28: in the air

Dear Friend,

Happy Autumn! How were your last few days of Summer?

Frank and I have been housesitting the past two weeks, (I was at one home with a precious, specialty cat and he was at another home with a sweetheart, darling dog). We reunited a couple of days ago. Yesterday was a busy, traveling day and (my apologies) I didn’t plunk down long enough to post this letter.

We parked last night in a grove of oak trees in Calaveras County. We’re visiting a friend for a couple of days. The night breezes were gently cool and, this morning, the sunrise glows a bit more orange. It will be a warm day but, to me, there is a definite fall feeling in the air. Yay, Autumn!

Frank and I were talking about fall colors and wondered whether he’ll able to capture the changing season with his drone.

We can’t take it for granted that he can just send his drone up in the air every time there’s something really awesome to photograph.

Though, when we're in legal airspace, it is really a treat to have a bird's eye view.

The ‘Drone’ comes up in conversation with people we meet out on our journey. I asked Frank his most Frequently Asked Questions in this interview:

Why do you own a drone?

It is a very useful tool for getting photographic images and video that I can’t get any other way. To get a different point of view, it’s a limitless tripod. There are many times it is the perfect tool in my toolbox to help me tell a story. 

Is your drone registered with the FAA?

Yes.

And you have a license to fly?

Yes, I have a Part 107 license.

How long have you been a licensed drone pilot?

4 years

Why did you get a license?

It is necessary (in commercial operations) to comply with the FAA. Whenever the drone is used in business, shooting for a company, or a realtor, or for my YouTube videos, I'd need to have a license to fly.

YouTube videos are considered a business?

Whether there is money involved or not, anytime you publish drone footage in a video on YouTube, your drone must be registered with the FAA and you are supposed to have a Part 107 license to fly.

Do you have to renew your registration or license?

Yes, every two years to keep up with all of the updates.

When do you fly?

Sometimes when we’re on the road, I don’t get a chance to fly for weeks at a time because often, drones are not allowed to fly in the places we visit, so whenever I can, I practice flying where it is safe and legal to fly.

Where can you fly a drone?

I have software on my phone and on the drone’s remote control that alerts me to the airspace in my location, it lets me know if I can fly or if I will need to ask permission from the FAA. If I’m in protected air space, the app will tell me why, like one of the 4 classes of airports and military, or electrical lines, and no matter what, the drone is not allowed to fly more than 400 feet high (or beyond my line of sight) from wherever I am, but there are many instances that I need to keep it well under that.

It used to take weeks to receive permission to fly but now, the same can be handled within hours from a mobile device.

What is restricted air space?

Restricted air space can be anything from the flight path of airplanes, National Parks, National Animal Refuges, Marine sanctuaries along the coast, many State and County Parks. You cannot fly a drone when it can interfere with pilots, helicopters, airplanes, jets engaged in maneuvers of any kind, firefighting, law enforcement, etc… If you are flying in a legal airspace and you hear an airplane even in the distance, the drone needs to come straight to the ground. If I hear or see birds, especially birds of prey, like an eagle, owl, or a hawk, I bring down my drone. I don’t fly over wildlife of any kind.

Also, if the drone gets to 35% of its battery capacity I bring it straight back.

I never fly my drone if I’m not able to be focused and fully engaged.

A lot of people don’t like drones (especially with cameras) flying around, it seems invasive. What are your thoughts about others’ privacy?

I’ve been a professional photographer for over 45 years and I wouldn’t ever walk into someone’s home or peek over their fence to photograph them. To me, my respect for others doesn’t change just because I’m flying my camera. I ask for permission, it is no different. If everyone flew respectfully, drones wouldn’t seem so invasive. 

The whole reason the FAA requires professionals to be licensed is so that we understand the rules of flying a drone safely. When studying for the test, you learn about air space regulations, instruments on an airplane, the weather, mechanics of the drone, battery safety, all the rules and regulations for safe drone operation, physical and mental focus, how to conduct flight plans just like you would if you were flying an airplane. Using the drone, you are flying in airspace and must meet all of the FAA requirements.

Do you have to have insurance on your drone?

When working commercially, it’s a good idea to be insured, at least for the number of days that you are being hired to work.

Have you ever crashed your drone?

Yes. I ended up hitting a tree branch and the drone dropped into the river. It was probably in the water for over a half hour before I could get to it. I had to send it away for repairs.

What is your advice to anyone looking into buying a drone?

Take it seriously. By participating and getting my license, I learned a great deal about the need to have respect for your flights. Safely operate the drone so it causes no harm or irritation to creatures, birds, others. Though it is fun to fly, drones are not toys, a professional won’t fly a drone around people and wildlife.

What’s next for your drone?

I’m always thinking about projects and I have one that has to do with the abstracts of moving water. I like to photograph abstracts in nature with the drone.

This movie demonstrates some of the unique perspectives that I was able to achieve using my drone. Music by Troy Burns.

Frank and I thank you for being here to read Tracks by the Post. It means a lot to us. If you have time, please Drop Us a Line and let us know how you are doing! We’ll reply as soon as we can!

Until next time, we wish you all good things and send our gratitude your way!

Gently Be,

Leslie and Frank