Remote Pilot Association

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...

  Oh, how I love to sit on the couch and look for the ever increase amount of drone shots you see on television, movies and the internet, yelling “drone shot, drone shot!” to anyone in the room (and sometimes to an empty room). The increasing amount of drone shots means shouldn’t mean to you that everyone is doing it, so why bother. What it means to me is that drones are becoming a critical part of the film industry, a staple if you will.     I’ve had the opportunity to use a drone in independent films, commercials, and “spec” projects. The good news is that you can use cinematic moves using the drone you already own (even if it’s for practice). If you read some of my work, you will know that I’m a firm believer in starting with what you own. Have a 1080P drone, well your well suited for most video online. Don’t fall into the trap of chasing the latest and greatest drone, unless it comes with a significant increase in efficiency, quality, and benefit for you and the custo...

  Drone regulations are becoming more complicated by the minute. In this article we will dispel some of the misconceptions and outline what you need to know to fly legal and safe. Regulators, along with industry participation, develop a basic framework of rules, then as issues arise, like accidents and incidence, regulations are expanded to meet the new need. However, regulations are not born with the simple stroke of a pen, it consists of a process of establishing a Noticed of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), allowing the public to comment and regulators respond to comments way before a regulation makes it to the books. Much of our discussion will center on recreational drone pilots. However, we will encapsulate the resources necessary for those wanting to make money with their drone by earning commercial Remote drone Pilot certification (a.k.a. Part 107, as in the regulation covering the topic, certification).    Due to the mass of folks flying in places where they shouldn’t...