FAQ - Ask Away!
Small UASs (Unmanned Aerial Systems) are becoming more familiar to the public, but there are always questions everywhere we go. And we are very happy to answer them! It is great to know there is such an interest in this technology and the many positive ways it can be utilized. Here is what we are asked most often:
Why do I need to hire an FAA certified Remote Pilot?
FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) require that any flight intended for business use must be under the control of a certified Remote Pilot in Command. This assures safety and compliance with federal airspace operations. Use of footage or photographs from non-certified RPIC's constitutes violation of FAA regulations and may be subject to penalties.
What is the range of your quad-copter?
The copter is rated at 3000' (horizontal) but rarely do we fly beyond 1000' and never beyond the line of sight from our position. A lot of ground can be covered in a single flight.
How long can you stay airborne?
Each battery yields about 23 minutes of flight time. This varies depending on wind and maneuvers. With multiple batteries, we can fly several times in one session affoding plenty of time to capture all the footage needed for most projects. We can recharge on location if longer shoots are required.
How do you know what it's doing up there?
All the flight data is transmitted to the pilot and displayed on the FPV monitor. Altitude, orientation, horizontal distance, vertical and horizontal speed, pitch and roll, camera status and picture, battery levels, flight mode, and GPS satellite lock are all displayed.
Is weather a concern?
We cannot fly in rain, snow, or high winds that will affect the stability of the flight. Generally, winds under 20mph are necessary for smooth maneuvers in flight, however some flights are possible in winds up to 25mph.
Is it safe?
Yes. As FAA certified Remote Pilot in Command, we adhere to FAA regulations regarding small Unmanned Aerial Systems (14 CFR Part 107) as well as the Academy of Model Aeronautics safety code.
We stay below 400 feet AGL except as authorized for higher altitudes for tower or building inspections, maintain line of sight contact, and use a visual spotter to assure obstacle avoidance. We do not fly directly over crowds or highways (though they can be filmed from the perimeter). We notify any airport within 5 miles of our flight area before flying and obtain necessary airspace authorizations.
If the battery level falls to 20%, the copter will descend slowly and land itself. In the unlikely event that it ever flies out of range of our controller or loses radio contact, the quad-copter will automatically fly back to its launch point and land safely.
Are you insured?
Yes. We have commercial general liability insurance up to $2.5 million through aeronautical insurance underwriters. A certificate of insurance can be provided if needed.
What about privacy?
We respect the privacy of individuals and will not film any private property or individual in an identifiable way without prior consent and authorization. As a professional company, we do not use our technology for illicit purposes. Our camera is wide-angle and cannot zoom-in to capture any potentially privacy-infringing images. Proper authorizations (talent and location releases) must be secured before any service is performed.