Blog
INSIGHTS FROM THE FIELD.
The Red Raven UAS Blog is your go-to source for expert insights, industry news, and real-world applications of drone technology. From training tips and mission planning to FAA updates and gear breakdowns, we cover what drone pilots, trainers, and agencies need to know. Whether you’re studying for your Part 107, building out a UAS program, or just staying sharp—this is where information meets impact.
I Failed the FAA Part 107 Exam — Here's What I Wish I'd Known
Thousands of people fail the FAA Part 107 exam every year — not because it's too hard, but because they prepared the wrong way. Here's what they missed, and exactly what to do before your retake.
Nobody Is Replacing DJI — And the Clock Is Running — UAS Weekly Briefing | April 10, 2026
The drone industry hit a turning point this week. No domestic manufacturer is ready to replace DJI. DJI just retired its most iconic platforms. Amazon's delivery program is facing real community friction. The Air Force deployed autonomous drone perimeter security overseas three weeks after Barksdale. And an Oregon DFR program made a hit-and-run arrest a police chase couldn't close.
Can You Pass the Part 107 Test? Take This Free Practice Test
Most people think they're ready for the FAA Part 107 exam — until they see the actual questions. Take this free 12-question practice test to find out where you really stand before test day.
Weekly Drone Briefing: FCC Drone Dominance, Nuclear Base Swarms & the Future of Autonomous Aviation
The U.S. government declares drone dominance a national priority. Sophisticated swarms penetrate a nuclear base. Traditional aerospace goes autonomous. Here's what operators need to know.
What It Actually Costs to Start a Drone Program (2026)
Most organizations confuse buying a drone with building a program — and their budgets reflect it. Here's what a drone program actually costs in 2026, from starter setups to enterprise-scale operations, including the costs almost everyone misses.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 27, 2026: DJI's 360° FPV Drone, BRINC's Starlink-Powered First Responder, and Skydio's $52M Army Order
DJI launches the first 8K 360° FPV drone — then sues Insta360 over six patents. BRINC unveils a Starlink-connected 911 response drone. The U.S. Army places a record $52M Skydio order. Plus FAA BVLOS breakthroughs and Bay Area drone delivery expansion.
Drones for Energy & Utilities: The Complete Guide to Building a UAS Inspection Program
Utility companies are replacing helicopters and climbing crews with drone inspection programs — and the business case has never been stronger. This complete guide covers the five core inspection use cases, the build vs. buy decision, platform selection, regulatory requirements including BVLOS and Part 108, training standards, data management workflows, and a phased approach to standing up a program that actually delivers ROI.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 20, 2026: FAA Launches DiSCVR, FCC Drone Ban Exemptions, and Beginner Drones Hit Record Lows
The FAA just gave law enforcement a way to ID any drone pilot in minutes, the FCC cracked open the import door (but not for DJI), and BVLOS took another step toward reality. Six stories that reshape the landscape — here's what they mean for you.
How Hard Is the FAA Part 107 Test? Here's What to Actually Expect
The FAA Part 107 exam has nothing to do with your ability to fly a drone. That sectional chart that looks like a complete mess right now? By the time you pass, you'll know exactly what every element on it means. Here's what to expect — and how to get there.
Part 107 Test Cost Breakdown: Exam Fee, Course Costs, and Retake Fees
The FAA Part 107 exam costs $175 per attempt, paid to PSI Services — but that's just the starting number. Here's a full breakdown of the exam fee, prep course costs, retake fees, and what you'll actually spend to get certified in 2026.
Drone Training for Fire Departments: What Mission-Ready Actually Means
Most drone pilots who pass their Part 107 exam aren't ready to fly over an active structure fire and give incident command accurate, actionable information. There's a difference between being certified and being mission-ready — and most training programs don't bridge that gap. This guide breaks down what effective fire department drone training actually looks like.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 13, 2026: DFR Goes National, Dallas PD Switches Hardware, and the Pentagon Commits $1.1B to Drones
This week: Drone as First Responder goes national, Dallas PD switches drone hardware, and the Pentagon commits $1.1B to drone programs. Here's what it means for your program.
Part 107 Requirements: Who Needs It and How to Qualify
Thinking about flying for work? Learn the exact FAA Part 107 requirements for 2026. We break down the "commercial intent" rule, age eligibility, and a step-by-step checklist to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.
What Can You Do With a Part 107 License? (Every Career Path, Ranked & Explained for 2026)
Part 107 is more than a drone photography license. Here are 10 commercial career paths it unlocks — from public safety and utilities to agriculture and film — with real pay ranges and what the work actually looks like in 2026.
How to Build a Public Safety Drone Program: The Complete Guide for Fire and Law Enforcement
A step-by-step guide to building a public safety drone program for police and fire agencies. Learn how to develop policy, training, funding strategy, and operational workflows to safely scale from a small deployment to a full DFR program.
Understanding Airspace for the Part 107 Exam (With Real Examples)
Airspace is the #1 source of confusion on the FAA Part 107 exam. This guide breaks down controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace, each class (B, C, D, E, G), and how to read real sectional chart examples so you know when you need authorization and what altitude limits apply.
How to Pass the Part 107 Exam in 2026 (Complete Guide)
The FAA Part 107 exam is the 'final boss' between you and your professional drone career. In this 2026 guide, we break down the strategy you need to pass on your first try.
DRONE BAN Update: What It Really Means for Drone Programs (and What You Should Do Next)
The FCC didn’t ground your drones—but it did change what can be approved and sold next. Here’s what that means for agencies, enterprise teams, and new buyers.
How Drones Are Enhancing Law Enforcement Operations
Law enforcement agencies are using drones to improve situational awareness, reduce risk to personnel, and document scenes more effectively. From search operations to real-time overwatch, drones help teams respond faster and operate with clearer information.
How Drones Are Transforming Construction and Engineering Workflows
From site surveying to progress tracking, drones are streamlining construction operations—improving safety, accelerating planning, and enhancing collaboration on every project site.