One of the most important rules in drone flight, yet also one of the most frequently violated, is the restriction to fly only within visual line of sight (VLOS). VLOS rules apply both to professional and recreational drone flight. However, we need to take a close look at Section 44809 to determine exactly how VLOS
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Just a few weeks ago, there were news reports of a man in Akron, Ohio getting his drone shot at by another man on the ground while flying over Lake Mohawk. Worse still, the shooter confronted the drone flight crew and physically assaulted them. Unfortunately, such events are no longer uncommon in the drone community.
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A drone crash is a pivotal moment for any drone pilot. It inevitably happens and serves as one of the best lessons that one could have about drone flight. Knowing your limits and recognizing that there is still much to learn are realizations that only become apparent once you have crashed your drone. Another lesson
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It has been a very active season for recreational drone pilots. Just recently, the FAA launched the TRUST test that drone pilots need to complete before they can fly recreationally. Those who wish to take the TRUST test can do so right here at Pilot Institute. The TRUST test is only one of the provisions
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Through the years, the FAA has developed a robust set of laws for drone flight. Right now, most drone pilots will qualify under the Part 107 rules for commercial drone flight or the Section 44809 exception for recreational users. However, there are still drone operations that fall beyond the scope of these two sets of
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France-based Parrot was one of the first brands to make a name in the consumer drone market. The original Parrot Anafi was one of the top contenders in the initial wave of ultra-portable drones and held its own against the Mavic Air and Mavic Mini. However, Parrot has placed more focus on their commercial lineup
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Recreational drone pilots are now required to take “The Recreational UAS Safety Test” or TRUST before they can start flying drones for fun. The objective of TRUST is to educate drone pilots about basic safety practices and aviation concepts. Hopefully, this will reduce the frequency of drone-related accidents. The TRUST test takes only about 30
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A part of telemetry data that is considered one of the most important to drone pilots is the altitude. Not only should altitude be monitored to make sure that you are complying with regulations, but it also plays a role in some data-gathering operations. You will also want to control the altitude if you’re flying
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Part of being a good drone pilot is understanding the aerodynamics of flight, particularly those that apply to multicopter aircraft. Knowledge of these phenomena may make the difference between recovering your drone safely or getting into a bad drone crash. One such phenomenon is called a vortex ring state. This is something that multicopters, including
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Stricter rules on drone flight may seem jarring for pilots who have been flying their drones for close to a decade, but the current climate created by increased accessibility to drones have made them necessary. Not only are drones normally restricted from flying in controlled airspace, but they must also stay away from crowded areas,
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