Aerial Perspectives

Episode 10 - Building a Career in Drone Mapping

In this episode of Aerial Perspectives, presented in partnership with the United States Space Force, we sit down with Wyatt Lueck, a young professional drone mapper from SCS Surveying and Mapping of Pensacola, Florida. Wyatt shares his journey into the drone industry—how he got started, what inspired him to pursue drone mapping, and how he’s building real-world skills in a rapidly growing field. 🛰️ In This Episode, We Cover: 🚁 How Wyatt got into drones and drone mapping 🗺️ What drone mapping actually involves—from flight planning to data capture 🧠 The layers behind the process: software, workflows, and analysis 📡 How LiDAR drone mapping works and where it’s used 🏗️ Real-world applications and use cases for drone mapping 😄 Wyatt’s favorite drone stories from the field This conversation goes beyond flying drones—breaking down how technology, software, and data come together to create actionable insights for surveying, mapping, and industry applications. Whether you’re a student exploring drone careers, an educator, or an industry professional, this episode offers a valuable look at what it really takes to work in professional drone mapping. 🎧 Tune in and gain perspective from the next generation of drone professionals. 🔗 Listen & Learn More: www.rocketdrones.com Learn more about USSF at www.spaceforce.com View this episode on Rocket Drones: https://rocketdrones.com/aerial-perspectives-podcasts/episode-10-building-a-career-in-drone-mapping/

Episode 9 - Altitude PULL UP

🎧 Aerial Perspectives – “Altitude PULL UP” featuring Chantry Holdman We kick off this episode with a heart-pounding moment — FPV drone pilot Chantry Holdman diving a Saturn V rocket at Space Camp. From there, it only gets wilder. In “Altitude PULL UP,” we go behind the goggles with Chantry to uncover what it’s really like to be an FPV drone filmmaker pushing the limits of flight. He shares the rush, the risks, and the incredible stories behind his most daring shots — including flying straight through the engine of an F/A-18 Hornet and capturing perspectives few humans will ever see firsthand. Whether you’re a drone pilot, filmmaker, or just fascinated by the intersection of technology and storytelling, this episode offers a front-row seat to the art — and adrenaline — of FPV flight. 📱 FOLLOW US:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocketdronesracing/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocketdronesracing/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocketdrones/  X/Twitter: https://x.com/rocketdrones

Episode 8 - Signal Lost, Found Stress

In this episode of Aerial Perspectives, we dive deep into the incredible journey of Ben Vogel, who went from never flying a drone to now running Pelican Drones and mastering his craft every day. Ben shares how he first got started in drone photography and videography, what it took to learn from scratch, and the challenges — and joys — that have shaped his path along the way. From his first uncertain flight to leading a full-scale drone operation, this episode captures the real story behind passion, persistence, and propellers. 📱 FOLLOW US:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocketdronesracing/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocketdronesracing/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocketdrones/  X/Twitter: https://x.com/rocketdrones

Episode 7 - Drone to the Rescue: Drone Water Rescue Caught on Camera

Join us for an extraordinary episode of Aerial Perspectives, where we sit down with Andrew Smith, the drone pilot who made headlines by rescuing a 17-year-old girl caught in a dangerous rip current at Pensacola Beach—using his fishing drone! Andrew shares the incredible details of this dramatic rescue, reflecting on how quick thinking, drone technology, and sheer determination came together to save a life. Discover Andrew’s journey into drone piloting, his passion for drone fishing, and how this innovative hobby positioned him uniquely to become one of the few drone pilots ever to successfully perform an ocean rescue. Whether you're fascinated by drone technology, moved by heroic stories, or simply inspired by acts of courage, this episode promises insights and emotions you won’t want to miss. Tune in and explore how drones continue to redefine possibilities—in the skies and beyond. Youtube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/JbcN20JMf7g

Episode 6 - Final Port of Call: USS United States Arrives in Alabama

Podcast Episode: “Final Port of Call – The Arrival of the USS United States in Mobile” 🎙 Aerial Perspectives Podcast | 🎥 In Collaboration with Pelican Drones In this special episode of Aerial Perspectives, we tag along with Pelican Drones to witness the dramatic arrival of the USS United States in Mobile, Alabama — a historic moment as the warship begins its transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef. Experience what it’s like to use cutting-edge drone technology to capture massive maritime events from the sky. We’ll take you behind the scenes of the aerial filming process, share insights from the drone crew, and explore how this ship’s final voyage will breathe new life into the Gulf of Mexico. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more drone-powered stories, STEM education insights, and groundbreaking environmental projects. View on youtube https://youtu.be/jpvKQGzgn5M #AerialPerspectivesPodcast #PelicanDrones #USSUnitedStates #DroneFilming #ArtificialReef #MobileAlabama #FinalVoyage #STEMinAction #MaritimeHistory