Remote Pilot Association

The topic of the environment can be polarizing but I think we can all agree from a general perspective there are practical ways to preserve the Earth for future generations and drones can be part of the solution. These cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the field of environmental monitoring and research. Among these innovations, drones have emerged as powerful tools in the hands of experienced environmental drone pilots. Offering unparalleled access, versatility, and efficiency, drones are transforming the way we collect data, analyze ecosystems, and address environmental challenges. In this article, we explore the numerous benefits of using drones for environmental monitoring and research, underscoring their potential to enhance our understanding and conservation efforts. Source: Remote Pilot Association (TC Freeman) 1. Unparalleled Access: Drones grant researchers unprecedented access to remote and inaccessible areas, revolutionizing the way data is collected. From dense f...

Welcome to drone flying new drone pilots, you have embarked on an exciting journey no matter what type of drone flying you want to do such as, recreational RC park flying, start an aerial photography/videography business, or First Person View (FPV) racing, just to name a few. The world of drone flying in the US is changing dramatically this year with respect to the regulatory scene. In this article we offer 10 tips, mostly flying tips, for new drone pilots.   Source: Gary Rosson, Earth View Drone Imaging The later part of the article we will discuss the regulatory side of the equation. Let’s jump in feet first with the Top 10 Tips: 1. Consider hiring a flight instructor or searching out a mentor  to learn the basics. One of my best customers said upon our first lesson, “I would rather crash your drone than mine.” It took me a minute to get over this barb, but a selling point is a selling point. In all seriousness, in addition to being under the watchful eye of an instructor or...

Here’s a situation we all have had at one point, ordering something online, like a drone for instance, and realizing that it didn’t come with all the accessories needed for an enjoyable experience. It’s back to the computer to order more stuff. The most common scenario is not having but one battery with which to go flying, now that gets under my skin. Good retail outlets suggest up sells that are popular. Some manufacturers have special upgrades, such as the DJI “Fly More” package, that include extra batteries, tablet holders and carrying case. Putting together your own package is doable if you want to save money, just compare the deluxe package to the basic offer. We assembled a list of accessories, not necessarily focused on the camera, but rather ideas on how to make your flight a positive experience.   Batteries and Multi-Battery Charger   As mentioned in the beginning of the article, not having enough batteries is a real bummer. Even if you have a drone that will fly for ...

I was listening to a podcast, can’t remember the name, and the host was reading a letter from a listener about how they were going to start a business as soon as this person “saved enough money to purchase a top of the line equipment, get a business license, consult with an attorney, secure insurance, buy a domain name,” and twenty other things that just “had to be done.” The host of the podcast sunk his teeth into the question by responding that nothing on the list had anything to do with an immediate need and that what the budding small businessperson need to do was to start making money. IMHO, I think he hit the nail on the head, because it’s so easy to get hung up on the details that don’t matter, at least not in the short term.                                                                          ...

  I’ve been having a frustrating experience with the battery situation on my drone and decided to buy an external battery carrier mount. The motive was to get away from the standard, and expensive, battery and go to the generic variety with higher output. There are some tried and true best practices that come with test flying a drone. A test flight isn’t just for R&D, it’s for the “return to service,” as the FAA says, after maintenance or modification. The motive is to exercise an extra bit of safety, imagine the alternative, showing up on a busy video shoot with an “unproven” aircraft so to speak.  S ource: Example of manned aircraft maintenance logbook, Ebay. com The majority of the best practices are common sense, but a famous person once said, “common sense isn’t so common.” Admittingly I suffered from swapping out parts and going on a regular flight, not good. The best advice is to keep the flight reality close, at a safe distance, low to the ground in-case something ...

  For National Drone Safety Awareness Week, November 16 - 22, 2020 It was a dream come true, flying a manned bush aircraft in Alaska. I traveled up via airline in November several years ago, yes I said November, not the height of tourist season. The reason was that the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) was offering one of their stellar Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics (FIRC) and I needed a renewal class. Unfortunately I didn’t have my drone, so I missed the opportunity for some awesome shots.  Source:  choisir-droneaerodrone.fr Although I received a lot of grief from the locals for being there off season it was actually neat because it was an opportunity to meet the locals. One of the folks in the class, Chad, was a local fellow and had met him at a conference in North Carolina a couple of years before. He asked if I had planned on doing some flying while up and I admitted that my contact fell through. Graciously Chad offered to take a friend and myself in ...