Drones, Toys or Tools
Here at DTM Technologies, we have been involved in using drones/UAV/RPAS for nearly 3 years, which, I have to say, is not long in the grand scheme of things. We have been licensed by the CAA for commercial operations for nearly 2 years. In that time we have done a large amount of research into different systems, multirotors and fixed wing craft. The number of different systems (multirotors) on the market is huge. Most are advertised as easy to fly, fully automatic and great for capturing anything you wish, from an aerial perspective. Although in some cases this is true, there is a lot more involved, especially if you are planning on commercial use.
When you are piloting ANY aircraft, you fall under the rules of the CAA, Civil Aviation Authority (in the UK), this applies to the hobbiest and commercial operators. There are rules you must abide by! failure to do so, will, at best, risk prosecution, at worst, risk lives!! Safety, safety, safety, It cannot be stressed enough, some of these machines weigh multiple kilo’s and if something fails they will drop like a brick. Some craft which have more than 4 rotors, can, reputably can be landed safely when 1 prop, motor, speed controller fails, but this wont happen, right, because you spend more time checking and maintaining your craft, than the time its in the air. Thats right, maintenance, its a necessity, and it takes skill and knowledge to do it effectively.
So, if you think its still for you, lets look at the commercial side of things, we are not talking about your rig, or how well you fly here, just the ability to provide a professional service. Once a task and location has been agreed between DTM Technologies and a client, we will spend a number of hours just on researching the site for potential hazards, creating risk assessments, looking at potential notifications if the area involves other air users, structures, roads, railways, etc, Oh, by the way, I wonder how many hobbiests do this, they should! the dangers are exactly the same!, anyway.
