Episodes

  • How Drones Are Transforming Construction | Jose Rocha on Data, Marketing & the Future of Aerial Tech
    Jun 19 2025

    In 2nd episode of Drones and Construction Season 2, host, Aerial Decisions CEO, Jim Gibson, sits down with veteran drone pilot Jose Rocha, a San Diego-based professional with over 800 hours of flight time and deep experience in aerial surveying and fixed-wing drone operations. Jose shares his journey from earning a Private Pilot License to becoming one of the most trusted drone operators in the infrastructure space—mapping over 60,000 acres of solar and commercial construction projects.

    🚀 Topics covered include:

    • Why the FAA Part 107 certification is essential for compliance and credibility

    • The strategic value of drone data in construction project management

    • How creative aerial photography and videography can elevate marketing and investor presentations

    • Why transparency and documentation are key to winning trust with stakeholders

    • Emerging trends like autonomous drone flight and real-time analytics

    Whether you’re an executive overseeing multi-million-dollar builds, an investor tracking project milestones, or a tech-savvy superintendent seeking efficiencies—this conversation is packed with insights on how drone technology is reshaping construction from the air down.

    🎯 Keywords: drones, construction, Jose Rocha, Commercial Drones Dispatch, drone technology, aerial photography, Part 107 certification, construction projects, data collection, marketing, drone software, future of construction

    For more information on how drones can help you get your projects completed on time and on budget, or to want to be a guest on a future show, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx

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    34 mins
  • Drones, Data, and the Next Gen: A Conversation with Marcus Manahan
    May 23 2025

    In this episode of Drones and Construction, host Jim Gibson welcomes Marcus Manahan, a drone regional support specialist, to discuss the transformative impact of drone technology in the construction industry. They explore the importance of STEM education, the technical skills needed for drone operation, and the various commercial applications of drones. Marcus shares his experiences with drone projects, the future of drone technology, and how to engage young adults in this growing field. The conversation emphasizes the need for the next generation to get involved in drone technology and the opportunities it presents.

    For more information on how drones can help you get your projects completed on time and on budget, or to want to be a guest on a future show, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx


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    25 mins
  • Thermal vs. LiDAR: Drone Data Intelligence Explained
    May 12 2025

    In this episode of Drones and Construction, discover how thermal imaging drones are transforming construction, industry, utilities, and infrastructure. This episode breaks down how these sectors are adopting the tech, the benefits it brings, challenges faced, and what’s ahead for thermal drone innovation. A must-listen for anyone tracking the future of aerial intelligence.

    For more information on how drones can help you get your projects completed on time and on budget, or to schedule a free drone consultation, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx

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    20 mins
  • From Drones to Data: Building the Future with Digital Twins
    Apr 28 2025

    In this episode of Drones and Construction, we break down how digital twins—real-time, evolving digital replicas of physical construction assets—are reshaping the industry. The podcast explores their impact across the building lifecycle—from streamlining construction and boosting collaboration to enabling smarter maintenance and long-term sustainability. Plus, it looks ahead at how AI and remote access are accelerating their value in modern construction workflows.

    For more information on how drones can help you get your projects completed on time and on budget, or to schedule a free drone consultation, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx

    This episode was developed using AI-assisted writing tools guided by the Aerial Decisions team to ensure accuracy and relevance for the construction and drone industries.

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    15 mins
  • Nailed or Failed? Tariffs Hit the Construction Industry
    Apr 19 2025

    In this episode of Drones and Construction, we unpack how new tariffs and shifting trade policies are shaking up the commercial construction industry. From rising material costs to potential project delays and labor concerns, we explore the ripple effects of market uncertainty—and what it means for developers, contractors, and future builds.

    For more information on how drones can help you get your projects completed on time and on budget, or to schedule a free drone consultation, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx

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    10 mins
  • Inflation Nation: Construction Edition
    Apr 14 2025

    In this episode of Drones and Construction, we tackle the pressing issue of commercial construction inflation, diving into how rising material and labor costs are straining project budgets and timelines. We unpack key causes like supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, and explore how drone technology and data insights—especially from sponsor Aerial Decisions—can help firms boost efficiency and better plan for cost challenges. The episode wraps with a look at industry forecasts, underscoring the need for proactive strategies in an increasingly expensive landscape.

    For more information on how drones can help you get your projects completed on time and on budget, or to schedule a free drone consultation, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx

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    17 mins
  • 2025's Top Construction Industry Podcasts
    Apr 7 2025

    Season 1, Episode 17 of “Drones and Construction” highlights a list of influential construction-related podcasts originally featured in a Construction Dive article. These podcasts cover diverse aspects of the industry, ranging from engineering and business management to workforce development and technology. Several focus on leadership, project management, and specific sectors like facility management or the Canadian construction scene. Many feature expert interviews and discussions on current trends, offering valuable insights for professionals seeking to stay informed.


    For more information on how drones can help you get your projects completed on time and on budget, or to schedule a free drone consultation, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx


    This episode was developed using AI-assisted writing tools guided by the Aerial Decisions team to ensure accuracy and relevance for the construction and drone industries.

    To learn more about Construction Dive, visit: https://www.constructiondive.com

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    19 mins
  • What is BVLOS and Why its Important to Your Industry?
    Mar 31 2025

    Season 1, Episode 16 of “Drones and Construction” dives into the future-shaping topic of BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) regulations and what they mean for construction and tech-forward industries. In this episode, we break down the FAA’s slow-moving but increasingly promising path toward enabling long-range autonomous drone operations—and why recent comments from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy could mark a turning point. From infrastructure inspections to emergency response and jobsite logistics, BVLOS has the power to transform how we build and operate. Tune in to hear why the construction world should be watching this closely—and how to prepare for the coming shift.

    For more information or to schedule a free drone consultation, visit Aerial Decisions website: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4hkX7Fx


    This episode was developed using AI-assisted writing tools guided by the Aerial Decisions team to ensure accuracy and relevance for the construction and drone industries.

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    12 mins