A lot of people ask about drones, the buzzword for today’s technology of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Each and every day a new use is thought up about an innovative way to incorporate drones and how it can make our lives easier. In today’s world, drones can have a positive impact on a multitude of different industries.
Drones are currently being used in the television and film industry as a more cost effective alternative to helicopters; and even getting shots that helicopters just don’t have the ability to get. In the news industry, they are referred to as “the great equalizer” in markets. In the past, only a select few stations could afford to have a helicopter, and some have even had helicopters, only to get rid of them due to cost cutting and budget reductions. Drones level the playing field for smaller news markets, or even just smaller stations and allows them to compete and get aerial shots they would’ve otherwise not been able to get or afford.
Real Estate agents have had an eye on drones for a while, nothing captures the entire property as well as an aerial shot, being able to highlight the yard layout, or even the view the house may have. Using a drone could be the difference maker between the house selling or sitting.
Construction companies have found ways to use drones to showcase the progress of their projects, conduct advanced data analysis of their piles for volumetric calculations and even safety inspections as needed.
The list can go on and on with almost every industry either already using drones, or wanting to use drones in the near term. The two things that stand in the way is how to do it legally, and how to do it safely.
The FAA has recently passed along their recommendations for the new small UAS rules, called Part 107. This will alleviate some of the restrictions in place for drone operators. One of the most important thing will allow non-pilots to become certified to fly a drone through Part 107 certification. This is very important because right now, in order to fly a drone commercially, a business needs to hold a 333 exemption (approximately 6 months wait time with the FAA) and the individual operating the drone needs to be a qualified pilot on a manned aircraft, a huge requirement for smaller drone businesses or those looking to augment their current business with a drone (like a real estate agent).
This summer should change all that with the release of Part 107 officially, and that’s where AviSight Drone Academy comes in, training specific to Part 107 standards for certification to get you flying legally and safely and ready to pioneer the drone business and take it to new heights (pun intended).
Our drone training course was broken down into a few different offerings, because we know not everyone wants to train for the commercial venture. Our 1-day beginner course is aimed at the recreational pilot; those that haven’t flown a drone in the past or just started flying. The focus of the 1-day course ($499) is recreational use, flying on vacations, flying your local parks, but also with an understanding of where and when you can fly, important for all enthusiasts putting a drone in the sky.
Our 2-day course ($899) is aimed at the professional user, those that want to augment their business with a drone, or those that are looking to begin their own drone service company themselves. This course is aimed at the Part 107 rulings and will offer a certificate of completion along with certification with the FAA as that opens up. Additionally, completing this course will help to tie you into a professional network of drone operators and even insurance companies that can offer cheaper insurance for those that have completed this training course.
Our 4-day course ($1599) is for the true Drone Master, looking to know as much as they can about drones and drone flying, even well beyond the Part 107 requirements, including specific tools of the trade and insider information that is not taught in traditional schools. Our 4-day class will truly prepare you to start your own drone services based business. While the focus is for those starting their own business, our 4-day class accommodates all personnel looking to be masters within the field.
Our next class is at the end of June, from June 28 to July 1st. Call us at 877-570-5541 or email us info@vegasdroneacademy.com
