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Summary and Objectives: Emergency Responses in State of Ohio

In March 2024, two dozen tornadoes tore through the state of Ohio. The Ohio Department of Transportation mounted a swift disaster response in Logan County that involved the coordination of multiple state departments.

A month later, the Ohio DOT put years of planning into action to manage a massive influx of traffic due to a historic solar eclipse that crossed North America from April 8-9. The department again worked with multiple state agencies to manage traffic and civilian safety at multiple points along the route of the eclipse, putting measures in place to head off dangerous road conditions.

These scenarios presented chaotic and unpredictable conditions, with highly limited access to information. With numerous roadways blocked, the Ohio DOT opted for the use of unmanned aircraft to provide surveillance and vision of emergency sites and congested corridors. UAVs were critical for safely routing resources and increasing the reach of state personnel. It was also incumbent on ODOT to provide information and real-time monitoring for a multi agency response.

The objectives for both efforts were to:

1. Provide safe passage for civilians and first responders through damaged or congested road systems.
2. To survey and monitor areas that had been damaged by the tornadoes or blocked off by eclipse spectators.
3. Provide reliable, real-time information from multiple sources to a number of multi-agency command centers.

Challenges: Geography and Multi-Agency Coordination

Updating Streaming Solutions

The department was transitioning from an older system that provided streaming from a single source. They were in the process of transitioning to a new live streaming service when the tornadoes hit. ODOT needed to get new live streaming and UAV workflows in place in a very short period of time, making sure that users were sufficiently trained in the new system.

Inter-Agency Communication

In both response efforts, the ODOT team had to provide visibility of large areas of the state to help safely allocate resources and provide timely assistance. The team coordinated efforts with over a dozen other state agencies, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio EPA, Ohio National Guard, Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office, and numerous others.

Hazardous Roadways

The aftermath of the tornadoes also saw extensive property damage across the states. Many roads and highways were also hazardous and untraversable. Emergency response routes had to be carefully planned so as to avoid damage and obstacles.

Constant Video Uptime

A major challenge during the solar eclipse was the need to monitor multiple potential congestion hot spots. Managing multiple sites required the continuous uptime of video feeds going to multiple sites.

Solutions: AirData’s Lightweight, Low-Latency UAS Live Streaming

UAS Capabilities and Benefits

ODOT's Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center helped provide key surveillance capabilities in both scenarios. UAVs allow pilots to establish a presence in a large area quickly, effectively, and while prioritizing their own physical safety. UAVs are also able to perform these functions at far lower costs than manned aviation.

Remote Activation of Live Streaming

AirData worked with ODOT  to swiftly get multiple UAVs up and running with Live Streaming while the ODOT team was en route to the tornado damage sites. AirData’s Live Streaming has no additional hardware requirements, which allowed multiple aircraft to be remotely enabled for streaming in a matter of minutes.

Flexible Viewing Options

Live footage was streamed to multiple command centers through the use of AirData’s highly flexible viewing options. Video is streamed from a device running the AirData UAV mobile app and can then be viewed from another instance of AirData UAV, from the AirData web app, or via secure URLs. Video feeds can also be incorporated into custom dashboards.

Secure, Low-Latency Performance

AirData’s streaming feature was designed to target first responder needs. It therefore prioritizes low-latency performance for improved responsiveness between operators in the field and personnel in remote command centers. The app offers encrypted HTTPs connections as well as PIN codes to protect the security of operations.

Diverse UAV Fleets

In the aftermath of the tornadoes, Ohio DOT personnel streamed live video from two commercial drones to their Operations Center in Springfield, OH, the Ohio Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and ODOT’s Traffic Management Center.

During the solar eclipse, the Ohio DOT streamed from an even larger fleet comprising small recreational aircraft, high-end aerial photography drones, and drones designed for industrial use. The ODOT team managed five video outputs again going to their Traffic Management Center and the Ohio Emergency Operations Center.

Results

ODOT was able to keep multiple aircraft in the air and live streaming for the duration of both response efforts. AirData’s Live Streaming, designed for use on multiple platforms, facilitated quick setup and installation times on ODOT’s existing UAV equipment. Pilots were able to quickly grasp the Live Streaming workflow, and the team was fully enabled to provide video coverage in a matter of hours while en route to the tornado damage sites.

The live footage allowed officials in the Emergency Operations Center and Traffic Management Center to better grasp ground conditions and direct response efforts. During the aftermath of the tornadoes, ODOT flew “hub and spoke” style flights with pilots in one set location fanning out in different directions from that central point. This allowed cyclical coverage of a large disaster site. The solar eclipse required monitoring over extensive highway routes along the path of the eclipse. Pilots flew and streamed video over highways I70, I75, US33, and 190.

The ODOT team experienced limited LTE cellular connectivity due to tornado damage. AirData’s Live Streaming was designed to operate under difficult cellular conditions, minimizing interruptions, and maximizing streaming efficiency. Downed cellular infrastructure made consistent connectivity a challenge, which tested the resiliency of the AirData streaming solution in adverse conditions. The ODOT team is currently investigating the use of Starlink in future emergencies to provide better connectivity and further optimize the use of AirData Live Streaming in the field.

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On July 31, 2024, UAV experts from the energy sector came together to share their experiences using AirData. Richard Turner of CAN-USA, Yoshi Schechter of Alamo Airborne, and Chris Marquart and Fred Farin of SDG&E’s Aviation Services joined AirData’s Trevor Hall to discuss their workflows in the following areas:

1. Unified UAV Data: Uses Beyond Compliance
2. Post-Flight Analysis: Impartial Accountability
3. Pilot Training and Currency
4. Parting Advice: Live Streaming and Pilot Activity

Panel Introduction

Richard Turner has 17 years of experience in offshore mechanical integrity and structural inspection. He specializes in deploying drone technology to enhance safety and operational efficiency in the oil and gas sectors as both a business owner and instructor.

Yoshi Schechter started in the drone industry in 2014 as an early adopter of drone-based cleaning and painting systems. He's now recognized as a specialist in aerial inspection and thermography for the oil and gas and energy sectors. He currently serves as a senior business director of Alamo Airborne, specializing in industrial aerial inspections and data delivery for the energy, telecom, and utility sectors.

Chris Marquart was a firefighter and medic with twenty years of experience before becoming a commercial UAS pilot. He started a drone program in 2014 with a small aircraft loaned from the military called an “Instant Eye” with an attached non-gimbaled Go-Pro. He now works with SDG&E’s UAV program, helping to pioneer new drone applications.

Fred Farin started in the drone industry in 2013. Fred is a UAS operations support specialist with extensive experience in piloting sUAS in aerial photography, utility inspections, and wildfire mitigation programs. Fred has been working in SDG&E's Aviation Services department since 2021, specializing in program enhancement, instructor vetting, and various aerial inspection missions.

1. Unified UAV Data: Uses Beyond Compliance

Our speakers emphasized the time-saving benefits of AirData. Many of our customers used AirData’s tracking and reporting features through different stages of their companies’ growth. At all sizes, being able to automate the collection of flight records, performance KPIs, and safety data was a huge win for efficiency and effectiveness. SDG&E, CAN-USA, and Alamo Airborne all use AirData heavily in the realms of reporting and compliance.

However, they have also found uses beyond that for AirData’s data analysis tools. Richard uses AirData to process information from simulated flights, while Yoshi has used AirData’s data analysis to aid in pilot payment, insurance, and marketing.

Yoshi Schechter [13:51]: We're managing 24 Pilots or something like that, and I can't even tell you how many airframes we've put through the system. It's an area that we do a lot of “not-flying” work on. It is a management issue to retain and to have good records for that. We try to run it like manned aviation companies.”

Our speakers stressed the importance of setting up automated systems for data capture in AirData. Collecting and organizing the necessary data to meet regulatory requirements is a time-intensive task. Enabling automatic logging and reporting through AirData saves Yoshi valuable time when storing documentation and submitting it to clients and the FAA.

Richard Turner [43:32]: You guys have been awesome with adopting new platforms. I know we worked together to bring the Elios 3 online, which was a big one for us, especially being a GPS-denied aircraft. Initially, we were manually logging every bit of our maintenance based on those menu screens, and it was extremely intensive given the number of flights. Being able to pull those debug files, dump that data in, and have AirData adjust was a tremendous win….

We fly hundreds of flights at a time, and ingesting all that data means we have a lot of cycles on these batteries, which have to be discarded after 50 cycles. There’s a lot to adjust and play with in terms of numbers.”

Richard’s team reached out to AirData for assistance managing flight data for the hundreds of flights and simulations they perform with the Flyability Elios 3. AirData’s engineers were able to work with Flyability’s product team to expedite the integration of Elios 3 data into AirData’s flight logging and maintenance modules. Automating Elios 3 data collection allows Richard and his team to focus on training and flying. You can view the full list of aircraft supported by AirData here.

Chris Marquart [41:33]: The tracking definitely makes us way more efficient than before when we first started off.… I didn't have much time to spend with maintenance logs and tracking and building a program. I was kind of letting AirData work in the background for me. The logs would go up there to the cloud, we view them later, and then we would just make a plan at the weekly meetings for what we have to do ahead of time. So it made us way more efficient despite our small size.”

Chris and Fred started their drone program with a small team. Time was a scarce resource, as they had to balance flying with administrative work among three people. Being able to “let AirData work in the background” allowed Chris to step in for flights when needed, and gave the entire team time to plan for future growth.

Yoshi Schechter [52:00]: We are using the data by pulling it out of there and pushing it to a system that we use for a number of things like all the way down to how we pay our pilots. We want to know that these flights were done and they've got this many flights, and they're getting paid per asset, or whatever the case may be.

We use the data that we put into AirData for marketing purposes and the number of flights and how many miles we've flown and it just makes good content for our marketing efforts.

[35:00] Since I'm the business side of our business. I always look at this kind of data like ‘Can I make an insurance claim?’”

Yoshi’s team takes flight logging further by using flight data to corroborate pilot activity for payroll purposes. AirData can be used as an impartial way to confirm flight counts, mission locations, and time in the air, along with other metrics.

AirData also offers APIs that can be used for data visualization, aiding in the creation of graphic and written content for marketing.

Yoshi also notes that having an impartial record of events provides a strong basis for insurance claims.

Richard Turner [50:23]: I’ll use one of my clients as an example. They want to know how many flights were flown on their facilities each month and the type of flights, whether it was beyond visual line of sight, confined space entry, or whatever it may be. We categorize all that, and a report is generated monthly. They don’t need serial numbers or pilot specifics, just general records for their KPIs. AirData generates this report, we reformat it slightly, add a header, and export it to them. They love this feature. It takes a big burden off us as we don’t have to manually comb through the data.”

AirData allows the creation of customized reports for flight data, equipment maintenance, and FAA compliance. Automating the reporting workflow and easing regulatory overhead has been a major win as customers can save countless hours of combing through paperwork.

2. Post-Flight Analysis: Impartial Accountability

AirData shines as an impartial “black box” repository for flight data. This proves to be of tremendous value when forensic reconstruction of an incident is required, and also provides useful training materials. Our speakers shared accounts of aircraft being downed by firearms, as well as tackling risky offshore inspections. The Alamo Airborne and SDG&E teams also use AirData’s ability to replay flight routes and control inputs as a training resource for newer pilots.

Fred Farin [23:32]: Another neighbor found the aircraft that had fallen in their backyard. They retrieved it, and an investigation ensued. Flight logs were pulled, and the aircraft was physically inspected to determine what went wrong. Basically, what we're seeing in the post-flight analytics was a power system failure, which matched with the .22 caliber bullet found in the back of the aircraft's battery.

Our supervisors reviewed the data to verify that it was not pilot error or a system malfunction, but indeed a kinetic neutralization. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and everyone was safe.

Even when an aircraft does not go down, these flight records are still crucial…. This interface is much easier to use because we can review the 3D aspects of the flight lines in Google Earth.”

Fred and Chris discussed increasing incidences of drones being deliberately targeted with firearms. AirData’s detailed flight records act as a “black box” to allow better forensic reconstruction of events. AirData provides an HD Flight Player for timestamped play-by-plays of flights. Flight routes can also be exported as KMLs from AirData, allowing the analysis of 3D flight paths in Google Earth and other GIS applications.

Yoshi Schechter [36:48]: We use the post-flight analysis in a different way than both of these guys. We use it as kind of a “lessons learned” and a training tool for our guys. So, if you go back to that previous slide where you have the HD player up you can see in the top right stick movement and you can actually see what your pilot was doing at the time…. We will take an example of one of our really good clean pilots that’s super efficient and that uses half the batteries that maybe a new guy would.”

Yoshi’s team uses post-flight analysis to train pilots in safe, efficient flying. AirData’s HD Flight Player tracks time-stamped stick inputs every tenth or two tenths of a second, allowing student pilots to closely emulate control inputs.

3. Pilot Training and Currency

Established sectors, such as energy, have equally established regulatory requirements. Richard and Yoshi have used AirData's pilot management, flight reporting, and document management feature sets to show they are meeting safety and training requirements. As with flight data tracking, being able to generate and view pilot activity reports is an enormous time saver. AirData has also recently released a new module that allows for the tracking of internal and external training certifications, further simplifying the pilot management workflow.

Richard Turner [10:56]: We're in a little different area than the rest of these groups are in the sense that our pilots tend to spend more time training and practicing and simulating than we do flying these missions. The majority of our work is in classified areas and hazardous atmospheres, so we do a lot of prep work, a lot of training simulator time, and we're able to use AirData to track all that… and go back and show that information to a client.”

The dynamic nature of off-shore inspections means CAN-USA’s pilots have to keep their flight skills sharp and polished. Richard and CAN-USA conduct a rigorous schedule of safety drills and flight simulations. Being able to provide proof of training to clients is a key point for their business relationships.

Yoshi Schecter [12:52]: There's so many different requirements depending on the company that we're working for. Oil and gas stuff, as Richard knows, can be pretty safety-intensive: a lot of documentation, a lot of paperwork. Other companies are more insurance-intensive. But all of them require some sort of certification or training. Richard is actually kind of my hero, the way he uses AirData to track that stuff.”

Yoshi gives credit to Richard for the systematic way they track pilot training. Our speakers note multiple times that one of the core benefits of AirData is the time they save by automating data input and output.

4. Parting Advice: Live Streaming and Pilot Activity

Our session ended with some Q&As from the viewers, as well as parting advice from the speakers. Fred discussed SDG&E's use cases for one of AirData's most sought-after features: low-latency live streaming. This allows sub-1 second latency transmission of video from a remote controller or mobile device with AirData UAV installed. No additional equipment is required, and viewers can watch the streamed footage securely via the AirData UAV mobile app, in the web browser, or by piping the video feed through a customized dashboard.

Fred Farin [54:57]: ....A fantastic feature we've adopted regularly, is the live streaming feature. We've used it for patrols and inspection patrols for OHVI [overhead inspections]. It's a great training tool to get new remote pilots up to speed as far as like image framing or what the flight path is, as well as like reconnaissance for our security group doing live streams to folks at the office. It's a great tool. For anyone on the call, I highly advise reaching out to AirData to explore this feature.”

Fred’s team uses AirData Live Streaming for flight training and mission planning. Customers frequently use Live Streaming for facility inspections, to monitor construction and building activities, and to provide vision of untraversable terrain. Live Streaming is also used by many of our first responder groups for reconnaissance, surveillance, and search and rescue. As with data analysis and reporting, our customers are innovating rapidly with their uses for Live Streaming.

AirData extends our thanks to Chris, Fred, Richard, and Yoshi for their contributions to this webinar. Their insight was engaging and invaluable, and founded on substantial real world experience.

If you would like to learn more about using AirData in your operations, drop us a line on our contact page.

Starting on June 12, 2024, DJI just announced that the flight record sync feature in the DJI Fly and Pilot 2 apps will be disabled in the United States. This change has raised concerns among drone operators who rely on DJI's cloud to automatically sync their flight logs with platforms like AirData. While this change poses a disruption to the current process, AirData offers robust alternatives to ensure that your flight logs can still be seamlessly uploaded.

This blog post aims to clarify these changes, outline who will be affected, and provide alternative methods for syncing flight logs to AirData.

Update from DJI

According to DJI’s announcement, the flight record sync feature will be disabled for the DJI Fly app in the United States beginning June 12, 2024. Additionally, the option to sync flights with DJI’s cloud from the DJI Pilot 2 app will also be disabled, expected in mid-July 2024.

US Customers vs. Global Customers

For AirData customers in the United States, this change means that automatic syncing of flight logs via DJI’s cloud, the process we refer to as Direct DJI Sync, will no longer be available using the DJI Fly and DJI Pilot 2 apps. However, if you are located outside of the United States, you can continue to use DJI's cloud to sync your logs with AirData at this time.

Alternative Methods to Sync DJI Flight Logs to AirData

AirData offers robust alternatives to ensure that your flight logs can still be seamlessly uploaded:

1. Using the AirData UAV Mobile Application: The recommended method is to use the AirData UAV mobile application. This app can directly upload flight logs from your device to AirData, bypassing DJI’s cloud. This method is not only straightforward but also secure, ensuring your data remains under your control. Importantly, if you are already using this method, nothing will change for you – your current process remains unaffected.
   

For instructions on how to upload logs to AirData using our mobile app, please refer to the below articles:

• Android phone/tablet with DJI Fly, DJI Pilot, DJI GO
• iOS device with DJI Fly
• DJI RC Pro, RC Pro Enterprise
• DJI RC Plus
• DJI Smart Controller
• DJI CrystalSky

1. Manual Uploads: Another option is to manually upload your DJI flight logs to AirData. This involves extracting the logs from your device and then uploading them through AirData’s web interface on this page. While this process is more manual, it ensures that no data syncing capability is lost due to DJI’s policy changes.
   
   US-based users of the DJI RC and DJI RC 2 will need to use manual uploads for the time being. Our engineering team is looking into the possibility of additional solutions, but we do not have additional details as of yet. Please see this help article for detailed instructions on manually uploading from the DJI RC and RC 2.
   
   
2. Third-Party Flight Apps: Users who utilize third-party apps such as Litchi and DroneDeploy will not be affected by DJI’s changes. These apps can continue to automatically upload flight logs to AirData, ensuring that your data syncing remains uninterrupted. For a full list of apps that support auto upload to AirData, please visit https://airdata.com/features#supported-apps .

Commitment to a Seamless Experience

AirData remains committed to providing a seamless and efficient flight log management experience for our users. We understand the importance of reliable data syncing and are dedicated to supporting our customers through this transition. We will continue to monitor updates from DJI and provide additional guidance as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions or require assistance with the alternative methods, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@airdata.com. Our team is here to help ensure that your flight operations continue smoothly and without interruption.

Conclusion

While DJI’s decision to disable flight record sync in the US may initially seem concerning, AirData provides effective alternatives to ensure your flight data remains accessible and secure. By utilizing the AirData UAV mobile app or manual upload methods, you can continue to leverage AirData’s powerful analytics and compliance tools without disruption.

Stay tuned for further updates, and thank you for your continued trust in AirData.

Contact Us

For any questions or further assistance, please reach out to us at support@airdata.com.

In a key development for agricultural drone users, AirData, a leading UAV fleet management platform, has unveiled a highly anticipated feature to help farmers and agribusiness owners manage their DJI Agras aircraft. Customers can now seamlessly sync flight logs for all of their DJI agricultural aircraft, including the Agras T10, T20, T20P, T30, and T40, directly to their AirData accounts.

The DJI Agras series is one of the market leaders for agricultural drones, offering excellent value and performance. Drones have transformed numerous farming practices, with farmers relying on them for surveying, pest control, crop health monitoring, soil analysis, and other crucial functions. As drones play an increasingly integral role in modern farming, the ability to automatically sync flight logs is a significant advancement for agricultural organizations seeking to optimize operations.

Enabling automated syncing is quick and user-friendly for AirData customers. Users can head to My Account -> DJI Agras Login to link their DJI SmartFarm agricultural accounts to their AirData accounts, much as they do with other DJI drones. Having access to this real-world data ensures that users can track trends in performance and operational demands, empowering them to make informed decisions and maximize the efficiency and safety of their drone operations. The AirData platform is able to take this flight data and provide greater insights via flight reports, maintenance tracking, and other features. The AirData team is actively working on further enhancing this feature to capture even more comprehensive flight data, ensuring that users have access to the most detailed insights possible.

We are thrilled to introduce this highly requested feature to our agricultural customers," said Eran Steiner, AirData CEO. "We recognize the importance of providing innovative solutions that address the vertical-specific needs of our customers. It has been an important commitment for our team to deliver automated flight log syncing for the DJI Agras, and we hope to build on this release to provide even better value for our customers in agriculture.”

Begin optimizing your agricultural drone operations with AirData today! You can find our DJI Agras integration help article here: DJI Agras Uploads.

AirData’s Public Portal program, used by public safety agencies across the US, offers a proactive solution for community-oriented police departments

Drone programs have granted public safety agencies a powerful solution to extend patrol capabilities, improve response times, and multiply personnel presence. Public accountability and transparency are a key part of the discussions around these programs. Community-invested agencies have partnered with AirData to implement the Public Portal, AirData’s powerful new tool for building public trust and engagement.

AirData, an industry-leading drone fleet management and live streaming platform, provides detailed data tracking as one of our core feature sets. Law enforcement agencies can choose to publicly share flight information using their custom-configured AirData Public Portal websites. These sites provide the public with transparent access to public safety flight paths and locations, enabling viewers to search for missions by address or time period. The shared data can be automatically filtered, according to the needs of the organization, to protect confidentiality. AirData has drawn on the expertise of pioneering agencies across the country, such as Chula Vista PD, Sacramento PD, Las Vegas Metro PD to develop and grow the Public Portal program as a way toward safer, more community-focused policing.

Implementing AirData’s Public Portal into our UAS program has revolutionized the way we share our drone operations with the community,” said Detective Steven Oscar (Program Coordinator) and Chief UAS Pilot at LVMPD. “It’s transparent, user-friendly, and bridges the gap between technology and public trust. With real-time data sharing, we’re not just flying drones; we’re fostering an environment of openness and accountability. AirData has enabled us to elevate our program’s transparency to new heights, ensuring our community is always in the loop and fully aware of the benefits our UAS initiatives bring.”

Privacy, officer safety, and operational security are serious concerns that agencies must balance with the need to build public trust and engagement. AirData has a powerful set of backend features that enable agencies to adjust parameters as appropriate for their operations. One important feature was the option to delay flight sharing by a customized time period. While this provides a blanket layer of security, checklists and flight tags offer individual pilots granular controls over how their data is shared. For example, pilots on sensitive missions can keep their flights confidential by quickly completing a post-flight checklist from the AirData UAV mobile app.

To learn more about the AirData Public Portal, please email info@airdata.com

In a move toward enhancing drone flight safely and FAA compliance, AirData has strengthened its partnership with Airbus to extend LAANC services to all users. Customers of all AirData plans can now access airspace advisories and information, as well as LAANC authorizations, on AirData’s web and mobile platforms. This expanded collaboration allows all US-based AirData users to seamlessly access controlled airspace with near-real-time approval from the FAA.

AirData users can now use one unified platform to access multiple layers of critical pre-flight information. Customers on the web app can view current weather conditions via the OK TO FLY page, and any active applicable NOTAMs on the airspace map. Likewise, AirData’s Android and iOS apps provide weather data via an OK TO FLY tab, and relevant airspace information via the AIRSPACE tab.

For instructions, please see our LAANC Authorization Guide and our LAANC Authorization Guide for Mobile. Users can explore the step-by-step application process, making their drone flying experiences easier, safer, and more compliant.

For more information about the FAA’s LAANC program, please see our LAANC FAQ.

Our recent journey has been marked by significant updates and new features, all aimed at enhancing your experience and operational efficiency with AirData. A remarkable achievement we're proud to share is the uploading of over 36,000,000 flight logs to AirData, a testament to your continued support and trust.

Mission planning

We have introduced the eagerly-anticipated mission planning feature. This comprehensive tool empowers pilots by providing a streamlined platform to define the "who, what, when, where, and why" of their missions.

It allows real-time access to airspace and weather information, assignment of participants and necessary equipment, as well as the ability to conduct in-depth risk assessment checklists. The feature fosters regulatory compliance through the creation of detailed mission reports, offers personalized approver settings, and boosts team collaboration with a built-in chat function.

We've recently added a feature for KML uploads, making mission and LAANC area outlining significantly easier.

Click here to learn more about mission planning.

Mission planning is currently only available for our Enterprise subscribers.

LAANC Requests on AirData

The FAA’s LAANC program, available for US-based pilots, permits UAVs to gain automated access to restricted airspace.

Users can now conveniently initiate LAANC requests on AirData, either as part of a mission or as a standalone request, even from a mobile device.

Notably, AirData's LAANC authorization module is seamlessly integrated with Airbus, an FAA-approved provider of LAANC services.

LAANC requests are currently only available for our Enterprise subscribers, and will be available for additional plans soon.

Remote ID Management

New Remote ID requirements for UAVs are being adopted worldwide. To comply with these regulations, AirData users on Gold, Pro, and Enterprise plans can now use AirData's equipment management features to handle their aircraft's Remote ID information. Additionally, Pro and Enterprise plan users can generate flight reports that include Remote ID information. Click here to learn more.

New Firmware Database

Our new firmware database, a comprehensive tool for the latest drone firmware releases, provides up-to-date information and promotes user discussions. Share experiences, discuss potential issues, suggest best practices, and learn from community insights. To access the firmware database, click here.

More Product Enhancements

We've introduced a new "maximum distance by drone type" alert and an "Organization filter" in reports, enhancing data analysis, along with a search bar in the help section and the addition of pilot registration numbers for improved accessibility. Now, all your important documents can also be easily accessed in the "My Account" tab. These updates are designed to streamline your experience on our platform.

The maximum distance by drone type alert and Organization filter are currently only available for our Pro and Enterprise subscribers. My Documents will only show on Enterprise accounts.

Newly Supported Aircraft and Flight Apps

We're dedicated to expanding our supported drones and flight apps list, equipping each program with the ability to oversee their entire fleet in an integrated manner.

Aircraft

• DJI: Mini 3/4 Pro, Avata, Inspire 3, Mavic 3E/3T/3 Classic, M30/M30T, M350 RTK
• Skydio: 2, 2+, X2, X10
• Autel: EVO Max 4T, Nano, Lite, Nano+ & Lite+
• Parrot: Anafi Ai
• AgEagle: eBee X
• Teal: Golden Eagle, Teal 2
• Voliro: T
• Flyability: Elios 3
• FlightWave: Edge 130
• Sentera: PHX
• Quantum-Systems: Trinity F90+
• AEE: Mach 4 & 6

Flight Apps

• Autel Sky & Explorer V2
• Parrot FreeFlight 7
• IGNIS
• DroneControl

Events

AirData's commitment to improvement and innovation is fuelled by our valuable interactions at various industry events. The opportunity to hear from you, our customers, directly informs the evolution of our product and services.

Recently, we participated in a range of gatherings, from broader industry events such as the Commercial UAV Expo and AUVSI Xponential, to more focused conferences like DJI Airworks, which was an exclusive, invite-only event. These experiences have offered essential insights into the diverse needs of our user base.

At public safety events such as the Interpol Drone Experts Summit, LEDA, and the CT Municipal UAV Task Force, we gained a deep understanding of industry-specific requirements.

We also attended Elevate UAV, the PG&E conference, and the Energy Drone and Robotics Summit, where we had a speaking engagement with a current customer. These experiences further broadened our understanding of the UAV industry and its challenges.

Looking ahead, we can't wait to engage with more of our customers at upcoming events. Your feedback is vitally important to us and genuinely contributes to the refinement of our product and services. We look forward to seeing you in person at future events and continuing our shared journey in shaping the future of drone data management.

Partnerships

We're thrilled to announce several strategic partnerships aimed at providing enhanced services to you, our valued customers.Our collaborations with Skydio and Sony enable automatic syncing of your drone flight logs from their respective clouds. This ensures a seamless data retrieval process, saving you valuable time.

We've joined forces with Airbus, an FAA-approved provider for LAANC services, enabling our customers to initiate LAANC requests directly through AirData.

Together with Blue innovation, we've extended our global reach, introducing fleet management solutions to Japan, complete with Japanese language support on our platform.

AirTime with AirData

We recently launched a new series of biweekly calls, AirTime with AirData. These interactive sessions are your opportunity to learn more about our product updates, key features, and optimal workflows. It's also a space where your questions and insights are welcomed. Click here to learn more.

Thank you for your ongoing engagement with AirData. Your valuable feedback and support play a significant role in helping us effectively address your evolving UAV data management needs. We're excited to continue this journey with you, bringing more updates and improvements. Don't hesitate to contact us with any thoughts or questions. We wish you safe flying and continued success with AirData!

AirData UAV recently held a webinar where Chad Tillman from the Huntsville Police Department and Sgt. Nic Fox from the Sacramento Police Department, both experienced users of our software, shared their insights. The discussion centered on how first responders can efficiently manage and scale their drone programs.

Managing your drone program

One of the key topics discussed was the management of drone programs. Chad Tillman emphasized the importance of public transparency and thorough documentation.

Begin by considering your public, prioritizing safety from the outset. Documenting and managing your program is critical—tracking pilots' activities, fleet management, and record keeping. Use tools like AirData for this purpose. Finally, select aircraft that suit your mission and department needs."

Public transparency

Both panelists highlighted the importance of public transparency when operating a drone program. Sgt. Nic Fox shared how the Sacramento Police Department uses AirData's public portal to share flight data with the community, enhancing transparency and trust.

Funding and program validation

When it comes to funding and program validation, Chad Tillman shared how AirData's reporting functionality has been invaluable. He said,

We generate bar charts from it where I can tell, all right, this is what we are doing in 2022, this is what we're doing in 2023. And all of this I can take back to the chief and say, chief, this is why I need to buy more aircraft."

Interior flights

Sgt. Nic Fox shared about their innovative micro drone program,

Utilizing our micro drone program has drastically reduced our callouts, leading to significant cost savings. More importantly, it has improved officer safety by providing us with critical intelligence, reducing the need for direct confrontations. It's a game-changer in terms of tactical decision-making and public safety."

Nic is able to track all of their micro drone activity through AirData.

Live streaming

Both panelists found immense value in AirData's live streaming functionality. They highlighted how it has become an integral part of their operations, providing real-time intelligence to command centers and decision-makers. The live streaming feature has also been instrumental in enhancing officer safety, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency in their respective departments.

The live streaming feature's flexibility has spurred innovation, allowing its use in diverse scenarios. These include capturing micro drone (FPV) footage, streaming a cellphone camera feed while the phone is strapped to a reach pole, and integrating it into a remote-controlled car's video system for safer, more effective operations.

Click here to learn more about AirData's live streaming.

Parting advice

In their parting advice, both panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration and learning from others. Sgt. Nic Fox advised,

Utilize the resources around you. Connect with other agencies. Locally here, we have a regional working group. We get together quarterly, talk to each other, make sure everyone's on the same page."

Chad Tillman emphasized the importance of careful planning before launching a drone program. He advised,

Don't jump into it too fast. Be careful, plan it out. Have a good idea of what your missions are going to be."

In conclusion, the webinar provided valuable insights into the practical application of AirData UAV's software in managing and scaling drone programs for first responders. The real-life examples shared by the panelists underscored the significant role that our software plays in enhancing public transparency, securing funding, and improving operational efficiency.

Curious how AirData can help your first responder program? Send us a note!

PG&E employs AirData’s mission planning suite and automated flight tracking as it ramps up industry-leading UAS programs

(San Ramon, CA, Dec 5, 2023) - AirData participated in an unprecedented PG&E: Pacific Gas & Electric Company conference bringing together hundreds of professional drone pilots, community partners, and federal stakeholders. PG&E, in ensuring safe energy provision to Californians, utilizes AirData’s platform for fleet management, compliance reporting, and automated flight tracking. As a trailblazer in leveraging drone technology for utility operations, they are continuously working to solidify standard operating procedures and set new industry best practices. PG&E's partnership with AirData began in 2022 as the energy company sought more efficient ways to schedule flights, monitor pilot currency, and manage risk for highly diverse and taxing missions.

Participants at the conference included AirData, Advexure, Infravision, and Skydio, alongside representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Unmanned Safety Institute, and former United States Navy F/A 18 pilots actively contributing to UAS technology advancements.

PG&E’s Vice President of System Inspections, Jason Regan, said, “PG&E operates one of the largest and most advanced drone-based equipment inspection programs in the world, helping enable us to deliver on our stand that catastrophic wildfires shall stop.” He added, ““The PG&E 2023 UAS conference is a first-of-its-kind event providing drone pilots with insights on new technologies and best practices for the safe and responsible integration and operation of drones within the energy industry.”

As a global leader in fleet management and drone data analytics, AirData provides a platform for PG&E to manage pilots, monitor equipment use, and track flights in a compliant manner. The automated upload of flight logs allows PG&E personnel to cut down on the work-hours needed to comprehensively meet regulatory requirements.

AirData’s Mission Planning module has also allowed PG&E pilots to plan flights from the field, apply for LAANC authorization, and complete pre- and post-flight checklists for the logging of flight parameters, incident reports, and procedures for operational safety. PG&E team members often operate in remote areas of California, utilizing AirData’s offline mode that allows for seamless synchronization of flights. AirData looks forward to a continued partnership with PG&E as they actively shape UAS utilization in the energy sector.