Read time: 6 Minutes

Welcome back!

In this issue of The Drone Consultant’s Digest, we will cover:

• GOVERNMENT: FAA Approves DJI's Delivery Drone Amid U.S. Drone Restrictions

• PRIVATE/ENTERPRISE: Remote ID Update: More Drones Added to Remote ID Approved List 

• #DronesForGood: 5G-Connected Drones: Virgin Media 02 Looking to Revolutionize Search and Rescue Operations

• EDUCATION: The 2023 African Drone Soccer Champions and World Cup Aspirations

• INDEPENDENT: Highlights and Results from the 4th International Drone Show Competition

• Global Tenders from Serbia, Rwanda, Haiti

• Q4 + Q1 2024 Global Drone Events

• Free Trainings and Webinars from Pilot Byte, Global Air University, and WeRobotics

ChatGPT Prompt of the Week: Setting SMART Goals for Your Advanced Drone Business in 2024

Prompt for ChatGPT: "I am an owner of a drone business specializing in [insert your advanced niche here, e.g., environmental monitoring, industrial inspections]. My target market includes [describe your target market, e.g., government agencies, construction firms, agricultural enterprises]. For 2024, my revenue goal is in the range of [insert your desired revenue range]. Based on this, assist me in setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for the upcoming year. Please provide strategies for technological advancements, market expansion, specialized service development, or partnerships that align with my niche and target market."

Now, let’s dive in for this week.

 

FAA Approves DJI's FlyCart 30 Amid U.S. Drone Restrictions

Despite facing regulatory challenges in the U.S., DJI continues to secure FAA approvals for its drones, like the FlyCart 30. Bipartisan efforts in the Senate aim to restrict U.S. government agencies from using Chinese-made drones, including those by DJI. This includes a proposed prohibition on FAA funding to foreign drone companies, affecting research grants and workforce development programs. Senator Marco Rubio has also urged the U.S. Capitol Police to cease using Chinese drones, including those from Autel Robotics, due to national security concerns. Nonetheless, DJI's FlyCart 30, with its Remote ID compliance, shows the company's ability to navigate these complex regulatory environments. Read More

 

Remote ID Update: DJI Expands Remote ID Compliance Across Drone Models

Speaking of DJI, in line with the FAA's Remote ID regulations, the company has now extended Remote ID capabilities to over 30 drone models. This development is part of a wider effort to ensure safer integration of drones into airspace. Key models now featuring Remote ID include the DJI FlyCart 30, DJI FPV, DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom, Mavic 3 Thermal, Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, Phantom 4 RTK, Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, along with the Agras T40 and T30. To comply with these evolving FAA regulations, operators of these models are required to update to the latest firmware, thereby enhancing overall airspace safety. For a comprehensive list of all DJI drones with Remote ID, please refer to the updated records. Read More

 

5G-Connected Drones: Virgin Media 02 Looking to Revolutionize Search and Rescue Operations

Virgin Media O2's development of 5G-connected drones marks a significant advancement in search and rescue operations. The Warwickshire Search and Rescue team is the first to trial this technology, addressing the challenge of establishing reliable communication in remote areas. These drones, equipped with a small base station and utilizing low Earth orbit satellites, enable effective 5G connectivity in locations beyond traditional mobile network reach. This innovation allows rescue teams to rapidly access and share vital information, assess situations quickly, and improve the efficiency of locating and assisting individuals in danger. David Owens of Virgin Media O2 highlighted the project's potential to transform rescue operations, underscoring its life-saving impact and the power of combining fresh thinking with 5G technology. Read More

 

The 2023 African Drone Soccer Competition Victory and Future Aspirations

Olashore International School recently triumphed at the 2023 African Drone Soccer Competition, earning the prestigious opportunity to represent Nigeria at the Academic Drone Soccer World Cup in San Diego in April 2024. This victory not only showcases their skill but also marks a significant step in technological and educational advancement. Additionally, they will receive drone soccer kits and ongoing curriculum support to establish a sustainable drone club, enhancing STEM education and offering students a unique blend of technology, sports, and international exposure. Read More

 

Highlights and Results from the 4th International Drone Show Competition

The 4th International Drone Show Competition, hosted by SPH Engineering, showcased exceptional creativity and innovation, with 105 applicants from 24 countries. The event, held in Las Vegas, celebrated 22 winners across eight categories. Notable winners included Lumasky Drone Show, captivating the UAE audience with over 1000 drones, and BotLab Dynamics from India, portraying Krishna's life story. A standout was "That Drone Show Guy" from the U.S., who creatively used 600 drones to display a QR code in Austin. These achievements highlight the expanding drone show industry and its potential for storytelling, social awareness, and entertainment. See the Winners Here

 

• Country: Papua New Guinea | Funder: World Bank/Department of Works | Title: Papua New Guinea Resilient Transport Project | Bid Due Date/Time: Dec 22, 2023 10:00 Find Out More

• Country: Serbia | Funder: UNDP Serbia | Title: Border Police Equipment- Drones,3 LOTs | Bid Due Date/Time: 15-Jan-24 @ 09:00 AM (New York time) Find Out More

• Country: Rwanda | Funder: UNDP Rwanda | Title: National Firm to Supply Drones and their Accessories to Rwanda Investigation Bur | Bid Due Date/Time: 18-Dec-23 @ 05:16 PM (New York time) Find Out More

• Country: Haiti | Funder: UNDP Haiti| Title: ITB.23.266: Drone Acquisition ( 2 Lots) | Bid Due Date/Time: 04-Jan-24 @ 04:30 PM (New York time) Find Out More

 

United States:

• SAN DIEGO: XPONENTIAL | April 23-25 | San Diego Convention Center Find Out More

International:

• AUSTRALIA: RPAS in Australian Skies 2024 | 4-6 March 2024 Find Out More

• KOREA: Drone Show Korea 2024 | 6-8 March 2024 | Bexco, Busan Find Out More

• NETHERLANDS: Amsterdam Drone Week | 16-18 April Find Out More

 

• Eno Umoh x Dylan Gorman | The 0-5K Blueprint: How to Use LinkedIn for Lead Generation Watch Here

• Dylan Gorman x Pilot Byte | RTK 101 - Master RTK For Drone Mapping | Master the fundamentals of RTK, unravel its workings, and learn to capture drone data effortlessly. Register For Free

• WeRobotics | Engineering Unmanned Aerial Systems: Techniques, Tools, and Evaluation Watch Here

• Global Air U | The Drone Entrepreneur's Guide to LinkedIn Marketing Register Here

• Global Air U | How to Become a Drone Consultant Watch the Replay (With Timestamps)

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Thank you for being a part of the Global Air U community! Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and I thank you in advance for your time and contribution. We are excited to continue serving as a resource to help you expand your drone business.

Cheers,

Eno

P.S.

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