spark along with some new features to complement its more advanced specifications. The DJI Mavic Air boasts a 4K camera, 21 minutes of flight time and 8GB of internal storage. The camera is capable of capturing 32mp sphere panoramas and slow motion at 120 frames per second. A key design feature of this drone is its ability to fold for portability. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #dronesforbeginners #beginnerdrone #droneammeter #womenwithwings #womenwhodrone #WOMENWHODRONE #WOMENANDDRONES #Tello #DJISpark #DJIMavicAir

International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of the achievements of women around the world and a call to action for gender equality. This day is owned by no one and can be celebrated by anyone. The first International Women’s day was celebrated as a gathering on March 19th, 1911 when over a million men and women rallied for women’s rights. Since then, women’s rights have expanded greatly and so has female representation, but there is still a disparity between genders in various industries. This is especially evident in STEM industries, which are notoriously male-dominated. Regardless, women have been able to make a name for themselves in these areas. At Women Who Drone, we try to do our part to promote and educate women interested in the UAV industry. Women Who Drone’s main goal is to inspire, educate and empower women and girls to join the UAV industry, and we accomplish this through our workshops, online courses, social media, and our blog. Since its inception, we have grown as a community and a company, allowing for more opportunities to share the knowledge and talents of other women. Video Credit: Women Who Drone This year, Women Who Drone spent International Women's Day in the Cayman Islands shooting for Celebrity Cruises, a luxury cruise line. This shoot featured the Celebrity Edge and the Celebrity Reflection. Celebrity Edge is the first ship in Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class of ships and has Caribbean and European itineraries of a least a week long. The ladies who participated in this opportunity were able to obtain amazing footage of these massive cruise ships and the beautiful coast of the Cayman Islands. In 2016, it was reported that out of all the people who had remote pilot certification, less than 4% of them were women, which is a huge disparity. It is uncertain how many female drone pilots there are around the world or even how man women are working in the UAV industry, but a disparity still exists in those areas. Hopefully in 2019, we can see a rise in the number of women pilots and in the UAV industry. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #WOMENWHODRONE #WOMENANDDRONES #InternationalWomensDay #IWD #IWD2019 #CelebrityCruises #CaymanIslands #cruiseships #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #femaledronepilot

Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library With all the things that your drone can do, why leave it at home? Whether you’re touring the hottest locales or heading to the latest race, it stands to reason that you’d want to know how to take it with you wherever you go. Having your drone while in transit exposes it to the potential risk of being damaged before you reach your destination, among other concerns regarding the rules and regulations pilots must adhere to. Read on for some tips on travelling with a drone. BEFORE YOU LEAVE Photo Credit: Federal Aviation Administration Before you leave, register your drone and obtain any necessary certification to fly. Recreational and commercial pilots with drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds must have their drones registered with the FAA. As a result of the latest FAA regulations, your registration number must be clearly visible on the hull as well. Registration costs only $5 and is valid for 3 years. Also, check the FAA and local drone laws for wherever you're traveling to. Whether you’re at home or abroad, anywhere could be a Kodak Moment, but there are many beautiful sites that don’t permit drones. In addition to registration, you may want to have your drone insured before traveling. Liability insurance is always recommended, but you may also want to ensure you have coverage while in transit and at the location you're traveling to. CASES, BAGS, AND BACKPACKS Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library For traveling with a drone on your person, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. To keep your drone safe and secure, invest in a good quality drone backpack, hard shell bag, or case. Popular drone manufacturers like DJI have selections of bags and cases made specifically for their drones and accessories available on their online stores. Drone bags and cases are also available on popular retailer sites like bestbuy.com and Amazon, and there are third-party companies that manufacture bags, cases, and backpacks for drones and sell them online. For example, Lowepro makes backpacks and cases that fit recognizable brand name quadcopters, and their site has a guide to ensure you buy the one that fits best. Shopping online can be tricky, so read the descriptions of these products carefully to ensure you get a bag/case that has a comfortable design, fits your drone, and has space for accessories. TSA REGULATIONS Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library Traveling by plane in any circumstance can be confusing. It can be hard to keep up with what is allowed in which bag in whatever quantity. Drones are no exception to this chaos. If you're wondering if you should have your drone in your carry-on or checked bag, you'll have to check with your airline first. Don't forget that there are also restrictions on bringing batteries on planes. Drones have lithium batteries and according to tsa.gov, Lithium batteries with 100-watt hours or less can be carried in a device in either carry-on or checked bags. Lithium batteries with more than 100-watt hours may be allowed in carry-on bags with airline approval, but passengers are limited to two spare batteries per passenger. Loose lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags, so bring your battery case along with you. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #travelwithadrone #droneandtravel #dronetravel #FAA #FAAdronezone #droneinsurance #dronebags #dronecases #lowepro #TSAregulations #flyingwithadrone #lithiumbatteries #lithiumbatteriesonplanes

New Zealand may be tucked away in the corner of the world, sometimes it doesn’t even make it onto the world map, but that doesn’t mean it should be easily forgotten. Whether you’re drawn to vast layers of snow-capped mountains, towering volcanoes roaring out of the ground, or endless coastline filled with secluded beaches. New Zealand really does have it all. Thanks to these breath-taking landscapes, New Zealand is almost irresistible to anyone with a drone. However, before taking off, there are many factors to consider. GENERAL RULES Consider others and stay a safe distance away from people and buildings. Be aware of No-Fly Zones Always fly below 120m and within line of sight! Be responsible and check if you’re allowed to fly on public lands. We’ve all felt the frustration when you can almost visualise the incredible view your drone might see from above. Whether it’s pristine lakes brimming with icebergs, or dolphins showing off just metres from the shore, only to find out it’s not possible to fly there. Despite the frustration you may feel, it’s key to always stick to the rules. They have been put in place not just for the welfare of others, but guaranteeing a safe flight will ensure the opportunity for us all to participate in the future of the UAV industry, ever-growing with challenges and limitations. New Zealand is a country full of vibrant yet vulnerable native wildlife, especially birds, that need to be protected. Whilst you might be desperate to get “the shot”, you always need to consider the local species, making sure that your actions do not endanger them. As well as the native animals, there are many small airports in New Zealand that are often hidden from view and conducting frequent flights, so it’s always worth checking the local area for any controlled airspaces. When it comes to flying your drone in New Zealand, the best resources are: Airshare FlyYourDrone.nz Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand Department of Conservation During my time in New Zealand, I have mainly used Airshare to plan my shoots, find new locations, and most importantly: check if it is safe to fly before taking off. It has a great interactive map with all the information about ‘No-Fly Zones’ near airports and where you can fly without needing a permit. Whilst we should consider ourselves very lucky that the majority of New Zealand is open to drones, there are multiple locations that form part of conservation projects, or are managed by local authorities that do not allow drone use. Often this means that drones are completely forbidden in these areas. However, if you do want to fly over conservation land, you can apply for a permit with the Department of Conservation (DOC) by either visiting the DOC website or by visiting a local DOC office. They can let you know if your proposal for a permit is likely to be approved. You generally need a permit to fly over any of the National Parks or DOC Conservation Areas, as well as if you want to fly over any marine life, such as over the whales at Kaikoura. Also, many popular tourist locations and hikes don’t allow drones to be flown nearby, which means you have to get more creative with where you want to fly. In a way, this challenge opens up the opportunity to create something unique. A trick I’ve learned during my time navigating the strict drone rules in New Zealand is to utilise Air Share alongside satellite images on Google Maps, which allows you to search and discover some unique locations. Some of my favourite places for beautiful aerial landscapes whilst exploring New Zealand are: Lake Tekapo Lake Pukaki The Road to Mount Cook Lake Wakitipu The road to Mount Taranaki Tekapo Springs The Braided Rivers near Mount Cook Only certain areas of these locations are safe to fly, whether it’s 4km or more from the airports near the road to Mount Cook National Park, or a small section of Lake Wakitipu. Nonetheless, every pilot should always do their own research prior to flying to ensure the safety of their UAV. No matter where you fly in New Zealand, remember to always stay below 120 metres and keep your drone within direct line of sight. Never fly within 4km of an airport and respect people’s privacy. You are flying an unmanned aircraft, which makes you the pilot and the safety of the people around you is your responsibility. It takes one careless flight for drones to potentially be banned, so if you’re ever unsure, don’t fly and let’s all make sure the future of the drone industry is as accessible as it is now. I am born in Sweden and raised in the UK. My love of the outdoors inspired me to fly across the world to live in a van in New Zealand, allowing me to spend as much time as possible outdoors and exploring new environments. This was my first real experience of working & travelling on the road full-time, and now this alternative way of living is the drive behind everything I do. Being a drone pilot has allowed me to further my photographic projects to a level that previously felt unachievable. I’ve fallen in love with the new perspective that aerial photography can bring to a landscape, especially being able to reveal hidden shapes and textures in nature that can only be seen from above. You can check out my website https://www.fridaberg.com/ and follow me on Instagram @friiidaberg #newzealand #NewZealand #guidetoflyingdrones #fridaberg #airshare #flyyourdronernz #CivilAviationAuthorityofNewZealand #DepartmentofConservation #LakeTekapo #LakePukaki #TheRoadtoMountCook #LakeWakitipu #MountTaranaki #TekapoSprings #BraidedRivers

Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library Insurance is a must-have investment to protect you and your drone. The insurance market realizes this and has responded with a variety of options. These things can be overwhelming and confusing, so this article will serve as a pocket guide to help you start your search for the insurance plan that’s right for you. Here’s what you should look for in drone insurance: A Reputable Insurance Provider: Where can I purchase good drone insurance? Photo Credit: State Farm, Allstate, Verifly, and SkyWatch While you’re researching companies and policies, find out if the insurance you're considering has a good reputation. Whenever you make any large purchase, you should look for reviews and comments on the product or service. Even if there are mostly positive comments, try to find some reviews with criticism to cover all your bases and weight the pros and cons of each company. If you’re a hobbyist, you may be able to reach out to the company that provides you coverage for your home (or a different agency that offers similar services) and discuss adding your drone to a new or preexisting plan that covers your personal property. Last year in another article on drone insurance, we discussed people being covered through their general insurance provider. The research for that article revealed that a common recommendation was to obtain coverage under State Farm's Personal Articles Policy, which covers belongings like bikes, art, jewelry, and collectibles. Allstate has a similar policy called Personal Property Coverage. Insurance agencies that cater specifically to drones may be more suitable for commercial pilots. For example, Avion Insurance offers full coverage for pilots using their drones recreationally and for business. Commercial drone pilots even have the option of purchasing on-demand insurance with companies like Verifly and SkyWatch. More companies that offer drone insurance include: AssuredPartners Aerospace, American International Group, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, but there are still even more options out there. A Policy that Suits Your Needs: What kind of coverage should I buy? Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library The coverage you need will depend on how often you fly, how much the drone is worth, where you are, and more. A hobbyist with one drone that they only use at the local park will probably need less coverage than a commercial pilot who owns a fleet and a drone-based business. Coverage that both groups can benefit from though, is Liability Insurance. When it comes to types of coverage, what you’re likely in the market for is Liability Insurance, which can be the most basic coverage you can get for your drone. Liability Insurance may be all you need to protect yourself from bearing the brunt of the costs you could incur from the average drone incident such as damage to someone else’s property and bodily injury. However, as the name states, Liability Insurance only covers costs that you’re liable for and not the actual damage sustained by the drone. Other types of coverage you may want to consider are Hull Insurance to cover the repair costs for accidental damage, Payload Insurance for the damage of any equipment your drone carries such as special cameras and sensors, and Ground Equipment Insurance for the equipment you use at your ground station. Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library A Good Value: How much should I pay for coverage? Look for rates that fit well into your budget and make sense for the value of your drone. The policy you're considering should be worth the cost, especially when compared to other, similar policies. Ideally, your policy will have a low deductible but enough coverage to fully replace your drone if it’s broken, repair your drone if it’s damaged, pay for damage that your drone causes. Don’t think that you’re stuck with the first rate you’re offered. While you’re shopping around for companies and policies, don’t forget to compare quotes and see if you can negotiate lower rates with your agent. If you’re considering purchasing more than one type of insurance, ask if you can have a bundle discount. Pilots in drone forums who have added their drones to their homeowner’s insurance have reportedly paid less than $100 with companies like State Farm and Allstate. Regarding prices, the general consensus seems to be that commercial pilots can obtain drone liability insurance for a yearly rate that can range from $500 to $750 per drone depending on a variety of factors. At that range, you can potentially be covered for up to $1,000,000. After that, on-demand insurance is probably the most affordable option. At Verifly, policies start at $10 an hour then rise depending on the coverage you need and where you live. SkyWatch is similar, with base pricing for $1,000,000 On-Demand coverage ranging from $5 to $10. Coverage for Concerns You May Not Think About Often: What am I forgetting? Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library Sometimes there are things that we forget to consider when it comes to buying insurance. While you’re doing your research into policies and talking to agents, keep these questions (and more) in mind: Am I covered if someone else is flying my drone? Am I covered if my drone is stolen? Am I covered if in a different state? a different country? Am I covered if my drone is damaged while I’m traveling? Am I covered if I decide to enter drone competitions? Does my coverage apply to more than one drone? I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron

Photo Credit: Juan Diego Cortol Nowadays, drones are everywhere, and their prevalence is partly due to their extreme convenience and usefulness despite the risks innate in operating an Unmanned Aerial System. From social media to major televised events, we're surrounded by what drones can do, and they can do a lot. Maybe that's why you're considering buying one for yourself. With vast options available, there are a lot of things to consider before you make what could be a large investment. If you're not sure where to start, here's how to buy a drone. Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library Decide What You Want to Do with Your Drone First things first, what do you want to use your drone for? Drones are made in different styles, with different functions and possible features. Possibly the most popular mainstream drone is a quadcopter that specializes in high quality photos and video. However, a drone outfitted for photography might not be the best choice if you’re interested in racing, just like a high-powered drone that can reach amazing altitudes would be an unnecessary choice if you just want to fly around your home. If this will be your first time piloting a UAV, consider starting with a toy drone or a beginner drone. Toy drones are an inexpensive way to test the waters, and beginner drones are typically at a lower price point for high-end brands and may be easier to pilot. Research the Kind of Drone You Want After you’ve decided on the kind of drone you’re interested in, research those types of drones and get an idea of what characteristics are essential for your drone to have. Important factors to look for are key features (e.g. cameras and sensors) and necessary specifications (e.g. picture resolution). Decide from where you want to buy your drone: from a retailer like Amazon or Best Buy or a brand store like DJI. Look into warranties and service options offered by the store. Create a price range to narrow down your options and compare the prices of drones with similar specs and features. The quality of the features you want will affect the price of the drones. Try to find multiple drones to compare in type and price and try to find coupons or sales to get a good deal. If you're shopping online, compare the price after tax and shipping, so you’ll know the actual cost of purchasing from a certain vendor. Also, remember to look at each drone’s ratings and reviews to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library Consider Buying Accessories Depending on what you want to do, you may also need a few accessories to go along with your drone. Battery life for drones is notoriously short with high-end drones having flight times of around 30 minutes. If you're going to be traveling with your drone and flying for extended periods of time, you're going to need a carrying case and some extra batteries. If you buy extra batteries, you may want to purchase a battery hub to save charging time. People interested in aerial photography should consider lenses and SD cards. If you're buying a drone to get into FPV drone racing, you're going to need FPV goggles. In general, there are some accessories you may want to have on hand in case they get damaged as you get used to flying like backup propellers Be aware that not all quadcopters come ready-to-fly, so ensure you possess everything you need to set your system up to fly. Bonus: Take Care of Your Paperwork After you buy a drone, there are a few things you might need to take care of. Purchase a protection plan, warranty, or insurance to save money in the long run in case your drone gets damaged. If you’re going to be flying outside, you may want to invest in some liability insurance just in case you crash into something or somebody, and it may be necessary to purchase commercial drone insurance for your business. If you're buying a drone for business reasons, you'll need a commercial pilot’s license first, and it may help to do some online training to prepare for certification. Depending on the size of your UAV, you may have to register the drone with the FAA. Per the new regulations, your registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside surface of your drone. Toys do not need registration. Also, you’ll want to check the FAA regulations and rules for your area. It may be common knowledge that you can’t fly too close to airports and U.S. national parks, but you’ll also need to check if it’s permitted to fly in local parks or at certain events like the Super Bowl. Now that you have everything you need, why not get the most out of your drone experience by participating in the Women Who Drone Academy. There, you can find our online course, workshops and lesson. Potential drone photographers should check out Introduction to Drones: How to Capture Stunning Aerial Content for Beginners, and there are workshops on a variety of topics. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #howto #shopping #buyingadrone #dronesforbeginners #beginnerdrone #droneaccessories #faa #howtobuyadrone #whatdronetobuy #dronephotography #photography #fpv #fpvracing #droneracing

Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library The world around us is adapting to the popularity and convenience of drones, and with good reason. Drones provide advantages that cement their usefulness, which forecasts their increased presence in the future. With this is mind, have you ever wondered what drones could tell us about our past? With the advent of Digital Archaeology, research methods are being revolutionized by UAV technology. Currently, more researchers are using drones to collect valuable information about human history. One of the primary roles that drones play in archaeology is 3D Mapping. Earlier this month, Jason Daley with the Smithsonian published an article about the results of a drone survey over Canna and Sanday, two remote Scottish Islands. While flying over the areas, the drone was able to capture "420 million data points", which were then used to create a highly-detailed map of the islands. The survey was performed by GeoGeo, a mapping firm based in Glasgow, and their founder Paul Georgie revealed to the National Trust for Scotland that their survey was "the world’s largest complete island dataset captured by drone." This was an amazing feat, and the information that this data provides will make excavations in the area more efficient, preserving more of the natural landscape. Photo Credit: DroneArchaeology.com Furthermore, efficiency and preservation are the driving forces behind Aerial Digital Archaeology & Preservation's support for drones in the field. ADAP (at DroneArchaeology.com) is an independent research group that provides professional archaeologists, anthropologists, geologists, etc. non-invasive technology to research with. This most notably includes drones. Founded in 2013 by Benoit Duverneuil, consists of technologists, explorers and specialists in communication, and as stated in their name, their main goal is preservation. On their About page, part of their mission is “to promote the increase and the adoption of aerial and digital archaeology techniques and knowledge in the Americas.” In 2017, DroneDeploy reported that the founder of ADAP and three members of his team “embarked on a project to record three endangered sites in the Cotopaxi Province of Ecuador” in an effort to prove the efficiency of drone mapping archaeological sites. Using a DJI Inspire and DroneDeploy software, ADAP was able to capture high-quality images of the site and produce a map made of the drone's composited images, elevation data and a high-resolution 3D model. They were able to do all of this in a matter of several hours, a fraction of the time it would have taken with traditional methods and without disturbing ancient artifacts or excavation sites. If you're interested in learning more about drones being used in the field of Archaeology, check out The Digital Archaeological Record's collection of documents on the Archaeological applications of drones. I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #DigitalArchaeology #drones #WOMENWHODRONE #womenwhodrone #3DMapping #GeoGeo #droneexcavations #BenoitDuverneuil #DigitalArchaeologicalRecord #Archaeologicalapplicationsofdrones

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen? I actually find it funny as to how I started my drone journey... My kids and I bought my husband a drone (MJX Bugs 2) on Father's Day 2018. After flying it himself ever so briefly, he asked me if I wanted to fly it. Both of us read the manual and even watched youtube videos on how to fly this drone, but never had experience or full knowledge. Knowing that the drone's technology was limited, it wasn't enough to stop me from trying to fly it. I had taken the drone outside on a windy day, and could not control the drone as it drifted with the wind and lost its signal range. Ever since then, it took me months to gather my confidence back and I actually never had planned to fly again. Months later, incredible landscape shots captured from above, had caught my eye. On instagram and youtube, footages and shots of incredible places, inspired me to try flying again. Seeing shots from Sydney's North and Eastern Coastline, as well as places I never had thought to go to in my own state, got me motivated in creating a little bucket list of locations I must venture and explore. I've always been so passionate about photography, but had never thought technology would have taken my passion to the next level. Fortunately, my phone had an idea of what I wanted, and had pop ups advertising DJI's new drone at that time. In February 2018, I got my hands on the Mavic Air and that is when I officially started flying. Having all DJI's safety features, more knowledge and awareness made me more confident as a novice drone pilot. I've also made friends along this journey, meeting to fly and share insights, had honestly, made this experience enjoyable and rewarding. Recently, my partner had gifted me the DJI Mavic Pro 2 and we're looking to capture and produce beautiful images and videos together. It is definitely unreal to see how far the drone industry has come, and I cannot wait to explore some more of this incredible world! Tell us about your company/work/organization and your position. I'm currently working in the field of health, working as Disability Support Practitioner at Cerebral Palsy Alliance aiming to improve the lives of people with Disability. I'm also in training to be a paramedic set to graduate next year in 2019, and had never thought that my life of drones can create another path for me. As a side job to being a mother, full-time work and studies, I do photography sessions and tours. I am also excited as I'm currently in the works of launching my website and online store for aerial prints. What kind of drone(s) do you fly and what's your favorite thing about it? Currently, I fly the Mavic Pro 2 and the Mavic Air. As my first drone, the Mavic Air was a brilliant flying machine and it taught me how to fly confidently. It was light and compact, and the quality of images it had produced was really great. The Mavic Pro 2 produces much more detailed pictures with its housed 20 megapixel sensor camera is easily the reason why I love it. The smart modes and motion sensors is also my favourite thing about the Mavic Pro 2. Not only does it have side sensors, but they also added top and bottom sensors to assist in tight spaces and upward movement. The smart modes are also a serious addition to capturing more cinematically. Have you learned any valuable lessons being in the drone industry you can share with our female drone community? 1. The best time to capture stunning high-quality shots is during the golden hour of sunrise and sunset. Take advantage of the natural soft lighting, highlights and shadows, and you get that warmth glow 2. Don't forget to apply the rule of thirds to ensure that your shots are well-balanced and perfectly composed. 3. ND filters help minimise exposure while preserving quality and colour as much as possible. I used Polar Pro ND Filters. 4. Remember to shoot in RAW which allows you to make more than just basic adjustments. 5. Utilise google earth to identify potential locations. 6. Never stop exploring! What is your most memorable drone flight? My most memorable drone flight was in Bali capturing those magnificent coastline formations on Nusa Penida Island, beautiful architectures (Handara Gate), beaches and rice terraces. My tour guide/driver had seen me fly and was so keen in trying it. I gave him a run down of what he needed to know, and with guidance, he took off like a pro, manoeuvring the Mavic Pro 2 so cinematically! I was so proud of the quality of his drone footage and the edit and showcased his aerial work. Bali has so much to offer, and what I loved most was the people in it. :) What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? Drone photography is on the rise, and it currently stands a male dominated industry. The popularity of mesmerising aerial photography continues to grow and so does the many opportunities. My new goal is to inspire and motivate other women to get involved in the drone industry and show the world a window for more female-driven content. Female droners are rare, but I know that women have so much talent to offer to this world. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I believe that women in the drone industry are incredibly talented and they frequently offer support to one another. Some women who I've met and became friends with along this drone journey are Charlene Nunn (fellow WWD Ambassador), Thavy Tra and Elizabeth Lassithiotakis (to name a few), are incredibly talented women from Sydney, Australia that continuously produce breathtaking content. We fly together and constantly learn from each other. These women give me confidence and inspiration. I also believe that the more women who join the industry, means that we help to eradicate public perception and create equal opportunities for both men and women. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? Remember to always enjoy what you do, find new perspectives, challenge your creativity and continuously grow! :) I'm Emjeii Beattie, 28 year old drone enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. Follower her work on Instagram: @emjeiiamira #EmjeiiBeattie #WOMENANDDRONES #WOMENWHODRONE #womenwhodrone #womenwithwings #womenwhodroneambassador #spotlightinterview #pilotspotlight

Photo Credit: The Federal Aviation Administration Effective February 25th, 2019, The FAA is requiring the way small drone pilots must identify their FAA-registered drones. Starting then, small drones must fly with their FAA-issued registration number on their outside surface. Originally, pilots were only required to have their unique registration marking "readily accessible and maintained in readable condition," which allowed for some flexibility: Pilots could have their registration numbers inside the drone, such as in the battery compartment or anywhere that could be accessed without the use of tools. However, this will no longer be the case. Meanwhile, the original acceptable methods of external marking are unchanged, and the new rule does not specify where exactly to place the markings, only that it be seen on the exterior of the drone. Currently, the new requirement is an Interim Final Rule titled “Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft”. An Interim Final Rule is a rule that can be commented on while simultaneously being in effect. Their purpose is to allow for immediate action without a prior public comment period. In this case, The FAA wanted to immediately ensure the safety of first responders. There are concerns about the potential dangers present to first responders who encounter a drone and may open it to try and find a registration number. "The FAA’s interagency security partners have expressed concerns about the risk a concealed explosive device might pose to first responders upon opening a compartment to find a drone’s registration number." Having the registration number clearly visible on the outside of the drone allows security personnel to easily identify the drone as FAA-registered without the risk of handling it. This Interim Final Rule will have a 30 day comment period that will end on March 19, 2019. Based on the public's comments, the FAA will then determine whether or not to change the rule's current provisions. Thus, if you have any concerns or criticisms regarding the implementation of this change, feel free to let the FAA know. On the rule's regulation.gov page, the FAA has provided a summary of the rule and an explanation for its immediate adoption along with other important information that you can read before commenting. Comments on regulation.gov are due by March 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM ET. Photo Credit: Wix Photo Library I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron #FAAdronezone #FAA #faa #dronelaws #droneregistration #smalldrones #faaregistered #smallunmannedaircraft #droneregulation #interimfinalrule

Tell us your story, how did you get started in the drone industry and when did that happen? My story began really when I was younger. My greatest influence was both my mother and my father. My mother loved photographs, I basically grew up with her telling stories about all the photographs we had around the house, as they were from my grandfather and my grandmother on both sides. There were also lots of World War II photographs of my dad on Titian Island in the South Pacific and a photograph of my grandfather in Wlodz Poland stand- on his farm in 1933. This was the only photo of him in Europe, so I was fascinated by that one and I always looked at it. However, my dad never liked to talk about this one photo because of the poverty and the anti-semitism they faced during that time. That is what really influenced me a lot and in fact my father although deeply private shared my mother’s love and passion for visual arts in the 1950s and 60s he bought a new Bell & Howell 8mm film recorder but unfortunately, he was never a great film maker. Years later we found these 8mm films and we got them re-digitalised and a lot of the heads were cut off, I think he was running around trying to film us but we were a brood of 8, so we would get together for festive occasions years later and we would watch these 8mm films and try and identify whose little feet they were as he accidentally missed catching the heads in the frame while he was running around filming. It was really very interesting merge between my mom and dad and I also grew up in a very social family. My dad did a lot of business in the house and there were always strangers over for dinner, so I was very familiar with a very multi-cultural home, we had everyone over, my parents were never racist, everyone was welcome in our home. At a young age I started using my brothers Leica camera when he left it behind at the house attending Harvard. When I got my hands on it I really stuffed up a lot of film. It was hard but eventually figured it out and I decided later on to study photojournalism. I became obsessed with the photographers like Dorothea Lange and how she documented the Farm Security Administration and the great depressions conditions of the people. These images were so powerful. I only studied and never did anything else in college, I spent 4 years shooting and reading photo books. Especially the Vietnam photographers like Nick Ut, Henry Huet and Don McCullen. Vietnam war photojournalism had a huge impact on me, I studied it a lot as well. I went to the School of Art Institute of Chicago for undergraduate degree in photo journalism and then I continued on with my master’s there, I was at the school for 7 years. It was there I started getting my first assignments. So, after years of using traditional photographic equipment and video equipment for 23 years about 3 years ago, more news agencies started asking for drone footage so I became FAA and CAA licensed. The technology was changing so fast I did not want to lose out, I saw it as an exciting new piece of technology I could now have access to a bigger story from over it. So, I was a very early pioneer in bringing drones to conflict zones and humanitarian areas. And so, I took UAV equipment into these areas I was working in especially like in Iraqi Kurdistan and in fact I was the first female civilian to drone the Iraqi, Mosul offensive in 2017. Also I was the only female civilian with a drone to take aerial footage when the Rohingya were crossing the Bay of Bengal to escape a genocide of their in Myanmar. So, I think it was a natural progression and really, I am very lucky as I had the photojournalsm experience and I just extended that into drone journalsm. A lot of my colleagues have not made this transition, they still only use traditional photo and video equipment, not UAV technology to shoot aerial footage or do mapping. Tell us about your company and work and organisation and your position? I’ve been working for the last 20 years with the same agencies who are affiliates of Getty images. The agencies give me assignments or I can choose to work independently and all my commercial work that I do goes to Getty Images. So, you can find my work there, but there’s a whole other side of my business for which I consult and teach. So, that’s a private side of the Gail Orenstein drone business that functions as a whole other commercial aspect of my work that me and my husband Robert Hooker own together. So, I really run my business developing content and teaching, but I also consult on international drone usage, and cross-border droning, because I’ve droned in 21 countries which is quite a lot in the UAV industry as it is still in its infancy. I really took my photo journalism business model and extended it into my UAV business. I’ve been to 84 countries as a photojournalist, so I just kind of took that model and just ran with it using my drones. As I said I’m both FAA and CAA certified and registered with the National Union of Journalists and the International Press Association, so I have a lot of heavy credentials on me when I am working globally and I use these to do my work and move freely. It helps me get into fly in particularly difficult air spaces, having these licences, I highly recommend getting licensed. So, that’s my background behind my company. It’s both a news gathering company, but it also is a consulting company. What kind of drones do you fly and what is your favourite thing about it? Well as a drone journalist it’s kind of a unique question. I fly with a fleet of drones actually. I use to fly actually when I started 3 years ago, with only my Parrot Bebop 2 and my Phantom 3 but I would have my Phantom 3 confiscated a lot at the airports back then, so I just would really shoot a lot with my Parrott Bebop 2. I actually got a lot of aerial work done with that hobbyist drone, I did the Rohingya crisis and I actually did the Mosul offensive in 2017 with my Parrot Bebop 2. So, you know it doesn’t have to be something fancy, but I would say over the last couple few years as I find myself literally droning hours and hours a day, I am more particular about which drone I take to which region and to shoot what. The camera capabilities change so fast now as the UAV industry develops, I’m definitely thinking more and more which piece of equipment fits with my particular assignment and clients needs. Have you learnt any valuable lessons being in the drone industry and can you share these lessons with our female drone community? I’ve learned that just because I use drone technology, doesn’t mean that suddenly it’s a female industry, most of my colleagues have remained male, like it was in the photojournalsm business, that has not changed yet sadly. There’s not a lot of female drone journalists, so just because we have new technology doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be suddenly be flooded with females. Often I’m still faced with the same difficult challenges that women face in my field which is that you know the equipment gets very heavy. UAV equipment is very battery intensive and carrying a lot of drone equipment can be heavy and I carry a lot more of batteries to remote places. When I was younger I was carrying rolls of film and they weren’t as heavy, but they were still cumbersome but now I am carrying a lot more heavy items. Sadly, I would say there is some sexual harassment issues that still make me feel uncomfortable, but I’ve been dealing with this for 24 years, so it’s a complicated issue and it’s a whole other kind of issue that I think needs to be made aware as it go under-reported. I think will drone journalists will have their have #me too day but not anytime soon. I would also say if you’re a female and you want to get started in conflict and humanitarian, I would do a lot of documtry work first. You need a lot of courses on hostile environment training in using technology in hostile environments and self-defence classes. There’s a lot of things young women of all ages can do to protect themselves while they’re in the field. You need to have all of preparation done before you go to any of these places. I don’t recommend you go into Iraq as your first introduction to this field. it’s very dangerous and if you’re in unfamiliar space like this, you’re not going to be prepared. So, I wouldn’t advise women or men starting out to go straight to war. As for having a favourite drone I use while working in the field, I have favourite drones for different countries depending what I am droning that serve a different purpose in the field. It is a complicated question to answer in one interview. Whether it’s from creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted so far? I think my most memorable flight was when I was flying next to the Myanmar border in Bangladesh and the Rohingya were fleeing, tens of thousands of Rohingya were crossing from Myanmar into Bangladesh and I actually witnessed this. These people were suffering so much, not only from days of walking without food and water, but distress over trying to locate their loved ones, distress about the genocide that was happening against their population and being denied by the Myanmar government. The fact that they were stateless and had no passports, the anxiety of not knowing their own personal fate. I was working and with all of these refugees at the time when they reached Bangladesh and one day I was droning, they were building one of the first refugee camps and the backdrop was floods the monsoon and all the suffering was going on around me. Many times when I was droning this many of the Rohingya took the time to try and clear a path for me to be able to launch my drones, in the thick muddy conditions. I did not have my helipad for landing and you know these people who are in just unbelievable distress took a minute to help me try clear a muddy path to be able to get their story. Even under the most distress, I was deeply moved they were trying to help me find a piece of cardboard as they were suffering a genocide. And with all this hostility towards the press these days, you know seeing a population experiencing genocide and becoming refugees overnight yet realising the importance of your work while you have a President around the world saying “journalists are the enemy of the state”, these Rohingya were helping me was a moment I will never forget. I do usually bring a helipad so that I can land my UAV, but I didn’t have one in Bangladesh during the Monsoon. So, to see people give a little part of their roof so I can land my drone which won’t land in the mud is pretty amazing stuff, you don’t forget things like that. You don’t forget the faces, you don’t forget the people and that just really forever sticks in my mind, the sheer strength of these people. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? I would say that you’re very lucky if right now you’re considering anything that has to do with being a female in this industry, because the doors are opening for you. There are many women in their middle age like me who bring a lot of experience to the field and young women who also come from different background like search and rescue and life guarding, that are bringing experience into this industry at an early phase of it’s development. We need people like that, so that when you come of age to get licensed which is 16 and you’re thinking about what direction you might want to take, the industry already has pioneers you can look up to as role models. You have us in the field doing the work, you can think about what you want to bring to the UAV industry, I had to figure that out by myself. We need strong women, we need young women not to give up, we know that this can be expensive between training and buying professional equipment but it does not have to be. More and more UAV companies are now offering free educational material like Dr Catherine Bell. Also, don’t give up just becuase it’s hard. I have had a very long journey, my younger years I never had money, but I never gave up because it was always my passion. I would say with drone journalists, it’s a very different very unique way of using a drone, aerial filming is very difficult in a hostile environment, so you really have to be passionate about it. It’s not like you wake up one day and say “oh I want to take small drones to war”. if it’s really not in your blood to wake up and be excited about going to remote areas and working in them, working with news agencies, Police and with the military and often opposition fighters then this is not necessarily an area in UAV you would pursue. We have so many under-reported stories that need a young women’s perspective, a young woman’s voice, a young woman to show what this story is about. Like why aren’t women in refugee camps getting any sanitary napkins, why are 2,000 women using 1 toilet. This is really important stuff and we need to as women work with Aid agencies and news agencies to cover it women but we have to as drone journalists use or access to these places give a female perspective on women’s issues. I would argue that is the most critical thing I could leave for young aspiring female UAV pilots, especially UAV drone journalists is don’t let the industry leave out the female perspective, the female voice. Do you have any drone tips and tricks you can share with our audience? Well you know I don’t really, I’m not into tricks so to speak. I am a very vigilant droner, but some tips would be to have first and foremost get licensed. Because in the areas especially young women it’s very important to be professionally accredited in these places I fly. The more professional paperwork you have, I know this sounds a bit odd, but the safer you might be when you’re crossing borders. If you have FAA or CAA certification and you have notarised journalist papers it helps. Make sure all your accreditations are up to date, make sure as I said earlier that you can take as much hostile environment training, self-defence and also first -aid. If you have any questions about what you might need to take before a trip, you can email me at gailphoto@hotmail.co.uk or send me a DM on twitter @droneorenstein. You can ask me about safety classes in your area and I will highly likely know where in the UK or Europe or the US I can put you in touch with. So, it’s very important to stay up to date with safety and security updates in the places you want to travel to. What is the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? You can email me at gailphoto@hotmail.co.uk or you can DM me on twitter @droneorenstein or go to my LinkedIn page Gail Orenstein and visit my website for more information gailorenstein.com So, feel free to get in touch with me, if you have any questions. But remember I am very cautious so if you’re expecting me to give you all the answers, I won’t be able to do that, but I will point you in direction always. Remember you are always at your own risk in these places so always stay connected and use social media so people can be able to know where you are and keep in close contact with you. Use Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and always have your GPS turned on, on your phone. It’s very important for family to be able to know where you are in conflict zones so stay safe and there’s multiple levels and ways that you can do that. Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? That’s a really great question, but I think I pretty much covered quite a bit. I think at this point I am going to end this wonderful interview and leave it open for some email questions or leave it open to Women Who Drone to take some questions and DM them to me or email them to me. I would like to thank everybody so much at WWD. Go and visit my website check me out on Twitter, check me out on LinkedIn and I am very honoured and very humbled always to be able to do an interview especially for a female audience. Thank you very much. Gail Orenstein #womenwhodroneambassador #womenwithwings #womenwhodrone #WOMENWHODRONE #WOMENANDDRONES #pilotspotlight #spotlightinterview

A New Year, another continent, same culprit - flights were either rerouted or grounded after two pilots in the cockpit of flights on Southwest Airlines and United reported seeing a drone hovering at roughly 3,500 feet above Terterboro, New Jersey earlier this week. Roughly nine miles from Newark airport, the reported drone sighting from the other day caused delays up to 30 minutes. Video footage or actual proof of said drone has yet to surface. Moreso, DJI’s head of Law, Brendan Schulman, finds it highly unlikely that any UAV could withstand such a high altitude at the peak of winter. If this tale sounds all too familiar, it’s because this is the third time a “drone sighting” has grounded or redirected flights and inconvenienced travelers in the past two months. The first incident occurred on December 19th at Gatwick airport, a major international hub in Southeast England. Authorities closed the runways, grounding over 1,000 flights, which delayed 140,000 passengers for over two days while a manhunt ensued. Two suspects were arrested and later released when the police could not prove their involvement. A few weeks later, all flights at Heathrow airport were grounded for an hour when a drone was spotted 300 feet AGL near a runway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receives hundreds of reports regarding unauthorized flights around airports and helicopters, each month. However, most are not verifiable. The fact is, a majority of drone pilots are safe and responsible. Drones have not caused one civilian death yet, to date. Nevertheless, drones have become the new UFO sightings. When people can’t clearly identify a disruptive object, they immediately assume it must be a drone. The fallout for drone pilots? Not everyone who flies a drone is a pilot. Any technology can fall into the wrong hands and people with malicious intent will always find a way. Women Who Drone ambassador, Carys Kaiser, whose work regularly appears in major publications including The Guardian and BBC called for airports to adopt much-needed security measures. Sure enough, anti-drone defense systems have surged in popularity in the wake of Gatwick and Heathrow, with the former enlisting Drone Dome to help secure their airspace. In the US, amidst a government shutdown, progress is being made to allow flight over people, at night. This is a huge development when one considers how difficult getting a waiver for this level of operation was in the past. Additional testing and certification is something being seriously considered by the FAA. Drones are good. Despite the overwhelmingly negative media coverage they receive, they continue to prove their use in a multitude of industries including construction, agriculture, and mining. Teams that adopt drone technology can count on saving time, money, and effort. Equipped with thermal cameras, they're able to locate missing people and animals. Simply put, they're not going anywhere. In the wake of these incidents, airports need to adapt for the occasional rogue user. Kara Murphy, known as @karaemurphy online, is a certified remote pilot, freelance writer, marketing consultant, and artist living in Michigan. You can purchase her drone photos at Aerial Print Shop. #gatwick #heathrow #top5drones #dronesecurity