Remote Pilot Association

  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...

  Talk about a soapbox issue, choosing the best drone for your needs is one of those topics. I’m frequently asked about drone recommendations from students in our commercial certification prep and flight training classes. Some have said to me, “When I save up enough money to buy X drone, then I’ll start my business.” IMHO, this is Bull-Hockey! Some people have the need to be the “trailblazers” when a new product comes out on the market, to each their own. I was guilty of this mentality in high school when we would debate the 0 to 60 (mph) times of the latest sportscars on the market. Someone would have the latest news from one of the magazines stating something like, “Did you hear that the new engine in the Mustang beat last year’s model by .2 seconds?” While there is a place for the “latest and greatest,” purchases should be made objectively by asking, “Will the feature(s) enhance what it is I’m trying to do with it (FPV drone racing, high wind tolerance)? Will this drone make my ...