Countries Where Drones Are Prohibited (Updated for 2022)

Flying a drone sure is wonderful, isn’t it? You may dream of someday seeing the entire world and documenting your travels with your drone, but sadly, that dream cannot come to fruition. Drones are banned in a significant number of countries around the globe. Where are you not allowed to fly a drone? Drones are …

DRL Simulator Review

Have you always wished to participate in the DRL or any other racing tournament but lack the skills? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to fly a drone but don’t have one at the moment? The DRL Racing Simulator is the closest you can get to flying a drone, and all you’ll need is your PC, …

Drone Cinematography- Getting Started in Drone Filmmaking

The art of aerial cinematography has become a lot more accessible throughout the years with the democratization of drones. Getting started in aerial cinematography might seem as simple as just flying a drone and pressing record while you do it, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Although there is no one recipe …

Holy Stone HS110D Review

Are you looking for a beginner drone or hobby drone with some above-average features? A good option to consider is the Holy Stone HS110D. Holy Stone is one of the most popular beginners and hobby drone manufacturers. While DJI takes most of the share of the drone market, Holy Stone has managed to make a …

Altex Academy Courses (All You Need to Know)

You had thought you’d found the right online drone school for you, then a fellow buddy of yours began raving about what they learned at Altex Academy. Now you’re thinking maybe that could be the online drone school you should enroll in.  Are Altex Academy’s drone courses worth it? Altex Academy drone courses are definitely …

Best Drones Under $300 (with Links & Pictures)

For many in the United States, the weather is starting to get a bit nicer.  Here in Central Florida, we have been seeing 80+ degree weather consistently.  Even with the weather still being cold in other areas, people are buying and flying drones. In 2020, US consumer drone sales were at the $1.25 Billion mark, …

Can You Live Stream with a DJI Mini 2?

DJI’s Mini 2 is an impressive piece of hardware in a small package. It really is! When the Mini was first introduced, it was by far the best in its class for affordability and quality. There were some drawbacks, like the camera. The Mini did not have any 4K capability and that really held it …

Holy Stone App – All You Need to Know

If you’ve flown Holy Stone drones or any other drone model, you know that you always have two pieces of the control system; a controller and an app. Apps help extend the drone’s functionality, mostly by allowing you to view the live footage, control more features of the camera, and even help in launching system …

How to Make a Drone Float (A Step-By-Step Guide)

How to Make a Drone Float and Why You Need to Concern Yourself with It There are submersible drones and there are flying drones, but mixing the two functions does not work. Flying drones are lightweight, and that means their shells are light-duty, flexible material that would cave in underwater.  They also usually have vents …

How Accurate Is “Find My Drone” in the DJI Fly App?

Regardless of how careful we are in this connected world, we may misplace our electronic devices, from time to time.  We have Smartwatches, Apple Pencils, Earbuds, Headphones, Smartphones, Tablets, and ultra-portable Laptops and Hybrids.  All easy to lose, it would seem. Thankful, many, if not all of these, have some sort of software tracking.  If …

DJI Drones: You Need This Many GPS Satellites to Fly

Ever since the advent of drone technology being released on the world, it has worked in conjunction with another major technological feat of man. That is the Global Positioning System or GPS for short. GPS is what took that easily crashable toy quadcopter and made it a viable piece of kit.  We wouldn’t be anywhere …

Best Drone Anti-Collision Lights (FAA Compliant Strobes)

With last year’s rule change by the FAA regarding flying at night, there have been more night flights than in previous years and I’m sure the upward trend will continue.  One of the FAA’s requirements for night flights is the drone needs to be equipped with an “Anti-Collision Strobe Light”. This light can be permanently …

DJI Fly App Compatible Devices (& Troubleshooting)

I have often had my students ask me if their devices were compatible with the drone they were considering buying. At first, I thought it was a casual issue, but as time has passed, I have come to understand that it can be a problem more frequently than it should be. Today, we will look at which Android …

Where Is the Serial Number on My DJI Drone?

All DJI Drones have a serial number that is unique to each aircraft.  Some of the common areas to look for the serial number on DJI drone products include on the packaging, the bottom of the drone, near the battery compartment, inside the battery compartment, or on the tail of the drone.  The exact location …

How I Passed the Part 107 Knowledge Test

I have been retired from a great career field for eight years now and my wife and I sold our house, bought a large Class A RV and we travel the country visiting grandchildren, and seeing the wonderful natural and historical sites of the United States.  Quite pleasurable and freeing, but after a couple of …

How to Detect a Drone in the Sky

Today, drone popularity continues to climb. Drones have all kinds of uses for individual enthusiasts, private organizations, and state agencies. However, when weaponized, they can pose a security threat. For that reason, these entities must know how to detect a drone in the sky and determine if it’s a potential danger in the airspace. Drone …

DJI Flight Simulator (All You Need to Know)

Similar apps exist for phones and tablets, but only DJI, the market leader in drones, provides software that allows both amateur and professional fliers to correctly simulate how their products fly.  The DJI Flight Simulator is the ideal method to fly your drone without risking damaging it, whether you are new to flying or a …

DJI Air 2S – A Complete Real-World Review

As the owner of a small media/production company focusing on real estate, web commercials, promotional videos, etc., I’m always upgrading equipment, trying to somewhat future-proof my business, in an ever-changing technological landscape.   One of the pieces of equipment I upgrade regularly is our company’s drones.  Despite having a small fleet, the Phantom 4 Pro+ was …

5 Tips for Flying a DJI Drone in Sport Mode

With the enhanced speed and agility that it offers, flying in Sport Mode is an exhilarating ride, but with some risks. Being aware of these risks and the changes in the aircraft’s flight abilities are just some of the changes you’ll have to become accustomed to and comfortable with. Flying in Sport Mode is the …

Peltier Drone Courses (All You Need to Know)

Becoming masterful at your drone requires time, patience, and maybe an online drone course or two. You’re curious about Peltier Photo Courses’ drone classes, but you’re not quite sure if this is a good investment of your money. Should you take a Peltier drone course? Peltier offers drone courses for FAA Part 107 exam prep, …

Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone (For Beginners)

Let’s face it. Flying a drone is just plain fun.  It is almost as fun as actually flying a plane, but a lot safer, and much less expensive a hobby to take up.  In the last few years that I have been droning, I have been through several aircraft, traded a few, and crashed some, …

Surveying & Mapping Guide (And Best Mapping Drone)

There are many uses for drones these days and mapping seems to be one use that is gaining popularity in many industries. Farmers are using maps of their crops to determine the health of the plants. Construction companies are using drones to capture photos of their construction sites to create maps and progress reports. Solar …

What Does Sport Mode Do on a DJI Drone?

Quicker, faster, more responsive. All of those terms could be used to describe DJI’s Sport Mode or S-mode. S-Mode or Sport Mode is found on all DJI drones. It is one of the three Standard Flight Modes available. When the craft is put into S-Mode or Sport mode, the aircraft’s flight abilities change dramatically through …

How Long Drone Propellers Last?

Drones can capture stunning images and record videos of the impossible places to reach on foot. However, drone propellers get weakened with time due to damage, bends, or scratches, and periodically need replacement.  You don’t want to risk flying your valuable drone sky-high on weakened propellers, do you? So, how long do drone propellers last? …

Can You Fly the DJI Mini 2 with Just a Phone?

Most will agree that the Mini 2 is a great drone for a great price.  4k Video?  Check.  Under 250g, so you won’t have to register it if using non-commercially?  Check.  A tiny footprint, like the size of a small child’s shoe?  Check.  The mini 2 has a lot going for it. Considering part of …

Bringing a Drone on a Plane – Ultimate Guide

How exciting is it to get to have a drone on your vacation? It can remind you of beautiful memories you enjoyed while you were away from home. Yet, you could be worried about bringing a drone on a plane, especially if this is your first time carrying it along.  Thankfully, flying with a drone …

40 Tips and Tricks for Your New DJI Mini 2

Whether the DJI Mini 2 is your first drone or just another piece added to your powerful fleet, there are certain features that you may have overlooked.  In this article, we will show you how to tweak the DJ Fly app, advise you on what to do and what not to do when flying, list …

Which ND Filters Are Best for DJI Mini 2?

Maybe you’ve never heard of ND filters if you’re new to the exciting world of drones. After all, the majority of individuals get into this as a hobby. Some are in it for the flying experience, while others just want to capture a few shots of their vacation. If you are serious about getting the …

Tips for Shooting & Editing Drone Videos (Guide for Beginners)

After purchasing your first drone, you may quickly realize you also need to figure out what to do with all the video footage you are capturing. I spent the first day with my DJI Mini 2 flying and capturing videos of our gorgeous mountain surroundings. When I used all my batteries up and finished, I …

How to Sell Your Used Drone (For Cash)

If you’re looking for a way to trade in your old drone, that most likely means you’re ready to upgrade to a newer, more sophisticated craft. Congratulations! You’re not alone.  The use of consumer drones has skyrocketed and every new model that is introduced to the market brings great incentives to upgrade your quad to …