In aviation, AGL refers to the height or altitude of the drone as compared to the ground surface. If a drone is flying 250 feet above a 100-foot building, the AGL is 350 feet.

In this flight mode, the drone maintains a consistent altitude through its onboard barometric pressure sensor. However, the pilot can still control the roll, pitch, and yaw in this setting.

A nonprofit, self-supporting organization that promotes model aviation, including drones, and drone use as a recreational activity.

Abbreviation for Atti or Attitude Mode, wherein the drone will maintain a consistent altitude.

The standard for drone operations, drones that are pre-built, or require minimal assembly before flying

A service in which air traffic controllers on the ground direct traffic within controlled airspace, and advise those in non-controlled airspace. These individuals are trained and administered by the FAA.

The maximum weight of the drone, including batteries and other add-ons.

The International Civil Aviation Organization classifies autonomous aircraft as, “unmanned aircraft that does not allow pilot intervention in the management of the flight.”

Drone feature that allows the flight to continue without manual control by the pilot.

On a DJI drone, this is what the gimbal rotates around.

Smart technology used to charge and balance Lipo batteries internally.

Device used to measure the pressure of the atmosphere. In aircraft, this, combined with barometric readings, measures the drone’s altitude.

The process of enabling the controller to communicate with the selected drone

Requiring a specific permit from the FAA, this is the ability to fly a drone beyond the pilot’s line of sight.

The drone’s center of balance.

An authorization granted by the FAA that allows a public operator to perform a selected drone flight or activity. This process can take up to 60 days and undergo an operational review.

feature built-in to some drones that allow the aircraft to sense and avoid obstacles, minimizing collisions.

A drone that is used for business or profit

A type of airspace in which air traffic control services are offered depending on the defined dimensions and classification

Visual observers assisting the pilot when the drone goes beyond visual line of sight.

The largest drone manufacturer in the world, located in Shenzhen, China. Compatible with DroneDeploy.

Flight modes specific to DJI drones that enable pilots to perform their duties safely and intelligently.

Another term for “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAVs) or “remotely piloted aircraft” (RPA), covering a wide range of functions.

E

A disturbance in radio frequency by an external source that disrupts the operation of electronic devices.

Regulates the speed and direction of the drone’s motor

Regulatory agency under the US Department of Transportation that enforces air safety, installs control facilities, and maintains proper air navigation.

To avoid interference and avoid eavesdropping, this method of transmitting radio signals switches carriers amongst numerous frequency channels.

Located in a drone’s flight controller, this is permanent software updated solely by manufacturers.

Similar to airplanes but without a human pilot on board, these are drones that have a non-detachable wing that make the aircraft capable of flight. They are typically larger and more powerful than commercial drones

Device used to control how the drone moves, by receiving and processing information from the drone’s sensors.

Device used to control how the drone moves, by receiving and processing information from the drone’s sensors.

Accidental flight outside of the set boundaries of operation

When the communication between pilot and drone is lost, this system will return the drone to the pre-selected area.

The “drone’s-eye” view

Piloting a drone in real-time through the drone’s camera. Pilots often wear goggles with footage streamed inside

To maintain communication with the pilot and drone through FPV, both pieces of equipment will need to be on the same radio frequency.