FPV Drone Reviewers, Author at FPV Drone Reviews

Drone Technology: What’s Next for Major Drone Companies?

June 9, 2020 By FPV Drone Reviewers Leave a Comment

Are you an avid drone enthusiast, always curious regarding the latest trends and developments in the industry?

Have you ever wondered what the future has in store for unmanned aerial vehicles as drone technology makes more advances than ever before?

The drone market is fascinating to be sure, steeped in an industry that prides itself on innovative, multi-functional technology. For a detailed look at the drone market of today, drone technology trends, and the future outlook of the industry, keep reading.

Drone Market Overview

Key Facts

Once upon a time, drone technology was misunderstood by the masses, who imagined aerial vehicles constantly swarming about as an invasion of privacy. Not only that, but both commercial and recreational drone pilots had expectations for drone usage above and beyond the realm of reality. This created a host of frustrated users who did not fully understand if what they were demanding from their drones was possible or not.

The good thing is, this conflict has died down considerably, making it much easier to look at the drone market and determine where it is going. One major development in the drone market is significant improvements in software. Key market players have invested in advanced software too.

Drone companies recognized that it was not just the drones that appealed to pilots, but their innate function to harvest data for commercial and recreational purposes. As a result, there has been a substantial rise in strategic partnerships in the market, as bare bones drone hardware does not meet the mark for most users. Drone companies identified this gap and bridged it by working alongside other industry players to create comprehensive drone offerings.

Major Manufacturers

Quite a few mergers and acquisitions have taken place to meet the demands of drone technology and form these strategic partnerships. Companies like Agribotix, PrecisionHawk, and 3DR are not focusing on hardware any longer and instead have moved on to software.

This is partly because DJI has becoming the leader in drone hardware. Not only that, but 3DR openly admitted that their competitor’s pricing options was the primary factor behind their $100 million hardware collapse.

Specialization has been a huge trend among manufacturers in areas like safety and security, delivery systems, and agriculture. As manufacturers carve out their own niche, they are better able to beat the competition with advanced offerings like lighter-than-air, VTOL fixed-wing, and fixed-wing capabilities.

The Autonomous Air Taxi industry has made tremendous strides, particularly as there is substantial monetary backing in this sector. Major manufacturers are vying for the best hardware and top spot. Two key examples of this are Boeing’s acquisition of Aurora Flight and Geely’s acquisition of Terrafugia.

Other companies have altered their game plan from one type of drone to another, such as Ehang’s transition from recreational drones to Autonomous Air Taxis. In both the recreational market, selfie drones and drone racing events are still the main attraction.

Quite a few manufacturers have found it difficult to keep up with user demands. Parrot found it difficult to meet with the changing times, so Bebop became a leader in commercial drone usage. Lily also did not meet the mark, bringing Mota Group to the forefront of the consumer market. Even DreamQii was forced to send out refunds when their PlexiDrone failed users.

Software Changes and Developments

Drone technology has experienced significant software changes and developments as of late. Inspection software has come to the forefront with features like pattern recognition. The strategic partnerships that have been created by leading companies create a cumulative solution to drone user needs rather than just elements of the puzzle.

API’s and other techniques that let drone data integrate into established systems has been a huge stride for the industry and is growing all the time. Aerial Data Providers have brought aerial acquired data to new heights with satellite controlled virtual platforms.

Strategic partnerships to enhance software development approaches have crossed national and international borders. For instance, Airmap and Skyward were the first to offer LAANC accreditation.

Service Operations

Service operations in drone technology have also come a long way. Zipline and Matternet are just a handful of the numerous companies using drones to transport medical supplies throughout Europe and Africa. Drone warehousing has become the latest development on the scene.

Drone entertainment is another service that has reached untold popularity and demand, both for indoor and outdoor enjoyment.

Drone Technology Trends

Co-Piloting Functionalities

Drone technology is advancing ever onward towards the future, but there are key trends that bear mentioning for any aerial vehicle enthusiast. Co-piloting functionalities have become the innovative solution for drone operation, making flight time seamless and efficient.

Co-piloting capabilities have put software in the driver’s seat rather than drone users themselves. This makes filming or any other drone use much easier because you do not have to put all your focus on flying the drone.

There are a couple different co-pilot systems in the works that have been reported to take this functionality to the next level, where you do not have to think about flying the drone at all. This allows you more room to focus on any other aspect of drone usage you require.

Drone Camera Improvements

One major drone technology trend is improvements to drone camera software. The goal is to create software with a built-in camera that identifies surrounding obstacles or objects that could impede or damage the drone while in operation.

This would be a step up from current drones that have some sensory capabilities, but only in a very limited capacity. Many drone manufacturers are interesting in making drones more autonomous and independent from users by enhancing this camera functionality.

New Technological Advances

The small Panoptes Ebumper 4 drone that uses sonar to identify outside hazards and obstacles can now circumvent these impediments altogether, all without involving the pilot. Another drone technology update in the works is a drone guiding system using infra-red sensors and receivers. Supposedly, it would let the drone view its environment and avoid any obstacles of its own volition, provided it was not being operated at too high a speed.

One exciting drone technology improvement is current manufacturers’ efforts to change the way pilots can use the drone camera while the aerial vehicle is in flight. If this technology makes it all the way, you will have plenty of other options besides adjusting your camera face or changing gimbal settings.

Companies enhancing their drone technology are working to make every aspect of drone operation more streamlined and efficient for users. They want to improve lighting, lens settings, and filters, along with recording and bitrate, all with a few calibrations on your controller or tablet.

Additional Hardware Components

A common gripe for drone pilots is the massive hardware restrictions placed on them. Things like power issues and insufficient battery life are a few of the biggest ones, but there are plenty others.

The best drone models on the market still feature drone technology that only allows 20 to 25 minutes of flight for every battery. So, whenever you take your drone out, you are probably used to bringing at least one additional charged battery, if not more. If you take videos and images on your drone, the battery life is drained much faster.

Well, drone companies are trying to change things up with various battery solutions. They are also trying to manufacturer a large battery with a longer rate of usage. One of the most recent developments on this front in drone technology was Sunlight Photonic’s announcement they would sell a new, solar powered drone.

The modding sector has helped make improvements with battery and power issues, creating various drone shortcuts for underpowered vehicles that could lengthen the battery by anywhere from 70 to 80 percent.

Future Outlook

Hobby Drones

What does the future look like for drones? With the latest developments in drone technology, hobby drones are racing to the front of the line. There are over 1.1 million hobby drones in the USA alone, while the Federal Aviation Administration expects the number will increase to 2.4 million by the year 2022.

The one major uncertainty is whether pilots will keep being enthused about the hobby. Researchers have projected that the range of interested pilots could be as low as 2 million or as inflated as 3.2 million, but time will tell how accurate those numbers really are.

Bestseller No. 1

DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo – Ultralight Foldable Drone, 3-Axis Gimbal...

【PACK LIGHT, FLY FREE】: at less than 249 g, it weighs about as much as an apple and fits in the palm of your hand....
【3-AXIS GIMBAL WITH 4K CAMERA】: a 12mp camera in the sky delivers content guaranteed to impress. along with 4k/30fps...
【OCUSYNC 2.0 VIDEO TRANSMISSION】: mini 2 supports up to 10km of hd video transmission and has excellent...

Bestseller No. 2

Holy Stone HS450 Mini Drone, Hand Operated and Remote Control Nano...

Smart control: Gently toss HS450 to get it start, using your hands to make the drone go up and down or side; OR simply...
Safe and durable drone: Feature with 360 infrared sensors to avoid obstacles; Design with full protective shell, keep...
Fun to play: HS450 can perform 3D flips, circle flying and high speed rolling, make the flying more attractive and...

Commercial Drones

With commercial drones and advances in drone technology, there are upwards of 80,000 certified remote pilots. By 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration projects that there will be 301,000 commercial pilots in the sky.

With such a jump in numbers, there will be a greater demand for larger, better developed aerial vehicles with fewer inconsistencies and more features like complete co-piloting and advanced camera sensory technology. That said, the Federal Aviation Administration thinks there will be as few as 452,000 and as many as 718,000 registered drones by 2022.

Bestseller No. 1

Mavic 2 Pro | Zoom Drone - FAA Drone Identification Bundle - Labels (3...

You get 3 sets of 3 Labels, 1 FAA ID Card, 1 Lanyard, 1 Clip-on, 1 Clear Plastic Card Holder + 6 battery labels
Credit card sized FAA ID Card, printed on both sides, duplicates email sent by FAA
ID card is made of 30 mil PVC for maximum durability

Bestseller No. 2

Autel Robotics EVO Drone - FAA ID Bundle - Labels (3 Sets of 3) + FAA...

You get 3 sets of 3 Labels + 1 FAA ID Card for Commercial Pilots
Credit card sized FAA ID Card, printed on both sides, duplicates email sent by FAA
ID card is made of 30 mil PVC for maximum durability

Conclusion

Drone technology is showing us every day that the potential for advancements and astounding features is limitless. With more and more drones taking to the sky, drone companies will have to work hard to continue to meet user demands. However, with drone technology like enhanced battery life, pilot-independent obstacle avoidance, and infrared sensors coming to the forefront, they are more than up to the challenge.

Hexacopter Drones – What Are The Edge Of This Drone From Other Drone Brands?

May 1, 2020 By FPV Drone Reviewers Leave a Comment

A lot has been said about drones, and while much of it is true, it has barely scratched the surface when it comes to expounding on the potential benefits and technological advancements.

For instance, the hexacopter was born out of efforts to improve stability and increase the payload. It is also progressively taking over the drone market with its neat and versatile features.

By looking at the number of options in the market, it is quite clear that choosing a hexacopter is not an easy task. For example, some brands may skimp on quality in favor of a low price. Further, with other brands, you could end up with an overpriced item.

In this review, we look at different types of hexacopter drones to make it easy for you to choose the best.

Hexacopter Drones FAQs

It is hard to find information that speaks to you when looking for the best hexacopter. Sometimes all you need is a simple guide and not a degree in drones. Here are some frequently asked questions, minus the tech jargon, to break down the essential bits.

1. What Is a Hexacopter?

In the eyes of many people, there is not much difference in drones. However, there are stark differences in how they work. The most common drone is the quadcopter, running on 4 propellers. On the other hand, a hexacopter drone runs on 6 propellers.

2. What Does a Hexacopter Do?

Drones have become extremely useful in various fields. They have been used to make blockbuster movies and scout around hostile grounds. However, a hexacopter can also be used for recreational sports.

3. How Does a Hexacopter Work?

Hexacopters consist of speed controllers, a flight controller, a power distribution board, a power source, and motor. The flight controller controls every activity of the drone. Furthermore, other sensors are available to ensure that the drone remains stable while the electronic speed controllers control the spinning of the motors.

4. Where Can You Buy it/Them?

You can find a hexacopter that falls within your budget from an online store like Amazon.

5. How Do I Pick the Right One?

Not only should the price be right, but it should also look right, fly right, and meet your needs. If you are new to flying, do you need all those features? And can you afford them? If you are a professional, you need to know whether the features will help you deliver your best work.

How We Reviewed

Different aspects control how a hexacopter performs. This review focused on some of the elements that distinguish different types of hexacopter brands such as the price, flight duration, and overall features. Then, we also looked at the pros and cons of each product. That was all to ensure that you find it simple to make an informed decision.

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

A hexacopter with a low price will always lack some of the most impressive features. The price of premium models is very costly. So, a higher price, assures you a drone featuring the latest flying technologies and quality construction.

What We Reviewed

Here is a list of the best hexacopter drones we reviewed.

Preview	Product
	WLtoys V323 2.4GHz 4CH 6 Axis Large Gyro RC Quadcopter Drone	Buy on Amazon
	MJX X600 X-SERIES [RX Aerio Exclusive] 2.4GHz 4 Channel 6 Axis RC...	Buy on Amazon
	UDI RC U845 Voyager UFO RC Drone with 720P HD Camera RC Quadcopter for...	Buy on Amazon
	MJX X800 2.4G RC Quadcopter Drone Hexacopter 4 Channel 6 Axis with 3D...	Buy on Amazon
	Walkera TALI H500 RTF1 FPV RC Drone Hexacopter with G-3D Brushless...	Buy on Amazon
	DJI Spreading Wings S900 Professional Hexacopter with DJI A2 Flight...	Buy on Amazon
	DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter with Remote Controller	Buy on Amazon
	YUNEEC YUNH920US Drone Tornado H920 Hexa-Copter with ST24 Transmitter,...	Buy on Amazon
	Yuneec Typhoon H Pro Bundle - Ultra High Definition 4K Collision...	Buy on Amazon

No products found.

Features

The Top Race hexacopter is one of the cheapest drones that you will find. It is uniquely designed to look like an object from outer space. The only thing that the drone can do beyond the ordinary is the 3D flip. It charges from a USB port and comes with a non-detachable battery.

Pros

No assembly needed
Great for kids and beginners
Quick charge times
Extremely affordable

Cons

Very basic design
Some parts are too flimsy

Wltoys Gyro RC Quadcopter Drone

WLtoys V323 2.4GHz 4CH 6 Axis Large Gyro RC Quadcopter Drone

Features

The Wltoys V323 is a great option for anyone learning the basics of flying a camera drone. The included camera is a little underwhelming, but you can switch it with a better one. You will find all the parts already put together so you can fly your drone immediately.

The design can make it hard to differentiate the front from the back while in flight. However, switching on an LED light will guide you in the dark.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to transport
Good flight stability
Guiding lights in low light situations
Removable camera
Great stabilization

Cons

The image quality on the camera is bad
No gimbal included
Not suited for pro flyers

MJX X600 X-SERIES RC Remote Control Hexacopter

MJX X600 X-SERIES [RX Aerio Exclusive] 2.4GHz 4 Channel 6 Axis RC...

Product size: 38.5*42.5*6cm. Charging time is about 90-120 minutes while flight duration is about 7-9 minutes.
4 channels function provide stable flying and easy operation.
6-axis gyro with posture control - Integrated design guarantee the precise positioning of the aircraft. Strong wind and...

Features

The X600 will let you do a few flying tricks such as the round flip. For a low budget drone, you should not be surprised to find a few advanced features like the return home button. It also includes the headless mode to help with orientation. The remote control will give you 125 meters of coverage.

It is an excellent choice for those who are still trying to figure out what to do with a drone. The controller comes with easy-to-use controls.

Pros

Ideal for beginners
Removable battery
Budget price

Cons

No camera included
Limited flying time

UDI RC U845 Voyager UFO RC Drone

UDI RC U845 Voyager UFO RC Drone with 720P HD Camera RC Quadcopter for...

720P HD Camera - Equipped with 2MP HD camera that takes high quality photos and videos. Video DPI is 1280x720P/30FPS and...
UFO Design - Adopts UFO design which also keep performs as highly as other drones, offers more protection to the blades...
Headless Mode - In headless mode, there is no need to worry about the directions of the drone during flight, makes the...

Features

The U845 Voyager is probably the only real UFO drone going by the flying saucer design. It is equipped with 6 propellers for extra stability. It comes with an HD camera rated at 720 pixels and WiFi connectivity for image transmission.

The price is a good steal considering some of the cool features like the camera, return home function, and the headless mode. Newbies will love the drone while professionals can use it as an emergency substitute.

Pros

Works with mobile apps
HD camera included
Affordably priced
Stylish design

Cons

Limited transmission range
Very long charging period

MJX X800 Quadcopter Drone Hexacopter

MJX X800 2.4G RC Quadcopter Drone Hexacopter 4 Channel 6 Axis with 3D...

Features

The X800 can do 3D stunts, run at three different speeds, and respond to orientation. The controller uses radio technology to communicate with the drone at the 2.4 GHz frequency. It is not built for heavy lifting even though you can mount a small WiFi camera. The toy-like controls make it easy to operate.

Pros

Long-range control
LED guide lights
Beginner’s gravity mode assistance
Lightweight and portable

Cons

Limited controls
The small size limits outdoor use

Walkera H500 Carbon Edition Ready to Fly Hexacopter

Walkera TALI H500 RTF1 FPV RC Drone Hexacopter with G-3D Brushless...

Includes DevoF12E FPV Transmitter
Pro Level 3 Axis Gimbal w/iLook+ HD Camera
GPS Position Hold

Features

The H500 from Walkera is a solid entry-level hexacopter for anyone venturing into aerial photography and video. A brushless gimbal helps to provide stability during the shooting and recording. It includes a standard iLook camera for clear image and video shots. The H500 drone is built for heaving lifting; the drone can fly a maximum of 25 minutes when fully loaded.

It is an excellent choice for all skill levels and a nice alternative for professionals with a tight budget.

Pros

It comes ready to fly
Great flight duration
Amazing aerial stability
Beautiful design

Cons

Expensive batteries
Better alternatives available at a lower price

DJI Spreading Wings S900 Professional Hexacopter

DJI Spreading Wings S900 Professional Hexacopter with DJI A2 Flight...

This version bundles the S900 air frame with the A2 flight controller and your choice of Z15 Gimbals.
Lightweight materials such as a sturdy carbon fiber frame make flights more enjoyable by lasting longer
New and improved motors makes for a much more reliable flight. Spark proof plug will prevent short circuits when you...

Features

The S900 follows an impressive line of professional-grade drones from DJI. It can easily hold 10 lbs of recording equipment. You can pack more accessories on the drone by removing the centerboard at the top. DJI’s are always worth looking into because of enhanced tech like enhanced power distribution to create a more reliable flight.

DJI S900 is suitable for pro and advanced drone users. With such astonishing features, you will not be surprised to find another DJI on our shortlist.

Pros

Lightweight
Can use third-party cameras
Folding arms and landing gear
Great flight duration with a heavy load

Cons

It is very pricey
Not ideal for new users

DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter

DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter with Remote Controller

DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter - Aircraft Body (with Arm Sleeves) - 2x Landing Gear Leg - 2x Landing Skid - 2x Spring -...
Aircraft: Diagonal Wheelbase: 1133mm (44.61")
Aircraft: Max Takeoff Weight Recommended: 15.5kg (34.17lbs)

Features

The DJI Matrice 600 is a heavy lifter that can handle a maximum payload of 13 lbs on a flight. The tech on this beast is on a completely new level; the flight controls can be programmed to run different functions such as live video streaming and mapping survey. The transmission technology allows it to relay high-resolution video at incredible speeds.

Pros

Great flight performance
Smart power management
Multiple camera choices
It can carry heavy loads

Cons

Very restrictive pricing
Too technical for average users

YUNEEC YUNH920US Drone Tornado H920 Hexa-Copter

YUNEEC YUNH920US Drone Tornado H920 Hexa-Copter with ST24 Transmitter,...

Aerial Shooting with Panasonic GH4
Carbon Fiber Frame
Retractable Landing Gear

Features

The Tornado H920 comes in a handy package weighing less than 11 lbs. Even with that, the drone can do some heavy lifting like carrying a professional-grade camera for aerial shooting. It is equipped with a gimbal to hold and stabilize the camera while in flight. The carbon fiber used on the body makes it rigid and stylish.

The drone includes some smart features such as a return home button, an orbit mode, and different shooting options for the camera. We would not recommend this drone if you are a newbie unless you do not mind paying a premium for some high-end features.

Pros

Powerful drone for photography and videography
Folds to compact travel size
High-quality design and attractive body
Smart GPS function

Cons

Very expensive
Not suitable for inexperienced users

Yuneec Typhoon H Pro Bundle

Yuneec Typhoon H Pro Bundle - Ultra High Definition 4K Collision...

READY OUT OF THE BOX - Comes with the new ST16 Pro all-in-one controller (no need for a separate phone / tablet),...
SAFE TO FLY WITH BUILT-IN COLLISION AVOIDANCE - FAA compliant no-fly zone, 6 rotor safety with 5 rotor fail-safe, and...
EASY TO FLY - GPS stabilized flight control, with 8 smart flight modes, automatic return to home, auto takeoff and auto...

Features

Equipped with a camera that can take high-resolution images, this is one of the best hexacopters for video and photography. You can watch everything from the 7-inch screen on the ST16 controller pad. It comes with in-built sensors that make it avoid flying into obstacles. The batter offers around 25 minutes of flight time.

Both newbies and experts can find it easy to use this drone since it comes in a ready-to-fly package. If you are a professional photographer, you will love the camera for it can take images in JPEG and RAW formats.

Pros

Includes high-resolution camera
Inbuilt flying sensors
Easy to use
An integrated display on the controller
Folds into a portable size

Cons

Sensors not effective at high speeds
The battery takes too long to charge

The Verdict

As a newbie, you do not have to go for the most advanced hexacopter on the list. A basic model will help with practice and give you a better idea of what features to look out for when you upgrade. We would make the U845 Voyager our choice for beginners. It is user-friendly, and the price resonates with the existing features.

Don’t forget to look into registration and license needs for your pick.

The Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is the best hexacopter on our list. It is lightweight, portable, and user-friendly. You will also get some neat features to help you with your hobbies or professional work. It gets our top marks for quality, value, and versatility.

Everything You Need to Know About a Drone License

April 1, 2020 By FPV Drone Reviewers Leave a Comment

Did you recently purchase your very first drone? Have you been scouring the internet, researching every aspect of drone ownership and responsibility? Before you operate it, it is important to consider the necessity of a drone license to pilot it.

We want to separate fact from fiction by giving you the tools you need to get moving in the right direction. We break down the difference between recreational and commercial drones. Then, cover key regulations and registration requirements, and the process for earning your drone license.

Flying Drones: Recreational Vs. Commercial

Before you decide if you need to get your drone pilot’s license, it is important to break down the difference between flying drones for recreation as opposed to flying them for commercial reasons. The reason you use a drone determines whether you need first to earn your drone license or be permitted to fly without one.

Breaking Down the Difference

If you only use the drone for fun, such as making bird’s-eye videos and photos to enjoy for your own personal use, the requirements are far less stringent. On the other hand, if you intend to use your drone to help make a profit, then you must pass an exam. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gives the test to become a Part 107-certified drone pilot.

After earning your drone license, piloting your aerial vehicle is legal for purposes like taking photos and videos for stock images; becoming a crew member in films; capturing aerial photos at special events; or whatever other commercial endeavors you choose.

Operating a drone recreationally means using it for your only personal enjoyment, so you don’t need a drone license. Commercial operation of drones, however, is when you pilot it to help you earn money — in which case, you need to get your drone license before take-off.

Important Considerations

Before earning your drone license, there are some important considerations. First, pilots are only allowed to fly their drones at an altitude of 400 feet or lower. The drone must be visible to you at all times when in flight and should never be flown near other aircraft.

You should not fly your drone over large crowds or groups of individuals. This includes sporting events, in stadiums, or near other such venues. You must not operate your drone near emergency response situations and rescues.

Responsible pilots hoping to earn their drone license must never fly their drone while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You need to be aware of your limitations within the airspace you are flying in, too.

As a general rule, you must operate your drone at least 5 miles away from an airport. Otherwise, you must give the control tower notification of your intent and flight path. Besides the strict rules put in place by the FAA, there are also regulations governing the piloting of drones by many national parks.

Regulations & Registration

Governing Regulations

If you earn your drone license, there are some governing regulations for aerial vehicle operation you need to know.

Piloting your drone carefully and cautiously, paying attention to your surroundings and environment is a must.

Keep your drone within your line of sight at all times and only fly one aerial vehicle at a time.

Fly during the daytime. (Flight is permitted during civil twilight, meaning you can only operate your drone half an hour before sunrise or half an hour after sunset.)

Your drone speed should not exceed 100 mph. Don’t fly your drone over people who are not involved in piloting it. People in covered areas or a vehicle — that would protect them in case the drone fell out of the sky — are the exceptions to this rule.

What is more, you cannot pilot your drone from a mobile aircraft or vehicle. After earning your drone license, you can fly your drone in Class G airspace without prior approval from air traffic control. Flights conducted in Class B, C, D, and E airspace must have prior approval from air traffic control before beginning.

Once you earn your drone license, your aerial vehicle may carry a properly secured load if that load does not alter the mobility of the drone. The vehicle can carry loads for commercial purposes.

There is one key point to remember after getting your drone license. Many of these governing regulations may be waived if you offer proof that your piloting of the vehicle can still be done securely, even with the waiver.

Registration Requirements

Once you earn your drone license, there are registration requirements you must adhere to. At one point, recreational pilots had to register, but a later court case changed that mandate. However, the rules have changed yet again.

All recreational pilots must now pay a $5 fee to register with the FAA before operating their aerial vehicle.

After paying that fee to operate your drone recreationally, you can own and operate however many aircraft your heart desires for 3 years before you are required to renew. After you register, you receive your Federal Aviation Administration ID number label to stick on your drone.

There are some drones you do not have to register, even if you get your drone license. Aerial vehicles weighing 8.8 ounces or less need not register with the FAA. If your drone is an industrial aerial vehicle, you must submit a paper application to register rather than completing the process online.

Pilot Certification

Getting Your Drone License

Under the Federal Aviation Regulations, if you want to earn your drone license to pilot commercially, you must be no younger the 16 years old. One option to earn your drone license is to pass a knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing institution.

A second option is relevant if you already have your Part 61 pilot certificate; did a flight review in the past 2 years; and took the unmanned aircraft systems class. If you fulfilled those qualifications and completed a knowledge test in the past 2 years, then you are eligible for a drone license.

Flight reviews completed in the prior 2 years may enable you to take an online course rather than the knowledge exam.

Handling Conflict

Whether you operate your drone recreationally or commercially, have a plan in place for handling potential conflict which may arise while in flight. Many a drone has come in contact with other drones or too close to individuals on the ground.

For instance, if you annoyed someone with your drone and they shot at it, you would need to call the police right away. However, most conflict does not reach the boiling point and can be resolved with a kind, open approach.

Whenever your drone upsets someone, try to have an honest conversation about why you pilot it. Consider giving them an example of the imagery or videos you are shooting so they see you mean no harm.

Dealing with conflict effectively, means knowing your rights to operate a drone near other people. For instance, if you are flying your drone on public or your own property, you have the right to operate it according to regular airspace rules.

However, if you are flying your drone on private property, you could be in the wrong. If the property owner requests you bring your drone down and leave it on their land — it is in your best interest to agree to their request.

Alternatively, if they ask you to leave your memory card behind — or try to keep you from leaving the premises — you are within your rights to question these directives. The Photographer’s Right pamphlet is a good resource to keep on hand when operating your drone, in case you ever run into any issues.

Conclusion

Getting your drone license to fly your unmanned aerial vehicle commercially is just the first step. Once you are certified and may fly free in the open sky, there are some important things to remember. First, be mindful of the people and environment you fly in, to avoid potential conflict situations.

If a conflict arises while operating your drone, keep your cool. Try to have a friendly conversation with them about the situation. Educate yourself regarding your pilot rights.

Second, always adhere to the regulations mandated by the FAA for drone operation. These simplify your piloting experience and make it easier to avoid iffy situations. For instance, if you are flying within Class C airspace, you inform the local control tower before the flight. Finally, enjoy yourself and capture photos and videos on your drone to last a lifetime.

Holy Stone F181w Review

March 3, 2020 By FPV Drone Reviewers Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a budget-friendly FPV drone that is easy to use and has good performance? If you are looking for an FPV drone that is inexpensive but doesn’t lack any features the Holy Stone F181W is a great choice. We compare 4 drones in our Holy Stone F181w Review below so you can make an informed choice.

Comparison Table

Preview	Product
	Holy Stone F181W 1080P Wifi FPV Drone with Wide-Angle HD Camera Live...	Buy on Amazon
	DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter Drone with 2.7K HD Video Camera	Buy on Amazon
	Holy Stone 2K GPS FPV RC Drone HS100 with HD Camera Live Video and GPS...	Buy on Amazon

What Is a Holy Stone F181W?

The Holy Stone F181W drone is an entry-level drone that offers a good value for beginners and enthusiasts alike. The drone is lightweight and fairly powerful. It has a good 720P camera with an impressive 120-degree field of view. The drone includes 2 batteries and provides up to 10 minutes of flight time each.

Holy Stone F181W Review

We reviewed the Holy Stone F181W drone and compared it to 3 other drones of various price points. The Holy Stone F181W drone has many features beginners will appreciate like one-button controls. The 720P 120-degree wide-view camera and FPV controls from the smartphone app via Wi-Fi will impress enthusiasts.

Product Specs

Beginner Friendly

The Holy Stone F181W drone is easy for beginners to use, offering smartphone app compatible control, altitude hold, and one-button return to home and 360-degree flips. The drone comes fully assembled. Headless mode is offered in the drone for easy control from the pilot’s perspective.

High-Quality Camera

The camera in the Holy Stone F181W drone is 720P for excellent pictures and film and has a 120-degree viewing angle for wide shots of the landscape; using the altitude hold, you can take stable shots.

Lightweight

The Holy Stone F181W drone is incredibly light at only 5-ounces, which makes it effortless to transport. The drone includes 2 batteries so you can get plenty of footage and flight time.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter Drone
Goolsky CHEERSON CX-23
Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Drone HS100

Holy Stone F181W

Holy Stone F181W 1080P Wifi FPV Drone with Wide-Angle HD Camera Live...

1080P 120° FOV HD Wifi Camera: Equipped with the newest adjustable 1080P 120° Wide-angle HD Wifi Camera, which allows...
FPV Real-Time Transmission: With the built-in WiFi module, you can see exactly what your camera sees with a live video...
Automatic Altitude Hold: Powerful air pressure altitude hold function allows you to release the throttle stick and the...

Ease of Use

The Holy Stone F181W Drone is easy enough for beginners to quickly learn to use. The drone can be controlled from the controller or app and has a headless flight mode, so the drone follows all movements from the pilot’s point of view rather than the drone’s point of view. Releasing the control stick will cause the drone to hold its altitude, so you can easily stop to take photos.

Performance

The six-axis gyroscope in the Holy Stone F181W Drone allows for high performance 360 flips with one button. The drone will also return to home with one button in headless mode.

Design and Durability

The Holy Stone F181W Drone is lightweight and the motor and battery are powerful. The drone includes an extra battery for twice the flight time. The battery flight time is 7 to 10 minutes each. The Holy Stone has a 720P camera with a wide field of view. The Holy Stone is ready to fly out of the box, as it comes fully assembled.

Pros

Includes 2 batteries
Simple for beginners to use
The wide-angle camera takes dramatic shots

Cons

The drone can overheat easily
Not well equipped for windy flights

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter Drone

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter Drone with 2.7K HD Video Camera

Refer the user manual and videos on this page for troubleshooting.Enjoy the view: A live video feed gives you a 720p HD...
View a live image streamed from the drone up to a half mile away on the DJI Go app using your mobile phone or tablet
GPS assisted flight features let you concentrate on getting great images while the drone helps you fly safely. You can...

GPS

The DJI Phantom 3 drone has a GPS allowing for better control and features such as following the pilot and following set waypoints.

Camera and Gimbal

The DJI Phantom 3 drone has a 720P camera with a gimbal for high-quality and professional footage. View the camera from the DJI app and gain the drone’s perspective.

Long Battery

The DJI Phantom 3 drone has an excellent battery life of 25 minutes for long flight times.

Ease of Use

The DJI Phantom 3 is ready to fly out of the box, and easy for beginners to use. The drone features intelligent flight modes so it can be controlled from the pilot or drone’s perspective. The DJI app allows you to view video footage from the drone in real-time for the best control experience.

Performance

The DJI Phantom 3 drone has high power motors and a long-lasting 25-minute battery. The camera on the DJI is an impressive 720P for FPV control, great photos, and videos. The DJI has a GPS module for location control features and is rated for up to 1000m of flight.

Design and Durability

The DJI Phantom 3 drone comes pre-assembled with a gimbal and high-quality camera for professional footage. DJI prides itself on quality durability and the drone has a long-lasting battery. The GPS allows the drone to follow the pilot and follow waypoints.

Pros

Long Battery Life
GPS features
Intelligent flight modes

Cons

More expensive than competitors
Heavy at 8 pounds

Goolsky CHEERSON CX-23

No products found.

High Speed

The CHEERSON CX-23 drone is extremely fast and powerful. The drone can ascend and descend at 5 meters per second and fly at 15 meters per second.

Durable

The CHEERSON CX-23 drone is durable with its heavy-duty frame. The drone is built to handle turbulent winds and the occasional rough landing.

Point of Interest

The CHEERSON CX-23 drone has a point of interest mode that allows the drone to hover around an object to get a 360-degree view.

Ease of Use

The CHEERSON CX-23 drone is easy enough for a beginner to use. it has an altitude feature that enables when the throttle is released and automatic return home so the drone will not run out of battery far from the user.

Performance

The CHEERSON CX-23 drone is high-performance with some of the fastest flight and ascent speeds. The camera included with the drone is 720P for high-quality video and FPV control. The drone can orbit around a point of interest for great footage.

Design and Durability

The CHEERSON CX-23 drone’s durable design allows bumps and falls without damage to the frame, and the powerful motor can fight strong winds. The battery delivers 13 minutes of drone flight time.

Pros

Good battery life
Exceptional speed
Durable and powerful

Cons

More expensive than competitors
No smartphone app compatibility
Heavy at 4 pounds

Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Drone HS100

Holy Stone 2K GPS FPV RC Drone HS100 with HD Camera Live Video and GPS...

The Largest & Wind-Resistant: Large body and powerful motors keep drone hovering stably in wind. Headless Mode, Altitude...
2K Optimized 120° FOV FPV 5GHz Wi-Fi Camera: 90° Adjustable angle, captures high-quality video and aerial photos. You...
Easy to Assemble & Carry: The foldable propellers are pre-assembled. Just insert camera, landing gears and battery....

Long Battery Life

The Holy Stone HS100 drone has a 15 minute flight time, and a distance of 500m.

GPS

The GPS in the Holy Stone HS100 drone gives the drone the ability to automatically land and launch, follow the pilot, and return to home for more control in flight.

High-Quality Camera

The Holy Stone HS100 drone has a high-quality 1080P camera with an excellent 120-degree field of view. The drone’s camera can be pointed directly down at a 90-degree angle and the camera can be viewed from the smartphone app or a VR headset.

Ease of Use

The Holy Stone HS100 drone is easy to use for beginners. The drone has a headless mode, so it is controlled from the pilot’s perspective and GPS for the drone to follow the pilot. The drone will take off and land with one key for simple flying. Connect a smartphone using the app to utilize the camera for easy perspective control using live video on the HS100.

Performance

The Holy Stone HS100 drone has a long 500m range and a GPS for enhanced controls and performance. The GPS gives greater control to the pilot and enables features that utilize the GPS. The drone can hold altitude for high-quality and stable video.

Design and Durability

The Holy Stone HS100 drone has good durability and is strong enough to fly in windy conditions, yet maintains a lightweight design at only 1.75 pounds. The HS100 drone has a 1080P camera that allows FPV smartphone and VR control. The camera has a wide 120-degree field of view and can be rotated 90-degrees for downward shots. The drone has a good battery life at 15 minutes for long flights.

Pros

Durable but lightweight
1080P camera with a wide viewing angle
Good battery life

Cons

The battery charge time can take up to 6 hours
FPV camera range is only 150m
The camera can shake during flight

Conclusion

We give the Holy Stone F181W drone a 4.5 out of 5. During our Holy Stone F181W review, we found the price point to be exceptional for a drone with high-quality features. The Holy Stone is easy to use for beginners and comes fully assembled.

We found the ease-of-use to be one of the reasons this drone is a great buy in our Holy Stone F181W review. The Holy Stone F181W drone has a high-quality 720P camera, which you can view through the smartphone app.

The Holy Stone F181W drone has a wide 120-degree view from the camera for great and professional-looking photos. The Drone has one-button 360-degree flipping and returns to home, it also has automatic altitude hold and headless mode for easy control.

At the price point with all of these features, we find the drone to be impressive. We found the battery life could be better, and the drone lacks the power of some higher-end drones in our Holy Stone F181W review.

Yuneec Mantis Q Review

October 30, 2019 By FPV Drone Reviewers Leave a Comment

If you are looking for a foldable drone to bring on your next travel, it can be difficult to find one with a good range and an excellent camera. We found the Mantis Q to be an exceptional folding drone. We compared it to three other top folding drones in our Yuneec Mantis Q review to see what makes this drone stand out.

WHAT IS THE YUNEEC MANTIS Q FOLDABLE CAMERA DRONE?

The Yuneec Mantis Q Foldable Camera Drone is a compact foldable drone weighing under 2 pounds. The Mantis Q has a high-definition camera that can record in 1080P or 4K. The camera is good for beginners and enthusiasts looking for an affordable and compact drone with first-person view.

PRODUCT SPECS

aerial view of a community taken through a Yuneec Mantis Q

Image: CC BY-SA 4.0, Michumks1, via Wikimedia Commons

The Yuneec Mantis Q Foldable Camera Drone is an affordable drone with a 4K camera. The Mantis Q can use 1080P with electronic stabilization and can film in 4K, which is one feature we found great in our Yuneec Mantis Q review. The Battery recharges in just about an hour and lasts 33 minutes. The drone's voice controls make it easy to take-off, land, record, and return to home.

How It Compares

Preview	Product
	ZEROTECH Dobby Pocket Selfie Drone FPV With 4K HD Camera	Buy on Amazon
	Parrot PF728000 ANAFI Drone, Foldable Quadcopter Drone with 4K HDR...	Buy on Amazon
	Autel Robotics EVO Drone Camera, Portable Folding Aircraft with Remote...	Buy on Amazon
	DJI Spark Portable Mini Drone Quadcopter Starters Bundle (Alpine...	Buy on Amazon

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.

Parrot PF728000 Anafi Drone
Autel Robotics EVO Drone Camera
DJI Spark, Portable Mini Drone

Yuneec Mantis Q YUNMQUS Foldable Camera Drone

ZEROTECH Dobby Pocket Selfie Drone FPV With 4K HD Camera

Check with manufacturer on warrenty eligibility
Compatibility:Android phone, iPad, iPhone, iPod
Package Content USB-C cable, battery charger, power adapter

Price

Ease of Use

The Yuneec Mantis Q Foldable Camera Drone has voice controls to make controlling the drone easy and hands free. The drone also features a return to home option, so the drone will automatically return to the pilot.

Design Quality

The Yuneec Mantis Q Foldable Camera Drone has a 33 minute battery life and a folding lightweight design that makes it great for travelers. The set includes everything you need to fly the drone. The camera can be used in 1080P or 4K mode for clear video. The GPS provides additional control features.

Warranty

The Yuneec Mantis Q Foldable Camera Drone is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

4K camera
GPS features
Foldable and light

Cons

No collision avoidance

Parrot PF728000 Anafi Drone

Parrot PF728000 ANAFI Drone, Foldable Quadcopter Drone with 4K HDR...

This drone with a camera equipped with f/2.4 wide angle ASPH lens, HDR, and up to 2.8 times digital zoom captures...
The ANAFI Parrot Drone can have up to 25 minutes of filmed flight time thanks to an intelligent Li-Po battery that...
With its ultra-compact and lightweight carbon frame (320 g), this quadcopter drone unfolds in less than 3 seconds,...

The Parrot Anafi Drone is made by a leader in drone technology, Parrot. The drone is equipped with a 4K camera and a stabilizing gimbal. This gives the drone an excellent range of features like HDR, 180-degree tilt, zoom, dolly zoom, slow motion, and hyper-lapse. The drone has GPS for more features and the drone is incredibly light and compact.

Price

Ease of Use

The Parrot Anafi Drone easily stores in a small bag with its lightweight folding design. The camera is easy to use with a stabilizing gimbal. The drone camera has a dolly zoom, slow motion, and hyper-lapse feature. The drone can also hover, orbit, auto-follow, and follow waypoints.

Design Quality

The Parrot Anafi Drone is equipped with a gimbal and 4K camera. The camera can tilt 180-degrees and includes a zoom feature. The battery lasts 25 minutes for a long flight time, and the drone manages to weigh 10-ounces and includes a carrying case.

Warranty

The Parrot Anafi Drone is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

Stabilizing gimbal
4K recording
HDR and 180-degree tilt

Cons

No collision avoidance

Autel Robotics EVO Drone

Autel Robotics EVO Drone Camera, Portable Folding Aircraft with Remote...

EVO's powerful camera is the choice pick for award winning cinematographers and photographers. Boasting 60 frames per...
The world’s best compact and foldable drone, you can take your EVO with you anywhere. You are ensured a safe and...
Always fly with confidence with an intuitive 3.3 inch OLED display controller remote. Its one-touch action buttons can...

The Autel Robotics EVO Drone is an FPV drone and includes a controller with an LCD monitor. You can also use a smartphone for FPV and the LCD monitor will display important information. The drone is light and compact weighing just under 2-pounds.

Price

$$$

Ease of Use

The Autel Robotics EVO Drone's controller is simple with a button to take-off and land, and another button to return to home. The collision avoidance on the drone makes it easy for beginners to fly without crashing. The gimbal makes filming high-quality video easy.

Design Quality

The Autel Robotics EVO Drone has an excellent 4K camera and stabilizing gimbal. The battery lasts about 30 minutes of flight time and recharges in a little over an hour. The drone is lightweight at under 2 pounds and folds up to easily fit into a bag.

Warranty

The Autel Robotics EVO Drone is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

Gimbal to stabilize
Collision avoidance
4K video recording

Cons

Radio transmission can be weak

DJI Spark, Portable Mini Drone

DJI Spark Portable Mini Drone Quadcopter Starters Bundle (Alpine...

2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera; 12MP Still Photos / 1080p/30 Video
Gesture and TapFly Control; FlightAutonomy with Obstacle Detection
Subject Tracking from Various Angles; GPS- & Vision Position-Based Navigation

The DJI Spark Mini Drone is an affordable folding drone. The drone is incredibly compact and features a 1080P camera. The drone includes collision avoidance and a two-axis gimbal to stabilize the view.

Price

Ease of Use

The DJI Spark Mini Drone is easy to fly with its small design and has a collision avoidance system to detect obstacles up to 16 feet away. The camera works well and you can easily film high-quality video with the stabilizing gimbal.

Design Quality

The DJI Spark Mini Drone is only about 9-inches in length and weighs 1.5 pounds making it very portable. The gimbal helps to stabilize the drone's video. The controller holds your smartphone for FPV flight mode and can transmit 720P up to 1.2 miles away.

Warranty

The DJI Spark Mini Drone is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

Affordable drone with gimbal
collision detection
small size and smooth flight movements

Cons

Only 1080P video

Yuneec Mantis Q Review: Conclusion

In our Yuneec Mantis Q review we gave the drone a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The drone has an excellent camera with two options. A 1080P camera mode with electronic stabilization and 4K for spectacular video. The drone has a lightweight folding design that helps it remain portable.

We found that the drone did not have a collision avoidance system or beginner friendly headless mode. We found the camera quality to be exceptional and the flight time to be long at 33 minutes. The top speed of the Yuneec Mantis Q is high for its size at 72 kilometers per hour and the drone has a good range of one mile. The drone's battery recharges quickly in one hour. Voice control and GPS bring the drone together for a great flying experience.

Featured Image Source: Pexels.com

Drone Market Overview

Key Facts

Major Manufacturers

Software Changes and Developments

Service Operations

Drone Technology Trends

Co-Piloting Functionalities

Drone Camera Improvements

New Technological Advances

Additional Hardware Components

Future Outlook

Hobby Drones

Commercial Drones

Conclusion

Hexacopter ​​​​​Drones FAQs

1. What Is a Hexacopter?

2. What Does a Hexacopter Do?

3. How Does a Hexacopter Work?

4. Where Can You Buy it/Them?

5. How Do I Pick the Right One?

How We Reviewed

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

What We Reviewed

No products found.

Features

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The Verdict

Flying Drones: Recreational Vs. Commercial

Breaking Down the Difference

Important Considerations

Regulations & Registration

Governing Regulations

Registration Requirements

Pilot Certification

Getting Your Drone License

Handling Conflict

Conclusion

Comparison Table

What Is a Holy Stone F181W?

Holy Stone F181W Review

Product Specs

Beginner Friendly

High-Quality Camera

Lightweight

How It Compares

Holy Stone F181W

Ease of Use

Performance

Design and Durability

DJI Phantom 3 Standard Quadcopter Drone

GPS

Camera and Gimbal

Hexacopter Drones FAQs