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Traveling in South East Asia can be somewhat challenging to any owner of a drone because each country owns the rights to develop laws/ rules that are suitable to their own requirements. These laws and regulations are constantly on the move and are subject to change, so it can be hard to track them and keep up to date with where you can fly. We have all been there I’m sure… You are all ready to travel, cameras and suitcases packed… ready to take on the great adventure. You’re excited about the thought of capturing some of the most beautiful places in the world, so why would you check legislation…? However, checking the laws prior to travel is a must and best practice within the aviation industry. Whether you fly for fun or commercially, there are laws in place for everyone to ensure safety in the air and promote safe flying for everyone. There are also some rather harsh penalties in some countries if you are in breach of the laws, so it’s best to avoid them. Some of you (or hopefully all of you) have heard about the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), who are the world’s leading organization with a mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world. With this in mind, the FAA have set the standards globally for the industry to adhere to. The Administration has four strategic priorities: Make aviation safer and smarter Deliver benefits through technology and infrastructure Enhance global leadership Empower and innovate with the FAA’s people Airlines As well as country legislation and laws, each airline flying in and out of the region has their own rules in place. Airlines such as Malaysian Airline have strict rules around traveling with lithium batteries, so it is always worth checking on their websites prior to booking your flights, to avoid any embarrassment or upset at security. One requirement that is consistent on all airlines is the need for you to carry any lithium batteries in your hand luggage, rather than in checked-in bags. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries can result in the airline seizing them, fines, or denied boarding. --------- Having done the research there was a lot of information to take in, therefore I have broken it down by country and included relevant information/ links under each section so that you have everything you need. Traveling Brunei According to Brunei’s national aviation authority, the Brunei ​Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), drones are banned in Brunei and if you try to enter the country with a drone it will be confiscated at customs. The authority has also reminded the public that launching of any unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drone, is a prohibited activity under Section 21 of the Civil Aviation Order 2006. The DCA said it is an offense to use UA, UAV and UAS as they can pose several safety and security risks to air navigation, controlled airspace and densely-populated areas. Any such unregulated flying activities may have catastrophic consequences to aircraft operations resulting in injuries to persons and damage to properties, stated the DCA in its press release. Having said that, if you intend to use your drone for commercial purposes, you will need to obtain prior permission. For those who have obtained permission, there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. You must ensure that you adhere to the following: Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds Respect others privacy when flying your drone Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas where aircraft are operating You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited If you violate Brunei laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Although exemptions on the use of UAs are granted by the DCA on a case-by-case basis with the terms, limitation and conditions set out in the authorization of the DCA, drone owners or any others who contravene or fail to comply with any provision of the Order is guilty of an offense and will be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both. Authority: Brunei ​Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Website: http://www.mtic.gov.bn/dca/Theme/Home.aspx Cambodia In contrast, the good news is that not all countries in SE Asia are as strict as Brunei and in Cambodia a drone permit is not required, whether you are flying for recreational or commercial purposes. There are however restrictions as to where and how you can fly your drone. If you fly responsibly, the Cambodia State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) has given travelers a pretty loose reign, which is wonderful for anyone wishing to capture its beauty. This is with exemption of the drone bans in Phnom Penh, Angkor Park, and around any historic temples. Permission to fly in Phnom Penh can be acquired by obtaining a permit from the Cinema and Cultural Diffusion Department and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia. To fly in Angkor Park, you will need a permit from the Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap and clearance from the air traffic control because of the proximity of the temple to the airport. It is essential however that you follow the FAA’s rules for flying: Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds Respect others privacy when flying your drone Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas where aircraft are operating You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited Drones are banned in Phnom Penh, Angkor Park, or around any historic temples unless you have written permission Back in 2015 the government banned drones from the airspace of the nation’s capital city without prior approval, citing privacy and security concerns. This ban is still in place today. Authority: Cambodia State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) Website: http://www.civilaviation.gov.kh/en/ Indonesia Drone use is allowed in Indonesia, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. You must ensure that the below are always followed: Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds Respect others privacy when flying your drone. You must get consent from people in your photos should you wish to use them for commercial purposes Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas where aircraft are operating You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited Do not fly higher than 150 meters (490 feet) without first obtaining a permit Do not fly over temples For drones that fall into recreational flying, and weigh less than 2 kgs, no prior permission is required. However, if your drone falls weighs more than 2 kgs, you will require a permit from the General Director of the Department of Civil Aviation. If you are flying your drone commercially, and your drone weighs less than 2 kgs, no prior permission is required, however, you require to be a licensed drone pilot and have your drone insured. If your drone weighs more than 2 kgs, a permit is required from the General Director of the Department of Civil Aviation along with the license and insurance papers. The fines and punishment for flying a drone in breach of the laws are massive (up to 3 years incarceration and RP 1 billion fines), therefore it is best to familiarize yourself with the laws before flying. Authority: Directorate General of Civil Aviation Website: http://hubud.dephub.go.id/?en Laos Laos is fairly strict and requires that any drones that weigh 200 grams (0.44 pounds) or more permission must be obtained from the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications before flying. Once permission is granted, you must: Only fly during the day and in good weather conditions. Do not fly over people or crowded areas. Do not fly near airports or aircrafts that are in operation. Respect the privacy of others when flying your drone. After you have registered, you are then required to inform the department of the places where you intend to fly, before you can operate it. The decision is the first of its kind promulgated to regulate drone use in Laos and was put in place after many members of the public were flying their drones in the skies of Vientiane and provinces freely without being regulated, which raised safety concerns. The new decision categorizes drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), into three types: Drones weighing not heavier than 200 grams (can be flown for fun without permission) Drones weighing more than 200 grams but not heavier than 2 kilograms Drones more than 2 kilograms. The radio telecommunications frequency used for drones heavier than 200 grams must be between 2,400-2,500 MHz or 5,725 – 5,875 MHz. Equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) should be 100. This radio frequency certificate must then be submitted together with an insurance certificate and proof of tax payment to the department, which will then issue a registration document. Drones failing to meet the above MHz and EIRP standards are prohibited from flying in Lao skies. The penalty faced by anyone who is found importing, producing, selling or flying drones heavier than 200 grams without permission from the relevant authorities will face a fine of one million kip (£90/ $120) per drone. Authority: Department of Civil Aviation of Laos (DCAL) Website: http://www.mpt.gov.la Malaysia Although flying a drone in Malaysia is legal, there are some important rules to know for flying a drone: Drones may not be flown in Class A, B, C or G airspace; within an aerodrome traffic zone; or more than 400 feet above the ground. Drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight with their drones during operations. Permission from the Director General must be obtained for commercial drone operations. Drones weighing more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) may not be flown without permission from the Director General. The CAAM has categorized drones into three main categories: Small Unmanned Aircraft System: Drones with a maximum weight of 20kg. Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft: Drones that weigh a maximum of 20kg and are equipped with data acquisition devices (such as cameras and microphones) – this would be a typical DJI drone such as the Mavic Pro or Phantom Unmanned Aircraft System of more than 20kg: All other drones weighing more than 20 kg CAAM has stated that the general drone laws for Malaysia are: The maximum permitted height of ascent is at 120 meters (400 feet). Drone flights are only allowed within visibility. FPV flights can be carried out under certain conditions by experienced pilots. It is recommended that you take out of an aviation liability insurance. An authorization is required from a weight of 20 kilograms. You have to keep 4.5 kilometers (3 miles) distance to airports and heliports. A distance of 50 meters shall be maintained to other persons, vehicles, boats, and buildings. Drone flights are not allowed near crowds (more than 1,000 people). To obtain a flight permit, you must submit some documents. Amongst other things, you need training evidence and the declaration of consent of the landowners. Generally, flights are only permitted in daylight. Commercial flights must be approved by the Department of Civil Aviation. The permit costs 800 RM for the first year. The extension of the license costs 500 RM per year. The Department of Civil Aviation in Malaysia is about to crack down on the illegal drone flying in the country and will set up its own enforcement unit to put a stop to it. According to industry sources, about one million drones have been sold in the Asian country over the last four years, but what many drone owners do not realize is that is illegal to fly an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone for recreational or commercial purposes outside the compounds of their home. According to Civil Aviation Regulations 2016, all drone activity, no matter the size and purpose, requires a flying permit from DCA. The penalties for flying drones illegally in Malaysia can be quite severe. Individuals can face fines up to RM50,000 (USD $12,166) or a jail sentence of up to three years. Companies that fly drones illegally can face fines up to RM100,000 (USD $24,332) and a maximum six months prison time for its officers. Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) Website: http://www.dca.gov.my/ Myanmar Myanmar is a grey area when it comes to flying drones because the laws are constantly changing. However, as it stands drone use is allowed in Myanmar, BUT there are several country specific drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. Operators must ensure that they follow the following laws when flying in Myanmar: You must first contact the aviation authority and get a permit before flying a drone in Myanmar You cannot fly your drone near airports or in areas were aircraft are operating You cannot fly your drone near military installations or restricted areas, doing so can result in fines and/or jail time You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds Respect others privacy when flying your drone In 2017, two foreign journalists and two Myanmar nationals were sentenced to two months in jail at a Naypyitaw court under an unexpected charge after attempting to fly a drone near Myanmar’s Parliament. This caused the authorities to tighten up the drone laws and anyone who is caught breaking them will face large fines and possible imprisonment. Authority: Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation Website: https://www.dca.gov.mm/ Philippines Drone use is allowed in the Philippines, but there are several drone laws that need to be adhered to when flying in the region: To fly a drone for commercial purposes, or to fly a drone that weighs 7 kilograms (15 pounds) or more, you must obtain a certificate from the CAAP You cannot fly within 30 meters of a person who is not associated with operation of the drone You cannot fly higher than 400 feet (122 meters) You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions You must not fly within 10km of an airport or in areas where aircraft are operating You may not fly your drone over populated areas Respect others privacy when flying your drone Large drones weighing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) or more and drones for commercial use require a UAV certificate from the CAAP. The authorization has three parts: UAV Controller / Pilot Certificate UAV Registration UAV Operator Certificate To be eligible for the UAV Controller/ Pilot Certificate, you must complete a training course, pass an exam, and pass a flight demonstration. This certificate will be valid for five years. The UAV Operator Certificate requires a letter of intent and detailed operations specifications and will be valid for three years. For more information, the CAAP published a document that provides all information about the legislation (http://uavphilippines.com/dl/20151208%20-%20CAAP%20MC%2029-15.pdf) Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Website: http://www.caap.gov.ph/ Singapore Singapore’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), states that flying a drone is legal in Singapore, but they ask that drone owners are aware of and compliant with the following drone regulations: A permit is not required to fly a drone that weighs 7 kilograms (15 pounds) or less that is being flown 200 feet or below. If flying a drone heavier than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) or above 60 meters (200 feet), a permit is required. Drones cannot be flown over people or crowds. Drones may not interfere with emergency service providers, or over vehicles where their presence may distract the driver. Drones may not be flown within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of an airport. Drones may only be flown during daylight hours. Drone pilots must always maintain a visual line of sight with their drone. A permit is required however if you wish to do the following: Fly above 200 feet Fly in restricted airspace Fly for business purposes (i.e. commercial flights) Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) Website: https://www.caas.gov.sg/ Thailand Starting with Thailand, currently one of the most popular travel destinations in the region and a grey area for a number of people. Over the past few years the Thai authorities have tightened their laws on flying UAVs due to the increase of UAVs entering the country and the number of incidents around restricted zones such as airports, which have increased dramatically. Therefore, the law now states that with no exceptions, any UAV that has a camera installed and/or weighing over 2kg must be registered. They have also made it essential that any UAVs weighing over 25kg, must receive permission from the minister of transport before flying can commence. If and when you are lucky enough to be allowed to fly, you must adhere to the following rules: Flying no higher than 90m. Not flying closer than 9km/ 5miles from airport or temporary airfield. Not flying in restricted areas. Not flying closer than 30m to any person, vehicle, building or construction. Any act of violation is subjected to up to one year imprisonment or fined up to 40,000THB (USD $1,200) or both. So if you are traveling through Thailand and wish to fly your drone, make sure you follow the above, because failure to do so could land you in big trouble. Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) Website: https://www.caat.or.th/en/archives/category/aviation-en/drone-en Vietnam Vietnam has some rather unique laws when it comes to flying UAV. The Ministry of Defense is responsible for the regulation of drone manuveurs. Under the current legal situation, you need authorization from the Ministry of Defense and although you can put in the form yourself it's in Vietnamese and it can take up to 3 weeks to be approved so this requires some solid planning. What most foreigners do is they get a company to do the process for them. It takes the hassle out of the process and delays are much shorter (some companies can do it in 4-5 days). But of course, this process will cost you: between $ 350 and $ 700 depending on who is doing your permit. And that's only for one day of flying. So depending on the number of flights you are planning, this can quickly put you in some major debt. A unique flight license is required for every drone flight conducted in Vietnam. Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before the planned date of the flight to the Operations Bureau of the General Command Post of the Ministry of Defense. Drones may not be used to carry radioactive substances, flammable, or explosive materials. Drones may not be used to launch, shoot or jettison harmful objects or substances or those containing hazards. Drones may not be mounted with aerial equipment and/ or used for aerial videography or photographing activities without a license issued for that purpose. Drones may not fly flags or banners, release leaflets or otherwise be used for propaganda purposes. There have been reports of drones being confiscated at Vietnam airport and then given back to passengers on departure, so be prepared… if you try your luck, you may lose your drone. Also, if you decide to fly without a permit, make sure you stay away from populated places because as you will see, Vietnamese people are usually very curious about "flycams" as they call it here and they will attract attention your way, just because they want to see it. Authority: Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) Website: https://www.caa.gov.vn/ Law & Regulation Apps If you ever feel in doubt, do not worry, because in addition to the authority websites there are several apps that have been designed to keep you up to date with the laws and regulated by the authorities, to provide you with everything you need to know when flying your drone. However, please do take caution as not all of them are as accurate or reliable as others. The most reliable and most commonly used app is CASA’s called ‘Can I fly there?’, which has been designed to give you the most reliable source of information including no fly zones, restricted areas, natural disasters (including fires etc.), so if you are ever in doubt, always check the app. So as you can see from the above, every country across the region differs and therefore it is best practice to check up on the legislation before you travel to avoid any unwanted penalties. As I am sure you will appreciate, the rules have been put in place to help keep the aviation industry safe and make flying enjoyable for everyone. Remember it only takes a careless flight, putting someone’s life at risk or be in breach of the laws for authorities to completely ban the use of UAVs. In an industry that is already proving to be a challenge, if we follow the rules and promote safe flying, we can continue to share our passion and enjoy the world from the unique and beautiful perspective that we have all grown to love. Disclaimer: To the best of our knowledge these are the laws and regulations implemented per each country at the time of publication. Women Who Drone is not responsible for changes to the law and regulation in any given country and insists every pilot do their own further research to ensure their flight legality and safety. Originally from London, UK now living in Sydney, Australia, Charlene found her passion for UAVs back in 2018 whilst she was travelling through South East Asia. Having been lucky enough to visit some of the most beautiful places in the world, she has continued to share her love for travel and aerial photography to people all over the world, and successfully organised a drone meetup ‘Sydney Drone Meet Up’ at the end of 2018, which was sponsored by PolarPro and D1Store (the Australian DJI approved supplier). Finding her love of UAVs has opened the door to many opportunities and connected her to many people in the industry, and as a brand ambassador for Women who Drone she hopes that she can use her knowledge and passion to inspire other women to find their passion of UAVs too. Instagram www.charlenetravels.com

Photo Credit: FAI / Marcus King The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, also known as the World Air Sports Federation, is a century-old organization dedicated to air sports. Beginning in 1905, FAI is a non-governmental and non-profit organization that aims to proliferate aeronautical and astronautical activities on a global scale. Currently, the federation consists of more than 100 member countries and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. With the advent of drone racing circuits and international FPV competitions, FAI has added several drone-related events to their roster including the FAI International Drones Conference and Expo, the FAI Drone Racing World Cup, and the FAI World Drone Racing Championships. The 2018 FAI Drone Racing World Cup had the distinction of being the biggest one yet. The World Cup began in April and concluded in October with 22 events total and 669 pilots from 41 countries participating this year. That's over 200 more pilots and 4 more countries than last year. The 2018 FAI World Drone Racing Championships was FAI's first ever drone racing championship competition. In November, pilots of all different ages from around the world competed against each other in Shenzhen, China. Wonderfully, the championship was a great place for FAI to show off their Women with Wings project, an initiative designed to encourage the involvement of women in air sports. On their website, they state, "Conscious that women are under-represented in air sports, the FAI developed the Women With Wings series to promote women who fly." Women with Wings aim to promote female pilots and encourage women to fly. 13 women participated in this year's competition, a number that will surely increase as more women continue to become involved in drone racing circuits. Participating female pilots came from all over the world and varied in age. FAI chose to recognize a few of them on their website. Gayeon Mo is competing as part of a team from Korea. She is currently 19 years old and started drone racing 2 years ago. Nataliya Astakhova is a Russian pilot. She has been competing for a year and a half and is the only female pilot in the Russian circuit she competes in. Wanraya Wannapong is a member of a team from Thailand and the youngest pilot in the competition. At 11 years old, second highest placed female pilot after three qualifying rounds. Jessika Farrar is 31 years old and is on the USA team. She has been racing for two years and aeromodelling for 20 years. You can read about more pilots on the Women with Wings page of the FAI website. 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 #FAI #droneracing #womenwhodrone #WOMENANDDRONES #WOMENWHODRONE #gayeonmo #NataliyaAstakhova #WanrayaWannapong #JessikaFarrar #womenwithwings

Image Credit: Wix Stock Library For those unaware, the Federal Aviation Administration (or FAA) is an authority under the U.S. Department of Transportation. They were created over 60 years ago - originally under the name Federal Aviation Agency - through the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Their major roles cover a wide range of responsibilities. Listed on their website, these roles include regulating civil aviation to promote safety, encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, regulating U.S. commercial space transportation, and more. Late last year, the President signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, and it changed a few things. First and foremost, what does being reauthorized even mean? In bare basic terms, it means that their authority or effective legal power is being renewed, so this administration maintains its jurisdiction over civil aviation, aeronautics, etc. In this specific case, their authority has been renewed for the next five years. This may not seem like a long time relative to how long the FAA has been functioning, but according to the National Conference of State Legislatures's blog, the signing of the bill marked “the longest funding authorization period for FAA programs since 1982.” Being categorized as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), drones fall under the jurisdiction of the FAA. Thus, changes to the FAA have an impact on drone laws and regulation. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the changes that come with the FAA being reauthorized, specifically those that pertain to drones. Image Credit: Wix Stock Library Possibly the most impactful changes under the Act are the new conditions for recreational drone use. The FAA reauthorization act “immediately repeals” the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (a.k.a. Special Rule 336 or Section 336), which prevented the FAA from regulating model aircraft that are flown recreationally, with Section 349. As long as they registered your aircraft and labeled them properly, recreational pilots were free to fly for fun without fear. Now, hobbyists are concerned about the implications of taking this Special Rule away. In particular, if the FAA were able to successfully integrate remote identification into drone regulation, hobbyists could be forced to buy costly add-ons such as transponders in order to be in compliance. Furthermore, the Act requires that the FAA develop a rule regarding drone package delivery within one year of its enactment. This comes as no surprise as many companies have been trying to get drone delivery off the ground for a few years now. It’s exciting to think that someday soon our packages and take out orders may be delivered via drone, but not everyone thinks this is such a good idea. Some people are worried about the consequences of commercializing airspace to such a large extent. Essentially, the changes in the reauthorization have brought to light the goals of the FAA, commercial pilots, and businesses with drones and how recreational users fit into this dynamic. Recreational flyers fear the financial costs and possible restrictions that could be a consequence of this repeal, so sites like getfpv.com and flitetest.com are urging others to fight to maintain Special Rule 336. You can read more about there stances in their articles Save the Special Rule for Model Aircraft – FAA Section 336 and Rule 336 - Take Action to Secure RC Flying. Image Credit: Wix Stock Library When the Act was signed, there was not an instantaneous change, but over the course of the next five years, these new terms and conditions might all be applied eventually. From the FAA website: “The agency is evaluating the impact of this change in the law and how implementation will proceed. The Reauthorization Act cannot be fully implemented immediately, please continue to follow all current policies and guidance with respect to recreational use of drones.” Of course, as is the case with any law, there is always the possibility that enough people will contest it that it could change. How do you feel about these changes to the FAA? Do they make you excited or apprehensive about the future of drone legislation? Let us know what you think. 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 #FAA #FAAReauthorizationAct #FederalAviationAdministration #UAV #SpecialRule336 #SpecialRuleforModelAircraft #droneregulation

Video Credit: DJI Technology Co. DJI made a name for itself in the drone industry by consistently producing camera drones that perform well for both amateur and commercial pilots. So far, DJI is only known as the go-to company for high-quality camera drones, but they are branching out to other sectors of the drone market. Drone racing’s popularity is gaining speed among the general public, especially with the advent of the professional Drone Racing League, the social media presence of racers, and the sport being recognized by big names like ESPN and NBC. Previously, DJI attempted to break into this market with its DJI Goggles and DJI Goggles Racing Edition. Now, DJI is stepping back into the fray with their all-new Digital FPV System. The DJI Digital FPV System is a quartet of gear released at the end of July of this year. The system consists of the DJI FPV Air Unit Module, Camera, Goggles, and Remote Controller. Similar to their other works, DJI states that they made this System with hobbyists and professional pilots in mind. Last month, this system’s release was foreshadowed by three FCC filings within the FCC ID Database. Initially shared by DroneDJ, these filings were made public several days before the official release. SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD has three applications dated for July 26th, 2019 listed on their FCC ID page. These applications are for an FPV remote controller, FPV goggles, and an FPV Air Unit. Image Credit: DJI Technology Co. Now released, we can see that the DJI Digital FPV System is packed with innovation. It employs DJI’s new HDL FPV Transmission technology, which allows pilots to race with “a latency within 28 ms” and a “crystal clear view”. It's also equipped with eight frequency channels, meaning eight drones can be flown simultaneously with little threat of cross-interference. Highlight Features for the goggles include 720p/120fps FPV HD Image, 720p/60fps recording, and a low-latency transmission. With Audience mode, other goggle wearers can see what the racer sees, and you can do instant replays if you record and save your videos on the microSD card. Image Credit: DJI Technology Co. Amazingly, the Air Unit also features a low-latency transmission between it and the DJI FPV RC and has 1080p Aerial Recording. DJI attributes its performance to “a strong transmission system, embedded remote controller receiver, and multi-antenna technology”. With its embedded remote controller receiver, the Digital FPV System reduces flight prep time by allowing users to connect their DJI FPV Air Unit to the DJI FPV Remote Controller wirelessly. Also, its two antennas, both being receivers and transmitters, offer broader signal coverage “for reliable image transmission”. Image Credit: DJI Technology Co. The DJI FPV Remote Controller features Integrated Control, an Integrated System, and an Improved User Experience. The Controller reduces operational errors and increases stabilization by allowing users to remotely set parameters for the other devices in the system. The control sticks are adjustable, and DJI claims the controller is easy to use. They also claim that the controller connects quickly to the Air Unit and Goggles. Between quick connections, reduced prep time, and low-latency, it’s clear that DJI had speed in mind when developing the technology for this system. Image Credit: DJI Technology Co. Currently, the DJI Digital FPV System is on sale, starting from $819. On their store page, DJI is offering three options for purchasing this system, all currently discounted: DJI FPV Experience Combo ($819), DJI FPV Fly More Combo (Mode 1) ($929), and DJI FPV Fly More Combo (Mode 2), and ($929). All options come with free shipping and savings of over $60. 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 #DJIDigitalFPVSystem #DJI #dji #djisale #DJIstore #djinews #droneracing #droneracingleague #fpv #fpvracing #goggles #racinggoggles #DJIGoggles #DJIGogglesRacingEdition

Image Credit: X DEVELOPMENT LLC. Military, film, construction, and agriculture are only some of the many industries that use drones to perform tasks in a more timely and cost-effective manner. As drone technology advances, their usage expands, which has been especially evident in the realm of delivery services. In 2012, Alphabet, Google's parent company, started Project Wing to explore ways to develop a self-flying drone that could safely and quickly transport goods. Currently, Wing is an autonomous delivery drone service that aims to increase access to goods, reduce traffic congestion, and lessen CO2 emissions attributed to transportation. When designing Wing, Alphabet’s focus was to create a self-flying delivery drone. They hoped to accomplish this by concentrating on 3 things: fuel efficiency, precision, and safety. Wing has an energy-efficient design that allows it to fly at speeds of up to 75 mph and an all-electric powered system that can fly up to 400 feet above the ground. Also, It can deliver packages to locations the size of a doorstep and safely navigate around various obstacles such as other drones, trees, buildings, and power lines. Video Credit: X, the moonshot factory For the past 7 years, Wing has conducted thousands of test flights in Australia, Finland, and the US. The project’s first real-world delivery took place in Queensland, Australia, where the team was able to transport a first-aid kit, candy bars, dog treats, and water to farmers. One of the most successful flights conducted in the United States was in September 2016 where Wing delivered burritos to students at Virginia Tech. According to the company, food is a great way to test drone delivery technology due to its fragility and temperate sensitive nature. By combining Wing with OpenSky technology, the company presents a service that allows consumers and businesses to fly with more confidence. The platform provides a detailed map of the world and tells users where and how to fly, which grants safe access to other drone pilots. Project Wing is currently available in Helsinki, Finland and Canberra, Australia, and Alphabet is working on bringing the service to Virginia. On April 23, 2019, Wing became the first drone delivery company to receive the Air Carrier Certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This allows the company to deliver goods from local businesses to residents of the United States. Once it's available in a community, residents have access to this service via the Wing app. The application allows consumers to search for specific businesses or items. When the order is placed, the item is sent out, and the project’s software finds the best route. The app also lets its users track the package and notifies them when it has arrived. Image Credit: Wing Aviation LLC. Wing has proven to be beneficial to consumers, businesses, and communities. It is a faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly way of delivering goods. It provides consumers with access goods that were previously out of reach and a quicker solution to previous transportation problems. Business owners are now able to serve current customers quickly while reaching new ones more affordably. As for communities, Wing not only encourages the flow of income and expenditures, but it also reduces carbon emissions associated with the transportation of goods. By collaborating closely with communities and governments, Wing can ensure that they are successfully abiding by their requirements and regulations while also providing a service that is beneficial to all. Blanca Tavera is a University of Georgia grad with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Communication Studies. She’s an intern at Women Who Drone and is relatively new to the drone industry. Her main goal as an intern is to gain a holistic understanding of the industry and experience as a writer in order to provide beneficial and entertaining articles to the readers. #selfflyingdrone #dronedelivery #packagedelivery #commercialdronedelivery #medicaldronedelivery #ProjectWing #GoogleWing #AlphabetsWing #AirCarrierCertification #faa

Image Credit: United Parcel Service of America, Inc. Many companies have been trying to get drone delivery off the ground for a long time. Major companies like Amazon and Alphabet have been racing to create their own drone delivery service, but it was UPS that experienced a breakthrough. UPS is a major logistics and package delivery company headquartered in Atlanta, and these past few years, they have been making great strides towards drone package delivery becoming a reality, and it’s finally paid off! Drones have already proven themselves capable of carrying a variety of payloads, but it’s the legality of performing the service that has been the biggest concern for companies looking to take advantage. It wasn’t until the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) brought UPS and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) together that it finally took flight. Video Credit: United Parcel Service of America, Inc. Starting with research and planning, then elevating to the first commercial drone delivery, UPS and NCDOT’s collaboration culminated in the new Part 135 certificate. We can now say that commercial drone delivery has officially taken flight! U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao described the decision as "a big step forward in safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems into our airspace, expanding access to healthcare in North Carolina and building on the success of the national UAS Integration Pilot Program to maintain American leadership in unmanned aviation." UPS Flight forward, a subsidiary of UPS, announced on October 1st that they received "the U.S. government’s first full Part 135 Standard certification to operate a drone airline." As a result of the effort they put forth in the UAS Integration Pilot Program, the FAA approved a Part 135 operating certificate which allows them to commercially deliver packages via multiple drones. Image Credit: United Parcel Service of America, Inc. There are certificates available for four types of Part 135 operations: (1) Part 135 Single Pilot, (2) A Single Pilot in Command certificate is a limited part 135 certificate, (3) A Basic operator certificate is limited in the size and scope of their operations, and (4) A Standard operator holds a certificate with no limits on the size or scope of operations. Now, UPS isn’t the only business with Part 135 certification. In April of this year, Wing Aviation, LLC was awarded their certification, and the FAA is looking over seven other applications submitted by IPP operators and an FAA Partnership for Safety Plan (PSP) participant. To be certified for commercial drone deliveries, they'll have to go through the five phases of the Part 135 certification process: Pre-application, Formal Application, Design Assessment, Performance Assessment, Administrative Functions. Currently, obtaining Part 135 certification is the only way a business can perform commercial drone deliveries. Regardless, UPS is showing no signs of slowing down with several plans in the works to build on drone delivery. Their goals include expanding this service to other hospital campuses and eventually other products. They also plan to partner with drone manufacturers and hire more team members. Image Credit: United Parcel Service of America, Inc. On October 7th, the UPS twitter account revealed that they had put together an all-female drone flight crew to be the leaders of drone flights with the UPS Flight Forward team. The members of this crew are Sherri Roberts, Candice McHargue and Caroline Furse. 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 #UPS #dronedelivery #Part135 #Part135Certification #FAA #integrationpilotprogram #UPSFlightForward #commercialdronedelivery #NCDOT #ElaineLChao #UASIntegrationPilotProgram

Image Credit: The Federal Aviation Administration In June, we posted an article breaking down what the Low Altitude Authorization and Capability (LAANC) system is and how it works. To recap, LAANC is the first partnership under the FAA UAS Data Exchange, which they describe to be “an innovative, collaborative approach between government and private industry facilitating the sharing of airspace data between the two parties.” In other words, it bridges the gap between commercial pilots and airports by allowing drone companies to share and receive authorization information, ensuring that air traffic professionals are informed when drones are flying near airports. Since its primary purpose is to function as a partnership that assists in integrating UAS into the National Airspace System, specifically by processing requests from pilots, the FAA works with drone businesses to make this system more efficient. Well-known businesses like AirMap, DJI, Kittyhawk, Project Wing, and Skyward have entered into an agreement with the FAA and have become approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers. Image Credit: Wix Stock Library Video Credit: The Federal Aviation Administration Previously, LAANC services were exclusive to commercial UAV usage. As of July 23rd, 2019, the LAANC system now includes recreational flyers, expanding opportunities for safe drone operation. In an update to their web page, the FAA states, “The LAANC capability is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107, OR under the exception for Recreational Flyers.” Also on the LAANC web page, the FAA has provided an easy to read table of approved service suppliers. Currently, only three suppliers are approved for recreational flyers, but be sure to check back every now and again as the table will be updated as more partners are approved. The page was last updated on August 09, 2019. Image Credit: The Federal Aviation Administration 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 #laanc #LAANC #LowAltitudeAuthorizationandNotificationCapabi #AirMap #DJIGoggles #Kittyhawk #ProjectWing #Skyward #FAA #FederalAviationAdministration #airtraffic #part107 #FAAUASDataExchange

Image Credit: The Federal Aviation Administration There has been another major update in the LAANC systems. As a quick recap: LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the first partnership under the FAA UAS Data Exchange. Its main goal is to bridge the gap between pilots and airports by allowing companies to share and receive authorization information, ensuring that air traffic professionals are informed when drones are flying under 400 feet near airports (controlled airspace). As of July 23rd, the LAANC system includes recreational flyers, expanding opportunities for safe drone operation. Image Credit: Wix Stock Gallery On November 21st, the FAA announced that they were expanding LAANC to four more airports. The four newly active airports are the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland, Dulles International Airport in Virginia, William P. Hobby Airport in Texas, and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. A list of all the airports that are covered by LAANC is available on the FAA website. In addition to more airports, the FAA has added seven more companies to their list of approved LAANC service providers. These new additions are Airspacelink, Avision, Botlink, Collins Aerospace, Drone Up, Simulyze, and Skygrid. A list of all 21 companies that have been approved to be LAANC UAS service suppliers is also available on the UAS Data Exchange page on the FAA website. 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 #LAANC #LowAltitudeAuthorizationandNotificationCapabi #airport #FAAUASDataExchange #FAA #FederalAviationAdministration #BaltimoreWashingtonInternationalThurgoodMarsha #DullesInternationalAirport #WilliamPHobbyAirport #NewarkLibertyInternationalAirport #Airspacelink #Avision #Botlink #CollinsAerospace #DroneUp #Simulyze #Skygrid

Image Credit: Federal Aviation Administration Early last year, we reported that the FAA was making major moves towards implementing a remote ID system. Since 2017, the FAA has been trying to figure out how to go about remotely identifying and tracking drones in flight. On December 20th, 2018, the FAA issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a remote ID system, which closed on February 4th, 2019. Then, on December 31st, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for remote identification of UAS. The FAA’s main reasoning for proposing this system is the potential safety benefits of being able to identify and track the thousands of drones currently in operation. On the FAA’s web page for UAS Remote Identification, they state, “Remote ID would assist the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies when a UAS appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where the drone is not allowed to fly.” This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is available for anyone to read in the Federal Register, which can be accessed through their official website. There, on the document’s page, you can read the rule’s purpose and what it would entail. Image Credit: FederalRegister.gov On that same page, concerned citizens can also voice their opinions by submitting a formal comment. As of the writing of this article, there are over 10,000 public comments posted. The comment period for this proposed rule ends on March 2, 2020. If you’re having trouble, Regulations.gov also has a document of tips for writing an effective comment. Some drone pilots are against the idea of remote tracking. For example, a hobbyist started their comment by stating, “Remote ID for hobbyists is a ridiculous and draconian regulatory overreach that will serve no purpose other than essentially ending an enjoyable hobby.” Another commenter, while not against the system, was concerned about the parameters. Their comment includes a request: “Please add an exception for flying over your own property or legally leased grazing land, including an extra 100ft (whatever) around the perimeter for when checking fence lines. Please omit the horizontal range limit and visual site line requirement when over your own/leased property.” Image Credit: FederalRegister.gov Regardless of your position, this rule's potential impact is evident. If you want to let the public and the FAA know how you feel about the proposed remote identification rule, there's still time to submit a formal comment. You can read the rule for yourself here or comment here. 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 #ProposedRule #RemoteID #remotedroneidentification #remoteidentification #FAA #FederalAviationAdministration #NoticeofProposedRulemaking #comment #FederalRegister #hobbyist #droneregulation

Image Credit: DJI DJI’s newest consumer drone offers a perfect balance between value and quality, making it a great intermediate option between higher-end prosumer drones like the Mavic 2 Pro or the Inspire Series and less expensive selfie drones like the Spark. Up until now, the Mavic Air was the drone that hit this sweet spot. But the Mavic Air 2 beats its predecessor in every way that counts, offering a much longer flight time, better camera, and smarter features for those looking to take high quality aerial stills and video. This means that any drone videographer looking for a new platform in this price range will probably overlook the original for the newest model, even if it does cost a few hundred dollars more. Mavic Air 2 Offers Low Price, High Value One of the most striking things about the Mavic Air 2 is its low price point. Image Credit: DJI Pictures and information about DJI drones are almost always leaked before they get released but the Mavic Air 2 may have seen the most leaks ever, with not only images but the entire quick start manual leaked out of Brazil a week before it launched. Using this information, writers in the drone industry guessed that the Mavic Air 2 would be priced between $1,000 and $1,200, since its features landed it squarely between the Mavic 2 Pro ($1,599) and the Mavic Air ($599). But the price is $799—a great value for everything that comes with it. Image Credit: DJI Mavic Air 2’s Main Features Here are the standout features of the Mavic Air 2: Longer flight time Using new battery technology, new motors, and an improved design, the Mavic Air 2 can stay in the air for up to 34 minutes—13 minutes longer than the Mavic Air’s max flight time of 21 minutes. Improved camera The camera on the Mavic Air 2 comes with a ½” sensor—a noticeable if not ground-breaking step up from the original’s 1/2.3” sensor—and has the following features: Video—shoots video in 4K at 60 fps and records video at 120 Mbps bitrate (up from 100 on the Mavic Air). Stills—captures 12- and 48-Megapixel images (the Mavic Air only offers 12MP). 48-MP images are enabled by a Quad Bayer color filter array, which is the same tech used in many Android smartphones, allowing you to capture highly detailed high-res stills. Slow-motion—slow-mo 1080p video at 120 and 240 fps. New Smart Options The Mavic Air 2 comes with new smart features to help pilots get incredible aerial shots, including: SmartPhoto—this brand new feature automatically recognizes a scene and optimizes the camera’s settings for it, letting you point and shoot just as you can with a smartphone. It includes HyperLight for low-light settings and general object recognition for things that appear in the shot, like sunsets, trees, or snow. HDR—comes with several HDR (High Dynamic Range) features, including HDR video with a max resolution of 4K 30fps and HDR panorama. APAS—proprietary detect and avoid system from DJI created to support autonomous flying, with flight path algorithms designed to create smooth transitions around objects. ActiveTrack 3.0—automatically follow a subject with ActiveTrack, with new improvements in the 3.0 version that include the ability to re-track a subject if they temporarily disappear behind an object; 8K HyperLapse—this is the first time a drone has offered 8K hyperlapse ever, allowing for new opportunities to capture incredible footage. A note on the last feature listed above—according to DroneDJ, there are several issues with the Mavic Air 2’s 8K HyperLapse. A firmware update is supposed to come out right around now that should address some of them, but for now it seems like the claim that the Mavic Air 2 is the first drone to offer 8K HyperLapse may be premature. Watch this video from DJI to learn more about the Mavic Air 2: #drones #Mavic2Air #MavicAir2 #Review #DroneReview

Image Credit: Wix Stock Library John Hopkins Medicine defines Social Distancing as “deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness.” They go on to state that staying a minimum of six feet away from other people can decrease your chances of catching COVID-19. To prevent the outbreak from continuing to grow, areas have gone on lockdown, canceling events, closing non-essential businesses, and overall just encouraging people to stay indoors. Despite these measures and the advice given by health officials and governing bodies, there are still people gathering in large groups and going about their days as normal. This, unfortunately, is counterproductive to people’s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and protect each other, especially those who are immunocompromised and the elderly. To combat this, police forces in different countries are relying on drones to alert citizens and urge those still going outside to stay at home. Video Credit: Wall Street Journal According to the South China Morning Post, Chinese authorities have been working with industrial UAV companies Shenzhen Smart Drone UAV Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen MicroMultiCopter Aero Technology to adapt drones to alleviate the outbreak. In many cities, China is enforcing “ the world’s largest quarantine,” equipped with thermal sensors, loudspeakers, zoom lenses and flood lights for disease detection and crowd management. The Madrid Municipal Police in Spain is following suit by also deploying drones equipped with cameras and loudspeakers. Their aim is to advise citizens on the street to go home, which they posted about on Twitter on March 14th. Using quadcopters has been helpful in navigating areas like parks, which are only accessible by pedestrians. Furthermore, the speakers allow the officers to disseminate information widely via radio while the cameras are being used to locate people who are out and about. Video Credit: No Comment TV (euronews) Now we are seeing similar techniques being used in France. The French government has advised its citizens to stay at home and only leave for essentials such as getting food, going to work, or seeking medical help. Similar to other places, France is seeing many people underestimating the seriousness of the COVID-19 outbreak and not adhering to their government’s confinement order. Police in Nice, also known as the French Riviera city, are working with a local private drone operator to fly a drone equipped with a loudspeaker over popular locations to remind their citizens the same thing: STAY INSIDE. There are plans to obtain a second drone to be used in Cannes. 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 #coronavirus #COVID19 #outbreak #quarantine #confinement #policedrone #France #Spain #China #Shenzhen #quadcopter #socialdistancing #selfisolating

Location: Buxton, Maine Tell us about yourself. My name is Ryan, but I'm known as Mako Reactra in the FPV community. I fly drones FPV, first person view, from behind goggles. The goggles allow me to see what the drone sees as if I'm sitting in its cockpit. Once your goggles are on, you forget about everything around you and experience the beauty of nature with what feels like all of your senses. For this reason, I not only race but also fly freestyle. Freestyle flight, to me, is performance art, which is funny because I’ve never considered myself an artist. The angles and flow that can be achieved in flight are like a dance with nature. A glassy, calm lake, golden hour’s sunlight peeking through a tree canopy, and the snaking waterways of a marsh. This performance edit is a dance recital of some of my favorite moments in which sometimes nature took the lead. What inspired you to begin flying drones, and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? I started flying drones to better appreciate the beauty around me. With FPV, I can experience places as if I'm there, but from behind the goggles. It's incredible to feel like you have no boundaries. You can travel to such extreme places with your feet planted. I entered the male-dominated sport of drone racing because the adrenaline that comes from sending these machines through obstacle courses is enthralling! One of my favorite parts of drone racing is the competition — but the competition I set for myself. The feeling of setting a goal and achieving it is so satisfying, to see that your training and efforts have produced results. Role-modeling this for my elementary students is important to me. What were you doing before you started flying drones, and what made you make the transition? I have been an elementary school teacher for over 13 years. I teach and fly drones. I try to bridge these passions whenever I can. My husband and I present annually at my school's Makers and Mathletes Event. We show the public, especially the youth, our incredible hobby. We organize demo races, teach students how their learning in school connects to drones, and help kids try flying a Tiny Whoop for themselves. What drones are you currently flying, and what drone accessories do you love? I design, build, and repair my racing and freestyle FPV drones. My outdoor racing setup: Diatone GTM5 Racing Frame Flightone Skitzo RevoltOSD running FalcoX Hobbywing XRotor 60A 4in1 ESC Hobbywing 2207 2450kv XRotor Pro Race Motors Runcam Racer 2 FPV Camera Azurepower JohnnyFPV Propellers Ovonic 4s and 5s Batteries Team Blacksheep Crossfire Receiver Team Blacksheep Unify Pro32 Nano VTX Goggles: I use the Fatshark HDO goggles wrapped in a NXGraphics skin. Transmitter: My transmitter is a wrapped Spektrum Dx9. I have a full-sized Crossfire module on my transmitter that extends my flying range. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? Attached to my goggles is the ImmersionRC Power Play, which not only powers my goggles, but records DVR of my flights. The video quality is improved over goggle DVR, but, more importantly, it has a screen attached. While I fly, people around me are able to experience FPV by watching this screen. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? I learned the value in making mistakes because this hobby or sport can be unforgiving at times. You're going to put your props on wrong, you'll probably plug it at the wrong time, and even roast a part while building. Look at the mistakes as an opportunity to learn and practice more. A well-known motto in the FPV community is "Build, fly, crash, repeat." This is true for even the best of pilots. Whether it’s from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. One of my most memorable drone experiences was when I traveled to Gridlife Road, Atlanta, to get drone footage while chasing professional race car drivers, who were going over 100 miles per hour. Sending my drone at such high speeds in close proximity to those cars was exhilarating. The smoke from drifts and the sounds of the race cars and drones together were incredible. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? To spark their interest in drone racing … I'd say, it's fun to beat the boys. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? I’m excited to bring my experiences in FPV to the Women Who Drone community. The community has lots of talented aerial photography pilots. Many of them are interested in learning more about FPV, so I hope I can be a resource. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? My advice for those starting would be to begin by flying micro drones. The smaller, indoor drones that I race called Whoops (or Tiny Whoops) are great for beginners. They're both durable and safe because the props are ducted. Just don't get one stuck in your hair, haha. Another way to practice is by using a simulator on the computer. There are some great options out there, like Drone Racing League Simulator (DRL) and Velocidrone. The best part is that when you fly SIM, you don't have to worry about damaging your drone! Keep in mind that SIM feels differently than flying a real drone, but it can be a fun way to get used to the controls. I actually fly better in real life. Last, but certainly not least, find your local flying group. Look for Facebook groups or MultiGP race chapters. The FPV community can be incredibly supportive of one another. There's always a pilot offering up their quad to fly or their extra goggle battery. They help those needing to repair their drone or to prepare for the next race round. My local flying group is a community, a family of fliers. I love their wild ideas and ambitions. Watching them come to fruition is always inspiring. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Instagram: Mako Reactra Youtube: Mako Reactra Email: ryan.lessard@gmail.com Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? My father passed his wings on to me. He shared my love of flight maintaining the SR71 Blackbird in the US Air Force. I didn’t pick up a drone until after he passed, but it somehow makes me feel closer to him every time I fly. Ryan Lessard has been in over 80 MultiGP club races. She competed in the 2019 FAI US Team Qualifier and came in 2nd place in the female category. She continued to train that summer and flew the MultiGP Global Qualifier course set up by my local race chapter. Over 1,100 pilots worldwide flew the course and were ranked globally. Lessard’s ranking got her invited to compete in the 2019 MultiGP Nationals Sportsman Class in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was one of three women who attended this full weekend of racing. Lessard has been a panelist at the NYC Drone Film Festival and a judge for the “Ripping Ovaries” FPV Female Freestyle Drone Competition. She also appeared on the Let’s Drone Out podcast — episode #175, “Drone Girls Night 2,” and episode #185, “Making Reactors with Mako Reactra.” Lessard is sponsored by FPV gear companies Hobbywing, Azure Power, Flightone, Runcam, Diatoneand Ovonic. She is also an ambassador for Women Who Drone and AirvuzFPV. #RyanLessard #MakoReactra #fpvracing #FPV #droneracing #racinggoggles #MultiGP #FAI #TinyWhoop #FirstPersonView