NASHVILLE, TN, August 7, 2024—UAV Coach, the nation’s top provider of drone education and training, has released a newly updated version of Drone Pilot Ground School to help drone pilots pass the FAA’s Part 107 test. The updated course was recently released on July 24 as the company celebrates 10 years of working to support drone pilots.

“We are so excited about this updated version of Drone Pilot Ground School,” says Brad Tucker, CEO of UAV Coach. “Our focus at UAV Coach has always been on helping commercial drone pilots gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful, and this newly updated course is the perfect way for us to celebrate ten years of doing this important work.”

UAV Coach launched Drone Pilot Ground School on June 21, 2016—the same day the FAA released the Part 107 rules. Since launching, over 65,000 drone pilots have used the course to earn their Part 107 certification. UAV Coach students have over a 99% pass rate on the test, and the company is trusted by nationally recognized organizations like the NYPD, NBC Universal, Granite Construction, and Tesla to train their drone pilots.

Drone Pilot Ground School walks students through the Part 107 test, covering key topics in a self-study format. The new version of the course has been completely updated, including:

• New videos and course content fully up-to-date for 2024.
• New personalized study plans to help students succeed and progress at their preferred pace.
• New virtual flashcards to provide even more study tools to help students pass the exam the first time.
• New Spanish subtitles for more accessible learning.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, UAV Coach is offering $100 off Drone Pilot Ground School now through August 14. See an example lesson from the updated course now.

About UAV Coach

UAV Coach is the nation’s top provider of drone education and training. UAV Coach specializes in helping people get their commercial drone license through their online test prep course, Drone Pilot Ground School, with a 99% pass rate, which has helped over 65,000 drone pilots pass the FAA’s Part 107 test. UAV Coach offers free and paid educational resources for drone pilots, including in-person training and free access to the FAA’s TRUST for recreational flyers. UAV Coach was founded in 2014 with the mission of empowering drone pilots every step of their journey.

Media contact: Zacc Dukowitz (Zacc@UAVCoach.com)

The post UAV Coach Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Newly Updated Part 107 Course appeared first on UAV Coach.

This month marks UAV Coach’s 10th anniversary.

To celebrate the anniversary, we’ve released a newly updated Drone Pilot Ground School, our test prep course for the FAA’s Part 107 exam.

We’ve completely reimagined the course with:

• Brand new videos
• Virtual flashcards
• Personalized study plans
• Spanish subtitles

And a lot more, which we’ll cover below in this article.

To celebrate the new version of the course, we’re offering $100 off thru August 14th.

Sign up now to get the discount.

Celebrating Ten Years by Doubling Down on Our Commitment to Drone Pilots

When UAV Coach first started in 2014, the FAA’s Part 107 certification didn’t exist. From 2014 to 2016, the only way to operate drones commercially was to obtain a Part 333 exemption.

In 2016, the FAA released the Part 107 rules.

On the same day the rules came out we launched Drone Pilot Ground School, our online test prep course to help drone pilots pass the Part 107 test.

Since then, we’ve trained over 65,000 drone pilots to become Part 107 certified. Our students have over a 99% pass rate on the test, and we’re trusted by nationally recognized organizations like Tesla, the NYPD, and NBC Universal to train their pilots.The journey to get to this point has been incredible. And all of our success has come from you, our students.

That’s why we wanted to celebrate UAV Coach’s 10th anniversary by creating a completely up-to-date version of Drone Pilot Ground School.

[Want to see what the course looks like? See inside one of our lessons!]

The original course was made in 2016, just before the FAA released the Part 107 rules.

After a few years, we felt like we could do better. So we completely redid Drone Pilot Ground School, reshooting videos, creating new lessons to address notes from our students, and making the learning experience more seamless.

Now, we created a completely new, up-to-date version of Drone Pilot Ground School to provide the very best resources for our students—keep reading to learn more about the updates we made.

What’s New in Drone Pilot Ground School

Here’s a closer look at the updates we made in the new version of Drone Pilot Ground School.

NEW Most Updated Industry Content

We guarantee that you will be getting access to the industry’s most up-to-date content so that you can have confidence in passing the FAA exam.

Our videos are NEW as of July 2024, no outdated videos here!

Here’s a look inside the new course:

NEW Personalized Study Plans

Complete the course in one week or spread it out over the course of two weeks or one month. With our study plans, you’ll be able to pace your training to your ideal completion time.

NEW Virtual Flash Cards

Our course now includes digital flash cards to provide even more study tools to help you pass the exam the first time. Guaranteed.

NEW Spanish Subtitles

Although you need to be able to read, speak, write, and understand English to become a certified drone pilot; we now offer Spanish subtitles for more accessible learning.

Ready to become a commercial drone pilot?

Get $100 off the newly updated Drone Pilot Ground School now.

The post Want to Become Part 107 Certified? Get $100 Off Our Newly Updated Test Prep Course, Drone Pilot Ground School appeared first on UAV Coach.

We’re also covering a Shark Week video that features drones testing the agility of great whites, the potential dangers of Remote ID for drone pilots, DJI’s annual report on drones in agriculture, and Wing’s latest innovation in drone delivery.

Now on to the links!

DJI Ban Won’t Get Passed—For Now

 

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The Countering CCP Drones Act—commonly called the DJI ban, since it calls for banning all DJI drones in the U.S.—is not moving forward. The law was included in the House version of the 2025 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) and sent to the Senate last month. Last year, the ASDA (American Security Drone Act) was included in the 2024 NDAA, and became law that way. (The ASDA implemented a Chinese drone ban for federal agencies.) The Senate hasn’t included the Countering CCP Drones Act in its version of the 2025 NDAA, which it released last week. Assuming no changes get made, this means the DJI ban isn’t moving forward for now.

LEARN MORE

Drones Hang Food in Front of Great Whites to Test Their Agility

We’ve heard of using drones to keep people safe from sharks. But have you heard of using drones for testing sharks’ agility? That’s the use case featured in the video above, which the Discovery Channel put out recently during its annual Shark Week. In the video, researchers use drones equipped with a bait line to test the agility of great white sharks (which, no surprise, is pretty incredible). Jump to 00:42 in the video to see what we’re talking about.

LEARN MORE

Is Remote ID Dangerous for Drone Pilots?

A commercial drone pilot in Texas recently shared a disturbing story about someone using Remote ID to locate and threaten him while he was doing agriculture work with his drone. According to the pilot, a stranger figured out “exactly where I was using the remote ID broadcast” and then drove up and almost pinned “me between their car and my trailer and in the middle of my landing zone.” The stranger had a gun and “started screaming at me to get the damn drone off his . . . land.” The pilot goes on to clarify that he wasn’t on the man’s land, and was in fact working for the land’s owner.

This is exactly the kind of situation drone pilots worried about when the FAA first proposed the Remote ID rule. At the time, the FAA addressed these concerns by saying that only authorized authorities would be able to use the Remote ID broadcast to locate pilots. Clearly, that’s not been the case. And with more and more people shooting at drones and harassing drone pilots, these concerns seem more valid now than ever.

LEARN MORE

Annual Report Shows Major Growth for Agriculture Drones

Credit: DJI

Speaking of drones in agriculture, DJI just put out its annual report on the subject. The report’s findings are impressive, showcasing the big, positive impact that drone technology is having on farming—and on the environment. Here are some standout stats from the report:

• Ag drones are operating in 100 countries and regions.
• Ag drones have helped save 210 million metric tons of water (the equivalent of the annual water consumption of 390 million people).
• Ag drones treated 500 million hectares of farmland in the last year (that’s 1.9 million square miles).
• Ag drones have helped reduce carbon emissions by 25.72 million metric tons (the equivalent of saving 1.2 billion trees).

The report also details the legislative progress made for ag drones throughout the world, taking a close look at many of the countries where they operate. Follow the link below to read the full 35-page report.

LEARN MORE

Wing’s Latest Innovation in Drone Delivery

We’ve all seen drones use a wire to lower packages to the ground. But have you wondered how they actually hold and release the package from the line? There are different ways to do it, and Wing has created an innovative “pill” package hook that is a crucial part of how its deliveries get made. The pill is designed to be aerodynamic and be stable in flight—even when going as fast as 65 mph. Watch the video above to see how it works.

LEARN MORE

Make sure to sign up for our free weekly newsletter using the button below so you can get our weekly newsletter every Saturday, with this roundup and our other featured stories from the week.

The post Drone News Roundup: DJI Ban Not Moving Forward, Feeding Sharks from Drones, and More! appeared first on UAV Coach.

But it’s true—Commercial UAV Expo 2024 is less than two months away!

And this year’s a big one, with the conference celebrating its 10th year, which is practically a century in the fast-moving world of drone technology.

After the drone conference shakeup that happened during COVID, Commercial UAV Expo has emerged as the clear front runner in the world of drone events. These days, it’s one of the biggest, best U.S. commercial drone conferences you can find.

Every year we start getting excited around now because we know the conference is coming up.

In this post, we’re going to share all the reasons we’re excited for Commercial UAV Expo 2024. If you’re on the fence about attending, this post may help you make a decision. And if you already know you’re going, we hope this post will serve to get you pumped.

When and Where Is Commercial UAV Expo 2024?

As it has been for several years, the conference will be held at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV. The dates this year are September 3 to 5.

Right now you can get early bird pricing for $300 off. This deal is good until July 19.

Learn more about attending, or keep reading for our nine reasons to attend.

9 Reasons to Attend Commercial UAV Expo 2024

Here are the reasons we’re getting excited for the conference this year.

1. Best-in-Class Technology

The exhibition hall is always one of the best parts of any tech-focused conference. And the hall at Commercial UAV Expo is a standout, because all the heavy hitters in the drone industry are there.

This year, the expo will feature over 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in commercial UAS technology.

The Elios 3 in flight inside a trailer at Commercial UAV Expo 2022

And if this year is like the last few, you can even fly Flyability’s Elios 3 on the exhibition floor—because they bring in a trailer where they literally let you fly right at the booth. That’s pretty cool.

2. Vertical-Specific Drone Deep Dives

Want to learn more about a specific section of the drone industry? Or learn a little about a lot of different commercial drone applications?

Whether you want to go deep on one application or just get a lay of the land for how drones are being used in work, Commercial UAV Expo is a great place to learn.

The conference program this year will offer talks in five key drone verticals:

• Construction
• Drone Pilot Program
• Energy and Utilities
• Infrastructure and Transportation
• Policy

View the full 2024 conference program.

3. Innovative Hydrogen Track

In addition to the five core tracks above, this year there will again be a track put on by the HYSKY Society.

This event does cost extra. But it’s a really unique offering. The HYSKY Society Hydrogen Aviation Course brings together all pieces of the hydrogen aviation ecosystem: hydrogen production, hydrogen logistics, hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen fuel cells, and engines, and hydrogen aircraft.

The course offers participants the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the latest advancements, technologies, and applications in the field of hydrogen aviation, designed to provide a solid foundation for understanding the principles, challenges, and opportunities associated with hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Learn more about the HYSKY Course.

4. The Keynotes

Commercial UAV Expo 2024 brings in top talent to speak every year, and this year’s shaping up to be no different.

Keynotes are a great opportunity to get personal perspectives from the top thought leaders, visionaries, and innovators in commercial drones operations.

Hear from industry experts about where the drone industry is headed from a regulatory perspective, how AI is impacting drone operations right now, and more.

5. Special Workshops and Events

Every year, Commercial UAV Expo puts on special events in addition to the main lineup of talks and panels.

Here are this year’s top workshops and events:

• Photogrammetric Mapping with UAS—led by ASPRS.
• LiDAR Mapping with UAS—led by ASPRS.
• From Air to Ground: Comprehensive Lidar Mapping Solutions—led by GeoCUE.
• Transforming UAVs into Real-World Mapping and Surveying Solutions—led by Trimble.
• From Drone Data to Survey Deliverable—led by Virtual Surveyor.

Learn more about special workshops and events at the 2024 conference.

6. Almost 4,000 Attendees Anticipated

Last year about 3,750 people attended Commercial UAV Expo. And this year the number may be even higher, if you can believe it.

Pulling people in from over 70 different countries, the event will truly be a global meeting place for all things drone-related.

7. The DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit

Presented by AIRT, the Public Safety Summit is a co-located event that takes place over two days during Commercial UAV Expo.

Credit: DRONERESPONDERS

The Summit features programming designed to educate and prepare first responder UAS program managers and remote pilots at every experience level for public safety UAS operations.

If you work for a public safety agency and have been wanting to get up to speed with how to use drones, this event is a great opportunity to jump start your knowledge for using drones in your work.

Learn more about the Summit here.

8. Networking

Attendees at Commercial UAV Expo this year include people from top drone-related companies, government agencies, and some of the biggest companies in the world.

Where else can you rub shoulders with thousands of people who work with drones?

If you’re looking for work, to hire a drone pilot, to partner with another drone hardware or software company, or just to grow the list of contacts you have in the drone industry, Commercial UAV Expo is a great place to do it.

9. Live Outdoor Flying Demonstrations

Want to see the latest drone technology on display—not just in an exhibit hall, but actually in the air? Commercial UAV Expo’s live demos are the place to do it.

Here’s what Commercial UAV Expo has to say about this year’s live demos:

Leading vendors will demonstrate a range of drone applications. Not only will airframe and sensor capabilities be showcased, but a sophisticated AV set up will allow users to view resulting data sets and processing solutions for the full end-to-end view of the technology. Drone experts will be on-hand to narrate live scenarios and field questions from the audience.

Here are the companies participating in the live demos this year:

• Autel Robotics
• Event 38 Unmanned Systems
• Frontier Precision Unmanned
• ideaForge
• Skyfish

Learn more about this year’s live demos.

Want to Attend Commercial UAV Expo 2024?

Take advantage of early bird pricing, which gets you $300 off from now until July 19. Register here.

Hope to see you there!

The post 9 Reasons to Attend Commercial UAV Expo 2024 appeared first on UAV Coach.

Credit: Skydio

Thermal drones allow drone pilots to detect heat signatures from objects, people, and animals, which are invisible to the naked eye by making those signatures visible. This data can be useful for a range of applications, including inspections, search and rescue, and agriculture, just to name a few.

The practice of using a thermal drone is called aerial thermography, and there is a lot of work right now for drone pilots with infrared drone technology. Just having the technology to collect thermal data by air can get you work, but it’s even better if you know how to interpret thermal images to provide reporting.

Here’s everything we cover in this guide to thermal drones:

• What Is a Thermal Drone?
• Best Thermal Drones on the Market [New for 2024]
• Best Thermal Cameras for Drones
• What Are Thermal Drones Used For?
• How Much Does a Thermal Drone Cost?
• Aerial Thermography Jobs

 What Is a Thermal Drone?

Thermal drones have advanced in quality significantly over the last few years.

These days, there are several high-quality thermal drones on the market at approachable price points. And the thermal data they collect is getting better and better, allowing a host of industries to collect high-quality data to inform their work.

How Thermal Drones Work

Thermal drones operate by capturing infrared radiation emitted by objects or living creatures, including people. All objects emit infrared radiation as a function of their temperature.

The thermal camera on the drone detects this radiation and converts it into an image, called a thermogram, which shows temperature variations.

Thermal drones offer a significant advantage in numerous fields due to their ability to visualize temperature differences accurately and efficiently. When choosing a thermal drone, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your application to select the right model and features.

Here are the key elements of any infrared drone:

• Thermal sensors. From a data collection perspective, the core component of a thermal drone is its thermal sensor, which captures infrared radiation. High-quality sensors offer better resolution and temperature sensitivity.
• Image processing. Thermal cameras process the infrared radiation they capture into a visual image that represents temperature differences, allowing us to “see” these temperatures. Warmer areas appear as brighter spots, while cooler areas are darker (as you can see in the image on the left below).
• Integration with drone systems. The thermal camera is integrated with the drone’s navigation and control systems, allowing for real-time data transmission and analysis. This integration enables the drone to be used for a variety of applications, such as inspections, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring.

Credit: Parrot

Key Factors in Choosing a Thermal Drone

Here are the main factors you should keep in mind when looking for a thermal drone:

• Thermal camera resolution. Higher resolution cameras provide more detailed thermal images, which are crucial for applications requiring precise temperature measurements. For example, a 640×512 resolution is common in high-end models, offering clear and detailed thermal imagery.
• Frame rate. The frame rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the thermal camera captures an image. Higher frame rates (e.g., 30 Hz) are good for applications involving fast-moving objects or real-time analysis.
• Flight time. Depending on the application, longer flight times may be necessary. Some thermal drones can fly for up to 55 minutes on a single charge, which is ideal for extensive inspections or search operations.
• Payload capacity. The drone’s ability to carry additional sensors or cameras can enhance its functionality. For example, a drone capable of carrying both a thermal camera and an RGB camera can provide comprehensive data for a variety of applications.
• Durability and weather resistance. Industrial applications often require drones that can withstand harsh environments. Features like an IP rating (e.g., IP45 or higher) indicate the drone’s resistance to dust and water.
• Integration with software. Many thermal drones come with proprietary software for data analysis. Features like radiometric data (providing temperature readings for each pixel) can be crucial for detailed inspections and reporting.
• Cost. Thermal drones range widely in price, from a few thousand dollars for basic models to tens of thousands for high-end drones with advanced features. Consider your budget and the specific needs of your application when making a decision. Note on this: we have a section below on how much thermal drones cost, which shares a range of price points.

Best Thermal Drones on the Market [New for 2024]

Thermal drones have evolved significantly over the last five to six years, offering advanced capabilities for a wide range of applications.

Here are the top five thermal drones on the market for 2024, featuring cutting-edge technology and high-performance thermal cameras.

1. Skydio X2E

The Skydio X2E is an advanced thermal drone designed for enterprise applications. It offers robust autonomous flight capabilities and high-resolution thermal imaging, making it ideal for public safety, defense, and infrastructure inspection.

Specs and Features

• Thermal camera. 320×256 resolution, FLIR Boson sensor.
• Visual camera. 12 MP with 4K HDR video.
• Flight time. Up to 35 minutes.
• Transmission range. 3.7 miles (6 km).
• Autonomy. Skydio Autonomy Enterprise, obstacle avoidance in complex environments.
• Durability. IP54 rating for weather resistance.

Learn more about the Skydio X2E.

2. FLIR SIRAS

The FLIR SIRAS is a versatile, rugged drone designed specifically for professional applications that require thermal imaging. It combines advanced thermal and visual imaging capabilities, making it ideal for tasks such as inspection, public safety, and search and rescue operations.

Specs and Features

• Thermal camera. 640×512 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate, FLIR Boson sensor.
• Visual camera. 16 MP with 4K video recording.
• Flight time. Up to 31 minutes.
• Transmission range. 3.1 miles (5 km).
• Durability. IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, designed to operate in harsh environments.
• Advanced features. Radiometric thermal imaging for precise temperature measurements, dual-camera system for simultaneous thermal and visual imaging.

Learn more about the FLIR SIRAS.

3. Parrot Anafi Thermal

The Parrot Anafi Thermal is an infrared drone made specifically for professional aerial thermography, combining a high-resolution visual camera with a thermal imaging sensor. Its lightweight and portable design make it suitable for quick deployment in various scenarios, including building inspections, firefighting, and wildlife monitoring.

Specs and Features

• Thermal camera. 160×120 resolution, 9 Hz refresh rate.
• Visual camera. 21 MP with 4K HDR video.
• Flight time. Up to 26 minutes.
• Transmission range. 2.5 miles (4 km).

Learn more about the Parrot Anafi Thermal.

4. Autel Robotics EVO II Dual 640T

The Autel EVO II Dual 640T is another infrared drone made specifically for aerial thermography. It comes with high-resolution thermal imaging and an 8K visual camera, and it’s made for applications like firefighting, law enforcement, and industrial inspections, providing detailed thermal and visual data.

Specs and Features

• Thermal camera. 640×512 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate.
• Visual camera. 8K resolution.
• Flight time. Up to 38 minutes.
• Transmission range. 5.6 miles (9 km).
• Durability. Rugged design with high wind resistance.

Learn more about the EVO II Dual 640T.

5. DJI Mavic 3T

The DJI Mavic 3T is a versatile thermal drone made for thermal imaging and high-resolution visual capture. Its compact design and powerful capabilities make it ideal for various applications, including search and rescue, inspection, and environmental monitoring.

Specs and Features

• Thermal camera. 640×512 resolution, 30 Hz refresh rate.
• Visual camera. 20 MP 4/3 CMOS sensor.
• Flight time. Up to 45 minutes.
• Transmission range. 9.3 miles (15 km).
• Advanced features: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 5.0.

Learn more about the Mavic 3T.

Best Thermal Cameras for Drones

As we mentioned in the opening to this guide, some drones come with thermal cameras and some drones can be outfitted with them.

Some experienced aerial thermographers prefer to seek out the best thermal camera that’s drone-compatible, and attach it to their preferred UAV.

And that means a guide to thermal drones wouldn’t be complete without a list not only of the top infrared drones on the market, but also a list of thermal cameras that can be used with drones—here’s our list of the top 5.

1. FLIR Vue Pro R

Credit: FLIR

The FLIR Vue Pro R is one of the most popular thermal cameras for drones, known for its high-resolution imaging and radiometric capabilities. It captures precise temperature data, making it ideal for professional applications like inspections, firefighting, and search and rescue.

Specs and Features

• Resolution. 640×512 or 336×256, depending on the model.
• Radiometric data. Provides temperature data for every pixel.
• Lens options. Multiple lens options (9 mm, 13 mm, 19 mm) for different fields of view.
• Drone compatibility. Integrates easily with most drone platforms, including DJI Matrice models.

Learn more about the FLIR Vue Pro R.

2. DJI Zenmuse H20T

Credit: DJI

The DJI Zenmuse H20T is a powerful thermal camera designed for the DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone. It features a quad-sensor system that includes a high-resolution thermal camera, making it suitable for complex and demanding operations.

Specs and Features

• Thermal resolution. 640×512.
• Additional sensors. 20 MP zoom camera, 12 MP wide camera, and laser rangefinder.
• Advanced features. AI Spot-Check, PinPoint, and Smart Track.
• Drone compatibility. Seamlessly integrates with the DJI Matrice 350 RTK and other Matrice drones, like the M300.

Learn more about the DJI Zenmuse H20T.

3. FLIR Duo Pro R

Credit: FLIR

The FLIR Duo Pro R combines thermal imaging with a high-definition visual camera, offering versatile imaging capabilities for professional applications. This dual-sensor camera is suitable for a wide range of missions, including mapping, inspections, and surveillance.

Specs and Features

• Thermal resolution. 640×512 or 336×256.
• Visual resolution. 4K color video.
• Radiometric data. Radiometric thermal imaging for precise temperature readings.
• GPS integration. Built-in GPS for geotagging images.
• Drone compatibility. Integrates easily with most drone platforms, including DJI Matrice models.

Learn more about the FLIR Duo Pro R.

4. Workswell WIRIS Pro

Credit: Workswell WIRIS

The Workswell WIRIS Pro is a high-performance thermal camera designed for industrial inspections and scientific research. It offers advanced thermal and visual imaging capabilities, making it a versatile tool for professionals.

Specs and Features

• Thermal resolution. 640×512.
• Visual resolution. Full HD camera.
• Radiometric accuracy. High precision in temperature measurement.
• Drone compatibility. Integrates with several drone platforms, including the DJI Matrice 300 and 350.

Learn more about the Workswell WIRIS Pro.

5. Teledyne FLIR Vue TZ20-R

Credit: FLIR

The Teledyne FLIR Vue TZ20-R is a dual thermal camera payload designed for drones. It features two Boson thermal cameras with a continuous zoom capability, providing detailed thermal imaging for a variety of applications.

Specs and Features

• Thermal resolution. Dual 640×512.
• Zoom capability. 20x continuous zoom.
• Radiometric data. Radiometric thermal imaging for precise temperature measurement.
• Drone compatibility. Integrates easily with most drone platforms, including DJI Matrice models.

Learn more about the Teledyne FLIR Vue TZ20-R.

What Are Thermal Drones Used For?

Thermal drones can be used in a big range of applications across multiple industries, helping companies improve both efficiency and safety in the workplace.

Here’s a list of the top 13 applications where infrared drones are being used these days, with top use cases listed for each one.

1. Archaeological Surveys

In archaeology, thermal drones are used to identify subsurface structures and artifacts. Thermal imaging can reveal differences in ground temperature caused by buried structures, helping archaeologists pinpoint excavation sites without intrusive methods.

Top Use Cases

• Identifying ancient structures and artifacts below the surface.
• Mapping excavation sites for archaeological digs.
• Monitoring and preserving heritage sites.

2. Agriculture

In agriculture, thermal drones help farmers monitor crop health by detecting variations in temperature and moisture levels. These drones can identify areas of a field that need irrigation, fertilization, or pest control, leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices.

Top Use Cases

• Detecting irrigation needs by identifying dry patches in fields.
• Monitoring crop health and spotting diseases or pest infestations early.
• Assessing the effectiveness of agricultural treatments.

Credit: Texas A&M

3. Disaster Response and Recovery

Thermal drones play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts. They can quickly assess the extent of damage, locate survivors, and provide real-time data to emergency responders, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster management.

Top Use Cases

• Assessing damage after natural disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes.
• Locating survivors in collapsed structures or debris.
• Providing real-time situational awareness to emergency response teams.

4. Environmental Monitoring

Thermal drones are used in environmental monitoring to track changes in ecosystems, monitor pollution, and assess the impact of human activities. These drones provide valuable data for environmental protection and management.

Top Use Cases

• Monitoring water temperatures in rivers and lakes to assess ecological health.
• Detecting pollution sources and tracking their spread.
• Assessing the impact of deforestation and land-use changes.

5. Firefighting and Hazard Assessment

Firefighting teams use thermal drones to detect hotspots in burning structures and wildfires. Firefighting drones provide real-time data on fire spread, helping firefighters strategize their response and prevent further damage.

Top Use Cases

• Identifying hotspots in buildings and wildfires.
• Monitoring fire spread to aid in strategic planning.
• Assessing post-fire damage for recovery efforts.

Credit: FLIR

6. HVAC System Inspections

Thermal drones can inspect HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems in large buildings and industrial plants. They help identify inefficiencies, leaks, and areas needing maintenance, contributing to energy savings and system longevity.

Top Use Cases

• Detecting leaks in HVAC systems.
• Identifying areas of heat loss or inefficiency.
• Conducting routine maintenance inspections to prevent system failures.

7. Industrial Inspections and Maintenance

Thermal drones play a critical role in industrial inspections by providing non-invasive and detailed thermal imagery of structures and equipment. This application helps in detecting faults, leaks, and inefficiencies, ensuring timely maintenance and reducing operational downtime.

Top Use Cases

• Inspecting power lines and electrical grids for overheating components.
• Monitoring pipelines for leaks and irregular temperature changes.
• Assessing the integrity of buildings and infrastructure.

8. Law Enforcement and Surveillance

Law enforcement agencies use thermal drones for surveillance and tactical operations. Police drones equipped with thermal cameras can track suspects, gather intelligence, and ensure officer safety by providing thermal imagery in low-light or obscured conditions.

Top Use Cases

• Conducting nighttime surveillance operations.
• Tracking suspects in low-visibility conditions.
• Enhancing officer safety during tactical missions.

9. Maritime Search and Rescue

Thermal drones are used in maritime environments to locate people and objects in the water. Their ability to detect heat signatures makes them particularly useful for night-time operations or in poor visibility conditions.

Top Use Cases

• Locating individuals in distress at sea.
• Monitoring coastal areas for illegal activities.
• Assisting in maritime disaster response and recovery operations.

10. Roof Inspections

Thermal drones are invaluable in the construction and real estate industries for inspecting roofs. They can identify issues like leaks, insulation problems, and structural damage without the need for physical access, making roof inspections safer and more efficient.

Top Use Cases

• Detecting leaks and water damage in roofing materials.
• Identifying insulation deficiencies and energy loss.
• Assessing structural damage and integrity.

Credit: Commercial UAV News

11. Search and Rescue

Thermal drones are widely used in search and rescue operations to locate missing persons in challenging environments. By detecting body heat, SAR drones can quickly find individuals in dense forests, mountainous areas, or disaster sites. This technology significantly improves the efficiency and success rate of rescue missions.

Top Use Cases

• Locating lost hikers or climbers in wilderness areas.
• Identifying survivors in natural disaster scenarios like earthquakes or floods.
• Assisting in nighttime search operations where visibility is low.

12. Solar Panel Inspections

Thermal drones are extensively used to inspect solar panels for faults and inefficiencies. They can quickly identify hotspots and underperforming cells, which helps in maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of solar panels.

Top Use Cases

• Detecting hotspots and faulty cells in solar panels.
• Assessing overall efficiency and performance of solar farms.
• Conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure optimal operation.

Credit: Skydio

13. Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation

Thermal drones can help in wildlife monitoring by tracking animals and poachers without disturbing the natural habitat. This application is crucial for conservation efforts, helping to protect endangered species and manage wildlife populations effectively.

Top Use Cases

• Tracking wildlife movement and behavior for research purposes.
• Detecting and deterring poaching activities.
• Monitoring endangered species in their natural habitats.

How Much Does a Thermal Drone Cost?

The cost of thermal drones varies widely based on their capabilities, features, and intended applications.

Prices can range from a few thousand dollars for entry-level models to tens of thousands for high-end, professional-grade drones equipped with advanced thermal imaging technology. Keep in mind that the cost could be even higher if you buy a drone and a thermal camera separately—but that high cost may well be worth it if you need high-quality data for the work you plan to do.

Below are the cost factors and typical price ranges for thermal drones, broken out into entry-level, mid-range, and high-end.

Entry-Level Thermal Drones

Entry-level thermal drones are generally suitable for hobbyists or small businesses that require basic thermal imaging capabilities. These drones often come with lower resolution cameras and limited features, but still provide valuable thermal data for less demanding applications.

Price Range

$2,000 – $5,000

Examples

• DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual. Equipped with a FLIR Lepton thermal microcamera and a 4K visual camera, this drone is suitable for basic thermal inspections and search and rescue missions.
• Parrot Anafi Thermal. This compact and lightweight drone offers a 160×120 resolution thermal camera and a 21 MP visual camera, making it an affordable option for small-scale operations.

The Parrot Anafi Thermal | Credit: Parrot

Mid-Range Thermal Drones

Mid-range thermal drones offer a balance between cost and performance. They are suitable for professional applications that require higher resolution thermal imaging and additional features, such as extended flight time and enhanced durability.

Price Range

$5,000 – $15,000

Examples

• Autel EVO II Dual 640T. Featuring a 640×512 thermal camera and an 8K visual camera, this drone is designed for detailed thermal inspections, firefighting, and law enforcement.
• DJI Mavic 3T. This versatile drone comes with a 640×512 thermal camera and a 20 MP visual camera, offering excellent thermal imaging capabilities for a variety of professional applications.

The Mavic 3T | Credit: DJI

High-End Thermal Drones

High-end thermal drones are designed for industrial-grade applications requiring the highest levels of precision, reliability, and functionality. These drones come with advanced features such as high-resolution thermal cameras, long flight times, and robust build quality.

Price Range

$15,000 – $30,000+

Examples

• Skydio X2E. This high-end commercial drone features advanced autonomy and AI-driven obstacle avoidance, making it ideal for complex inspections, search and rescue operations, and public safety missions. Its dual-camera system includes a high-resolution thermal camera and a 12 MP visual camera, providing comprehensive imaging capabilities.
• DJI Matrice 350 RTK + Zenmuse H20T. This professional-grade drone features a quad-sensor payload, including a high-resolution thermal camera, making it ideal for complex inspections, search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring.

The Matrice 350 RTK | Credit: Skydio

Factors Affecting the Cost of Thermal Drones

Several factors can impact the cost of a thermal drone, including:

• Thermal camera resolution. Higher resolution cameras provide more detailed thermal images, which are crucial for precise temperature measurements and detailed inspections. Higher resolution typically means a higher price.
• Flight time. Drones with longer flight times are more expensive due to the advanced battery technology required. Extended flight times are essential for large-scale inspections and search operations.
• Durability and weather resistance. Industrial-grade drones designed to withstand harsh environments and adverse weather conditions tend to be more expensive due to their robust construction and materials.
• Advanced features. Features such as RTK positioning, AI capabilities, obstacle avoidance, and dual-sensor payloads add to the cost of thermal drones. These features enhance the drone’s functionality and versatility, making them suitable for specialized applications.

Additional Costs

• Software and data analysis tools. Many thermal drones come with proprietary software for data analysis and reporting. These tools can be an additional cost but are crucial for extracting valuable insights from the thermal data.
• Training and certification. Operators may need training and certification to use thermal drones effectively and comply with regulations. Training programs can vary in cost depending on their depth and duration.
• Maintenance and repairs. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your thermal drone in optimal condition. Repair costs can also add up, especially for high-end models.

Aerial Thermography Jobs

There are a lot of job opportunities in aerial thermography (i.e., flying a thermal drone to collect data).

Each of these requires specific training, equipment, and knowledge. By obtaining the necessary certifications and investing in the right technology, drone pilots can tap into these lucrative markets and provide valuable services across various industries.

1. Building and Roof Inspections

Thermal drones are used to inspect buildings and roofs for energy efficiency, detecting heat loss, and identifying areas that may require maintenance.

Key Information

• Salary range. $50 – $300 per hour
• Training: Part 107 certification, specific training in thermography
• Equipment. Mid to high-end thermal drone, software for image analysis

2. Solar Panel Inspections

Drones with thermal cameras can quickly identify malfunctioning or damaged solar panels by detecting temperature anomalies.

Key Information

• Salary range. $75 – $200 per hour
• Training. Part 107 certification, training in solar panel inspection
• Equipment. High-resolution thermal drone, data processing software

3. Electrical Inspections

Thermal drones are used to inspect electrical infrastructure, such as power lines and transformers, for overheating and potential failures.

Key Information

• Salary range. $100 – $300 per hour
• Training. Part 107 certification, electrical safety training
• Equipment. Industrial-grade thermal drone, safety gear

4. Agriculture and Crop Health Monitoring

In agriculture, thermal drones help monitor crop health by identifying areas affected by pests, diseases, or water stress through temperature variations.

Key Information

• Salary range. $50 – $150 per hour
• Training. Part 107 certification, agricultural knowledge
• Equipment. Thermal drone, specialized agricultural software

5. Firefighting and Search and Rescue

Thermal drones assist in firefighting by detecting hotspots and helping locate individuals in search and rescue missions, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Key Information

• Salary range. $60 – $200 per hour
• Training. Part 107 certification, emergency response training
• Equipment. High-end thermal drone, live-feed software

6. Wildlife Management

Thermal drones are used in wildlife management to monitor animal populations, track movement, and locate animals in dense forests or at night.

Key Information

• Salary Range: $50 – $150 per hour
• Training: Part 107 certification, wildlife biology knowledge
• Equipment: Thermal drone, GPS tracking software

7. Insurance Claim Inspections

Insurance companies use thermal drones to assess damage claims by identifying areas of heat loss or water intrusion in properties.

Key Information

• Salary Range: $75 – $250 per hour
• Training: Part 107 certification, insurance inspection training
• Equipment: Thermal drone, reporting software

8. Environmental Monitoring

Thermal drones help monitor environmental changes, such as deforestation or water temperature variations, aiding in conservation efforts.

Key Information

• Salary Range: $50 – $200 per hour
• Training: Part 107 certification, environmental science knowledge
• Equipment: Thermal drone, environmental monitoring software

The post Thermal Drones: The Top Infrared Drones on the Market and More [New for 2024] appeared first on UAV Coach.

Here is a list of seven ways you can make money with aerial thermography as a commercial drone pilot.

1. Fire Fighting

After a fire seems to have burned itself out, it can still be smoldering in places that are difficult to detect by the naked eye.

Using aerial thermography, firefighters can see where those lingering “hot spots” are, and make sure they keep themselves from harm.

Aerial thermography can also help identify the location of fire victims, either within a house or a forest fire, so that firefighters know where to focus their energy and time.

How to make money in this sector: While most fire departments are probably not going to be hiring freelance drone pilots to fly aerial thermography missions on a regular basis, they will almost certainly be interested in finding ways to use the service.

Many fire departments interested in using aerial thermography will be looking for training sessions so that they can learn how to do aerial thermography in-house, and some may even want to hire experienced drone pilots for part- or full-time work, based on their need. The best way to find out if there is an interest is to reach out to the fire departments in your area. They may not have aerial thermography on their radar but may be interested once you explain the potential value for their work.

2. Power Line Inspections

One of the many uses of aerial thermography is in preventing fires that occur as a result of failures in power lines.

By detecting weak points in the transmission and distribution network, which is a highly complex system of lines of interconnecting electric energy sources, drones equipped with thermal imaging systems can identify problem areas before a breakdown or fire happens and prevent the fire from happening.

[Related read: Drone Services Pricing—An Introductory Guide]

Check out the below video from Workswell to see how easily problem areas in power lines are detected using aerial thermography. Just imagine trying to find the same problem areas manually, and the power of aerial thermography will be immediately apparent.

How to make money in this sector: Reach out to local power companies and try to get a meeting with someone responsible for operations. Make sure to present the potential savings your services can provide, and email this information even if you can’t secure a meeting. Some power companies are still using helicopters for these inspections, which is incredibly expensive; manual inspections are also expensive, in part because of the high insurance premiums required. Become familiar with these costs and use those price points to persuade companies to use your services. Make sure to keep building your resume by doing similar inspections in other areas, so that you can keep coming back to bigger companies to make the case for why they should hire you.

3. Solar Panel Inspections

If a solar panel is malfunctioning, this could mean a daily loss in potential energy gathered. But manual inspections are time-consuming and sometimes cost-prohibitive.

Using aerial thermography, an entire field of solar panels can be inspected quickly, checking for any hot spots where there might be problem areas.

When the alternatives are either doing the inspection by hand or not doing it at all (which could risk losing huge amounts of potential energy), the cost-benefit analysis alone should help commercial pilots secure this kind of work in a snap.

How to make money in this sector: Do your homework, and draw up a clear cost-benefit analysis that shows how much a solar company could save if they used your services as opposed to what they’re currently doing for solar panel inspections. Some solar panel owners may not be doing regular inspections at all, in which case you’ll need to talk about the value of inspections, and how they could potentially be saving lots of energy by identifying problems early on. Make sure to reach out to all solar panel owners in your area to explain how you can save them money with your services.

4. Building HVAC (Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning) and Roof Inspections

Thermography can allow pilots to perform a simple energy audit of any building, either someone’s home or a large corporate structure, in order to determine where there might be excess heat, or where heat might be escaping.

This is one application that companies with large buildings might not even know they need, but would probably be grateful to have offered.

Just think about it—the bigger the building, the more potential savings in store if these kinds of heat-related problems can be detected.

How to make money in this sector: Owners of large, commercial buildings are the most likely candidates for this type of service, since the potential savings for them if they can identify areas where energy is being wasted could be huge. If you already have connections with local realtors through aerial photography, see if you can get introductions to people who own large buildings and might be interested in this service.

Also, consider attending homeowners’ meetings and other events of that nature to spread the word about how you can help people save money through your services. Keep in mind that the school board might oversee one of the largest groups of buildings in your area. If you can get on the agenda of one of their meetings, you may be able to get a large contract that could keep you in business for weeks or even months.

Check out this video from FLIR to see how thermography can be used for building and home inspections.

5. Cell Tower Inspections

Just as with power lines, aerial thermography can also help detect problem areas in cell towers.

This is yet another scenario where the only alternative would be manual inspection, which can be costly, as well as dangerous for the people who have to climb up and do the inspection.

Big cell companies like AT&T and Verizon are starting to use drones for cell tower inspections, and we can only imagine this sector growing.

Even if these companies end up wanting to do these inspections in-house, this could be an opportunity for commercial drone pilots to get in on the ground floor and secure stable, long-term work with large companies.

How to make money in this sector: This is a scenario where you may want to reach out to a local company providing this service and work with them for a while to develop a resume and contacts before trying to go it on your own. However, there might not be a local outfit, so make sure to be proactive in searching out contacts in the local branches of cell phone companies in your area, reaching out to them, and letting them know about the inspection services you offer. Also, try to build your resume doing similar inspections for locally-based companies so that you have the experience to point to when you do get to talk to a decision-maker at a big company.

6. Search and Rescue

When someone is lost outdoors, timing is everything. Whether the climate is hot or cold, the longer they stay outside the more dangerous the situation becomes.

Since drones can cover a huge area of space in a short period of time, using aerial thermography to find people lost outdoors not only makes sense, it can potentially save lives.

In addition, if a person is injured or too weak to call out, someone searching could potentially walk right by the person they’re trying to save and not see them.

With a drone, all you have to do is look for the heat signature of the person you’re trying to rescue.

How to make money in this sector: Search and Rescue teams are often volunteer-based but will sometimes pay for group training. Draw up a proposal for a training, and consider attending a local S&R meeting to do a short presentation on the value of aerial thermography in helping find lost people exposed to the elements.

If you can help people understand the value and detail step-by-step how they could actually apply the knowledge you can share with them in a search and rescue scenario, you may find yourself with a full docket of trainings scheduled in no time. And keep in mind, once you a do a training for one group, the word-of-mouth factor is likely to help you find work throughout your area, and beyond.

7. Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Inspections

Yet another scenario in which drones can go where people can’t, and really shouldn’t go.

In the video below, the Roswell Flight Test Crew (RFTC) demonstrates how a drone could help “perform real-time reconnaissance for firefighters responding to a hazardous material spill.”

How to make money in this sector: Reach out to your local fire department to find out about opportunities involving this application of aerial thermography. They may need help with training, or want to take you on part- or full-time, or case-by-case, to help with scenarios that involve hazardous materials. Also, investigate companies in your area that work with hazardous materials, and send them your contact information in case they ever need support with HAZMAT inspections.

Here is the video of RFTC’s aerial thermography HAZMAT demonstration:

A Few General Tips on Making Money

• Create promotional materials, and keep them on hand. Make sure to have a flyer ready to give someone who’s curious about what you do, and make sure your materials clearly explain the value and different applications of your skill sets. And don’t forget to include your contact information!
• Establish and maintain a web presence. To get an edge over your competitors, try to have a strong web presence in your area of expertise and geographic area. This way if people are searching for the type of service you provide, they’ll be able to find you.
• Get experience by working with a larger commercial outfit. If there is an established commercial drone company in your area providing the type of services you want to provide, you may want to see if you can work with them, even if only on a part-time basis in order to get the skills and experience necessary to start doing inspections on your own.
• Educate your customers. Given that a lot of drone-related services are still emerging fields, you may need to educate your potential customers on the value you can provide. Keep this in mind when reaching out to new contacts, and make sure to be ready to explain how you can save them money and optimize their existing practices with your service.
• Do your homework. If you can show your customers how you’ll save them money, the decision will be a no brainer for them. So investigate what they’re currently doing, and send them a proposal showing how much your inspection could potentially save for them. This approach not only highlights savings, but also your work ethic and diligence.
• Think outside the box. Use the contacts you have to get introductions to new potential customers. If you’ve been working in real estate, see if you any of the realtors you know can provide introductions to owners of large businesses who might need your services. If you’ve trained fire fighters, make sure to ask if they have contacts at other local fire departments, or even regional ones who might pay for you to travel there and train their staff. It never hurts to ask!

The post 7 Ways to Make Money with Aerial Thermography appeared first on UAV Coach.