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Image Credit: Ministère de l'Intérieur On April 15th, 2019, the world watched, distraught, as the Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire and burned into the night. French firefighters and police worked quickly to save the historic sight and extinguish the flames, and these officials utilized robotics and drone technology to resolve the issue more effectively. Reports state that firefighters were assisted by a red fire extinguisher robot, and the police made use of their drone unit. Essentially, the fire extinguisher robot served as a reconnaissance bot, scouting ahead to lower the temperature of certain areas and ensure the safety of the firefighters. Controlled remotely, it could also remove heavy debris and obstacles which would normally require the strength of several people. The drones utilized by the police, suspected to be members of the DJI Mavic line, were operated by a special unit of drone operators in the Parisian Police. In footage of this unit in action, police can be seen analyzing footage of the flames while a female drone pilot operates a controller. The police utilized the drones’ cameras to track the path of the fire and observe its characteristics. Image Credit: Ministère de l'Intérieur This valuable information helped the firefighters manage the situation more effectively and was instrumental in suppressing the fire. Photos and Videos of the police footage have already been posted on several social media sites and in internet reports. The use of drones in this predicament is outstanding as we see yet again the practical, humanitarian applications that drones have and their use in society to help the community. Drone regulation in France is somewhat similar to the regulations in the United States, especially in regards to a situation like this. In many states, it is illegal to fly a drone near an active fire as it may interfere with relief efforts. UAV Coach reported that in France “[d]rones may also not be flown over ongoing fires, accident zones, or around emergency services.” During the fire, the only drones on the site were being operated by public officials and not bystanders. While it was stressful and heartbreaking to follow these current events, the use of new technology and female representation in important lines of work could be seen as a silver lining. The Parisian police’s drone unit was integral to saving priceless works of art and cultural artifacts, and it was exciting to see that at least one member of this impressive team was a woman. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll get to witness the contributions of more women who 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 #notredame #notredamefire #femaledronepilot #paris #france #Parisianpolice #firefighters #droneunit #policedrone #DJI #mavic

Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library Some people might say that drone piloting has a steep learning curve. Of course, it takes time and practice to get those ideal aerial shots without crash landing everywhere you go, but what if there was an easier way to pilot a drone? While pilots usually fly their drones with a controller, there may come a time when we're all maneuvering the latest Phantom with different body parts like our eyes, arms, or even hips. Roboticists from the University of Pennsylvania, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, and New York University have been working on a special project that would allow someone to pilot a drone with their eyes. Liangzhe Yuan, Christopher Reardon, Garrett Warnell, and Giuseppe Loiannothat are working with the Tobii Pro Glasses 2 equipped with an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and an HD camera. The Tobii Pro Glasses 2 is an already existing product designed to "to capture natural viewing behavior in any real-world environment." Researchers were able to ally these glasses with a quadcopter for gaze-controlled flight. Video Credit: Tobii Pro Using a deep neural network, the glasses can detect the drone's location, the user's location, and where the user is looking. This technology also helps the drone to fly according to the user's head orientation instead of its own, so when a pilot orders their drone to fly to the left, they'll always know which way it's going. In their demonstration video on YouTube, you can see someone testing out the glasses in a workspace. From the glasses point of view, you can see a green dot follow the user's gaze. Once the tester's gaze has settled, a hovering drone flies to that location in the room. Essentially, the project functions as an experiment with "human-guided autonomy" for non-invasive human-robot interactions. Digital Trends described the glasses as a method that's "easy to use" and a possible aid to inexperienced pilots. Video Credit: ARPL NYU Eyes aren't the only way technology experts are looking to streamline drone piloting. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) is in the process of developing a wearable drone controller. This new technology was developed with assistance from 17 volunteers who were asked to watch simulated drone footage with VR goggles. Researchers also told the volunteers to copy the drone's movement with their bodies while they wore electrodes and 19 motion-capture markers across their upper bodies so that the researchers could identify recurring patterns in their movement. With the data they collected, the researchers were able to design a suit that turns the pilot's body into a drone controller. Later, another 39 volunteers tested how the wearable controller compared to a regular joystick controller by completing an actual drone course. Their results showed that the controller suit had better steering abilities, and the volunteers learned how to use the suit faster than the joystick. More information on this research can be found on the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America website. There, you can see the project's data in detail under the project name: Data-driven body–machine interface for the accurate control of drones. Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, these researchers were able to develop an "intuitive, gesture-based control interface for real and simulated drones". Video Credit: École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) One of the researchers and authors of the study's paper, Jenifer Miehlbradt spoke with Inverse, a website dedicated to exploring "the science of anything," about their project. In her interview, she talks about her team's methodology and conveys that the goal of their research was to improve the connection between user and drone, similar to the roboticists. It seems like some technology experts believe that the joysticks or controllers that are currently used to pilot drones create a distance between the pilot and their drone that impedes control and makes learning to fly more difficult. With piloting being facilitated by these "non-invasive" methods, the pilot is free to observe their surroundings without focusing too much on flying. 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 #eyetrackingglasses #TobiiProGlasses #gazecontrolledflight #eyepiloting #bodypiloting #wearabledronecontroller #dronetechnology #droneresearch #womenwhodrone #WOMENWHODRONE

Photo Credit: Wix Stock Library So, you went out and bought yourself a drone with a nice camera and have some amazing aerial photographs. Now what? You could share them on social media and get a bunch of likes from your friends and family, but you could also go a step further and make some money by selling prints of your work. The internet has been flourishing as a multifaceted marketplace for years now, and what's great about it is that anyone can partake. If you've got a gallery of beautiful photos just sitting on your hard drive, following this guide (and others) may help you profit from drone photography. When you decide to sell something, there are a few questions you must answer. You've got your photos, but how will you sell, print, and ship them? Do you want to Do It Yourself, work with a printer, or rely on a Print on Demand site or maybe you even want to license your content? These options come with their own pros and cons, so you'll have to weigh the costs versus the benefits of each and decide what's best for your situation. SELLING FROM YOUR WEBSITE It would behoove you to invest in a well-designed website because it will function as a store and a gallery of your work. Your website could be built from the ground up with a tool like WordPress, where you could use plug-ins like Envira to create a photo gallery and store, or you could use hosting sites like Wix and SquareSpace which provide you with templates for the kind of website you want. In this case, you could pick a store template or add a store page. Another option would be to set up a "storefront" on a creative marketplace website like Etsy, where you can have more direct access to a customer base while still being in control of how you run your business. LICENSING YOUR AERIAL CONTENT As you may or may not know, you can alway license you content on stock imagery platforms like Getty Images. As a matter of fact, if you are a Certified Drone Pilot in your country, you can begin monetizing your content through the Women Who Drone Collection available on Getty Images. Its a non-exclusive agreement meaning you can still own your content and you may also sign up to license your content on other websites. By signing up to become a contributor, you are simply adding more ways to begin monetizing your content. The key here is the more content you upload, the more likely you are to make money. PRINTING YOURSELF If you're doing all the printing yourself, you'll want to invest in a nice photo printer, ink, and high-quality paper. Also, you'll have to decide what kind of paper you want to print on and keep in mind that eventually, your paper and ink will need to be restocked, so you'll have to sell enough to recoup your investment. Working with your own printer may also limit the sizes you'll be able to provide. However, you'll get to make all the decisions and have all the control over the quality of your prints, and you can be aware of printing issues immediately before they are sent to the customer. LOCAL PRINTING SERVICES Maybe you don't want to deal with all the work that goes into choosing the best printer and spending tons of money on paper with different textures, weights, and sizes, but you still want to be hands-on in some way. Well, you may be able to find a local print shop or an online printing service. Typically, print shops provide a variety of printing services such as posters of various sizes, binding services, brochures, and business cards, and they may offer a discount for bulk orders. You just send them the job (i.e. your image file along with the size of the print, the type of paper, the finish, and the number of copies you need), and they send you a price. When it's done, you just pick it up and pay. SHIPPING For both these options, you'll be fully responsible for shipping your prints out to the customer. Shipping can be a big responsibility as you must ensure that the print is packaged with care and that the packaging will ensure the integrity of your print during its journey to the customer. If that also sounds like something you don't want to struggle with, then you can simply rely on a third-party to fulfill your orders for you or register as a member of a Print on Demand website. THIRD-PARTY PRINTERS Whether it's your Etsy store or personal website, you can have your orders fulfilled through a third-party printer. Some third-party printers commonly used by artists and photographers are Finerworks, Printful, and Fine Art America. Finerworks has a tutorial on selling prints on Etsy through their service. This way, customers can purchase their prints on your Etsy, then Finerworks will fulfill the order. As stated above, you can also order prints in bulk and ship them out yourself, which could end up saving you money. These printers also offer the option of having prints framed. PRINTING ON DEMAND Usually, registering for an on demand printer is tied to being a member of a creative marketplace. As a member of a creative marketplace, you can upload your image files and choose which products you want your image to be printed on. When a customer makes a purchase, the site will take care of the printing, packaging, and shipping. Websites like Redbubble, CafePress, Zazzle, and Society6 are marketplaces that provide Print on Demand services. Usually, they will take a percentage of the profits, then deposit the rest into your bank account or PayPal. Wix also has a Print on Demand service with their store app that's similar to Redbubble's. 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 #guide #howto #printmaking #aerialphotography #photography #selling #doityourself #DIY #shipping #printing

Video Credit: DJI Technology Co. Stop the presses! The time has come. DJI has finally given the ax to another one of its models: the revered Phantom 4 Pro. Currently, the Phantom 4 Pro page greets you with this message: “The Phantom 4 Pro is no longer in production. For the latest in DJI technology, please view our product recommendation below. This news may come as a surprise, but DJI has been in the process of EOL-ing their Phantom 4 line of drones since last year when they discontinued the original Phantom 4. DJI officially terminated the Phantom 4 on April 30th, 2017, a little over a year after its release, which was 3 years ago in March of 2016. The Phantom 4 Pro was released only several months after that in November 2016. While these iterations of the Phantom 4 are no longer available, the V2.0 technically still is. A trip to the DJI shop website reveals that the drone is currently out of stock. While some people believe this to be a sign that the Phantom 5 is on its way, others are hypothesizing that the stall of production may be due to internal changes within DJI. In response to a tweet asking about the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, DJI Support responded that they would not be able to manufacture anymore “due to a shortage of parts from a supplier”. According to UAV Coach, “the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has been out of stock since November of last year,” which was around the time more rumors regarding the release of the Phantom 5 were emerging along with DJI’s “big” announcement. Unfortunately, DJI’s “Because Life is Big” New York event did not reveal the Phantom 5 as was hoped, but the rumors surrounding the event did reveal that a new shaker in the drone industry was overdue. Screenshots from Twitter and the DJI online store For a while now, the drone community has been on the edge of its seat, ready and waiting for any news from DJI about the release of the next version of its Phantom legacy. The continued discontinuation of Phantom 4 products could still be a sign of what’s to come. We’re barely a quarter into the new year, so there’s still plenty of time left for grand reveals. When do you think the Phantom 5 will be released? What do you think will be its highlight features? Feel free to share your thoughts. 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 #DJI #Phantom4Pro #discontinued #twitter #DJIstore #phantom5 #Phantom4ProV20 #womenwhodrone #WOMENWHODRONE #drones #retirement

Company: Inva+Sla Location: Athens, Greece Tell us about yourself. I am a web and motion designer working in advertising, in Greece. I am passionate about technology and all things digital. My soft spot for photography and videography became even more prominent when I started flying drones in 2016. I like to mix all my skills to create work that I feel happy with. What inspired you to begin flying drones and what made you want to enter the industry as a drone pilot? It all started with a toy drone that my husband gave me as a gift, because he knew I really like gadgets. This featured a small camera, barely able to shoot anything of value. This gave me the incentive to try something more advanced, because I saw the potential this could have in terms of photography. I loved the new perspective and imagined being able to produce unique work through drones. What were you doing before you started flying drones and what made you make the transition? I have been working with video for many years already, but never really had the chance to shoot my own stuff. Drones seemed like a very nice opportunity to get into the game of shooting photos and video and become better at my job through understanding other people’s work. Turned out that I really loved flying and was eager to learn everything around it. What drones are you currently flying and what drone accessories do you love? I am currently flying the DJI Mavic 2 Pro and the Phantom 4 Pro. I never go anywhere without Polar Pro filters and one of the best extras I have is the DJI CrystalSky monitor. CrystalSky has really helped with the Phantom 4 Pro mainly, because it could handle decoding video so much better than my phone at the time. Apart from being a very bright monitor, it also doubled as a portable device I could use to review and backup footage when I could not bring a laptop with me. This happened in my trip to Greenland, and it was a lifesaver. What is your favorite feature on your drone and why? Waypoints. Hands down, waypoints is the best way to automate the camera movement when you want those really smooth cinematic shots. What drone images are you proud of and why? I am mostly proud of the imagery shot on the mountains of Western Greece. We decided to have a trip to the less tourist-friendly places in Greece. There were barely any places to rent or eat at, and we had to sustain ourselves by packing extra, but the view was so rewarding. Part of what makes drone flying worth it is exploration. We discovered quite a few places like that, which we wouldn’t have known otherwise. Have you learned any valuable lessons from being in the drone industry that you can share with our female drone community? Study and work for your passion, and it will reward you. Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to obsess over other people’s opinions. Do it because it makes you happy, not to appeal to other people. Beauty is subjective, and creativity is gender agnostic. Whether it's from a creative, commercial or humanitarian perspective, tell us about your most memorable drone flight you have piloted thus far. Flying in Greenland is something I will never forget. It was the most difficult place to fly a drone, and it required a lot of skill and patience to keep control of my quadcopter. There is strong magnetic interference near the poles, which causes all kinds of errors, mainly regarding the compass. I flew exclusively in ATTI mode and made sure to be as calm as possible while operating the drone. What would you say to women and girls about the drone industry to spark their interest in getting involved? There are so many uses when you get started with drones. You might find a new way to use them and create new kind of business. Feels like we have scratched the surface in a world of possibilities. What excites you most about more women joining the drone industry? Changing the stereotypes. I think that stereotypes we have grown up with have a lot to do with forming our interests when we are young. When more women decide to join this industry, they shift the balance of preference and opinions of young women. They make them see this industry is open to everyone. Do you have any drone tips & tricks you can share with our audience? Scout your locations and plan your shots. This way you will be more efficient when you get flying and not waste any batteries just observing the landscape. What's the best way for our readers to get in touch with you? Send a message to m.me/invasla Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you? My work is available at http://invasla.gr Athanasia is primarily a web and motion designer. Aerial filmmaking was a hobby turned part time profession. Along with her husband, she has formed Inva+Sla, a creative duo that specializes in aerial cinematography and photography. They have won many local and international awards with their work and are now a DJI content partners. #pilotspotlight #spotlightinterview #femaledronepilot #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #InvaSla #DJIMavic2Pro #Phantom4Pro #DJICrystalSkymonitor #Waypoints #photography

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