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Credit: Susan Kay Smith Earlier this month, I spoke with FPV pilot Ryan Lindsay Lessard (aka Mako Reactra) about her experience as an FPV racer who uses drone simulators. To paint a better picture of what the world of drone SIM racing is like, Ryan put me in contact with Susan Smith (aka Roo), another pilot who is active in the FPV community and an avid SIM racer. Susan Smith is an FPV drone racing pilot in real life, and she also races competitively in SIMs. She is a member of the Safety Third Racing Club and the team pilot for NewBeeDrone, a company based in San Diego, California that is dedicated to supporting newcomers to the FPV drone racing world: “We strive to support all the awesome pilots in the rapidly growing sport of FPV Racing, both locally here in San Diego, and all around the world!” Susan seems to stand by that mantra as she is invested in helping more women start racing drones. She has stated that she wants to empower men, women, and students to reach for their dreams. She regularly posts about FPV racing on her YouTube channel: RooFPV, and you can find her on Instagram @roo_fpv. Here’s what she had to say about SIMs: What is your favorite simulator and why? Credit: RooFPV There are so many simulators available today! Some of the most well-known simulators are Velocidrone, Liftoff, DRL, and DCL. They can even run different types of drones such as whoops and even XClass. Velocidrone has a whoop and X-class add-on package, and there is another simulator for whoops known as Tiny Whoop Go. Each of the simulators has its pros and cons! Velocidrone is widely used by drone racers, and it hosts realistic race tracks - as well as tracks that you could never fly in real life that mimic flying through space. DRL allows you to run the same tracks that the TV pilots race on. The graphics are outstanding, and a few of the maps are particularly good for freestylers. I also really like the tutorial for new pilots. Liftoff was the first simulator I used regularly, and I love the tracks there as well; Joshua Bardwell’s backyard is replicated here for racing or freestyle. DCL is a newer SIM and boasts some of the impressive graphics in the space. DCL can also be run on PS4, which is allowing women without drone radio controllers to fly a drone. The best part about a simulator is that you can usually add your exact drone setup so that it more closely mimics what you fly in real life. Whatever simulator you choose, you’ll learn to be a better drone pilot, whether you race or freestyle. Credit: RooFPV What was it like learning how to use drone simulators? Were your real-life skills completely transferable? The great part about learning in a simulator is that you aren’t costing yourself hundreds of dollars in repairs while you learn! When you crash, you can just hit reset. I know one pilot who practiced for several months in the simulator and then went to a real drone race. She had never flown a drone before in real life and was able to fly through the gates — and in fact did quite well in the race. How well do you think simulators stack up against real-life FPV? They stack up surprisingly well. Just like in real life, it takes a little time to “warm up” when flying a simulator. You’ll want to be patient with yourself as you try to learn. I explained it to a friend as like when she learned to drive a car or use a sewing machine. When you first drive a car, you push the gas pedal too hard, and then slam on the brake. The same thing happens with drones. You need to learn to be light on the sticks that control the drone because a little movement can go a long way. Have you learned anything from playing simulators that translates into real life? Absolutely! I learned to do power loops and flips in the simulator, both of which were moves I was afraid to do in real life for fear I’d lose or break my quadcopter. One of my favorite things to use the simulator for is to experiment with different rates or camera angles. I can easily change my roll, pitch or yaw rates, and see how it affects my flying. I can even time myself over several laps to see more objectively how different rates affected my flying. Credit: RooFPV What is it like competing virtually vs in real life? I was really surprised at how nervous I got when I began competing in SIM races. The adrenaline rush was crazy! My hands were shaking. My mouth was dry. There were butterflies in my stomach. When you race in the SIM, typically you are doing several races right in a row, whereas in real life you’ll only fly one battery at a time. For this reason, I actually think races in the SIM can cause more nerves at first than real life. The benefit of doing so many SIM races is that now, I don’t get as nervous. Don’t get me wrong — I still feel the nerves when I’m under the spotlight, especially if the announcer is showing everyone my screen! But it is much less than when I first started. It has definitely helped me to calm my real-life nerves. Now, the race pressure doesn’t bother me nearly as much. Credit: RooFPV If someone was interested in competing, how could they get involved? If you can, watch some of the SIM competitions! I like to watch them online while I’m practicing in the SIM. It’s a great way to see what some of the racing is like. But once you’re able to fly through a map, I’d encourage you to give it a shot! You can start with entering some multiplayer races within the SIM. This can give you a chance to practice what it’s like to race against other people. Don’t be discouraged if you’re much slower than they are because you don’t know how long they’ve been flying or how much time they have available to practice. I was dead last in every SIM race I entered for a year, and now I sometimes can make it to the Top 7 when I’m racing. Once you’re able to complete laps — even if they’re slow — then you’re likely ready to step up to a race. Find an event that is beginner-friendly and go for it! The races are typically run on a Discord channel, so you’ll want to join the server and be ready to listen. Be sure to read the rules and understand how the race works. For some races, you have a day or two to set a qualifying time. That is your fastest time on the map. Then, you simply need to show up at the race time. The race starts with the pilots divided into heats based on their qualifying time. For other races, the track is released to everyone at the same time, and you typically have an hour to set a qualifying time before pilots are divided into heats. Everyone is very encouraging and welcoming — we all love when folks come to race for the first time. Give it a shot! Do you have any tips for people looking to get involved in drone simulators and competitions? Join the social media groups, and introduce yourself! You’ll find people who would love to practice and race with you. Is there an online community of simulator racers? Yes, there are several! You should look for a group of pilots who use your chosen SIM. Some of the ones I joined are: Velocidrone Community Facebook group (see a variety of upcoming events) Simubators Discord channel (variety of upcoming events) Drone Racing League Discord channel Fayetteville Multi Velocidrone Discord channel (features Wednesday night races for all levels) What do you hope to see in simulators in the future? I’d love to see more women competing on the simulator! A few weeks ago we had four women in a Velocidrone race, and that was the most women I had ever seen in a single race. I hope that more women will give it a shot because it’s a great way to practice real-life racing and improve stick skills. Tyesha Ferron is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital content, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

On December 28th, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that they released two final rules for flying drones. These new rules concern Remote Identification and the authorization to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. In their press release, the FAA revealed that there are currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots. These measures are part of an effort to facilitate the drone industry's growth and the safe integration of drones into national airspace. Together, these new rules are supposed to also provide “increased flexibility”. Remote ID We’ve discussed Remote ID a few times before on this blog. Last year, we reported that the FAA had issued a Request for Information for a remote ID system. The request was issued in December of 2018 and closed in February of 2019. On December 31st, 2019, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for remote identification of UAS. In February of 2020, we reported that citizens could voice their opinion on the notice by submitting an official comment to the Federal Register. At that time, there were over 10,00 public comments posted. Some citizens railed against the notice, and others voiced their concerns for how the rule would impact them. A common theme among the comments was the potential impact such a rule would have on hobbyists, and this thread continues in people’s comments on the final rule. While things are moving forward for those in the drone industry, hobbyists and recreational fliers feel that these new rules are essentially barriers. The FAA’s official Twitter account tweeted about the announcements. Some users' reactions were negative since they saw the rule as an obstacle to those who fly drones recreationally. Others were unconcerned. Replies to the FAA’s tweet included the following comments: Ultimately, utilizing remote ID with drones is supposed to support the integration of drones into the national airspace system, an active effort that has been ongoing for some time now. Notably, there was the creation of the LAANC, the application process for obtaining authorization to enter the national airspace system, which is supported by the government and private businesses. Also, it was a topic at the 5th Annual FAA UAS Symposium. On the subject, the FAA states in their press release, “Airspace awareness reduces the risk of drone interference with other aircraft and people and property on the ground.” The new Remote ID rule (Part 89) applies to those who operate drones that require FAA registration. According to the press release, these operators can comply with the new operational requirements in three ways: Operate a standard Remote ID drone that broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and control station Operate a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module (may be a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification, location, and take-off information Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific FAA-recognized identification areas More detailed information on this final rule can be found in the executive summary of the Final Rule on Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft (Part 89). The executive summary also includes a section on major changes from the proposed rule to the final rule: Network-based / Internet transmission requirements have been eliminated. The final rule contains Broadcast-only requirements. UAS operators under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations may continue to register with the FAA once, rather than registering each aircraft. However each Standard UA or Broadcast Module serial number must also be entered into the registration record for the unmanned aircraft. ‘Limited Remote ID UAS’ has been eliminated and replaced with Remote ID Broadcast Module requirements to enable existing UA to comply. FRIA applications may be submitted to the FAA beginning 18 months after the effective date of the rule, and applications may be submitted at any time after that. Educational institutions may now apply for FRIAs as well as community-based organizations. Operations over People The final rule on flight operations over people (OOP) and at night has been highly anticipated. Because of the current Part 107 federal regulations, pilots are prohibited from operating at night and over people. To do so requires a waiver from the FAA. With the new rule, these operations are allowed depending on the operation's level of risk. They are permitted based on four categories of eligibility. These categories are covered in detail in the executive summary. Before operating at night, remote pilots must complete either the updated initial test or the updated recurrent online training. Per the new rules, small drone operators must have their remote pilot certificate and identification in their physical possession when operating if they need to present them to authorities. Also, the requirement to complete a recurrent test every 24 calendar months has been replaced with a requirement to complete updated recurrent training that includes operating at night in identified subject areas. Drone manufacturers will have 18 months to begin producing drones with Remote ID. Then operators will have an additional year to start using them. For more information and inquiries related to this announcement, citizens are directed to contact the FAA by calling 844-FLY-MY-UA or emailing the FAA at pressoffice@faa.gov. Tyesha Ferron is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital content, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

Drone racing, or FPV, is a sport that challenges pilots to strategically fly through complex racing tracks at high speeds. Pilots compete in these races in person while watching a first-person view of their drone camera footage through special FPV goggles or virtually through drone simulator games. Either way, the racers are immersed in a high-flying competition of speed and strategy. The Drone Champions League (DCL) was first mentioned on our blog when we covered flying virtually with drone sims as an alternative to going outside. However, the DCL isn’t just the creator of a highly praised drone simulator. The DCL proudly carries the distinction of being the recognized championship for professional drone racing teams. About the DCL In the past, we’ve focused on FPV drone racing as an individual sport, but the DCL is a race series that promotes several teams of professional pilots. These are international teams that would compete at locations around the globe for the DCL World Championship. There are seven teams listed on their website: The China Dragons, Drone Sports, Quad Force One, Raiden Racing, SDT Euroflytec Team, XBlades, and Super Sonic X (formerly known as Veloce Racing and later Falcons Racing). The DCL challenged themselves to establish drone racing as a world sport by producing live and virtual racing events that can be enjoyed in person or through streaming. Thousands of spectators have watched these events in person. In 2020, the DCL’s fifth season was completely virtual. Pilots competed in DCL - The Game in a virtual world with replicas of real cities. On April 7th, the DCL announced on their social media pages that their 2021 World Championship would be a hybrid season. The teams will race virtually, then in a real-life location, which will be streamed live on Twitch. Credit: Drone Champions League The Women’s Cup Similar to other drone racing spaces, women are underrepresented as competitors in the DCL. Based on the DCL’s team pages, SDT Euroflytec is the only team that features a female pilot at the moment: Nuria Hernando flying under the moniker Bright FPV. However, this will change greatly in 2021. On April 9th, the Drone Champions League announced their Women’s Cup. In their announcement, the Drone Champions League states that their Women’s Cup aims to provide a global platform for female drone pilots. Women will put their drone racing skills on display in front of millions of people worldwide in races that are broadcasted live on TV and online. Ultimately, the DCL hopes to encourage girls and women to participate in drone sports and grow the FPV community. In the DCL Women’s Cup, they will be given the opportunity to join a team and benefit from the support that comes with it. - The Drone Champions League Puts Female Drone Pilots in the Global Spotlight with the DCL Women's Cup The DCL Women's Cup will take place with female drone pilots competing for the title in front of a virtual audience. Interested female pilots applied for spots on a team by showing their flying talent in DCL - The Game. Their performance in DCL - The Game will be a determining factor in their draft selection qualification. From June to November 2021, the chosen female pilots will compete against each other in seven race weekends in the Women’s Cup. The first six races will take place at virtual locations worldwide, including the USA, Switzerland, and China. According to the DCL, “[t]he final race weekend is set to take place in a real-life physical location.” The winning team will be announced in November, after all seven race weekends have been completed. For the Women’s Cup, each team will choose two female pilots from the draft selection. The team that finished last in the final standings of the 2020 DCL World Championship gets the first choice. Each race day of the Women’s Cup is split into four "heats." Each of the seven teams is represented by a pilot in one heat. All seven pilots race at the same time against each other in a “Big Heat.” After each heat, the pilot's final position correlates to a fixed number of points. The team with the most cumulative points after all four heats wins the race day and will be crowned the Women's Cup Champion. The Draft Selection Pilots qualify to be in DCL’s teams by competing in DCL - The Game, their drone simulator game available on Steam, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. DCL - The game is a collaboration between DCL and THQ Nordic, a global video game publisher and developer. It is advertised as having over 30 tracks, a worldwide userbase, and four flight modes: Arcade, GPS, Angle, and Acro. The pilots in the highest racing mode compete for places in the actual DCL Draft Selection, allowing players from the game to be recruited by teams to fly in the real-life series. The Draft Qualification for this year began running on April 19th. The DCL invited pilots across the gender spectrum from all over the world to demonstrate their flying talent from the comfort of their homes. Interested pilots could fly all four virtual tracks for their chance to be selected by a team and fly in the DCL World Championship or DCL Women's Cup for 2021. The Draft Selection Qualification to join one of the DCL’s teams officially ended Friday, May 14th. DCL considers speed and technical knowledge essential in drone racing, and both were considered in the qualification process. Aside from this, participants could also convince the teams by showcasing their success and experience outside the DCL. The best-performing pilots were eligible to compete in a final race. This race took place on May 22nd. Starting at 12 pm UTC, the pilots were given 24 hours to fly the best possible time on an entirely new racetrack. The teams’ final selections will be announced on May 31st. Tyesha Ferron is a writer and an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital art, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

For pilots in Australia, the government entity responsible for regulating aviation is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Through their website, pilots can easily access and stay updated on important information regarding Australia’s drone policies. On the homepage, drones are listed under Aircraft and on the sidebar with links to other aviation-related information. CASA’s drone webpage has information for pilots who fly for fun and for business. A prominent feature on CASA’s drone webpage is their Know Your Drone campaign, a campaign dedicated to national drone safety education. Know Your Drone was created to promote national drone safety rules and provides essential information regarding regulations for recreational fliers. The page hosts guides on Australia’s new rules for drone registration and pilot accreditation, current drone rules, safety apps, and tips for buying a drone. Commercial fliers can find the information they need on the main drone page. Registration For recreational fliers, new rules regarding registration and accreditation will go into effect in March 2022 and will be required by May 30th, 2022. According to these new rules, pilots who fly for fun will need to register their drone before flying if it weighs more than 250 grams. Registration can be completed online through the myCASA portal and will last for 12 months before you have to reregister. As of this article’s writing, the cost of registration and potential fees for recreational fliers has yet to be determined and will be decided following a “period of public consultation”. To register your drone, you will need: To be at least 16 years old A myCASA account Proof of identification (e.g., an Australian passport, Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship certificate, foreign passport, or ImmiCard) An aviation reference number* (ARN) The make, model, serial number, weight, and type of drone you’re registering *Note: An ARN is the unique ID number that CASA will use to identify you each time you communicate with them. You can apply for one online via your myCASA account. As a recreational flier, you won’t need to register your drone if (1) you fly exclusively indoors, (2) you don’t intend to fly at all, or (3) your drone weighs 250 grams or less, and it’s not being flown for or at work. For commercial fliers, there is a new rule regarding registration. As of January 28, 2021, drone registration and operator accreditation are now required for drones flown for business purposes regardless of their weight. If you’re flying your drone to provide any type of service (e.g., selling photos or videos, inspecting sites or equipment, surveillance, research, etc.), you must register your drone before flying. After registering, you can download/print your certificate from myCASA. Registration is free and valid for 12 months. If you are found to be flying an unregistered drone, you can be fined up to $11,100. More registration information can be found here. Certification (Accreditation) If you’re flying for fun, you don't need to do anything today. Accreditation for recreational fliers will open in March 2022 and will be required by 30 May 2022. These new rules require pilots flying a drone weighing more than 250 grams to get accredited as proof that they understand the drone safety rules. The accreditation process will consist of watching a short video then completing a quiz to test your knowledge. You will be able to complete it online through the myCASA portal. Accreditation will be free and last for three years, and accredited pilots can supervise children younger than 16 (who must be supervised by an accredited adult who is at least 18 years old). Pilots will automatically have access to their accreditation certificate after they pass the quiz and will be able to download and print it through myCASA. Don’t worry about failing! You’ll have unlimited attempts to pass. Similar to registration, to get accredited, you will need: To be at least 16 years old A myCASA account Proof of identification An aviation reference number (ARN) CASA requires pilots to obtain a remote pilot licence (RePL) if they want to fly for commercial purposes or outside of the drone rules. Pilots who wish to fly for these purposes must also apply for a remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC) or be employed by an existing ReOC holder as a remote pilot. RePLs do not expire, and there is no minimum age requirement to obtain one. To obtain a remote pilot licence, CASA lists four steps: Apply for an ARN Complete the required training through a certified training provider Download your digital license Register your drone Restrictions CASA has created an easy-to-follow video on their drone rules for recreational drone operators. This video and the rules are available on YouTube and the Know Your Drone webpage. You can also download the rules as an infographic PDF file. Credit: CASABriefing The rules include but are not limited to the following: Do not fly your drone higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level or beyond your visual line of sight. Do not fly over or above people, and keep your drone at least 30 meters away from them. Do not operate your drone in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person, or property. Do not operate over or near an area affecting public safety or emergency operations such as a car crash or fire. Respect people’s privacy, meaning no photographing or recording others without their consent. Only fly one drone at a time and during the day, but do not pass through clouds or fog. Operators flying drones weighing more than 250 grams must fly at least 5.5 kilometers away from a controlled airport. Operators can fly their drone within 5.5 kilometers of a helicopter landing site or a smaller aerodrome without a control tower. However, they must land as quickly and safely as possible should they become aware of manned aircraft nearby. To find safe places where you can fly, download one of the CASA-verified drone safety apps for custom location-based information. These apps will have maps of where you can and can’t fly per aviation legislation, but you will still need to check the local rules and regulations from your local and state government before you fly. Tyesha Ferron is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital content, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

Over the past few days, the internet has been abuzz with news of NASA’s latest Mars rover, the Perseverance, finally landing at its destination. Missions to Mars have been a part of our country’s space exploration legacy since the Mariner 3 and 4 launched in 1964, and from then on, NASA’s Mars Exploration Program has continued to launch crafts (a mix of orbiters and landers) towards the red planet with several successes and failures. Despite many launches, only eight NASA spacecraft have managed to land on Mars’s surface. The Mars 2020 rover mission is the latest success in a long line of Mars missions. Perseverance was launched on July 30, 2020, and made its landing on February 18, 2021. Interestingly, this rover had a passenger aboard: the Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity. NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter is an autonomous helicopter carried under the Perseverance rover, covered by a shield for protection during the descent and landing. It made the trip to Mars to perform its own mission: an experimental flight test. Following in the footsteps of the Mars Pathfinder rover and the Mars Cube One, Ingenuity is a technology demonstration — “a project that seeks to test a new capability for the first time”. After landing, the helicopter must survive its first 30 Martian days (31 Earth days), enduring extreme temperatures. After that, the team will initiate the first-ever aircraft flight on another planet. The helicopter will attempt to autonomously take off and hover in Mars’s extremely thin atmosphere. This, along with the planet’s extremely low temperatures, makes flights highly difficult, so by performing its flight, the Ingenuity will be accomplishing a groundbreaking feat. “[I]f the rotorcraft lands successfully and remains operable, up to four more flights could be attempted, each one building on the success of the last.” The Mars Helicopter is masterfully designed. Weighing only 4 pounds, the craft is also solar-powered and can recharge itself. Smartly, it was designed to analyze its surroundings to ensure it maintains its programmed flight path when it eventually takes off. According to the Ingenuity Landing Press Kit, “NASA has invested about $85 million to build the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, accommodate it on Perseverance, and operate the helicopter on Mars.” The Ingenuity was built by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. JPL manages the Mars Helicopter Technology Demonstration for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. MiMi Aung, who serves as the project manager at JPL, describes the endeavor as uncharted territory. She states, “Just about every milestone from here through the end of our flight demonstration program will be a first, and each has to succeed for us to go on to the next. We’ll enjoy this good news for the moment, but then we have to get back to work.” Reported on February 19th, mission controllers at JPL received a downlink with Ingenuity’s first status report. The report indicated that “both the helicopter and its base station ... are operating as expected.” According to Tim Canham, Ingenuity’s operations lead at JPL, this positive report is exactly what the team was looking for and gives them the go-ahead to move the mission forward. Credit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter's mission will be the culmination of years of hard work by many people, and the world is waiting to see the team’s goals come to fruition. The success of this mission could lead to the inclusion of more aerial elements in future mars missions. While this mission was years in the making, it is just the beginning for many possible future endeavors. For more in-depth information on NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, check out Ingenuity’s press kit or the Mars Helicopter webpage, where you can read about the technical aspects of Ingenuity, the team’s objectives, and the mission itself. Tyesha Ferron is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital content, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

While there are increasingly more women in the workforce, they are still underrepresented in many industries. Representation matters, and it is crucial for fostering peoples’ interest in a career path. It is encouraging to see people like you in positions you want to hold, especially when that presence seems rare. This lack of representation is very noticeable in aviation and STEM-related industries. But just how rare are women in these fields? Exploring data could reveal a surprising picture of just how badly we need more women in these spaces. Women in the Workforce Looking at the 1920s, it's a well-known fact that women's career options were limited. Despite this, the number of women who participated in the labor force grew. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that women's labor force participation grew gradually from the 1920s then rapidly from the 1960s to the 1980s before slowing down in the 1990s. Numbers began falling around the beginning of the 21st century until women’s participation in the labor force reached a low of 56.7% in 2015. Despite this, the percentage of women in the workforce aged 25 to 64 with a college diploma quadrupled from 1970 to 2018. In 2018, 57.1% of all women participated in the labor force, which accounted for 47% of total employment. The top 10 occupations employing the largest number of women were (in order): Teachers Nurses Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides Secretaries and administrative assistants Cashiers Customer service representatives Retail salespersons Waiters and waitresses First-line supervisors of retail sales workers Managers (n.e.c.) In some industries, women made up more than half of all workers. Women were the majority in financial activities (53%), education and health services (74%), leisure and hospitality (52%), and other services (54%). On the other hand, they were significantly underrepresented compared to their proportion of total employment in agriculture (26%), mining (14%), construction (10%), manufacturing (29%), and transportation and utilities (24%). This is also the case when looking at STEM fields. Women in STEM Under the guidance of the National Science Board, the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) published Science & Engineering Indicators 2018. Science & Engineering Indicators is a factual and policy-neutral report mandated by Congress. It provides high-quality quantitative data on the science and engineering enterprise in the U.S. and internationally. You can read the full 2018 report here. The report found that female scientists and engineers are concentrated in different occupations from men. Similar to what is shown in the U. S. Census data, there are relatively high percentages of women in the social sciences (60%) and biological, agricultural, and environmental life sciences (48%) but relatively low shares in engineering (15%) and computer and mathematical sciences (26%). Even though women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, they only account for 28% of the science and engineering workforce. Women made up the vast bulk of the country's social scientists, but social science occupations accounted for only 3% of STEM jobs. According to a report posted by the U.S. census, women made up 38% of all U.S. workers and 8% of STEM workers in 1970. Since then, both of those numbers have risen. Women are represented across all STEM occupations more than ever before. By 2019, women made up 48% of all workers and 27% of STEM workers. Furthermore, they accounted for nearly half of those employed in math (47%) and life and physical science (45%) occupations. Although women are gaining ground in some STEM fields, statistics show that women are still underrepresented in others, particularly in engineering. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the number of women working in engineering occupations increased from 3% in 1970 to only 15% in 2019. Additionally, their stats on women who are computer workers is also concerning. The number of female computer workers started at a similar level (around 20%) to that of the social scientists, mathematical workers, life, and physical scientists in 1970. However, this field experienced a decrease after 1990 and continued to do so for decades. Women only accounted for around 25% of computer workers in 2019, while these other fields experienced increases upwards of 20% by that time. This data is troubling because computer and engineering occupations account for 80% of the STEM workforce. Women in Aviation The aviation industry is not free from this pattern. According to Women in Aviation International, women have steadily increased their participation in the aviation industry over the past two decades. They now hold positions in practically every aviation occupation. Unfortunately, the numbers are insignificant in comparison to how many men are in the field. For example, they share that only 6% of the total number of pilots are women. In May of 2019, Rebecca K. Lutte, Ph.D. of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, published Women in Aviation: A Workforce Report. Lutte and her team conducted this research in coordination with Women in Aviation International, and the NASA Nebraska Space Grant funded it. While women are underrepresented in many fields of aviation, the report found that technical operations and leadership positions have the highest gaps. According to the report, women make up less than 10% of pilots, maintenance workers, and airline executives. The report's results are broken down in Table 1 from Lutte's report. The report emphasizes that continued outreach to underrepresented groups in all areas of aviation is essential for further developing the aviation workforce. Furthermore, pilots, maintenance technicians, aerospace engineers, dispatchers, cybersecurity specialists, airport managers, air traffic controllers, and a continuous focus on the need for women in aviation leadership roles are among the areas of aviation that demand more attention, according to the findings. While aviation has many outstanding outreach initiatives, these findings can help provide further insight into where they should focus the industry's outreach efforts. Increasing the number of women in the profession will aid in meeting industrial demands. More focus is needed, in particular, on the 3% of female airline executives and 1% of female airline captains. Women Who Drone With all of this in mind, it's expected that the gender ratio for drone pilots would also be significantly unbalanced. Remote pilot careers are relatively new, but they don’t seem to benefit from women's growing presence in the STEM workforce. Compared to the other careers explored in this article, the number of remote pilots is much smaller and even more overwhelmingly male. You can find the data for remote pilots in the U.S Civil Airman Statistics, an annual study that includes data about pilots and non-pilots. The certification process for remote pilots began in August 2016, so that is the earliest data available. According to these statistics, the estimated total number of people carrying remote pilot certificates increased over tenfold in the past five years. Meanwhile, female FAA Part 107 certified drone pilots increased by only 2.8% from 2017 to 2019. Conclusion Ultimately, It’s critical to encourage and support women participating in spaces where there aren't many of them. Women have become more present in the workforce over time, and we hope to see a future where women are equally represented in every field. Gender diversity is critical for the success of any industry. Diversity is beneficial not just for representation but also because it can create more significant growth. Different perspectives can lead to more exciting ideas being explored, and new ideas contribute to innovation. Tyesha Ferron is a writer based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital content, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

The FAA is encouraging recreational drone pilots to take the Recreational UAS Safety Test. A Little Backstory In 2018, the president signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This Act established new conditions for the recreational use of drones and immediately repealed the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. Currently, the law that governs how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes is known as the Exception for Limited Operation of Unmanned Aircraft (USC 44809). According to Section 349 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, drones operated for recreational purposes are exempt from certification requirements if they satisfy other conditions. One of these conditions under the Exception for Recreational Flyers is that recreational drone pilots must take the Recreational UAS Safety Test. The Recreational UAS Safety Test Abbreviated TRUST, the Recreational UAS Safety Test is an aeronautical knowledge and safety test that assesses recreational flyers’ knowledge of safety and regulatory information. The FAA is urging recreational flyers to take and pass TRUST as soon as possible. Once they do, they must carry their TRUST completion certificate with them while flying as proof that they’ve passed the test (as outlined in 49 U.S.C. 44809). Recreational flyers must be able to provide their certificate to the FAA or law enforcement upon request, so it is necessary to have it with you whenever you plan to fly for recreational purposes. Recreational Flights and Flyers Lack of financial compensation is not the only factor that determines if a flight is recreational. The FAA describes a recreational flyer as “someone who operates their drone for fun or personal enjoyment purposes only,” and a recreational flight is defined as one that is purely for fun or personal enjoyment. They list activities such as capturing images to help sell a property or service, roof inspections, or photographing a high school football game for the school's website as examples of non-recreational uses of a drone. Even flights operated out of goodwill or without monetary value can be considered indirectly compensated. For example, volunteering to use your drone to survey coastlines on behalf of a non-profit organization would be considered a non-recreational flight. The FAA advises: “When in doubt, fly under Part 107.” Taking TRUST TRUST is available to take for free online through an approved test administrator. FAA Approved Test Administrators of TRUST are said to have both testing content and educational materials. In June 2021, the FAA announced the following entities as FAA Approved Test Administrators of TRUST: The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) The Boy Scouts of America Chippewa Valley Technical College Community College of Allegheny County – West Hills Center Drone U Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) HSU Educational Foundation Lake Area Technical College Pilot Institute Drone Launch Academy LLC Proctorio Incorporated Tactical Aviation CrossFlight Sky Solutions UAV Coach University of Arizona Global Campus Volatus Aerospace Corp TRUST is divided into two sections. The first section provides you with the information needed to pass the test. The second section is a series of multiple-choice questions. Interestingly, TRUST is set up so that whoever takes the test cannot fail. If a test taker answers a question wrong, they will be given information on why their response was incorrect and prompted to try again. Upon completion, test takers will receive their TRUST completion certificate, which will never expire. However, if you lose your certificate you can only obtain a new one by retaking the test. Neither the test administrator, nor the FAA, will maintain personally identifiable information about recreational flyers, so it is impossible to reprint or re-issue your original certificate. The Essentials Despite the addition of TRUST, flying your drone recreationally is still a free and relatively simple process. First of all, if your drone weighs more than .55 lbs., register it through the FAA's DroneZone. Then, pass TRUST through an approved test administrator and carry proof of your passage with you during recreational flights. Finally, follow the safety guidelines and rules for recreational flyers on the FAA's website. Tyesha Ferron is a writer and an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital art, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

Pilots in the United Kingdom are in a unique position in terms of drone regulations. In 2016, the UK voted in favor of leaving the European Union, and their exit has brought on significant changes. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has left the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). There is a bright red banner alerting visitors to the UK-EU transition on every page of the CAA website. The banner reads: “References to EU regulation or EU websites in our guidance will not be an accurate description of your obligations or rights under UK law.” This transition has left some people confused about what rules they need to follow and where the up-to-date information is. There is a lot of information to digest, but this article will give you a breakdown of how to register to fly your drone in the UK. Information Locations Towards the bottom of the CAA homepage, there is a Quick Links section. In that section, there is a blue quadcopter thumbnail that links to the CAA’s Unmanned aircraft and drones webpage. At the top of that page, there is a note: “For the UK Dronecode, links to unmanned aircraft safety apps and other safety information visit dronesafe.uk.” Through the Drone Safe website, you can access some helpful drone safety information and the Drone Code. The Drone and Model Aircraft Code houses all the information need on how to fly safely and legally in the UK and how to pass the flyer ID test, like a guidebook. The CAA considers this to be your starting point if you want to fly a drone or model aircraft in the UK. On the Drone Safe website’s registration page, you’ll see a summary of the drone registration requirements. This page also introduces the UK’s new Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service, a new online system that educates citizens on the rules, regulations, and registration. The Drone Code Almost all the information you need to register to fly is available through the Drone and Model Aircraft Code. It can be accessed through the Drone Safe website and the DMARES website and applies to flying unmanned aircraft systems outdoors in the Open A1 and A3 categories. It houses information on how to fly safely and legally in the UK and pass the flyer ID test. Think of it as a guidebook! The CAA considers this to be your starting point if you want to fly a drone or model aircraft in the UK. It’s important to note that the UK distinguishes between flyers and operators. Both positions require their own ID registration, which means the UK offers a flyer ID and an operator ID. Depending on your drone’s weight and class, you may need one or both IDs. According to the Civil Aviation Authority, most people get both. Registering for a Flyer ID Flyers, or pilots, are anyone flying the drone. The flyer is in charge of safely completing the flight while adhering to the operator's management guidelines. Fortunately, flyer IDs are free. To obtain a flyer ID, the flyer must pass a theory test. You can register and take the test online at any age, but children under 13 must a parent or guardian with them when they take the test and register. You must retake the test to renew your Flyer ID every five years. The test is a free multiple-choice, open-book test that you can take as many times as you like. There are 40 questions, and you must pass with a mark of 30. The CAA advises that you allow yourself at least 30 minutes to complete it, but you can take as long as you like. Just make sure that you’re not inactive for more than 90 minutes. Registering for an Operator ID Operators are any person or organization who owns or is responsible for the drone. Operators must ensure that that they are effectively managing all flights utilizing their aircraft. An operator ID will cost you £9 and will need to be renewed annually. Only those over the age of 18 can register as an operator. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian register for the operator ID. Drone Weight and Class Marks Under the UK’s regulations, there are weight requirements and class mark requirements. Generally, you will have to register for an ID if you are flying or operating any drone that weighs between 250g and 20kg. For pilots of drones that weigh under 250g, if your drone (1) has a camera and (2) isn’t a toy, then you must register as well. Furthermore, drones and model aircraft have been split into five class marks (C0 - C4). The classes indicate what type of aircraft you have, whether you need to register for an ID to utilize it, and which ID you need. Drones classified as C0 or C1 are allowed to fly in the A1 subcategory of the Open category. C3 and C4 drones can only fly in the A3 subcategory. C2 drones can fly in either the A2 or A3 subcategories. If you fly in the A2 subcategory, you must pass the A2 theory exam (the A2 Certificate of Competency, also referred to as the A2 CofC), which is discussed in the Certification article. Because class marks are a relatively new requirement, your drone or model aircraft may not have had a class assigned to it when it was built. If your drone does not have a class mark, only follow the weight criteria. If your drone does have a class mark, you must adhere to the class requirements. You can find more information on registration requirements and class marks here: Registration requirements for drones and model aircraft. Labeling Your Drone You must label every drone or model aircraft that requires an operator ID (which you can check for on the registration requirements page). Rather than registering your drone with its own unique registration ID, UK drones must be labeled with the operator ID of the person who is responsible for it. Not doing so is illegal. All your drones must have the same operator ID affixed to them, never your flyer ID. You can find your operator ID in the registration email sent to you by the CAA or in the My registration area. To properly label your drone, your operator ID must be: Visible from the outside or within a compartment that can easily be accessed without using a tool Clear and in block capitals taller than 3mm Secure and safe from damage On the main body of the aircraft Tyesha Ferron is a writer and an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital art, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

Pilots in the United Kingdom are in a unique position in terms of drone regulations. In 2016, the UK voted in favor of leaving the European Union, and their exit has brought on significant changes. As of December 31st, 2020, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK’s aviation regulator, is no longer a member of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). There is a bright red banner alerting visitors to the UK-EU transition on every page of the CAA website. The banner reads: “References to EU regulation or EU websites in our guidance will not be an accurate description of your obligations or rights under UK law.” This transition has left some people confused about what rules they need to follow and where the up-to-date information is. While there is a lot of information, this breakdown will summarize the new UAS categories, types of certificates, and the certification process. Information Location Towards the bottom of the CAA homepage, there is a Quick Links section. In that section, there is a blue quadcopter thumbnail that links to the CAA’s Unmanned aircraft and drones webpage. This page gives you access to information on registering to fly your drone, the different flying categories, and more. Flying Categories Firstly, It's important to be aware of what category you’re flying in. Each category has its own rules and regulations that must be followed. The new unmanned aircraft regulations are divided into three categories of operations: The Open category is for low-risk flights such as flying in the countryside. The Specific category is for higher-risk flights such as flying over an urban area. To fly in this category, you will need an operational authorization from the CAA. The Certified category is for the flights of large unmanned aircraft with a risk level equal to that of manned aircraft. Such flights would include transporting goods above a city. Note: Since UK regulations relating to the Certified category are still being developed and are not yet published, flights must follow relevant manned aviation regulations. The Open category is split into three subcategories (A1, A2, and A3), each with its affordances and restrictions: A1: You may fly over people (not a crowd) for a short time with a drone that weighs less than 250g. A2: Depending on your drone’s weight or class, you must maintain a 30m distance from uninvolved people. This category also requires that you have an A2 Certificate of Competency. A3: You must keep a horizontal distance of at least 50m from people and 150m from parks, urban areas, and populated areas. You can find more in-depth information on the categories here: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – Guidance A2 Certificate of Competency As previously mentioned, the A2 Certificate of Competency, or A2 CofC, is the certificate that permits the operation of a C2 class drone in the A2 subcategory of the Open category of UAS regulations. The certificate certifies that you have a thorough understanding of the technical and operational countermeasures for ground risk (or the risk of a person being struck by a drone). A remote pilot is required to hold an A2 CofC while: Operating in the A2 subcategory Operating an unmanned aircraft in the A1 subcategory Note: This will only be allowed until June 30th, 2022 under the ‘A1 Transitional Provisions’ in Article 22 of the European Commission Implementing Regulation Operating in the Specific category under the conditions of a published Standard Scenario (STS) or Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA) where the A2 CofC is specifically listed as an acceptable level of remote pilot competency for that STS or PDRA. There are no practical flight test requirements for the A2 CofC. Instead, the CAA describes the procedure to obtain an A2 CofC as a “‘building block’ process of training and testing.” This process begins with criteria that pilots must meet before attempting the A2 CofC written examination: The successful completion of the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft online training course for basic remote pilot competency The successful completion of the flyer ID theory test and the possession of the flyer ID number associated with that test The completion of a period of practical flight training, either under the guidance of an RAE or under self-monitored circumstances, conducted within the operating conditions of subcategory A3 but simulating the operating situations associated with the A2 subcategory The submission of a written self-declaration by the remote pilot stating that they have completed the above building blocks to a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) facility After meeting those criteria, the exam is conducted under formal conditions at an RAE facility. The exam is composed of a minimum of 30 multiple-choice questions and covers the following subjects: Meteorology UAS flight performance Technical and operational mitigations for ground risk The exam is 75 minutes plus an additional 15 minutes for those who have a recognized disability or other needs (e.g., dyslexia or dyspraxia). You must earn at least 75% to pass. If you fail your exam, your retake will have a different set of questions. The RAE retains a record of each examination taken by a student for a minimum of 5 years. General Visual Line of Sight Certificate Another significant change resulting from these new regulations is the removal of the Permission for Commercial Operations. In its stead, pilots can obtain the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC) for the Specific category. The GVC is another competency certificate for remote pilots. It was developed to be a single straightforward qualification that satisfies the requirements for VLOS within the Specific category. It has been described as PfCO-like and allows pilots to do more than the A2 CofC. Like the A2 CofC, the CAA describes the procedure to obtain a GVC as a “‘building block’ process of training and testing.” This process begins with two steps that pilots must complete before attempting the GVC examination and flight test: You must complete the CAA’s Drone and Model Aircraft online training course for basic remote pilot competency. You must pass the CAA’s online flyer ID test and have the flyer ID number. Once you have accomplished those two things, you can move forward with taking the two required assessments: (1) the theoretical examination and (2) the practical flight test. RAE facilities conduct these assessments as well. The theoretical exam is a closed book test that consists of at least 40 questions that will cover the following subjects: Air law/responsibilities UAS airspace operating principles Airmanship and aviation safety. These questions may be multiple-choice, long answer, or a mix of both. Test-takers must pass with at least 75%. After passing the exam, the GVC is valid for five years from the exam date. The practical flying test is designed to ensure that the remote pilot under examination can safely conduct a wide range of VLOS operations in the Specific category. This test includes topics covered in the theoretical exam syllabus in addition to those in the practical flight syllabus. You can find more in-depth information on the A2 CofC, the GVC, and the assessment process here: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – The UK Recognised Assessment Entity Tyesha Ferron is a writer and an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital art, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

The FAA wants drone pilots to understand how to fly safely, and this week is one of their many ways to promote safe flying practices. It’s that time of year again. National Drone Safety Awareness Week is back for its third year to remind us all to fly safely. From Monday, September 13th – Sunday, September 19th, get ready to see people from all corners of the drone community promoting drone safety and education. The FAA aims to safely integrate drones into the National Airspace System, with safety being a core part of that commitment. To achieve this goal, the FAA wants drone pilots to understand how to fly safely, and this week is one of their many ways to promote safe flying practices. National Drone Safety Awareness Week (often shortened to Drone Safety Week) is a weeklong campaign by the FAA that occurs every September. The FAA showcases safety stories, events, and educational resources during this campaign, drawing national attention to drone safety. Drone Safety Week events are free and feature drone pilots, recreational flyers, and industry experts talking about their commitment to drone safety, important drone safety education information, new requirements, and best practices for the drone community. Everyone is welcome to participate. Each day of Drone Safety Week is dedicated to an educational theme with a specific goal: Monday Safe Flyers Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) Learn about the safety information you need to know before you fly! Tuesday Register and Mark Your Drone How do you get registered, and who needs to register? Wednesday Become a Part of a Flying Community Learn about community-based organizations Thursday New Rules – Remote Identification and Operations Over People Learn about Remote ID and Operations Over People. Friday Public Safety & Public Acceptance How can we spread the news about drones? Saturday and Sunday Share the Skies – Get Out and Fly Let’s get out and fly! Last year, the second iteration of National Drone Safety Awareness Week occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drone Safety Week 2020 introduced Drone@Home Activities, which included different games and lessons for people to enjoy from the safety of their home. This year, the third annual Drone Safety Week will feature both virtual and in-person events. To learn more about the week’s events, check out the Drone Safety Awareness Week calendar on the official website. Events hosted by different businesses and organizations in the drone industry. For example, this year, there are events hosted by the National Agricultural Aviation Association, AUVSI, Academy of Model Aeronautics, and Las Vegas DronePro’s. You can also find events on social media by following @FAADroneZone on Twitter and Facebook and checking for posts promoting drone safety throughout the week or following the tags #DroneWeek and #FlySafe. Tyesha Ferron is a writer and an artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Specializing in digital art, Tyesha loves exploring the new ways technology intersects with culture and how drones make things more efficient and accessible for artists, hobbyists, and industry professionals. As a novice drone enthusiast, she continues to be impressed by what the drone community and industry can accomplish. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron Twitter: @Tyesha_Ferron LinkedIn: Tyesha Ferron

Image Credit: The Drone Racing League Simulator When you think of drones, your first thought might be flying around exotic locales and scenic aerial shots. Even though that is prevalent, many pilots are doing things other than photography with their drones. For example, FPV racing is steadily gaining popularity in the drone world and the mainstream. For the uninitiated, FPV drone racing is a sport where pilots wear special goggles that give them a First-Person-View from their drone while they race others through specially designed tracks. We’ve discussed drone racing extensively on this blog, specifically in regards to the professional drone racing league and the World Air Sports Federation, and have encouraged others to take part. However, with persisting concerns related to the Coronavirus, you may still be wary about going outside. Not to mention, the CDC is still encouraging people to stay at home. While there are many other things you can do with your drone at home, don’t discount FPV racing. You can still get some practice in or even do all your racing using a drone simulator. Video Credit: Drone Racing League DRL SIM DRL SIM 3.0 is the latest iteration of the professional Drone Racing League’s drone simulator. Advertising for this version of the simulator places an emphasis on the DRL’s dedication to developing the sim’s physics. In their announcement video, DRL boasts about enlisting experts, like aeronautical engineer Sage Thayer and Dr. Marilyn Smith, a Nonlinear Computational Aeroelasticity, and working with real data to produce a more accurate simulation. This version also includes updates to maps and multiplayer functions and other exciting features like a mapmaker, spectator modes, social chat, Twitch tournaments, and training. The introduction video uploaded to their YouTube channel ends with the tagline, “Sim life should be practice life”. Image Credit: DCL - The Game Drone Champions League (DCL) Drone Champions League, which describes itself as “the world's leading championship for professional drone racing teams”, is also backing their own drone racing game. Published in February, DCL the game is a collaboration between DCL and THQ Nordic, a global video game publisher and developer. It is advertised as having over 30 tracks, a worldwide userbase, and four flight modes: Arcade, GPS, Angle, and Acro. On their release trailer, the description states that they believe their game to be so realistic that pilots can use it to “train their actual control skills and qualify for the official Drone Champions League to start a career as a professional Drone Pilot.” DCL emphasizes competition in their promotion of this simulator and even has a virtual season that will be underway next month. Image Credit: VelociDrone VelociDrone VelociDrone is a smaller drone simulator, but it has popular features like online multiplayer and track editing. Other key features of this sim include its use of frame models from real-world manufacturers (“This means you can get the feel of some of the top frames in the industry before you buy.”) and their Time Attack mode which is meant to help you improve by allowing them to race against yourself. If you’re interested in competition, they also have various leaderboards that are accessible on their site. While not as advanced as the other simulators, VelociDrone still has a dedicated user base from around the world. If you’re interested in trying it out, they offer a free trial. 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

Watch Elena Buenrostro, Founder and CEO of Women Who Drone, demonstrate the Mavic 2 Zoom's top 3 features: Hyperlapse Mode, Dolly Zoom, and Digital and Optical Zooming. In Hyperlapse Mode, the drone can record a hyperlapse video while in motion. In this video we can see boats and clouds go by while the Mavic glides along the cityscape. Dolly Zoom, similar to what we see used in horror films, allows the drone to zoom in on Elena while it's moving backwards. This makes the background look like it's expanding around her, while she stays the same size in the frame. 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 #FEMALEDRONEPILOT #womenwhodrone #WOMENWHODRONE #review #dji #DJIMavic2Zoom #mavic #mavic2zoomfeatures #maviczoom #hyperlapse #dollyzoom