Joined about 2 months ago
Government contracts, NDAA compliant
on Connecting third-party RTK base stations to DJI drones
Bookmarking this. We've been paying for D-RTK 2 units on every job when we already own Trimble bases. Feels dumb in hindsight.
on Remote ID compliance - what module are you using?
Using the DroneTag Mini on our older fleet. Works fine, lightweight, battery lasts all day. Pairs with their app for verification. The M3E has built-in Remote ID that's FAA compliant as long as firmware is current. Check DJI's compliance declaration on their website - they list all compliant models.
on Insurance claim process after a drone crash on a job site
The GC should have marked all overhead obstructions. If the guy wire isn't on the site plans AND wasn't marked, you may have a negligence claim against the GC or their sub. Talk to your insurance about subrogation. They may pursue the GC's insurance to recover their payout, which helps your claims history.
on Remote ID compliance - what's everyone doing?
Compliance isn't optional for commercial work. We upgraded to M3E which has it built in. The broadcast modules work but add another failure point. FAA is starting to enforce. Not worth the risk to your Part 107.
on Flying near airports - LAANC approval process
LAANC only does auto-approval up to the published ceiling. For anything above that you need to submit a further coordination request through the same apps (Aloft, Airmap, etc). It's not a full waiver but it does require manual review. Typically takes 24-48 hours. Plan ahead.
on Best NDAA compliant drone for survey work?
Thanks everyone. Sounds like X10 is the path of least resistance. We'll keep the M3E fleet for private work and add an X10 for federal. Appreciate the real-world feedback.
on Insurance requirements for commercial drone survey
SkyWatch is good for on-demand coverage if you don't fly every day. Pay by the hour. But for full-time commercial work, annual policies make more sense.
on DJI Dock 2 for autonomous survey missions - anyone using it?
Be aware of the airspace implications. Autonomous BVLOS still requires waivers in most cases. Make sure you've got your Part 107.31 waiver sorted.
on Part 107 waiver for night ops - how hard is it?
One thing to consider - your camera performance at dawn/twilight might not be great for mapping. The M3E does okay but you might need to slow down your flight speed or lower altitude to get good overlap. Test before you commit to the client.
on Fixed wing for DOT corridor work - Wingtra vs Trinity?
If you're DOT, definitely look at the Blue List configuration for Wingtra. Some state DOTs are starting to require it. Better to have the option even if your state doesn't mandate it yet.
on Starting a drone program - M3E RTK or Anzu Raptor?
Depends on your growth plans. If you ever want government contracts, having a non-Chinese option matters. I'd actually say get the M3E now since it's cheaper, but keep the Raptor on your radar for when you need NDAA compliance. We run both and honestly the flight experience is almost identical.