Anyone use a drone for aerial photography?

If you had a photography business and used it for such, I'm sure you could use it as a tax write off..

We have some of the Bird Biologist use them on Migratory Bird studies to check for eggs. Usually up to 200'. Apparently the RF from Cellular antennas causes issues though.

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I read somewhere, once you start making money off of it, you open up a can of worms with the faa and permits

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You aren't supposed to fly them over 400ft and you aren't supposed to use them for commercial purposes.

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I read somewhere, once you start making money off of it, you open up a can of worms with the faa and permits

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This is correct. The FAA's recent statements, set off by the misuse of this new technology (specifically FPV flying, not necessarily multi-rotor flight), have set in motion some massive changes in the hobby flight world. As of now, any commercial use, ie photography for pay as you suggest, could be subject to heavy fines and/or punishments.

A LOT is going on with this right now and the AMA is trying to help the situation. At worst, the FAA can effectively end ALL recreational/hobby model aircraft flights. Right now the overuse of the term "Drone" is a huge problem and in almost ALL cases is inappropriate to this type of flying. What is most likely is that they will institute licensing of pilots including associated pilot testing. In other words, a nice source of funding for the FAA.

All this being said, FPV flying and the availability of these new technologies to hobbyists and the average Joe DOES need to be looked at with respect to safety and privacy. Too many idiots flying over airports or taking pics of their neigbors in the shower.

LINK TO MORE INFO

Until the laws are actually passed (probably won't happen till 2016) you're most likely okay. The cease and desist letters as well as the fines handed out by the FAA have initially been shot down in court (the FAA is appealing). BUT individual states are starting to pass their own laws so look into that before buying anything.

My brother does it Bourgs

You should hit him up

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My cousin made this video of a trip across colorado/wyoming/new mexico/arizona over the last few weeks.

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Very nice!

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I want one really bad

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Me too - but I'm lying down and letting it pass for now. Too much uncertainly about the regs.

Drone dread: Delray to discuss rules for popular pilotless craft

Coolest thing since the advent of the World Wide Web and iPhone.

My dad got one because he wanted to film the turn into the driveway at the lake up through the woods, over the cottage and out onto the dock. He spent 100$ and the thing is too light. Really hard to fly because if there is any wind it gets blown around. I think to get one that is big enough to fly well you need to spend about 400$.