Episodes

  • How to Ace the Private Pilot License Exam With These Top Study Tips
    Oct 24 2022
    Are you studying for the private pilot license exam? If so, you're in luck! In this blog post, we will share with you some of the best tips to help you ace the exam and some private pilot license study material. It can be tough to prepare for an important test like this, but with the right tools and strategies, you can make it happen. So let's get started! This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, Fly Alpha Zulu may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support! How to Ace the Private Pilot Written Exam with These Study Tips: https://www.letsflyaz.com/how-to-ace-the-private-pilot-license-exam-with-these-top-study-tips/Watch on Youtube (and leave a comment!): https://youtu.be/Ozja0i5x7LA Make a study schedule and stick to it Making a study schedule is a great way to help you stay on track with your studies. There are a few things you should keep in mind when making your schedule: - Make sure to allow enough time for each topic in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). You don't want to try to cram everything into one day and end up overwhelmed. - Build in some flexibility. Life happens, and there will be days when you just can't stick to your schedule. That's okay! Just try to make up the time later in the week. - Be realistic about how much time you can really study each day. If you know you're not a morning person, don't try to force yourself to wake up at 6 am to study. Find a time that works for you and stick to it. - Put your schedule somewhere you'll see it every day. A good spot might be on your fridge or next to your computer. - Set reminders on your phone or calendar so you don't forget when it's time to study. - Find a study buddy who can help hold you accountable. Knowing someone else is counting on you can be a great motivator! https://youtu.be/Ozja0i5x7LA Get plenty of rest and exercise; both help improve focus and concentration Get Plenty of Rest One of the best ways to improve your focus and concentration is to get plenty of rest. When you’re well-rested, your mind is better able to focus on the task at hand. Additionally, getting enough sleep helps to improve your mood and reduces stress, which can also help you to concentrate better. Exercise Regularly Exercise is also a great way to improve your focus and concentration. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve cognitive function. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects that can help you to feel more alert and focused. Take practice exams - the more you take, the better you'll perform on the real thing Get Familiar with the Format One of the best ways to prepare for the private pilot written exam is to get familiar with the format. This way, you'll know what to expect when you sit down to take the exam. Most practice exams will be in multiple-choice format, so it's important to understand how to answer these types of questions. Answer as Many Questions as Possible Another way to prepare for the private pilot written exam is to answer as many questions as possible. The more questions you answer, the better your chances of doing well on the exam. Additionally, try to answer questions from all different sections of the exam. This way, you can identify any areas that you need to focus on before taking the real thing. Use a variety of Private Pilot License study materials when studying, including textbooks, online materials, and videos Study Guides / Books  Books are a great resource when studying, as they provide comprehensive coverage of a topic. The FAA provides many resources to study free online. You can purchase printed copies as well. When selecting a book, make sure it is based on the current version of the ACS. Videos / Podcasts Videos and podcasts can be a great supplement to your other studies. They can provide another perspective on a topic and help to break up the monoto...
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    18 mins
  • Tips and Tricks for Financing Your Flight Training | Let’s Learn to Fly
    Oct 3 2022
    If you've ever dreamed of becoming a private pilot, you know that the cost of flight training can be prohibitive. But don't let the expense stop you from achieving your goal! In this episode of Let's Learn to Fly, we'll share some tips and tricks for financing your flight training. We'll also provide a few ideas on how to reduce the overall cost of your training. So if you're eager to start flying, let's go! Links mentioned in this episode: Aviation Scholarships https://www.flightscholarship.info/ 61 FAQs answered about getting your private pilot certificate https://www.letsflyaz.com/private-pilot-faqs-free-guide/ *DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial advisor and this is not financial advice. I am someone with many many years of experience in higher education and helping people pay for the education needed to make their dreams come true. I also have my own experience getting screwed over by a flight school and I want to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to you! https://youtu.be/hecD5JKZRgw Research your options for flight training  Do your research - there are many different schools and programs to choose fromConsider your budget - how much can you afford to spend on flight training?Make sure the school offers a variety of courses and programs, so you can find the right one for youAsk around - see if anyone you know has any recommendations for flight schoolsCheck out the school's website and review its policies and proceduresSchedule a tour of the school, so you can get a feel for it before making a decision Calculate the cost of flight training and factor in other associated costs  What is the cost of flight training and what factors influence the final priceHow much does each hour of instruction cost, on averageWhat are some common additional expenses associated with flight trainingPacing of your training will influence how long it takes and thus the cost Save up money to cover the cost of flight training  Calculate how much money you will need to cover the cost of flight trainingSave up this money over time, so it's not a burden on you financiallyMake a budget and stick to it so you can reach your goal quickerCut back on unnecessary expenses and put the extra money towards your savingsFind creative ways to make more money, such as taking on extra jobs or selling unwanted items Stay in control of your money, don't buy blocks of flight time upfront Only buy the flight time you need, so you don't waste moneyPay as you go, so you have more control over your financesBe mindful of how much flight time you're using, so you don't get caught off guard by the costDiscounts or payment plansDon't be afraid to negotiate with the flight school on the price of trainingDon't let flight schools walk away with your money Apply for scholarships or grants to help pay for flight training  There are many different scholarships and grants available to help pay for flight trainingDo your research to find the ones that you're eligible forApplying for scholarships can be time-consuming, but it's worth it if you can get free money for flight trainingBe sure to meet all the requirements and follow the instructions carefullyDon't wait until the last minute to apply for scholarships - start early! Get a job at a flight school to offset the cost of training either as a flight instructor or working in another capacity Some flight schools offer discounts or payment plans for employeesWorking at a flight school can also give you a chance to get flight time at a discounted rateIt can be a great way to gain experience in the aviation industryKeep in mind that you may have to work long hours, on weekends, or holidays Use a loan to finance your flight training  You may be able to get a loan from the government or a private lender to help finance your flight trainingMake sure you understand the terms and conditions of the loan before you sign anythingBe aware of the interest rate and how much it wil...
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    27 mins
  • Read VFR Sectional Charts Like a Pro (for drone pilots)
    Sep 30 2022
    Links mentioned in this episode:  How to use the FAA computer testing supplement Part 107 https://youtu.be/SXl6wq2p_PI  SkyVector: www.SkyVector.com  Understanding Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Remote Pilots: https://learn.letsflyaz.com/p/understanding-airspace-for-remote-pilots  Charts can be confusing, but they are your key to flying safely. Let's chat a bit about everything you need to know about reading and using sectional charts. Once you learn how to use charts, you’ll be able to fly with confidence – no matter where you go. You’ll know exactly what airspace is safe for your drone and exactly where you are going at all times. In this episode, we'll give you a crash course on how to read these charts so that you can pass your exam with flying colors! If you're looking to get your drone certificate, you'll need to be able to read VFR sectional charts. https://youtu.be/3ELnT4P9XfQ 1. What are VFR sectional charts?  VFR sectional charts are aeronautical charts that depict visual flight rules (VFR) navigation information for pilots in the United States.  2. How are they used?  Pilots use VFR sectional charts to plan flights at altitudes of less than 18,000 feet above sea level.  3. What information can be found on them?  You can find all sorts of useful information on VFR sectional charts, including but not limited to: airspace boundaries, airports, terrain features, radio frequencies, and navigational aids.  4. How do you read them? Now that we've answered some basic questions about VFR sectional charts, let's get into how to actually read them! Here are some tips: -Start by finding your location on the chart. You can do this by using landmarks or other reference points.  -Once you've located yourself on the chart, take note of the airspace boundaries and any restrictions that might apply to your flight.  -Familiarize yourself with the legend so that you can make sense of all the different symbols and markings on the chart. There are a lot of different symbols on the charts. You don't need to memorize these since they are included in the legend, but it's still a good idea to familiarize yourself with them. When you go take the exam, you will be given a testing supplement that has a legend in it. You can get a copy of the testing supplement before the exam so you know what to expect. I have a video that shows you exactly where to find it and how to read it. https://youtu.be/SXl6wq2p_PI How to use the FAA computer testing supplement Part 107 -Print up your area from SkyVector and use a highlighter or pencil to mark up your area with things you're familiar with. This will help you learn your particular area and become more familiar with the airspace around where you plan to fly. I hope that this podcast has helped you with everything you need to know about reading VFR sectional charts! Just remember to start by finding your location, taking note of any airspace boundaries and restrictions, familiarizing yourself with the legend, and marking your planned route. With these tips in mind, you'll be reading these charts like a pro in no time! If you're looking for a deeper dive in learning how to read charts, I would recommend checking out our online course, "Understanding Airspace and VFR Sectional Charts for Drone Pilots." In this course, I walk you through all the details of the National Airspace System and how to identify all the different classes of airspace on a VFR sectional chart. I also provide a ton of tips and tricks for flying safely in controlled airspace and give you a step-by-step process for requesting airspace authorizations. You can find the course at: https://learn.letsflyaz.com/p/understanding-airspace-for-remote-pilots  https://youtu.be/iHBP2CErozA
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    13 mins
  • Your Private Pilot Checkride: Everything You Need to Know
    Sep 27 2022
    Links mentioned in this episode:Your FAQs about getting your private pilot certificate answered: https://www.letsflyaz.com/private-pilot-faqs-free-guide/ Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide (Purchase on Amazon) https://amzn.to/3Ratqcd Your Private Pilot Checkride: Everything You Need to Know The private pilot checkride is an important milestone in becoming a private pilot. By understanding what to expect and preparing accordingly, you can increase your chances of success! So, you've completed your training and you're ready to take your private pilot checkride. Congratulations! This is a big accomplishment. But what is a checkride, exactly? And what can you expect on the day of your exam? What is a Checkride? A checkride is an examination that is required in order to earn a pilot's license. The examiner will be looking to see if the applicant has the skills and knowledge necessary to operate an aircraft safely. The check ride itself is divided into two parts: the oral exam and the flight test. The oral exam will test the applicant's knowledge of various airspace rules, flight planning, etc. The flight test will assess the applicant's actual flying skills. https://youtu.be/dIzGAVS-o7Y What to Expect on the Day of Your Checkride On the day of your checkride, it's important to arrive early and well-rested. The oral exam portion of the checkride can last anywhere from one to three hours, so you'll want to be fresh and alert for that. During the oral exam, the examiner will ask you questions about various topics related to flying an aircraft. They may also give you scenarios to test your decision-making skills. Be prepared for anything! After the oral exam is complete, it will be time for the flight test portion of the checkride. This will involve actually flying the aircraft with the examiner onboard. They will be assessing your takeoffs, landings, turns, etc. Again, be prepared for anything and stay calm throughout the process. Who administers a private pilot checkride? A private pilot checkride is administered by a designated pilot examiner (DPE). There are a few others who are authorized to conduct private pilot checkrides. Make sure you check with your flight school to see who they already have a good working relationship with. What are the objectives of a private pilot checkride? The first objective of a checkride is to ensure that the applicant demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to operate safely. This includes topics such as aircraft performance and limitations, airport operations, airspace rules and regulations, navigation, and weather. The applicant will be expected to show that they can apply this knowledge in order to make safe and efficient decisions during all phases of flight. The second objective of a checkride is to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for certification. In order to do this, the examiner will assess several factors such as aeronautical decision making, risk management, crew resource management, and communications. The applicant will also be expected to demonstrate their ability to cope with abnormal and emergency situations. The examiner will check to make sure you've met the eligibility requirements for the private pilot certificate. He/she will look for your solo hours, cross country hours, and other flight requirements. He/she will also look through your logbook for the appropriate endorsements. What are the areas that are typically covered during a private pilot checkride? A checkride is an examination, usually given by an FAA inspector, of a student pilot's flying skills and knowledge. The checkride covers all the areas that are required for the issuance of a private pilot certificate. We get this information from the Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) formerly called the Practical Test Standards (PTS). There is no set passing score for a private pilot checkride.
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    21 mins
  • Part 107 Commercial vs Recreational: How to Decide Which Drone Pilot License is Right for You
    Sep 19 2022
    Links mentioned in this episode: Getting started with drones in STEM education: https://www.letsflyaz.com/getting-started-with-drones-in-stem-education-discover-drones-podcast/ Free FAA Part 107 exam study guide: https://www.letsflyaz.com/free-faa-part-107-exam-study-guide/ Ultimate FAA Part 107 Exam Prep Course: https://learn.letsflyaz.com/p/faa-part-107-remote-pilot-exam-prep-course Are you interested in learning about the Part 107 commercial drone pilot license? The podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to become a licensed commercial drone pilot. It includes information on the eligibility requirements, written exam, and application process. After listening to this episode, you may be eager to start flying drones as part of your business or career! The good news is that it's not difficult to become a licensed pilot and there are many opportunities available once you have your certification. Listen to this podcast episode to learn everything you need to know about the Part 107 commercial drone pilot license Part 107 Commercial vs Recreational: How to Decide Which Drone Pilot License is Right for You In order to fly a drone for commercial purposes, you must have a Part 107 drone pilot license. However, if you're just flying for fun, you don't need a Part 107 certificate license as long as your drone is under 55 pounds (drones over 55 pounds fall under different regulations). So how do you decide which license is right for you? Here are some factors to consider: -Purpose of flying: If you're using your drone for commercial purposes, such as delivering packages or taking photos or videos for a business, then you need a Part 107 license. If you're just flying for fun, then you don't need a license. -Weight of drone: If your drone is less than .55 pounds (250 g), then you don't need a Part 107 license. If your drone is over 55 pounds, this falls under traditional aircraft regulations. So anything between .55 and 55 pounds will require a Part 107 certificate. -Location: If you want to fly your drone indoors, then you don't need a Part 107 license. So, which drone pilot license is right for you? It really depends on your flying goals and location. If you're just flying for fun, then you don't need a Part 107 license. However, if you're using your drone for commercial purposes, then you'll need a Part 107 license. Be sure to check the restrictions in your location before you fly. How Do I Know If I Need A Part 107 commercial drone license? The simple answer is that if you want to do any flying that is not recreational, then you need a Part 107 license. This includes any kind of work, such as: -Photography -Videography -Surveying -Mapping -Delivery -Inspection It is important to note that compensation does not need to exchange hands for it to be considered a commercial operation. So, if you plan on taking pictures or videos with your drone and then posting them online, that would be considered a commercial operation. The same goes for flying your drone as part of your job, such as surveying land for a construction company. Basically, if you're using your drone for any kind of business purpose, then you need a Part 107 license. There are some exceptions, such as flying your drone indoors or for some limited educational purposes. But in general, if you're not flying your drone commercially, then you need a Part 107 license. How Do I Get A Part 107 License? There are a few steps you need to take in order to get your Part 107 license. First, you need to be at least 14 years old and be able to read, speak, and write English. Next, you'll need to pass the FAA's written exam. Once you've passed all of these requirements, you'll be able to apply for your Part 107 license. What is a commercial drone license?  A commercial drone license, also called a Part 107 license, is a type of license that allows you to fly a drone for commerc...
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    22 mins
  • 10 Amazing Side-Hustles You can Start with Your Drone
    Sep 14 2022
    Links: Download your free FAA Part 107 Exam Study Guide https://www.letsflyaz.com/free-faa-part-107-exam-study-guide/ Link to episode: https://www.letsflyaz.com/10-amazing-side-hustles-you-can-start-with-your-drone/ 10 Amazing Side-Hustles You can Start with Your Drone Welcome to the official first episode of the Let's Learn to Fly podcast. This podcast was previously named Discover Drones. Since we're adding on other types of aircraft that you can learn to fly, that name didn't fit anymore. So we rebranded to Let's Learn to Fly. In this episode, we'll be discussing 10 amazing side-hustles that you can start with your drone. Whether you're hoping to make some extra cash on the weekends or want to start a full-fledged business, there's sure to be an opportunity here for you. You first need to purchase a drone suitable for what you want to do and pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam. Then, you need to find customers willing to pay for your services. You can start by marketing your services to friends and family, then move on to local businesses. Once you have some experience, you can start targeting larger businesses and organizations. Prices will vary depending on the type of service you provide, but you can typically charge anywhere from $50 to $250 per hour. https://youtu.be/TABOh25fPHU Side-Hustles You can Start with Your Drone Here are 10 amazing side-hustles you can start with your drone: Film aerial video footage of landscapes and nature: This is a great way to make use of your drone’s 4K camera and capture some stunning footage. You can sell this footage to stock video websites or create your own nature-themed YouTube channel.Capture unique aerial shots of weddings, graduations, and other celebrations: Drones are perfect for capturing aerial shots of special events. You can sell your services to event planners or individuals looking to add some unique photos and videos to their events.Help with search and rescue missions in difficult-to-reach places: Drones can be used to search for people who are lost in difficult terrain. You can work with local law enforcement or volunteer organizations to help with these missions.Help farmers survey crops and land for irrigation purposes: Farmers can use drones to survey their crops and land, helping them to plan for irrigation and other purposes. You can offer your services to farmers in your area.Use drones to inspect property or infrastructure for damage or defects: Drones can be used to inspect bridges, buildings, and other structures for damage or defects. You can work with engineering firms or government agencies to provide this service.Survey construction sites or damage after a natural disaster: Construction companies and insurance agencies can use drones to survey construction sites or damage after a natural disaster. You can offer your services to these businesses.Use drones as tools for research and data collection in difficult-to-reach places: Drones can be used to collect data in difficult-to-reach places, such as remote forests or mountains. You can work with research organizations to provide this service.Capture footage of sporting events or concerts: Drones can be used to capture unique footage of sporting events or concerts. You can sell your services to event planners or individuals looking to add some unique photos and videos to their events.Real estate photography: Drones can be used to take aerial photos and videos of properties for sale. You can work with real estate agents or individuals to provide this service.Start a drone light show: This is a relatively new business idea, but it’s one that is growing in popularity. You can use your drone to create unique light displays for parties and events. You can sell your services to event planners or individuals looking to add some extra flair to their events. These are just a few of the many side-hustles you can start with your drone. With some creativity and marketing,
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    11 mins
  • 11- We’re Back! And talking about drones in education at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, WI
    Jul 23 2022
    The podcast has been on a bit of a hiatus and I am excited to be back. Had a few changes happening, but let’s get back to the podcast! Discover drones is your go to resource for learning about drones, drones and business, emerging drone technology and drones in STEM education. I am Dr. Heather Monthie, an FAA certificated, flight instructor, commercial pilot, remote pilot and dedicated stem educator. Join us as we discover more about drone safety, urban Air Mobility, business and education. Let’s get started. FULL TRANSCRIPT:Hi there stranger. Welcome back to The Discover drones podcast. It has been just about two years since we have done an episode on this podcast. But I am back. And I think that what I wanted to do today is just reintroduce what we’re doing here with the podcast, and what we can expect going forward. So when I first started the Discover drones podcast, I started it, it was started out as a quarantine project in the summer of 2020. And the I usually attend the Oshkosh air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and it was canceled for the year. So I thought I’m gonna start a podcast about drones. And like many of us, we pick up projects, and they kind of get put out into the wayside when we get busy with other things. And I had a change in my career, I had a change in some other things. And so it kind of got put off to the wayside. And so I wanted to start up the podcast again. And I kind of thought I was gonna start up a separate podcast for educators who drone. And if you’re not familiar, or not a part of educators who drone it is a global community of parents and teachers and STEM education advocates and pilots who are interested in using drones in the classroom to teach children, young adults and even adults about different STEM education related topics. So things like coding, robotics, aerodynamics, weather, all that kind of fun stuff. So I had originally thought I was going to start a separate podcast for educators who join and I thought, no, let’s just put this all together with discovered drones. So what I’m going to do with this podcast, we’re still going to talk about drone related content, starting your own drone business, getting clients that kind of stuff, and figuring out what your niche is helping you pass the FAA part 107 exam, if you’re not in the US, providing you some resources to pass whatever exam is required in your country, all that kind of stuff. But there is a very, very, very distinct need for let’s talk a little bit more about how we can use drones in the classroom. And so when we talk about, you know, this concept of educators who drone these are going to be your people who are really interested in helping to teach the next generation the skills needed for the future of work, such as skills like problem solving, and creativity and computer science, robotics, engineering, aviation, cybersecurity, all the stuff that we’re seeing coming up in the future. And so what we’ll do is we’ll talk a little bit about so I’m what I’m going to do is I’m going to have separate like sort of sub episodes, where we’ll call it educators who drone. And this is where we’re going to talk about things about, like, how do we integrate drones into drones into the curriculum? How do we teach with drones, all that really, really good stuff. So let me re introduce myself, it’s been, you know, a little bit, if you just found this podcast, that’s great. You can go back there’s 10 episodes that we recorded in 2020 for the podcast. But the like I said, things have changed in my life. And I’m sure in yours as well. So but my background with aviation, computer science, education, has really all sort of come together with the, with drones. And I all growing up, I thought I was going to become an airline pilot, I was working on all of my pilot ratings, while I was going to school to get my degree in computer science. And for a few different reasons. My career as an airline pilot didn’t work out.
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Practical Tips for Implementing a Drone Program
    Aug 25 2020
    Review of the article “Practical Pedagogy for Embedding Drone Technology into a Business and Computing Curriculum” Download your free FAA Part 107 Exam Study Guide: https://www.letsflyaz.com/free-faa-part-107-exam-study-guide/ You can listen to the podcast or watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/Eot9MB1eWSg Links: Kuzma, J., Robinson, A., Dobson, K., & Law, J. (2018). Practical Pedagogy for Embedding Drone Technology into a Business and Computing Curriculum. Journal of Education and Human Development, 7(3), 1-9. Use of drones has expanded outside of military into business applications across multiple industries (Antanasov, 2006) European Commission performed an impact report and found that by 2025 drones will account for 10% of all air traffic (2015) The number of drone jobs in the US is set to exceed 100,000 by 2025 Pedagogical Approach to Drones in the Classroom As technology advances, the pedagogical approach needs to shift to include more technology-based competencies within curriculum Carnahan, et. al, (2016) find the inclusion of drones in curriculum improves student motivation and engagement (affiliate link) This allows for concrete examples of how STEM principles are applied Soft skills, or professional skills are valuable to employers. Things like teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills. Carnahan et al (2016) have created the SOAR model for drones in the classroom (affiliate link) this focuses on the student’s experience but follows research-based education on ethical, legal, and pragmatic uses of drone technology SOAR model (Carnahan, 2016) (affiliate link) S – safety and legal issues O – operations, flight maintenance, and trouble-shooting A – Active learning, engagement in solving problems R – Research, practical applications This model has been successful in K-12 application of drones and can be successful in other types of drone education and training Preliminary Assessment insurance company required a site risk assessment what drones will be flown safety plans site survey risk rating matrix activity and site specific location they conducted an assessment for every indoor and outdoor location where drone flights might occur used the gym and larger classrooms without expensive audio-visual equipment some outdoor sites were ruled out due to high voltage cables, CAA laws (UK) decided it was necessary to have a certificate pilot on grounds for any event such as seminars, research activities, etc decided it was necessary to train more staff to become certificated drone pilots “Module Development and Pedagical Approach” Idries et al (2015) mention technical and non-technical needs in drone operations, including business processes and project management must first address drones from the business application point of view, how is this going to be applied in business? project management, risk management, operations, and scheduling need to be reviewed practical, hands on flying experience Outcomes: “Display knowledge of the legal framework in which drones operate. Complete risk assessments and site surveys to industry standards. Demonstrate confidence in operating a drone safely. Successfully implement a practical project using drone technology. Discuss potential future applications for drone technology” (Kuzma, et al, 2018) Each one of these outcomes are aligned to one of the components in the SOAR model. Some examples of projects they gave are: Constructing a 3d model of a building using aerial footage Constructing an annotated panorama for use on social media or developing a video presentation of a property Capturing high quality video footage for use in a film drama Exploring the potential for drone delivery of small packages Using drone photography and panorama stitching to assemble an isometric map of a large area Using drones as an educational tool for primary school students would appeal to Education stud...
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    28 mins