Common Drone Questions Education Safety Topics

The following are common drone questions education safety topics for hobby recreational and commercial part 107 operators.

Back to School Pictures Over Stillwater Drones for Non-Dummies

Common Drone Questions

Q: Why do you need to learn to fly a drone as they are automated?
A: Learn about the National Air Space (NAS) and where you can fly as well as other tips for flying drones safely. Otoh, you still need to learn how to drive a car, get a license even with self driving cars, or at least for now ;).

Q: Do classes include a live demonstration flight?
A: Demonstration flights are weather and other condition dependent.

Q: Can students bring their drone to the classes?
A: Yes.

Q: Where have you taught classes in the past?
A: Anoka/Hennepin Community Education, Eden Prairie High School, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, North Central University STEM,  Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education,  and Stillwater Public Library among others.

Q: How long have you been flying drones?
A: Around 12 years for singles and quads for about eight years.

Q: How long have you been commercial licensed drone operator?
A: Since May 2018

Q: How long have you been waivered to fly at night commercially?
A: I received my 107.29 (daylight waiver) back in December 2018 which was valid until April 21, 2021 when daylight waivers were sunset (e.g. phased out). As of April 21, 2021 for those who have either taken the new initial, or recurrent part 107 test, you are now authorized to fly at night without a waiver (e.g. daylight and night waivers no longer exist).

Q: How hard is it to get certified?
A: Depends on how well you can learn (or memorize). Getting your FAA TRUST  (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certificate is relatively easy and quick, its free from various organizations such as AMA here. The next step takes more time which is getting your part 107.

UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations

Additional Drone Questions and Answers

Q: How many flights have you flown?
A: Many thousands including indoors and outdoors.

Q: How many hours in the air do you have flying?
A: Over 600 hours air time.

Q: How many miles total have you flown drones?
A: Spanning thousands of flights several thousand miles flown.

Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107?
A: Additional experience, you also get access to additional airspace and privileges by being a part 107. Keep in mind that part 107 is often thought of as being commercial license, when in reality, its a category or type of certification that allows you to do more, one of those things being commercial activity.

Q: How much money can you make flying drones?
A: Like many things it depends, keep in mind your costs of equipment, spare batteries, apps, licenses, registration, insurance among other costs that will impact what your earnings will be.

Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them?
A: Yes I have, check out our FPV experiences page here. FPV drones are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, including racing, general recreation, as well as for action cinematography videography indoors as well as outdoors. Keep in mind if you are going to fly FPV outdoors you will need to have a Visual Observer (VO) standing next to you watching the aircraft (drone).

Q: Whats different from flying indoors vs outside?
A: Besides obstacles, biggest difference is you may have poor to no GPS coverage that can impact automated flight modes, in other words, you want to practice your heads up and stick flying skills (or learn to fly FPV).

Floods Flooding

Upper Midwest Twin Cities Stillwater Floods Flooding

This page is a collection of upper Midwest, Western Wisconsin, Minnesota, Minneapolis, St Paul, Stillwater, Mississippi River, St Croix River Valley and other floods flooding content.


St Croix Falls Taylers Falls St Croix River

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2023 St Croix River Stillwater Minnesota Flood (visit our gallery)

Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views


Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views

Related Content:
2019 Spring Flood Images and video
Winter Spring Summer Fall Weather Storms
Our stock photo image gallery including flood content
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Check out our video collections on Vimeo and YouTube

Stock Images Video B Roll for Press Media News Producers

We have stock photo still images along with video B roll footage available for licensed use by Press Media News Producers Editors Writers. Our imagery has appeared in various online, on air, and print venues. Contact us at info at picturesoverstillwater.com to let us know what you need, or visit our gallery for self service shopping needs.

NOAA Weather Service St. Croix River Stillwater Forecast


Click here to view full and updated NOAA forecast

Downtown Stillwater Minnesota Opera On The River St Croix Riverfront

2024 Opera On The River July 27 Stillwater Minnesota

Returning for its 6th season 2024 Opera On The River July 27 Stillwater Minnesota downtown 7PM outdoors in Lowell Park along scenic St Croix River front. The event is free and open to the public along with VIP seating for a fee. Learn more at the event page here.

Being in the park, in addition to reserved seating, there is free and open seating (or standing) in and around Lowell Park, or, if you prefer, from your boat. For the hearing impaired, there will be ASL service during the event. Even if you are not an opera fan, these shows are a lot of fun as they have a great mix of classical and musical songs that they perform.

Past Opera on the River Events

On Sunday August 2, 2020, On Saturday evening August 10 2019 Operatunity  Theatre presented their Opera On The Virtual river event. The 2020 event was a social distanced production taking place near the St Croix River and downtown Stillwater as well as being live streamed on FaceBook and YouTube.

Pictures Over Stillwater was honored to be involved with the production and live stream of the event providing aerial video images of the St Croix River Valley, Downtown Stillwater and event areas as well as documenting behind the scenes of this social distanced event.

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Watch for more images (still, video and 360 of the 2020 event to appear hear soon. Visit the Operatunity Theatre website and Facebook page to learn more about this event, St Croix Valley Opera and related information.

Views from Opera On The River Event

The 2020 event follows the 2019 inaugural downtown Stillwater Minnesota opera on the river free event.

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Click on above image to view more Opera On The River Images

Downtown Stillwater St. Croix River Valley (few days before Opera event)

Despite the on and off rain throughout the day, the organizers, performers, volunteers as well as attendees braved the elements and proved that the show must and will go on.

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Saturday Afternoon Sound Check Downtown Stillwater

The following image was taken during the soundcheck Saturday afternoon with some cast and crew on stage while Stillwater Minnesota native headliner Jack Swanson appeared at ease with the elements. When I saw this view during the soundcheck and the confidence of cast and crew, my thoughts were that rain or shine, this would be a great event.

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Headliner Jack Swanson Conducting Sound Check

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The Show Will Go On – Cast and Crew During Sound Check

The Opera On The River Show Must Go On

The following are some images of Opera On The River downtown Stillwater along St. Croix River during the performance after the rains passed (and a short delay to allow conditions to improve).

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Looking Forward to 2020 Opera On the River

Thank you to Opportunity Theatre event organizers, staff, volunteers, performers for allow Pictures Over Stillwater full access to capture these and other images of this inaugural event. Also thanks to all of the sponsors and attendees who braved the elements for this first of what will become an annual event. Hopefully the weather and conditions will look more like the following image of the St. Croix River valley and downtown Stillwater for the 2020 event.

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Downtown Stillwater St Croix River Valley Summer View (without rain)

Learn more about Opportunity Theatre and Opera On The River Event at operatunitytheatre.org where you can also sign up for their newsletter.

Pictures Over Stillwater Minnesota Twin Cities Images Available For Marketing Mailings

Wrap Up and Where to Learn More

Visit our Gallery page to view additional related content (still images and video). Visit and like (thanks in advance) our Instagram.com/PicturesOverStillwater page, as well as our Facebook.com/PicturesOverStillwater page (includes interactive 360 panoramic views).

pictures over stillwater minneapolis st paul twin cities minnesota wisconsin drone services aerial photography stock images prints download for sale

buy prints digital downloads wall art

Browse, shop and buy print, digital downloads, wall art, and other items by clicking here to access our online SmugMug store.

Drone School Beginner The Basics

2024 UAV UAS Drone Education Classes

Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2024 have been added for Minneapolis in March and Richfield/Bloomington in June. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.

Twin Cities 2024 UAV UAS Drone Education Classes

 

2021 Online & In-Person

Drones for Non-Dummies is a introductory beginner course offered at various Minneapolis St Paul twin cities metro area venues and online. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.

Pictures Over Stillwater Spring 2021 Drone School Community Education Twin Cities Minneapolis St Paul
Spring 2021 Drone School SAPS Beginner Class Demo Flight

Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you.

Pictures Over Stillwater Spring 2021 Drone School Community Education Twin Cities Minneapolis St Paul
Anoka Hennepin Community Education Drone School Demo Flight

Recreational drone hobbyists will gain information on basic operations and a foundation for expanding to commercial operations. You will learn basic safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid). Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations including hobby recreational FAA test (TRUST), insurance, practical tips, techniques, and trends. Weather permitting, an instructor-only demonstration flight may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to register with an adult.

Additional Resources and Links

faa.gov/uas/  All things FAA Drones/UAS
faasafety.gov/  FAA Aviation & Drone Safety
faadronezone.faa.gov/  Registration & Waivers
https://tinyurl.com/kp9u3rk8  FAA Visualize II (UASFM – UAS Facility Map)
tinyurl.com/72yt6anz  FAA B4UFLY App
https://tinyurl.com/t8wm9p27  FAA Drone TRUST Certificate (Hobby/Recreation)
faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/CourseLanding.aspx?cID=515 Part 107 (small UAS) Recurrent
faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/CourseLanding.aspx?cID=451 Part 107 (small UAS) Initial
Dot.state.mn.us/aero/drones  MnDOT Aeronautic Drone Info
https://tinyurl.com/3venz24c  2022 ASA Remote Pilot Test Prep (Via Amazon)
PicturesOverStillwater.com/school  Drone Education
PicturesOverStillwater.com/droneday  Drone Day info
facebook.com/groups/1860070477555048  MN sUAS FB Group
facebook.com/groups/906285316171698  The Might Drones FPV FB Race Group
facebook.com/groups/1678622262420416  Minnesota FPV Quad Racing FB Group

Drone School Aerial Photography Videography

2024 UAV UAS Drone Education Classes

Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online.

2024 UAS UAV Drone Education Awareness Classes

Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education.

Monday March 18, 2024 6:00-8:30PM
Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1
Ella Baker School
Learn more and register here.

Monday March 25, 2024 6:00-8:30PM
Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2
Ella Baker School
Learn more and register here.

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Aerial Photography and Video – Online & In-Person

Drones for Non-Dummies Drone Aerial Photography and Video course is offered at various Minneapolis St Paul twin cities metro venues and online. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.

Pictures Over Stillwater Spring 2021 Drone School Community Education Twin Cities Minneapolis St Paul
Spring 2021 Drone School SAPS Beginner Class Demo Flight

pictures over stillwater twin cities minneapolis st paul drone aerial photography fireworks
July 3rd 2021 Hudson Wisconsin Fireworks (Click to buy prints & downloads)

This course is for those who want to learn more about drone based aerial photography and video (recreational and commercial).

Topics covered include rules of the road for aerial photography and video, license and registration, where to fly (and not fly), flight planning and weather, autonomous and manual modes, equipment, hardware, software and other tools.

Also covered are drone and camera photo and video modes, settings, time lapse and hyper lapse, panoramic, automatic vs manual settings and much more.

Additional topics include what type of drone and camera equipment are best as well as accessories, along with post processing tools. Students aged 12-17 may attend with an adult. Weather permitting a demonstration flight will be flown.

Drone School Beyond The Basics

2024 UAV UAS Drone Education Classes

Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online.

2024 UAS UAV Drone Education Awareness Classes

Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education.

Monday March 18, 2024 6:00-8:30PM
Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1
Ella Baker School
Learn more and register here.

Monday March 25, 2024 6:00-8:30PM
Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2
Ella Baker School
Learn more and register here.

Hobby Recreational and Part 107 – Online & In-Person

Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 (commercial) and TRUST (hobby recreational) among other certifications.

Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations, insurance, practical tips, techniques, trends to be aware of. Weather permitting drone demonstration flights may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely.

Drone School What To Consider When Buying a Drone

2024 UAV UAS Drone Education Classes

Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online.

2024 UAS UAV Drone Education Awareness Classes

Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education.

Monday March 18, 2024 6:00-8:30PM
Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1
Ella Baker School
Learn more and register here.

Monday March 25, 2024 6:00-8:30PM
Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2
Ella Baker School
Learn more and register here.

What To Consider When Buying A Drone

There are many different things to consider when buying a drone besides how much does it cost, how high and how far can it fly. Some considerations among others include:

Some of the topics and considerations include among others:
✓ Whats your budget
✓ Size and form factor
✓ Build DiY or buy turnkey
✓ What are you going to use it for
✓ How are you going to use it (how portable do you need)
✓ Who makes what, who are the vendors
✓ Weight Matters (Registration, Operating Over People OOP)
✓ AI and Obstacle Avoidance
✓ Remote ID (RID) capabilties
✓ Fixed or removable cameras
✓ RGB, IR/Thermo or other cameras
✓ Precision mapping/measuring
✓ App supported devices (e.g. ios, android)
✓ Software app functionality and camera modes
✓ Photo and Video speeds/feeds
✓ FPV or non FPV flying (indoor, outdoor or both)
✓ How much can you afford to lose or crash
✓ Feature, functions, speeds and feeds (camera resolution, 1K, 2K, 4K, 6K, 8K, 12MP, 20MP, frame rates)
✓ Battery life or how long can you fly
✓ Upgrades, accessors, spares
✓ Warranties and service policies
✓ Insurance costs

Not sure what drone is best for you or your needs, give us a call or email, tell us what you are looking to do and we will provide you with our perspectives. Keep in mind that the best drone is the one that fits and meets your needs and budgets vs someone else’s.

Pictures Over St Croix Valley Western Wisconsin Aerial Views

Pictures Over St Croix Valley Western Wisconsin Aerial Views features still and video images including Houlton, Hudson, New Richmond, Prescott, Somerset, St Joseph among other locations.

2024 Hot Air Affair Hudson Wisconsin Aerial Video


Fireworks 8/14/21 Lift Bridge Loop Celebration Stillwater MN

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July 3rd 2021 Hudson Wisconsin Fireworks (Click to buy prints & downloads)

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Click On Above Image to See More Views


Hyperlapse Spring Sunset Ice Flow St Croix River Stillwater Minnesota


Early Spring Morning Boating Aerial View St Croix River

Wintertime in Stillwater Minnesota Holiday Lights

RVC River Valley Charities Inaugural New Richmond Wisconsin Pro Am Golf Tournament

2019 River Valley Charities Golf Event Troy Burne Hudson Wisconsin

Inaugural Run Stillwater St Croix Crossing 5K Half Marathon

Stillwater St Croix River Valley Fireworks

 

Wrap Up and Where to Learn More

Pictures Over Stillwater Minnesota St Croix River Valley Twin Cities Videos

Visit our Gallery page to view additional related content (still images and video). Visit and like (thanks in advance) our Instagram.com/PicturesOverStillwater page, as well as our Facebook.com/PicturesOverStillwater page (includes interactive 360 panoramic views).

buy prints digital downloads wall art

Browse, shop and buy print, digital downloads, wall art, and other items by clicking here to access our online SmugMug store.

In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.


RVC River Valley Charities Inaugural New Richmond Wisconsin Pro Am Golf Tournament

pictures over stillwater 2019 River Valley Charities Golf Event Troy Burne Hudson

July 27, 2020 River Valley Charities Inaugural Pro Am

The following are various aerial photos from the RVC (River Valley Charities) Inaugural New Richmond Wisconsin Pro Am Golf Tournament held July 27, 2020. The event took place at the New Richmond Golf Club in New Richmond Wisconsin.

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This new Pro Am format Golf event is companion to the RVC open tournament hosted at the Troy Burne Golf Club south of Hudson Wisconsin (click here to see images from the 2019 event). Note that the 2020 RVC Golf Event at Troy Burne is scheduled for Monday August 24, 2020, learn more here.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”297″ gal_title=”RVC New Richmond”]

Video Images From 2020 Pro-Am Event

Short version:

Long version:

Additional Golf and Related Content

2019 River Valley Charities Golf Event Troy Burne Hudson Wisconsin

Golf Course Country Club Aerial Photography Video Views

Pictures Over Stillwater 360 Views

Pictures Over Stillwater Minnesota St Croix River Valley Twin Cities Videos

 

Pictures Over Stillwater Minnesota Twin Cities Images Available For Marketing Mailings

Wrap Up and Where to Learn More

Visit our Gallery page to view additional related content (still images and video). Visit and like (thanks in advance) our Instagram.com/PicturesOverStillwater page, as well as our Facebook.com/PicturesOverStillwater page (includes interactive 360 panoramic views).

pictures over stillwater minneapolis st paul twin cities minnesota wisconsin drone services aerial photography stock images prints download for sale

buy prints digital downloads wall art

Browse, shop and buy print, digital downloads, wall art, and other items by clicking here to access our online SmugMug store.

In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.


When in downtown Stillwater, visit our partner Smith + Trade Mercantile where you can buy Pictures Over Stillwater aerial photography postcards among other items.

Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Building Bridges Community
Proud Member Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce

Early March Morning Lake Elmo Aero Airplane Ride Sightseeing

Early March Morning Lake Elmo Aero Airplane Ride Sightseeing

Collection of images (still and video) from recent Early March Morning Lake Elmo Aero Airplane Ride sightseeing trip.

Series of 360 interactive immersive videos from sightseeing flight.

Our sightseeing trip started at Lake Elmo Airport taking off on Runway 4 (one of if not the shortest paved runways in Minnesota) and cruising over east metro above Lake Elmo, Oakdale, Maplewood and on into Downtown St. Paul Airport (Holmand field) where we do a touch and go.

From there we head southeast out over Woodbury before turning east towards Afton and crossing the St. Croix River south of Hudson Wisconsin.

We follow the St. Croix River north passing over Hudson, North Hudson, St. Joe and Houlton turning southwest west of Somerset Wisconsin.

We then head south along the St. Croix river on the Minnesota side passing above Stillwater before wrapping up our morning flight back at Lake Elmo Airport.

Big thank you to Lake Elmo Aero (www.lakeelmoaero.com) and pilot Jon Adsit for a fantastic flight experience. You can get in touch with Lake Elmo Aero via info@lakeelmoaero.com and 651-777-1399 as well as via CTAF/Unicom: 122.8

2019 Summer Open House Lake Elmo Aero at Lake Elmo Airport

K21D Lake Elmo Airport June 14 2019 pictures over stillwater mn
Check out some images from summer 2019 Lake Elmo Aero open house

Wrap Up and Where to Learn More

Visit our Gallery page to view additional related content (still images and video). Visit and like (thanks in advance) our Instagram.com/PicturesOverStillwater page, as well as our Facebook.com/PicturesOverStillwater page (includes interactive 360 panoramic views).

Pictures Over Stillwater aerial photography video drone uas uav services

buy prints digital downloads wall art

Browse, shop and buy print, digital downloads, wall art, and other items by clicking here to access our online SmugMug store.

In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.