The Drone Revolution

How Safe Are Our Skies?
Drones, or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), are here and in the news almost every week.

Until recently, drones were used only by the military, government or weather analysis agencies, leaving businesses or individuals with no other option than expensive helicopter or fixed wing aircraft platforms.

The development of SUAV’s (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) has hugely changed the market, making aerial photography and videography accessible to all.

There are hundreds of uses for having good, clear aerial views: resort & hotel advertising, property analysis, building damage, event coverage… the list is endless.  Imagine how thrilled a bride would be to have the most important day of her life videoed from the sky!


Are they safe?
Small unmanned aircraft are now widely available for recreational or commercial use but if not used responsibly they can cause injury or damage and so are subject to safety rules which are underpinned by UK law.

Anyone who wants to fly a drone can do so under strict guidelines from the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).  The problem is that the average non-commercial drone owner is unaware of those guidelines and that can lead to accidents, law suits and fines for misuse from the CAA.


Commercial Operators
Commercial operators need a ‘Permission’ from the CAA called a PFAW (Permission For Aerial Work) and to get this, a pilot must undertake courses with a qualified entity, and must demonstrate a sufficient understanding of aviation theory (airmanship, airspace, aviation law and good flying practice), pass a flight test and develop procedures for conducting flights and set these out in an Operations Manual.

So the answer to the above question is YES – they are safe providing they are in the hands of a professional.

As with any commercial service it is always tempting to take a cheap solution by using an amateur or semi-professional.  A commercial pilot is qualified, within the constraints of their PFAW, to fly closer, higher and operate in more challenging situations so therefore can get better and more commercially useable footage.

When hiring a drone services, it is also important to remember that without a PFAW, it is impossible for anyone to get public liability insurance for commercial work.

So, if you want better results and at the same time keep your business, clients and colleagues safe, it’s worth spending that little bit extra to engage a qualified professional.

 
Drone Photography North West
Drone Photography North West produce amazing quality aerial photography and videography in the North West and throughout the UK.

Our pilots have passed the CAA approved exams and flight assessments and hold the established industry Remote Pilot Qualification (RPQ-s) for multi-rotor aircraft and are licensed commercial operators for day and night work.

They are capable of flying close to difficult locations, day or night while maintaining the highest standards in safety and operation.

Our drones carry cameras using the latest gyro-stabilised gimbals to produce ultra-sharp High Definition 4K video and 12 megapixel still images and we are producing cost-effective aerial videography with shooting angles and reveals, previously only available on big budget productions.

Our services include:

  • Aerial filming for sports and events
  • Corporate videos for product launches, advertising, websites and promotion
  • Aerial photography and video for Estate Agents
  • Commercial property
  • Holiday resorts and hotels
  • Tourism aerial photography and videography
  • Indoor aerial photography
  • Night photography and filming

If you would like a demonstration of how drone photography can help you or your business and would like some sample photography call us on: 01745 289447 or email info@dronephotography-northwest.co.uk

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