If you look at social media or walk into a big box store, it feels like everyone owns a drone. They are the hot gift for kids, the new toy for hobbyists, and the latest gadget for amateur photographers. But if you look at the actual numbers from the FAA, a very different picture starts to emerge. There are approximately 347 million people in the United States according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data. Now, take a look at the FAA’s "By the Numbers" drone statistics. As of th

Let’s cut to it. This is not about security. It is politics and lobbying, and the FCC and NDAA language show it. Buckle in, we're gonna start dropping some "common sense" bombs. On December 22, 2025, the FCC put foreign UAS and their critical components on the Covered List . At the same time, NDAA text pushes scaling domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign parts. That is industrial policy dressed as national security. Here is the contradiction in one line. If th

Curious about which drone mapping software truly delivers? We tested the industry’s major platforms and share what worked for our team, why we made our choices, and key lessons learned. If you’re always on the lookout for better processing tools or want to compare your own workflow, this article breaks down our honest insights for GIS and survey pros.

New drone pilots are flocking to gig platforms, hoping for good pay—only to find themselves doing complex, expensive work for pennies. With big promises and “premium pilot” badges, these platforms skim the profits while pilots shoulder the costs and risks. This article exposes the real math behind drone gigs, the hidden traps for pilots, and why cheap drone work hurts everyone—from individual flyers to industry clients.

Love him or hate him, President Trump's "America First" agenda has shaken up industries across the board, and the drone world hasn't been immune. As the owner of 9 Line Aerial Media, I've watched this unfold firsthand, and frankly, it's been a wild ride that forced us to make some tough but strategic decisions about our future. Let's be honest: DJI owns about 70% of the global drone market, and there's a good reason for that. They make incredible drones. Period. You can pick