Drone Source - An Elsight production podcast: Recent Episodes
Ben Gross
Your Behind the Scenes information source for all things happening in the Commercial Drone Industry: Industry Leaders, Technology & Innovation, Regulation, Monetization, Scale & Growth, Partnerships, and MA
In this episode we talk with Flytbase's Nitin Gupta, and we discuss the early days of the company, autonomy for UAVs and several interesting customer use cases
In this episode we talk with FlyNow Aviation's Jürgen Greil, and we discuss how his automotive background inspired the move to eVTOLs, the logistics and infrastructure required for eVTOLs and hydrogen fuel cells in unmanned vehicles.
In this episode we talk with Jason Fry from Easy Aerial, an Elsight customer, and we discuss their different platforms, work with defense and first responders, and how they chose the Elsight Halo as their connectivity solution.
In this episode we talk with Margherita Bruscolini from Globhe, discussing their global drone data platform, drone operations in Africa and the work with UNICEF and the World Bank. To view the 2023 Drone Market Survey Report, visit the Elsight website: https://lp.elsight.com/2023-drone-market-survey
In this special episode, we talk with P3 Tech Consulting's Dawn Zoldi, and Elsight's Yoav Amitai, and we discuss the results of the 2023 Drone Market Survey - insights about the drone market and where we're headed in 2024 and beyond
In this episode we talk with Juan Bergelund from UAV Latam, discussing the beginning of the drone revolution, working with regulators in Latin America and delivering snakebite antivenom in the Amazon rainforest.
In this episode we talk with Jeffrey Starr from D-Fend Solutions, and we discuss the threats malicious actors present, traditional responses and the D-Fend Solutions EnforceAir anti-drone system.
In this episode we talk with Kim James from UAV Aerial Works and we discuss using drones for security work, BVLOS regulation in South Africa and Women in Drones
In this episode we talk with Sam Twala, and we discuss his background as an aviation regulator, the founding of Ntsu Aviation Solutions and the emerging South African drone market.
In this episode we talk with Applied Aeronautics' Ryan Johnston, and we discuss their work as an R&D testbed, the FAA Assure A54 program, and building a system of systems enabling BVLOS drone operations
In this episode we talk with Avtrain's Julie Garland and we discuss the founding of Avtrain, the work they're doing with drone partners in Ireland, and a difference between the EASA and FAA approaches to BVLOS drone flights.
In this episode we talk with Leonid Plekhanov from Global Energy Transmission, and we discuss wireless drone charging, the physics behind it and the vision of drones remaining in the air for weeks at a time
In this episode we talk with Aergility's Jim Vander Mey, and we discuss their managed autorotation drone platform, the drone's future applications and the difficulties in operating in remote regions
In this episode we talk with High Lander's Alon Abelson, and we discuss unmanned traffic management, drones operating out of airports and Israel's National Drone Initiative
In this episode we talk with Rabih Bou Rashed, and we discuss starting a drone company in Dubai 10 years ago, the unique regulations surrounding drone flights in the GCC and what it's like working in the Japanese drone market
In this episode we talk with Jan Kryca from Arda, and we discuss drone deliveries in The Gambia, a "how-to" list for BVLOS operations and working with the Harvard Innovation Lab to get Arda off the ground
In this episode we talk with Titan Aviation's Toni Drummond, and we discuss the emergence of EVTOLs, the accompanying regulation, and her student sponsorship program
In this episode we talk with Hover UAV's Jackie Dujmovic, and discuss working with regulators on smoother approval processes, a checklist for BVLOS drone operations and unmanned systems at Australia's Avalon Airshow
In this episode we talk with Mahmood Hussein, who discusses the founding of Global Drone Solutions, the move from LOS to BVLOS operations, and GDS' High School drone pilot training program.
In this episode we talk with Spright's Justin Steinke, and we discuss the Spright story, working with FAA and EASA regulators, and how Spright is using the Elsight Halo for the BVLOS operations
In this episode we talk with Dr. Ali Jahanshahi of the Drone Logistics Ecosystem, and we discuss standardizing drone delivery, insurance for the drone industry, and major hurdles preventing the drone industry from growth.
In this episode we talk with Paul New from the Institute for Drone Technology, and we discuss LOS vs BVLOS operations, a dissenting view on B2C drone deliveries and the Institute's integrated platforms
In this episode we talk with Ramon Roche from the Dronecode Foundation, and we discuss the use of open source code, PX4 autopilot and the new Pixhawk FMUv6X & FMUv6C open standards
In this episode we talk with Randall Warnas and we follow his career from DJI to FLIR Systems and Autel to his current role at Enterprise UAS
In this episode we talk with Asaf Shor from Dronix, and he tells us the story of how Dronix grew from a three-person company building (and crashing) drones in a garage into a company which can create custom engineered drones to match any need.
In this episode we talk with Asa Quesenberry from SkyScape and we discuss integrating drone systems into the larger AAM network, the necessary infrastructure and the rapid development of the Japanese drone and AAM industry
In this episode we talk with drone consultant Zev Nadler and he discusses how he came to the role, the ins-and-outs of drone consultancy and his affinity for Israeli-based drone tech.
In this episode we talk with Ricardo Mendes from TEKEVER, and we discuss the connection between drones and AI/machine learning, working with the European Maritime Safety Agency and performing pipeline surveillance in Africa
In this episode we talk with Speedbird's Manoel Coelho, and we discuss the decision to open a drone company in Brazil, working with Brazilian and global regulators, and how the partnership with Elsight has helped Speedbird grow.
In this episode we talk with Iridium's Joe Darden, and we discuss drone satellite communications, global line of sight and the differences and similarities between drone and satellite operations
In this episode we speak with Draganfly's Cameron Chell, who discusses the impact of drones on the fighting in Ukraine and the work Draganfly is doing in the region.
In this episode we talk with Infravision's Josh Williams, who explains about their system which uses drones to string power lines.
In this episode we talk with Tony Reid, co-founder of Drone Cadets. We talk about the inspiring story behind Drone Cadets, and the work Tony is doing in schools and with the kids who are a part of the program.
In this episode we talk with Jonathan Rupprecht, Esq., and we discuss FAA BVLOS waivers, over people operations and the recent FAA/Remote ID lawsuit
In this episode we talk with Aloft's Josh Ziering, discussing drone data security, UTM & AAM, and how Aloft has supported drone operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian
In this episode we talk with Zing's Ian Annase, and we discuss Zing's history, drone regulation and the work being performed by drones in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian
In this episode we talk with DroneUp's CTO, John Vernon, discussing how DroneUp was started, their work with Walmart and John's vision of the future of the drone industry
In this episode we talk with Rich Gatanis, who walks us through how Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue incorporated drones into their HazMat response, becoming a standard piece of equipment, and how it has changed their event responses.
In this episode we discuss the work Swoop Aero is doing in Malawi, operating conditions in a rural, low-tech environment, and a Hollywood-style delivery of blood by drone.
In this episode we talk with Greg Walden about the activities of the Small UAV Coalition and regulation and legislation the Coalition is involved with.
In this episode we talk with Vic Moss from the DSPA about Vic's and the Alliance's legislative work, and why they strive to put themselves out of business
In this episode we talk with Bobby Ouyang from SkyeBrowse about their drone-based 3D modeling, drone as a first responder use cases for both police and firefighting, and how BVLOS may affect smaller Drone Service Providers.
In this episode we talk with Third Insight's Gareth Block about their drone AI system which allows drones to operate independently, make decisions on their own and explain those decisions to humans.
In this episode we talk with Dawn Zoldi, who provides us with an overall view of the drone industry including diversity and integration efforts, the BVLOS ARC report and counter-UAS initiatives.
In this episode with Airrow's David Kaye we discuss Airrow's Dronehub, how it acts as a force multiplier for large drone fleets and enables BVLOS drone operations at scale
In this episode we talk with James Barbieri, CEO & Founder of WingXpand, discussing the capabilities, development and impact of their drone, which expands from backpack-sized to a full 8-foot wingspan.
In this episode we talked with Kevin Hightower about his experiences at Lockheed Martin and at Wing, we discussed BVLOS drones at scale, and a vision of the future which includes drones on demand for everyone.
In this episode we talk with William De Keiser, Director of Quebec's UAS Cluster of Excellence. We discuss the workings of the test site, notable projects, and a unique vision of the future of BVLOS operations not often heard.
In this episode we talk with Tal Yadin, founder of Propeller Drones, a Drones-as-a-Service company. We discuss how Propeller sees DaaS, the regulatory challenges they face and their upcoming expansion to European operations.
We talk with Francesca Stockton, who dives deep on the use of cellular networks to support drone operations, C2CSP and how mobile network operators can help connect the worlds of unmanned and manned aviation
FAA BVLOS ARC member Jennifer Richter discusses the communications challenges facing BVLOS drones, the work being done with the FAA and FCC, and what a future regulatory framework for BVLOS communications using commercial wireless networks can look like.
In this episode we dive deep into the inner workings of the Pendleton UAS Range - what it was like to get the range up and running, the kind of work UAS companies are doing at the range, and the benefits which the range offers, from infrastructure to staff to facilities to their extremely diverse testing environment
In this episode, we talk with a company that has been around for over 15 years and has seen the drone industry evolve into what it is today. We discuss drone autopilots, detect and avoid, regulators and type certificates, and what has to happen for the drone industry to grow to the next stage.
We discuss how T2D2 are using drones to inspect buildings, bridges and other assets, how their AI platform is able to identify faults using video, imagery and other technological means, and the future of drone inspections.
Ryan Henderson, Lead Pilot at MissionGO, joins us to discuss MissionGo's MGV100, which is used for medical deliveries and utility inspections. We also discuss the type certification process and the partnership agreement recently signed between MissionGO and Elsight.
In this episode we talk with Tom Furey, CEO of Sagetech Avionics. We go into detail discussing the intricacies of Detect and Avoid in drones, the different manners in which this can take place, and how this will look in a future of autonomous drones operating BVLOS
In this episode we talk with Skyportz's Clem Newton-Brown, discussing the Skyportz vision of Advanced Air Mobility and how they are building a foundation now for the future, helping to shape the vision of a world where EVTOL and air-taxis are commonplace
In this episode of Drone Source, we sit down with Ken Stewart, CEO & President of NUAIR, New York's FAA designated UAS test site. Ken discusses the operations at the test site, Advanced Air Mobility, FAA regulations and the BVLOS ARC report, and his vision of the future of the BVLOS drone industry
An episode with Bobby Watts Owner of Watts Innovations, his view of the UAV market and how to create the best commercial UAV for a highly versatile industry
What we talked about:
- Who is Bobby Watts- From taping a camera on a UAV to creating the PRISM by Watts Innovations
- What manufacturers should think about when building a commercial UAV
- How to scale your drone business with the right platform
- The future of BVLOS, and how UAVs will be integrated in our daily lives
- How customer-centric UAV business can help you grow
- Regulation - How to look at it from an engineering standpoint
Join us for a conversation about UAVs, engineering, growth opportunities, and learn how to create the best platform for your kind of business
An episode with Chris Coates Sustainable Mobility Manager at Deloitte UK , and his view of the drone market and the possibilities for the future
What we talked about:
- Who is Chris Coates - from the Royal Air Force to Deloitte
- The current status of the industry and what's ahead
- What are the main barriers and opportunities in the drone industry
- How can BVLOS help with social impact and the climate crisis
- How to build your business with scalability in mind
- Technology VS business value
- Some shameless logo dropping
Join us for a priceless conversation about growth opportunities, and learn how you can scale your drone business the right way
An episode with Richard Nichols, Founder of Airwards, and his pure perspective on the growing drone industry and recognizing people & companies within it!
This podcast was hijacked by Scott Jonasz, VP of Global Sales & Alliances @ Elsight, so expect him to talk much ;)
What we talked about:
- The history of Richard Nichols and Airwards
- How to grow an industry with recognition
- What are the main barriers and opportunities in the drone industry
- The purity of Airwards and future plans for the recognition platform
- What to expect from the drone industry in the future
- How Airwards is changing the industry
- Elsight shameless plug by Scott Jonasz (Mr. Hijack)
Join us for a deep understanding of the drone market and the people within it, and learn how can you grow your drone business and scale commercially
An episode with Former L3Harris executive, and current drone market professional, consultant, and entrepreneur, George Kirov.
What we talked about:
- The history of the commercial drone market
- Technology and advances
- Drone regulation
- Tips & tricks for profitability in the drone market
- The BVLOS opportunity, and the transition from LOS
- Partnerships & alliances
- The future of the drone industry
Join us for a very impactful episode, with information you don't want to miss
In this episode, we talked about:
- The importance of connectivity for a scalable commercial drone industry,
- The challenges, and possible solutions for harmonized BVLOS commercial operations
- The regulators approach for drone operations
- The social aspect of drones replacing daily task
Here is a valuable link to the historic Red flag traffic law in the UK and US
Hope you enjoy it!
Prepare for monthly episodes where we will host industry leaders and innovators to expand more on the commercial drone industry
If you have any questions hit us up at info@elsight.com or drop us a line here
Your Behind the Scenes information source for all things happening in the Commercial Drone Industry
- Industry Leaders
- Technology & Innovation
- Regulation
- Monetization, Scale & Growth
- Partnerships, M&A
Subscribe to our podcast and hit us up on info@elsight.com if you have any questions!