Author: Michael Rivard and Tyler Caros

Drone Dynamics: The Technology, Science, and Piloting of Commercial Drones is a clear, classroom-ready textbook that provides a practical foundation for commercial drone operations. Drone systems and operations are presented in a structured progression, using accessible language while maintaining technical accuracy. Drones are discussed as complete systems, including aircraft, sensors, and data workflows that produce information to support real decisions. Core aviation concepts, operating limitations, and airspace awareness are incorporated as part of a broader safety culture discussion. Whether students plan to pursue FAA Remote Pilot certification, enter a technical workforce pathway, or continue on to advanced study, this textbook establishes a strong foundation.

Part 107 regulations are discussed in detail in Chapter 3 and at the end of each chapter are FAA Part 107 Style Questions. These emphasize Part 107 readiness while relating to topics found in the chapter. After covering fundamental concepts and regulations, the second half of the text progresses to a variety of real-world applications of commercial drones, introducing potential career pathways. By studying the concepts in this textbook, students will learn to operate with purpose, apply regulations responsibly, and contribute to the professional standards that make drone operations effective and safe.

Table of Contents

Abbreviated Contents

Drone Dynamics, Online Textbook

• Drone Dynamics
• Copyright © 2028 by The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.
• Preface
• About the Authors
• Reviewers
• Acknowledgments
• Credentialing Partners and Support
• • YouScience® Industry Certifications
• The G-W Learning Experience
• • Current, Comprehensive, and Crafted for Skills Mastery
  • The G-W Team Is with You Every Step of the Way!
• Features of the Textbook
• • Chapter Opening Materials
  • Additional Features
  • Photos and Illustrations
  • End-of-Chapter Content
• Brief Contents
• Contents
• Feature Contents
• • Case Studies
  • Deep Dives
  • Classroom Activities
• Chapter 1 Drone Basics
• • Chapter 1 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 1 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Anatomy of a Drone
  • 1.2 Drone Configurations
  • 1.3 Principles of Flight
  • 1.4 Commercial Drones
  • 1.5 Challenges in Commercial Drone Use
  • Chapter 1 Review
• Chapter 2 Fundamentals of Drone Technology
• • Chapter 2 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 2 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 2 Introduction
  • 2.1 Key Attachments and Their Functions
  • 2.2 Drone Sensors
  • 2.3 Battery and Energy Systems
  • 2.4 Communication Systems
  • 2.5 Drone Data Collection
  • Chapter 2 Review
• Chapter 3 Regulations and Remote Pilot Certification
• • Chapter 3 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 3 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 3 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 3 Introduction
  • 3.1 The FAA: Oversight of US Airspace
  • 3.2 Part 107: The Path to Obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate
  • 3.3 Airspace Classifications and Authorizations
  • 3.4 Reading a Sectional Chart
  • 3.5 Weather and Flight Conditions
  • 3.6 Advanced Operational Requirements for Part 107
  • Chapter 3 Review
• Chapter 4 Operations
• • Chapter 4 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 4 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 4 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 4 Introduction
  • 4.1 Flight Planning
  • 4.2 Preflight Inspection and Checklist
  • 4.3 Flight Operations and Procedures
  • 4.4 Emergency Procedures and Problem Resolution
  • 4.5 Indoor Flight Operations
  • 4.6 Postflight Procedures and Data Management
  • 4.7 Flight Etiquette, Privacy, and Community Responsibility
  • Chapter 4 Review
• Chapter 5 Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair
• • Chapter 5 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 5 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 5 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 5 Introduction
  • 5.1 Principles of Commercial Drone Maintenance
  • 5.2 Routine Inspections and Checklists
  • 5.3 Battery and Power System Maintenance
  • 5.4 Propulsion, Airframe, and Payload Care
  • 5.5 Maintenance for Specialized Environments
  • 5.6 Maintenance Documentation and Fleet Management
  • 5.7 Troubleshooting, Repairs, and Lifecycle Planning
  • Chapter 5 Review
• Chapter 6 Photography, Videography, and Entertainment
• • Chapter 6 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 6 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 6 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 6 Introduction
  • 6.1 Careers in Aerial Media
  • 6.2 Equipment Selection for Aerial Media
  • 6.3 Camera Configuration for Still and Video Content
  • 6.4 Preflight Planning
  • 6.5 Shot Design
  • 6.6 Framing Fundamentals
  • 6.7 Intelligent Flight Systems for Professional Motion
  • 6.8 Post-Production Workflow
  • 6.9 Live Events
  • Chapter 6 Review
• Chapter 7 Aerial Surveys
• • Chapter 7 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 7 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 7 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 7 Introduction
  • 7.1 Common Survey Outputs
  • 7.2 Sensors and Payloads Used for Survey Work
  • 7.3 Accuracy Methods
  • 7.4 Mission Planning for Coverage and Data Quality
  • 7.5 Field Procedures and Survey Flight Execution
  • 7.6 Post-Processing Workflow and Quality Control
  • 7.7 Reporting, Deliverables, and Data Management
  • 7.8 Use Cases for Aerial Surveys
  • Chapter 7 Review
• Chapter 8 Agriculture
• • Chapter 8 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 8 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 8 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 8 Introduction
  • 8.1 Precision Agriculture Foundations
  • 8.2 Field Mapping and Soil Analysis
  • 8.3 Seeding and Planting Operations
  • 8.4 Crop Monitoring and Health Analysis
  • 8.5 Irrigation and Water Management
  • 8.6 Weed, Pest, and Disease Management
  • 8.7 Crop Dusting, Spraying, and Aerial Applications
  • 8.8 Livestock Monitoring and Management
  • 8.9 Disaster Assessment and Emergency Response
  • 8.10 Future Trends and Industry Outlook
  • Chapter 8 Review
• Chapter 9 Real Estate and Property Management
• • Chapter 9 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 9 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 9 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 9 Introduction
  • 9.1 Marketing and Property Presentation
  • 9.2 Drone-Based Property Inspections
  • 9.3 Property Documentation and Data Management
  • 9.4 Drone Surveillance and Security Operations
  • 9.5 Business Considerations of Drone Operations
  • 9.6 Future Trends in Real Estate Drones
  • Chapter 9 Review
• Chapter 10 Monitoring the Environment and Wildlife
• • Chapter 10 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 10 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 10 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 10 Introduction
  • 10.1 Sensor Technology for Environmental Monitoring
  • 10.2 Data Collection Strategies for Environmental Missions
  • 10.3 Air Quality Monitoring
  • 10.4 Water Quality Monitoring
  • 10.5 Coastal and Marine Monitoring
  • 10.6 Land Monitoring
  • 10.7 Post-Disaster Assessment and Emergency Response
  • 10.8 Wildlife Monitoring
  • 10.9 Integration with Other Technologies and Systems
  • 10.10 Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Considerations
  • Chapter 10 Review
• Chapter 11 Emerging Trends and Future Directions
• • Chapter 11 Preflight Question
  • Chapter 11 Learning Outcomes
  • Chapter 11 Technical Terms
  • Chapter 11 Introduction
  • 11.1 Regulatory Progress and Airspace Integration
  • 11.2 Automation and Autonomous Flight
  • 11.3 Advances in Aircraft, Batteries, and Sensors
  • 11.4 Artificial Intelligence and Onboard Processing
  • 11.5 Remote Operations and Dock-Based Systems
  • 11.6 Cloud-Based Systems and Digital Workflows
  • 11.7 Expanding Commercial Applications
  • 11.8 Preparing for Future Technologies
  • Chapter 11 Review
• Glossary
• • 0–9
• Index