Autonomous drone software FAQ
Short answers on autopilot licences, Part 108 status, EU BVLOS routes, Remote ID, ground sample distance and planning autonomous drone flights.
Official source: USI, Part 108 status guide. Checked
Rules
Can I fly BVLOS in the US under Part 108 today? No. Part 108 was still under final review in October 2026. You need a waiver or an exemption. See Part 108.
What is the simplest BVLOS route in the EU? The STS-02 standard scenario, by declaration, if you fly a C6-marked drone under 25 kg below 120 m over a sparsely populated area and within 2 km with observers or 1 km without. See EU rules.
Do I need Remote ID? In the US, yes, for every drone flown under Part 107 and for recreational drones over 0.55 lb. See Remote ID.
Software
Can I sell a drone with modified ArduPilot code without publishing my changes? No. ArduPilot's GPL licence requires you to share modifications when you distribute it. PX4's BSD licence does not. See PX4 vs ArduPilot.
Which is better, PX4 or ArduPilot? It depends on your product and team. The picker asks four questions and explains its answer.
Mapping
What altitude gives 2 cm per pixel? It depends on the camera. With a 13.2 mm sensor, an 8.8 mm lens and 5,472-pixel images, about 73 m. Use the planner.
Which focal length do I enter? The real focal length, not the 35 mm equivalent (Pix4D).
How much overlap should I use? The planner starts at 75% front and 65% side; adjust for your software and terrain.
About us
Do you sell software or drones? No. We do not sell anything and we take no commissions.
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