Have you ever thought about joining or starting a local drone racing club? Then you’re going to want to hear what today’s guest has to share.

Todd Wahl is a drone enthusiast and director of the Drone Racing Club in Atlanta. He’s been flying drones since 2005, helped form the Drone Racing Club and has been a actively involved in advancing the sport of drone racing.  On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Todd talks about drone racing clubs, how they provide the structure and framework to introduce and nurture drone piloting skills and how clubs, like the DRC in Atlanta, have a positive impact in the education, sports and commercial industry.

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s and app for that?”  Hang on to your seats, because you won’t believe what an app can do with a drone.

Pek PongPaet is the founder and managing partner of Impekable, a San Francisco Bay area full service digital studio specializing in mobile and web apps for a variety of technologies.  Some of their 100+ clients include Google, Motorola, HP and Twilio.  Earlier this year, Pek and his team demonstrated the use of Twilio’s API by developing a smart phone app that allows users to control a drone using a text chat room.  On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Pek talks about that demonstration, the role of mobile apps in the drone industry and how apps could enable a whole new frontier of consumer opportunities.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to call a great drone race?

We’re in for a real treat on this edition of the Drone Radio Show, as we hear from one of best drone race commentators in the world today.  Joe Skully is the race director and commentator for FPV Racing Events, a premier event company specializing in first person view race management and production.  With a background of Rodeo and Motorsport Announcing spanning 13 States and 4 Provinces, Scully brings engaging commentary, sound effects and action soundtracks together in a polished style that entertains, educates and informs everyone from first-time spectators to seasoned participants.  In this show, Joe talks about what makes a great drone racing event and what you should look for as a pilot or spectator when attending an FPV drone race. 

What do you when you see your drone tumble and fall out of the sky?

Michael Pick is the CEO and founder of SkyFallX, a start –up company specializing in intelligent parachute recovery systems for UAVs. Mike is a 23 year old graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a BS, in Computer Science and a Minor in Math. Prior to starting SkyFallx, he worked at the Naval Air Warfare Center in Orlando FL.  On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Mike talks about SkyFallX, how he got the idea of creating an autonomous parachute system for drones and what it’s like to build a new company from the ground up. If you’re interesting in hearing about a low cost product that could protect your investment in your drone or want to hear about the highs and lows of creating a start-up, then this podcast is for you.

Twenty years ago, the world was introduced to Fargo, North Dakota through the lens of the Coen Brothers in what has become one of the most iconic movies of all time.  When people hear the name Fargo, oftentimes, they’re first thoughts go to the movie, but as my guest reveals, there’s a lot more to Fargo than accents, woodchippers and ice scrapers, especially today.

Greg Tehven is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Emerging Prairie, an organization that connects and celebrates the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Fargo-Moorehead.  In recent years, Fargo has developed a reputation as a strong, drone start-up community, often described as the Silicon Valley for drones.  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Greg talks about Fargo’s drone culture, the role that Emerging Prairie plays in pushing entrepreneurial activity forward and how Fargo is redefining itself as a contemporary, hip, 21^st Century City.

On June 21, the FAA released the long awaited Part 107 rules for commercial drone operation.  As soon as it was release, there was a flood of questions on what it means and how should commercial drone operators proceed.  This week Jonathan Rupprecht, a noted aviation attorney talks about Part 107 and its potential impact on the drone industry.  The rule goes into effect in late August, and there’s still a lot of analysis that has to be made.  But Jonathan’s observations provide a good starting point on some key questions to explore before the rule takes effect.  For more information on Part 107, you can go to Jonathan’s website and read his blog series on Part 107 and sign up for his newsletter to stay informed.

Where can you go to grab some video of an elephant or two?

Our guest today will clue you in on this question and much more.

Mike Kirstein is a drone operator for Scout Aerial Media in Zimbabwe, Africa.  He's been flying drones for several years and is now running a successful UAV service company in Zimbabwe, Africa.  On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Mike talks about Scout Aerial Media in Zimbabwe, how he got started in the commercial drone business, what it’s like to run a drone business in Africa and some of the interesting work he’s done so far.   

Are you ready when Part 107 goes into effect?

If not, then you’re going to want to listen closely to what today’s guest has to say.  Time Trott is a Certified Instructor for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducting training in various aspects of UAS operation. Tim qualified online to take and pass the FAA written Sport Pilot test, followed by the Fundamentals of Instruction. He has a Section 333 exemption and has authored two books – "The Droner’s Guide from Beginning to Professional" and a study guide, called "UAS Operations: Preparing to Meet the Anticipated FAA Knowledge Test Requirements for UAS Operator and/or Pilot UAS Rating".  On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Tim talks about his study guide and a video course that will help drone pilots and operators prepare of the requirements of Part 107.

Do you want to know the secret to building a successful, long-lasting drone based business?  

Wendell Adkins is the founder of Perfect Perspectives; a leading close range unmanned aerial service company.  Wendell has been flying unmanned vehicles for years, stretching back to his childhood with RC aircraft.  He is one of the world’s top ranked, paid, professional RC competition pilots, including winning an FAI World Championship with Team USA in 1993.  He has also consulted as a drone test pilot for both General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman.

In 2005, he turned his hobby into a business by creating Perfect Perspectives which deliver’s high quality video content.  A few years later, he created the Drones for Work division which specializes in inspections of industrial and electrical infrastructure.  In an industry that has grown so fast in the past few years, rarely do we get an opportunity to hear from someone that has as much business experience as Wendell.  On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Wendell talks about his video and infrastructure divisions, the lessons learned over the past 11 years, and how we, too, can build and sustain a successful drone based business.

Are you ready for Drone Nationals?

Whether you know what that means or not, you’re going to enjoy hearing from today’s guest as we get ready for the summer’s biggest drone racing event.

Scot Refsland is the Chairman of the International Drone Racing Association and RotorSports Media.  The IDRA is a leading drone racing organization, having created the California Cup and hosted the World Drone Prix in Dubai, while RotorSports is the company behind Drone Nationals and Drone Worlds.  In 2015, the two companies joined forces to create a leading powerhouse, capable of promoting drone racing to an international audience.  Earlier this year, IDRA, announced it had signed a multi-year, international media distribution deal with ESPN, bringing the new sport of drone racing to the worldwide leader in sports. On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Scott talks about the Drone Nationals and Drone World’s racing events and how the deal with ESPN represents a major shift forward for the sport of drone racing and for all drone racing fans.

Today, we’re talking about the exciting world of flight logbooks. 

On the surface, there’s nothing exciting about logging data, but what if there was a way where all of that mundane work could be automated and all you have to do is show up and fly.  It may not be that simple, but as today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show points out, there is now a platform that could make your drone administration and FAA compliance a whole lot easier.

Eric Kubicka is a Sen­ior Partner of Drone Logbook, a software company that provides a cloud based platform to manage flights, documentation, incidents, maintenance and inventory. Their system enables commercial UAV companies to comply with regulatory requirements and manage operations.  He’s here to talk about Drone Logbook, the ways in which the platform can streamline the compliance process and how the UAV administrators can better manage their service.

Before we hear from Eric, Tim Trott, a commercial pilot and drone pilot and a certified instructor gives us a pilot’s perspective of why drone logbooks are important.  Tim has authored two books, “The Droner’s Guide: From Beginner to Professional” and “UAS Operations:  Preparing to meet the anticipated FAA knowledge test requirements for UAS Operations and/or Pilot UAS Rating”.  

On May 2-5, the Association of Unmanned Vehicles Systems (AUVSI) sponsored, Xponential 2016, the world’s largest the largest commercial UAS trade show in the world.  This year’s show, held in New Orleans, featured more than 600 exhibitors and was attended by more than 6,000 people. 

On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, we travel to the main expo hall to hear some of the major announcements made during the show, learn about new products, explore the economic opportunities created by the technology and we’ll celebrate the 50th show of the Drone Radio Show podcast.

Looking for the WOW Factor when promoting your message?

Imagine you’re sitting at an outdoor event and you’re ready to pop the big question to your fiancée.  You see a drone in the distance, approaching the event.  The drone nears, slows and moves into your direction.  It hovers above you and your loved one.  The crowd stares up.  You enter a code into your phone.  The drone lights up and projects an image of you and your fiancée onto a large screen with the message, “Will You Marry Me?”.  The crowd bursts into cheers and applause, your fiancée melts into your arms and the drone flies away.  That’s a Wow experience.

James Ashley is the CEO and Founder of Green Drone advertising, a guerrilla advertising agency specializing in green marketing that uses drones and other technology in a creative way to gain exposure for clients.  On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, he talks about Green Drone, sustainable advertising, and how drone technology can be used to create a message that Wow’s customers and friends.

Do you think you can design a drone?

Airbus Group and Local Motors have teamed up to issue a design challenge to the public: help create a drone that will delivery urgent medical and emergency supplies to remote, hard-to-reach areas. Win the challenge and the winners will receive $50,000 and a trip to the Farnborough Airshow in England.

In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Alex Palmer and Matt Jackson of Local Motors talk about the Airbus Cargo Drone Challenge, how you can enter and compete for the $50,000 prize and the innovative co-creating process used to accelerate product design. If you’re an engineer, designer or someone that loves the creative process, then you’ll going to like this story.

I attended the April 11-14 Drone Dealer Expo, a 3-day event for drone dealers, held in Orlando, Florida. The event brought together drone manufactures, distributors, dealers and resellers to learn about new products and selling opportunities.  In this podcast, I provide a summary of the first day’s activities, which focused on what dealer’s should know about the marketplace, a regulatory update and some marketing opportunities.

Do you want to be a Commercial Drone Videographer?

Then you’re going to want to listen close to what today’s guest on the Drone Radio Showhas to say

John Deans has spent more than three decades in the IT industry and has alst been a private pilot. In 1999 he founded a rural computer consulting business. In 2014, he decided to merge his technology skills with his love for flying and launched his new business, Central Texas Drones. Now, after achieving success as a videographer, John has written a book, called “Become a U.S. Commercial Drone Pilot." On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, John talks about his book, how he developed a successful aerial videography business and how drones can make us money too.

On May 2, more than 8,000 drone industry leaders will converge in New Orleans for Xponential 2016, the #1 show for the unmanned systems market.  The show will feature more than 180 speakers, 335 educational sessions and 25 focused tracks to ensure you’ll find cutting-edge education on the topics you consider the highest priority.  In this edition of the Drone Radio Show, rian Wynne, President and CEO of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International talks about Xponential 2016 and why we should be at this year’s show.

How much do you really know about the drone industry?

For many of us who have only been in the industry for a few years, that answer is all too often … not a whole lot.  Fortunately, there are individuals that have been working with unmanned systems for years. The historical perspectives and knowledge that these individuals have is extremely valuable, particularly to anyone thinking about creating a drone based business.

Today's guest on the Drone Radio Show is Patrick Egan, the editor of the Americas Desk at sUAS News and host and Executive Producer of sUAS News Podcast Series, Drone TV and the Small Unmanned Systems Business Expo.  His field experience includes assignments with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Battle Lab investigating solutions on future warfare research projects. He was Instructor for LTA (Lighter Than Air) ISR systems deployment teams for a OSD, U.S. Special Operations Command, Special Surveillance Project.  He has built and operated commercial RPA prior to 2007 FAA policy clarification. On the airspace integration side, he serves as director of special programs for the RCAPA (Remote Control Aerial Photography Association) and has collaborated with a variety of industry groups and the FAA on a variety of airspace integration issues.  In this podcast, Patrick takes us on a deeper dive of the drone regulatory issues, exploring some of the issues that don’t always make on the web or in the news stories.

What's it like to fly a racing drone?

Another in a series of podcasts on drone racing, this episode looks at it from the perspective of the pilot.

Paul Baur is a UAS Consultant and a competitive drone pilot.  He’s been racing for more than a year, competing in organized drone races in the United States and Canada.  On this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Paul talks about how he got started with drone racing, the advantages of having sponsors, what it’s like to race a drone competitively and what it takes to stay on top in this rapidly growing sport.  If you have dreams of serious drone racing, then you’re going to want to hear what Paul has to say. 

This is a special, bonus edition of the Drone Radio Show.  Recently, I interviewed Patrick Egan of the sUAS News about drones and some regulatory challenges.  This interview will air in the coming weeks.  But near the end of our conversation, Patrick talked about an upcoming Small Unmanned Systems Business Expo, or the SUSB Expo.  This will be a great forum to learn about drone business opportunities and to meet some of the leaders in the industry.

In this bonus edition of the Drone Radio Show podcast, Patrick tells us what the expo is about and why you should attend.

Is Drone Racing ready for Live TV?

If you ask today’s guest, he’d say he’s doing everything possible to make it happen.

Chris Toombs is founder and technology manager at FPVLive.TV, a start-up company specializing in live streaming of drone races. On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Chris talks about FPVLive.TV and the services it offers to local race organizers.

Over the past few months, Drone Racing has emerged as a legitimate business. In fact, it’s getting big enough to spin-off sub-industries. And one of those opportunities is live streaming of drone races. If we follow the path of other new sports, it won’t be long before drone racing pops up on our weekend TV screens. So today, not only are we hearing about an exciting drone application, this could be the start of a competitive new industry.

Want to help scientist monitor the impacts of climate change?

If you’re in California, then you have a unique opportunity to do just that. Kirk Klausmeyer, a senior conservation analyst with the Nature Conservancy in California. He’s leading a citizen-scientist initiative using cell phones and drones to document California’s coastal flooding conditions. The ultimate objective is to measure the impacts of climate change and sea level rise and develop measures to reduce future impacts.  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Kirk talks about the Nature Conservancy, the Phone and Drones Program and other technology applications helping planners monitor climate change.

This is a special bonus edition of the Drone Radio Show podcast to highlight a unique drone racing event that is occurring as this podcast airs. Halfway across the world, more than 100 drone racing teams from all over the world are competing in the first World Drone Prix race in Dubai. Thirty-two qualifying teams will compete for the global champion’s purse of total prizes of one million dollars – the biggest purse of its kind to date.

In this episode, we hear from Omar Al Olama, Secretary General of the World Organization of Racing Drones in Dubai, who will tell us about the Drone Grand Prix and how drone racing is about to become a new world racing spectacle.

Are you ready to race your drone?

Then you’re going to like what today’s guest on the Drone Radio Show has to say, because chances are, he may soon be responsible for creating a drone race club in your community.

Chris Thomas is the founder of MultiGP, a grassroots racing organization with a mission to make FPV multirotor racing a real sport. With nearly 300 active chapters worldwide, MultiGP provides the rules, equipment, and software for FPV racing. He’s here to talk about the MultiGP League, why it’s different from other drone racing formats and how we can be a part of one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

How are we integrating UAS into the National Air Space?

In 2014, after a rigorous 10-month selection process involving 25 proposals from 24 states, the Federal Aviation Administration selected six UAS research and test sites across the country. One of those test sites is the Mid Atlantic Aviation Partnership, or MAAP for short, and includes the States of Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey.  Research in the three states will include a variety of activities designed to facilitate the integration of UAS into the national airspace.

Rose Mooney, the Executive Director of MAAP, did her graduate work at Liberty University and is a former Director of UAS Airspace Integration at AAI/Textron. She was also the Vice President of Archangel Aero and the President of the Unmanned National Industry Team which represented the UAS in the US and Internationally.  On this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Rose talks about the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership and how their research is helping to integrate UAS into the national air space.