Best Drone Launch Academy Podcasts (2025)

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YDQA: Ep 124- "How Will New Drone Policies Impact the Future of Agricultural Drones?" 20:31

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17d ago20:31

20:31

In this week’s episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Will Dawson, attorney and founder of the Agricultural Drone Initiative (ADI), to explore how new federal policies could shape the future of agricultural drone use in the U.S. Will shares his journey from growing up on a seven-generation farm in Virginia to…

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YDQA: Ep 123- "What’s the Difference Between OPUS and Trimble RTX for Drone Mapping?" 12:49

24d ago12:49

12:49

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered, brought to you by Drone Launch Academy! This week, we’re diving into a listener-suggested topic: GNSS post-processing services. If you’re flying mapping missions and need to establish accurate base station coordinates for your PPK (post-processed kinematic) workflow, services like OPUS and Trimble Cen…

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YDQA: Ep 122- "How Are Agricultural Spray Drones Transforming Farming?" 27:55

1M ago27:55

27:55

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Brandon Beal from Elevation Aerial Application to explore how UAV spraying drones are changing the future of agriculture. 🌱 Brandon shares his journey from aviation into agriculture, explains how drones like the DJI T40 opened up scalable opportunities for farm s…

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YDQA: Ep 121- "What Drone Repairs Can You Do Yourself?" 16:14

1M ago16:14

16:14

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with drone repair and FPV expert Wade Holbrook to explore the world of DIY repairs and custom builds. We cover: The easiest, most common drone repairs pilots can do themselves Must-have tools and parts to keep in your go bag for fieldwork How learning to solder can sa…

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YDQA: Ep 120- "When Do You Actually Need a Remote Pilot Certificate in the U.S.?" 8:47

2M ago8:47

8:47

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, Chris breaks down one of the most common sources of confusion for new drone operators: When do you really need a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA rules? Chris walks through: FAA registration requirements and how they compare to Transport Canada The role of intent in determining whether an operati…

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YDQA: Ep 119- "Do You Really Need Drone Insurance?" 13:44

2M ago13:44

13:44

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, Chris sits down with David Arnold from Bearing Insurance to break it all down from an agent’s perspective. David shares stories (including a drone nearly being shot out of the sky!), explains common exclusions in homeowners and commercial policies, and gives practical advice on how to protect yours…

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YDQA: Ep 118- "What Promising Trends Are Giving the Drone Industry Hope in 2025?" 23:18

2M ago23:18

23:18

In this week’s episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Benton Szejk from Wingtra to talk about where the drone industry is headed. With all the uncertainty around regulations, supply chains, tariffs, and evolving executive orders, many drone pilots and professionals are wondering: what’s next? Benton shares in…

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YDQA: Ep 117- "What’s Really Going On with DJI Drones in the US?" 13:02

2M ago13:02

13:02

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, Chris dives into the current state of play with DJI drones in the U.S. — from the impact of the 2025 NDAA to the inconsistent enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Drawing on years of experience in drone distribution, Chris shares behind-the-scenes insights on customs delays, shipme…

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YDQA: Ep 116- "How to Assess the Accuracy of Your Drone Mapping?" 29:45

3M ago29:45

29:45

In this episode, David teams up with licensed land surveyor and aerial mapping expert Michael Detwiler to break down how to assess the accuracy of your drone mapping projects—step by step. Using real-world data from two WingtraOne Gen II drone flights (including a park survey and an orange grove redevelopment), they review: -How to interpret accura…

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YDQA: Ep 115- "What are the Challenges of Using Drones for Natural Resource Work with Federal Agencies?" 23:16

3M ago23:16

23:16

In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove welcomes Troy Walton and Susan Cohen from the Carolina Drone Lab at UNC Chapel Hill to explore the complex realities of using drones for natural resources and environmental management. Topics include: Navigating drone regulations and approval chains on military bases Adapting to…

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YDQA: Ep 114- "Why Does Crew Resource Management Matter for Remote Pilots?" 16:26

3M ago16:26

16:26

How does Crew Resource Management (CRM) — a core aviation principle — apply to drone teams in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry? In this episode, host Chris Breedlove welcomes Aaron Varnau from WithersRavenel to explore the real-world application of CRM in daily drone operations. Aaron shares his journey from studying U…

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YDQA: Ep 113- "How Are Drones Used For Cutting-Edge Science?" 23:32

3M ago23:32

23:32

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove talks with Josh Matheson from Duke University’s Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab. They explore how affordable, off-the-shelf drones like the DJI Phantom and Mavic series are being used in groundbreaking science—from tracking elephant health in Zambia, to monitoring shark …

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YDQA: Ep 112- "How Do Sub-250g Drones Empower The Next Generation Of Spatial AI?" 21:50

4M ago21:50

21:50

Discover how lightweight drones like the DJI Mini series are revolutionizing spatial AI and creating unprecedented opportunities for drone pilots worldwide! 🎯 What You'll Learn: Why sub-250g drones are the secret weapon for urban mapping How Spexi's standardized drone network has captured 3.5+ million acres The regulatory advantages of micro drones…

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YDQA: Ep 111- " Are Ground Control Points Necessary for Public Safety Scene Documentation?" 21:21

4M ago21:21

21:21

Join host Chris Breedlove as he welcomes back Calvin Rikard, public safety specialist at Duncan -Parnell and former South Carolina Highway Patrol collision reconstruction expert, for a critical discussion about ground control points (GCPs) in drone surveying and documentation. What You'll Learn: ✅ The shocking reality of how inaccurate drone data c…

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YDQA: Ep 110- " How Are Drones Used To Conduct Bridge Inspections?" 21:58

4M ago21:58

21:58

Ever wondered how drones are transforming the way we inspect bridges? In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Dr. Joe Burgett from Clemson University to explore the role of drone technology in bridge inspection. What You'll Learn: ✅ Why bridge inspections are federally mandated and critical for public s…

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YDQA: Ep 109- " How Are Drones Used To Monitor the Coastal Environment?" 18:18

4M ago18:18

18:18

Join host Chris Breedlove as he explores how drones are revolutionizing coastal environmental monitoring in Maine with Will Kochitzky, Assistant Professor at the University of New England. Key Topics Covered: Centimeter-scale mapping accuracy for coastal change detection Pre and post-storm documentation for FEMA applications Maine's proactive sea l…

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YDQA: Ep 108- " What Do the New UAS Executive Orders Really Mean for Drone Pilots?" 21:10

5M ago21:10

21:10

Two major drone executive orders signed June 6th - here's what drone pilots need to know! Chris Breedlove & David Young break down "Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty" and "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" - including the big BVLOS timeline that could change everything. KEY POINTS: BVLOS operations: 30 days for proposed rules, 240 days fin…

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YDQA: Ep 107- " What Is the State of U.S. Drone Manufacturing? " 15:20

5M ago15:20

15:20

The US drone industry is facing its biggest challenge yet. Shipping delays have tripled, orders are becoming $90K gambles, and some overseas suppliers have stopped shipping to America entirely. If you're an FPV pilot, drone racer, or run educational drone programs, this affects YOU directly. 🔥 WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Why your drone orders a…

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YDQA: Ep 106- " Current BVLOS Status And Part 108 Impact?" 21:01

5M ago21:01

21:01

Welcome to another episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations with Kyle Miller, Director of Sales at Censys Technologies. Key Topics Covered: Definition and practical applications of BVLOS operations Census Technologies' approach to long-range drone missio…

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YDQA: Ep 105- " What Are Real-World Examples Of Complex Drone Operations And How Are Their Challenges Managed?" 19:39

5M ago19:39

19:39

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Matt Nanney from AECOM to explore real-world examples of complex drone operations and how to effectively manage their unique challenges. Matt shares valuable insights from his 16+ years of experience, covering a wide range of advanced drone missions—from post-hur…

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YDQA: Ep 104- " Recommended PC Specs for Mapping/3D Modeling" 8:43

5M ago8:43

8:43

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, Chris from Drone Launch Academy breaks down the key PC specifications you should consider for handling data-intensive photogrammetry and LiDAR processing tasks. Whether you’re using software like Pix4D, DJI Terra, Trimble Business Center, or LP360, this video highlights the general hardware require…

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YDQA: Ep 103- " What Are Best Practices For GCP Targets In Lidar And Photogrammetry Missions?" 19:16

6M ago19:16

19:16

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove welcomes Eric Harkins from Back Forty Aerial Solutions to discuss best practices for target placement in both LiDAR and photogrammetric drone mapping missions. Eric shares his extensive experience in aerial mapping and provides valuable insights on: The difference between gro…

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YDQA: Ep 102- " How Are Drones Being Used For Ocean Rescues?" 18:26

6M ago18:26

18:26

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions Answered," host Chris Breedlove interviews Shawn Barry from Oak Island about how drones are transforming ocean rescue operations. As Oak Island's full-time drone operator for public safety, Shawn shares groundbreaking insights on: How drones deploy personal flotation devices (PFDs) to distressed swimmers in …

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YDQA: Ep 101- "What RTK Correction Methods Are Used In Drone Mapping, and When Should Each Be Used?" 15:35

6M ago15:35

15:35

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," we tackle the question: What are the different RTK correction methods for drone mapping missions, and when should you use each one? We explore the differences between Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Process Kinematic (PPK) workflows, breaking down how these technologies improve GNSS accuracy f…

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YDQA: Ep 100- "How Are Drone Tethers Being Used?" 15:46

7M ago15:46

15:46

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions. Answered. In this episode, we're diving into the exciting world of tethered drones—how they're being used today and where they're headed in the future. We cover: What tethered drones are and how they differ from traditional UAVs Legal and regulatory considerations in the U.S. as of Q1 2025 The main benefits of …

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YDQA: Ep 99- "What Should You Buy To Do Drone Mapping?" 16:27

7M ago16:27

16:27

Welcome back to another episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered. Today we are answering the question 👉 "What equipment do I need to start drone mapping?" Or more specifically… "What drone should I buy for mapping?" In this episode, we cover: 🚁 Key drone features for mapping (automated missions, mechanical shutter, RTK/PPK compatibility) 🧠 What to…

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YDQA: Ep 98- "What Are The Best Safety Practices For Drone Pilots Near Airports? " 14:14

7M ago14:14

14:14

In this episode of "Your Drone Questions. Answered," host Chris Breedlove and special guest Hansel Brand discuss the essential best practices for drone pilots operating near airports. Learn about: The importance of communicating with airport managers Recommended safety distances from airports Understanding airport traffic patterns Using CTAF (Commo…

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YDQA: Ep 97- "How To Calculate Vertical Positional Accuracy Using the ASPRS 2024 Standards?" 8:46

8M ago8:46

8:46

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove provides a follow-up to last week's interview with Ravi Suneja about the ASPRS positional accuracy standards. Chris walks through a real-world example of calculating vertical positional accuracy using actual drone data from a community college campus. Learn how to: -Understand …

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YDQA: Ep 96- "What Industry Accuracy Standards Apply to Drone-Captured Mapping Products?" 17:09

8M ago17:09

17:09

🚁 Drone Mapping Standards Explained: What Every Aerial Mapper Needs to Know! In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove sits down with Ravi Soneja to dive deep into the critical world of industry accuracy standards for drone-derived mapping products. Key Highlights: Discover the latest 2024 ASPRS Positional Accuracy Sta…

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S7/EP 7 Jeremy Proctor of Central Texas Aerials 40:05

8M ago40:05

40:05

In this episode of the Drone to 1K Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Proctor, owner of Central Texas Aerials. Jeremy shares his remarkable journey of turning a therapeutic hobby into a thriving drone business that generated nearly $70K in revenue during his first full year. After being laid off from his corporate tech job in July 2023, Jeremy transf…

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YDQA: Ep 95- "What is Drone Soccer?" 16:54

8M ago16:54

16:54

Join host Chris Breedlove as he interviews Eric Richard from Drone Sports, Inc. to explore the fast-growing world of drone soccer - an action-packed, educational sport combining STEM skills with competitive gameplay! In this episode, you'll discover: What drone soccer is and how it's played (think Quidditch with drones!) How this innovative program…

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S7/EP 6 Michael Lilley of Wet Dog Drone Serivces 29:28

8M ago29:28

29:28

Join us for a conversation with Michael Lilley, founder of Wet Dog Drones, as he shares his journey from drone enthusiast to successful construction site documentation specialist. Michael reveals how he built a thriving drone business while working a full-time job in the construction industry. In this episode, Michael discusses: His unconventional …

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YDQA: Ep 94- "How Can Drones Be Used For Golf Course Spray Programs?" 14:46

8M ago14:46

14:46

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, host Chris Breedlove interviews Craig Haire from Neptune Turf Solutions and Aerial Drone Dynamics about the emerging use of spray drones for golf course maintenance. Craig shares his journey from golf course superintendent to specialized spray contractor, and discusses how drone technology is revol…

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YDQA: Ep 93- "How are Drones Used in Crash and Crime Scene Reconstruction?" 13:55

9M ago13:55

13:55

Join host Chris Breedlove and special guest Calvin Rikard, a veteran law enforcement officer with 17+ years of collision reconstruction experience, as they explore how drones are revolutionizing crash and crime scene documentation. In this episode, discover: -The evolution of crash scene documentation - from 100-foot measuring tapes to modern drone…

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S7/EP 5 Cody Retlich of Midwest Aerial Productions 31:06

9M ago31:06

31:06

In this episode of the Drone to 1K Podcast, host David Young talks with Cody Retlich about: Acquiring a drone service business (MKE Drones) for minimal upfront cost Growing revenue by 30% through strategic business acquisition Tips for new drone entrepreneurs on client acquisition Building a successful drone service business from scratch Key Insigh…

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YDQA: Ep 92- "What Compliance Requirements Apply to My Drone?" 17:59

9M ago17:59

17:59

Are you confused about drone compliance in the United States? In this episode of Drone Questions Answered, host Chris Breedlove breaks down the complex landscape of drone regulations, including: 🚁 Compliance Tiers for Drone Buyers: Hobbyist & Private Sector Options American-Made and Allied Country Drones NDAA Compliance DIU Blue List AUVSI Green Li…

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S7/EP 4 Jon Jeffress of Deep South Focus 34:11

9M ago34:11

34:11

In this episode, we dive into Jon Jeffress's incredible journey from weekend car show photographer to a successful real estate media production entrepreneur. Learn how he transformed his business, navigated the challenges of growth, and built a half-million-dollar company in Mobile, Alabama. 📸 What You'll Learn: How Jon pivoted from automotive to r…

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YDQA: Ep 91- "Is DJI Removing Geofencing Good or Bad for the Drone Industry?" 17:37

9M ago17:37

17:37

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered, we welcome Chris Breedlove, who will be taking over as the new host of the show! Chris brings over a decade of experience in geospatial technology and two years of specialized drone industry expertise. We dive deep into DJI's recent removal of geofencing restrictions - a significant change that's m…

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S7/EP 3 Brandon Beal of Elevation Aerial Application 49:13

9M ago49:13

49:13

Our guest for this episode is Brandon Beal of Elevation Aerial Application. 🚁 Highlights from this episode: Getting Started: Brandon came from a traditional aviation background working with helicopters before transitioning to drones in 2017. He moved to Virginia during COVID to pursue his dream of agricultural drone operations. The Business: Starti…

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S7/EP 2 Matt Nugent of Wing Walker Aerial Photography 43:13

9M ago43:13

43:13

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Nugent, founder of Wing Walker Aerial Photography in Seattle, who shares his journey from reluctant police drone operator to successful drone business owner. Matt reveals how he built a thriving side business generating $5,000+ monthly while maintaining his full-time career in law enforcement. Learn how Matt: …

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S7/EP 1 Chris Knipp of SkyMedia 423- From Church Pastor to $1,000 Drone Jobs 35:28

10M ago35:28

35:28

We're excited to announce that Season 7 Episode 1 of the Drone to $1K Podcast is out! Our guest for this episode is Chris Knipp of Sky Media 423. Highlights from this episode: Unexpected Beginning: Chris's drone journey started with a Mavic Mini purchase in late 2019 for his church's kids ministry during COVID, creating engaging online content by i…

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YDQA: Ep 90- "What’s Really Happening with Drone Sightings in New Jersey?" 9:35

10M ago9:35

9:35

Welcome to another episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered! In this video, David Young dives into the hot topic of mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey and New York that have captured the attention of media outlets, educators, and drone enthusiasts alike. We’ll explore: Theories about the sightings: hobbyist drones, law enforcement activities…

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YDQA: Ep 89- "DJI Drone Ban Update: What You Need to Know Now" 7:06

11M ago7:06

7:06

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered we are discussing the latest news on the DJI drone ban, also known as the Countering CCP Drones Act. David breaks down the recent updates from the FY 2025 NDAA, including Section 1709 and its potential impact on DJI drones. Learn what this means for drone sales, business planning, and the future of …