Ask Drone U Podcast

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7.2K - 12.0K listeners Male 4.4 rating 480 reviews 300 episodes USA
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We’re Drone U, a group of guys who have turned their passion for flight into a profitable business. We love hearing from our fans, and we love helping by answering their questions. That’s why we started the Ask Drone U podcast in 2015. Since then, we are one of the largest, most popular DAILY drone podcasts out there. Each episode features an actual question submitted from someone just like you! We wish we could answer everyone’s question(s), but we’ll do our best to get through as many of them as we can. So plug in those headphones because it’s time to learn together about everything drone: FAA, insurance, business strategies, videography, drone tips, flight techniques, drone tricks, expert advice, cameras, gimbals, and so much more. #askdroneu

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su***@theDroneU.com

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  • General inquiries: in***@thedroneu.com
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  • Physical address of the company: 205 E. 71st Street, Loveland, CO 80538
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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Ask Drone U.

Hosts

Previous Guests

Keson Drayton is a former engineer who transitioned into the drone industry after a career layoff. He founded D Flight Productions, a successful freelance drone business based in Denver. Keson specializes in real estate drone photography and has built a reputation for his innovative approach to client acquisition and brand building. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, continuous learning, and adapting to market demands, sharing his journey from zero bookings to a full-time drone pilot without relying on outside funding or excessive gear.
James is a drone enthusiast and a professional in the drone industry who is keen on understanding the regulatory aspects of drone operations, particularly in the context of first responders. His inquiries reflect a desire to enhance his knowledge and skills in managing drone flights while ensuring compliance with FAA regulations.
Brian Owens is the Field Solutions Lead at The Whites Company, where he specializes in integrating high-tech drones into construction workflows. With a background in mechanical engineering, Brian has transitioned from a hobbyist to a leader in drone innovation within the construction industry. He focuses on enhancing risk management and client communication through advanced drone mapping and BIM integration. Brian shares his expertise on how to build a successful career as a professional drone pilot in construction, emphasizing the importance of client-ready deliverables and the use of drones for site safety and inspections.
Nathan is a pilot interested in developing drones and systems for his projects. He is actively seeking solutions in the drone industry, particularly in light of the competitive landscape shaped by DJI's market presence.

YouTube Channel

Channel Info

Channel Stats

Subscribers: 69,600
Total Videos: 1,354
Total Views: 6,603,172
Joined: Nov 21, 2014
Location: United States

Description

Lower your learning curve and take flight with competence and confidence. From Part 107 instruction to methods of turning your toy (drone) into a tool, Drone U has the largest library of online drone courses. If you're ready to take flight above and beyond the competition, you can only learn from experienced pilots. With over a decade of experience, learn to take flight confidently at Drone U.

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Instagram

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Account Stats

Followers: 90,513
Posts: 5,120

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Account Type: Personal
Privacy: Public

Biography

Drone Flight School. Teaching from Experience, building confidence in pilots. Training outcomes that lead to incomes!

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on Ask Drone U.

0:00 --:--

ADU 1384: What do changing tariffs mean for pilots and How should pilots navigate tariffs

Hosts
Drone U
Keywords
tariffs drone regulations drone purchasing DJI drones Section 1709 drone business
Have new tariffs been signed and what are the implications for pilots.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take flight again! Our all-inclusive 5-day training paired with a 2-day competition will challenge you, inspire you, and prepare you.

In this unique training event, limited to no more than 10 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. You'll learn from experienced pilots who've been where you're trying to go; and you'll build repeatable systems to scale your business. Click HERE to book your seat today !!

On today's episode we discuss about the impacts of the changing tariff environment for drone pilots and what it means for regulations and options that pilots have to navigate tariffs. We discuss about the details of regulations surrounding tariffs and if it impacts existing drones and specifics of the soon to be signed tariffs. We look into the timing to procure drones with the ups and downs of tariff conversations with nations esp China and if future deals will impact pricing of drones. We also discuss some upcoming DJI drones and if it makes sense to purchase new drones vs purchasing an used drone.

Tune in today on this short information packed episode !!



5-Day Free Course: Thriving Drone Real Estate Business Transform your drone operations into a thriving real estate-focused business. Learn client management, pricing for profit, and creating high-value deliverables.

Grow My Drone Business

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes !

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Follow Us

Site – https://thedroneu.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work?

Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps: [00:55] What should you do now considering the changes in tariffs [04:08] Drones already owned by pilots - Do tariffs impact them [06:34] Today's question on tariffs and impacts to flying drones [07:43] Section 1709 and why it matters to pilots [16:33] Why it is not a good time to purchase drones [23:01] Is the Mavic 4 Pro a good purchase? And how does it compare with Inspire [27:05] A summary of our response to today's question
0:00 --:--

EDL 013: How to Start a Drone Business and Go Full-Time: Keson Drayton’s Success Story

Hosts
Drone U
Guests
Keson Drayton
Keywords
drone business freelance real estate photography FAA Part 107 D Flight Productions Costco Effect client acquisition mindset mental health daily growth habits
Want to start a drone business in 2025 and get paid to fly?

This episode reveals how Keson Drayton turned a career layoff into a profitable freelance drone business—using hustle, mindset, and the “Costco effect” to win clients.

From picking up a Phantom 4 to building D Flight Productions into a recognizable name across Denver, Keson shares how he went from zero bookings to full-time drone pilot, without outside funding, gear obsession, or shortcuts.

Whether you're learning real estate drone photography, looking to land your first FAA Part 107 gig, or just tired of waiting for the “perfect time,” this is the roadmap you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, Keson explains: 

How he started a full-time drone pilot business from scartch Why real estate drone photography is still the best entry market How to find drone jobs using Zillow, outreach, and local leads What the Costco Effect means—and how it grows your business Why learning to edit your own footage is a superpower How to handle slow months and stay in the game The mindset required to build a brand and keep moving forward

? Want to Make Money Flying Drones? DroneU gives you the blueprint to start and grow a real drone business: ?? FAA Part 107 prep ?? 40+ courses on flight skills, real estate, mapping, and business ?? Pricing guides, client acquisition, and weekly coaching ?? Supportive community of top-tier drone pros

? Start here ? https://www.thedroneu.com

? Know someone ready to take the leap? Share this episode with them—they need to hear Keson’s story. Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Keson Drayton: engineer turned drone entrepreneur 07:00 – First drone (Phantom 4) + FAA airspace mistake ? early learning moment 16:00 – Laid off from corporate ? launched full-time drone career 25:00 – Launching D Flight Productions + getting FAA Part 107 certified                                        35:00 – How to get real estate drone clients using Zillow and direct outreach 43:00 – The “Costco Effect” for building brand awareness 50:00 – Mental health, motivation & staying focused as a solo drone pilot 55:00 – Daily growth habits: client follow-up, skill sharpening, FAA compliance 01:01:00 – Where to connect with Keson + booking drone jobs in Colorado ?Resources & Links Connect with Keson:

? Instagram – @dflightproductions ? TikTok – @DPKey (Drone Pilot Key) ? LinkedIn – Keson Drayton ? Book Drone Services – 720-477-0513 Stuck between a safe job and chasing your drone dream? ? Download our FREE Drone Pilot Starter Kit  

Includes: FAA checklist, pricing template, and plug-and-play proposal to help you land your first client with confidence.

 ??https://learn.thedroneu.com/bundles/drone-pilot-starter-kit  ? Keep Watching ? More drone pilot success stories: Jason Flakes on storytelling and government gigs ? [insert link] Stay Connected ? Hit Like if you learned something new

? Subscribe and turn on notifications

? Share this with a pilot or creative stuck at a crossroads
0:00 --:--

ADU 1383: Drones as first responders and regulations on DSP operations

Hosts
Drone U
Guests
James
Keywords
drones first responders FAA regulations DSP operations data management drone deliveries drone surveying drone industry
What should DSP know from a first responder regulations perspective.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take flight again! Our all-inclusive 5-day training paired with a 2-day competition will challenge you, inspire you, and prepare you.

In this unique training event, limited to no more than 10 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. You'll learn from experienced pilots who've been where you're trying to go; and you'll build repeatable systems to scale your business. Click HERE to book your seat today !!

On today's episode we discuss about drone operations as first responders and how DSP operations can be impacted by FAA regulations. Our question for today is from James, who would like to learn more about managing drone flights from a regulations perspective and the details therein. On today's show we discuss what the FAA regulations have to say about drones operating in a first responders role and how pilots can be better equipped to handle such scenarios while staying compliant to FAA requirements. We also delve into aspects of drone flights such as data management and drone applications like deliveries and surveying along with discussing the multiple opportunities available for pilots and going over how drone pilots can be prepared to achieve success in the drone industry.



Tune in today !!



5-Day Free Course: Thriving Drone Real Estate Business Transform your drone operations into a thriving real estate-focused business. Learn client management, pricing for profit, and creating high-value deliverables.

Grow My Drone Business

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes !

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Follow Us

Site – https://thedroneu.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work?

Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps: [02:11] Today's question on drones as first responders and how it impacts other DSP operations [4:13] - FAA changes on regulations and waivers to allow advanced drone operations [10:05] - data management of drone flights [16:20] - how are drone deliveries evolving today [21:30] - drone surveying and opportunities in the surveying industry [34:23] - How to excel in the drone delivery space
0:00 --:--

EDL 012: From Hobbyist to Tech Leader: How Brian Owens Turned Drone Innovation Into Construction’s Future

Hosts
Rob
Guests
Brian Owens
Keywords
drone career construction VDC mapping BIM models drone innovation risk management client communication drone mapping FPV flythroughs Gaussian splat models construction workflows professional drone pilot
Want to build a serious drone career in construction, VDC, or mapping?

This episode explores how Brian Owens transformed construction workflows using drones and BIM models—and how you can profit from it.

In this episode of Elevating Drone Life, Rob talks with Brian Owens, Field Solutions Lead at The Whites Company, about how high tech drones transform construction workflows, strengthen risk management, and elevate client communication.

You'll learn how drone mapping, BIM drone integration, FPV flythroughs, and Gaussian splat models are setting a new industry standard.   

From mechanical engineer to construction drone innovator, Brian shares practical insights on turning drone expertise into a full-time career. He explains:

How drone mapping fits into Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) workflows Which deliverables: orthomosaics, Gaussian splats, and FPV flythroughs build client trust Why polished drone media = higher client confidence + bigger contracts How drone data supports construction site safety, QA/QC, and real-time site inspections Career tips for becoming a professional drone pilot in construction

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed in the construction drone industry.  Ready to Launch Your Construction Drone Career? Master construction drone mapping, build your business, and get certified to fly commercially—all in one place:

Explore Courses + Memberships ? https://www.thedroneu.com Timestamps [00:00] Meet Brian Owens and his journey into construction tech [05:00] How FPV drones led to a career in construction VDC [10:00] What is Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)? [15:00] Essential tools: laser scanners, field printers, drones in construction [20:00] Using drones for site mapping, risk management, and QA/QC [28:00] Building a company-wide drone culture [35:00] Winning with better drone deliverables: orthomosaic mapping, Gaussian splats, and cinematic videos [45:00] Future of construction media: cinematic drone marketing + FPV flythroughs [52:00] Career advice: focus on client-ready deliverables, not just flying drones Resources & Links Drone U Membership – Join Here Drone Business Mastery Course – Explore Courses Part 107 Certification Prep – Start Here Experience Drone Training Event – Learn More Want to land your first construction drone job? Get our Drone Pilot Starter Kit  Learn to Master the Skies and Build Your Confidence as a Drone Pilot. The Drone Starter Kit is a collection of 3 amazing courses worth $97 - all for free.

https://learn.thedroneu.com/bundles/drone-pilot-starter-kit  Stay Connected Like this episode if it helped Subscribe and turn on notifications for weekly expert interviews and tutorials Share this video with someone dreaming of a career in drones and construction tech and drones!
0:00 --:--

ADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work?

Hosts
Drone U
Guests
Nathan
Keywords
photogrammetry drone building software development DJI drone systems American companies system integrators mechanical controls cost analysis
As a pilot what are my options for building and developing systems for my drone.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Drone U's Experience Training in June. Our first three Experience Training events sold out in less than a week; and it's time to take flight again! Our all-inclusive 5-day training paired with a 2-day competition will challenge you, inspire you, and prepare you.

In this unique training event, limited to no more than 10 participants, you will be immersed in an experienced-based learning environment. You'll take flight daily and often, and you'll master cutting-edge drone techniques along the way. You'll learn from experienced pilots who've been where you're trying to go; and you'll build repeatable systems to scale your business. Click HERE to book your seat today !!

On today's episode we discuss about how pilots can build robust drones for photogrammetry work and how pilots can develop softwares and systems for these drones. Our question for today is from Nathan who is looking for developing drones and systems for his projects, considering the constant threat in the drone industry about DJI's status.

Thanks for the question, Nathan. On the episode we discuss how DJI has set up the market with robust drones and cost effective solutions and how pilots can start off on developing drones. We talk about American companies and how they have structured themselves as system integrators to provide the industry with drone solutions. We discuss platforms, mechanical controls and cost involved to build these drones. We then delve into the software side of things and how pilots can build softwares for their drones and the platforms available.

Tune in today on this short information packed episode !!



5-Day Free Course: Thriving Drone Real Estate Business Transform your drone operations into a thriving real estate-focused business. Learn client management, pricing for profit, and creating high-value deliverables.

Grow My Drone Business

Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/.

If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832.

Click here for access to Skywatch for all your drone insurance purposes !

Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community.

Follow Us

Site – https://thedroneu.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneuADU 1382: Build my own drone to do photogrammetry work?

Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu

Timestamps:

[1:15] - Learn more about drone U experience training [2:42] - Question for today's episode on third party solutions for data processing and alternatives to DJI [4:14] - are there companies that can match the scale and pricing offered by DJI [5:51] - learn how American drones are currently built [7:24] - How pilots can build their own drones and drone systems [15:32] - how to build 3rd party software for drones and the steps and challenges involve

Ratings

Global:
4.4 rating 480 reviews

USA

4.4 ratings 418 reviews

Australia

4.5 ratings 28 reviews

UK

4.4 ratings 19 reviews

Canada

4.4 ratings 13 reviews

New Zealand

4.0 ratings 1 reviews

Singapore

5.0 ratings 1 reviews

Ireland

0.0 ratings 0 reviews

South Africa

0.0 ratings 0 reviews