So how may out there actually fly these birds professionally

vsasolutions · Jan 11, 2020

I would be interested in connecting with any of you that fly professionally. I have a little creative firm and wanting to expand what I do. Love networking learning and sharing. I am a newbie but would love to pick anyone’s brain

Michael Bowie · Jan 18, 2020

I have been working as a DP for 30+ years and Solo is part of my kit. I bought one of the very first, expensive ones. I use it on almost every project, whether commercial, corporate, documentary or real estate. An amazing tool.
Michael Bowie
San Antonio

vsasolutions · Jan 18, 2020

Hey Michael, great to hear. Just passed my 107 test last week. Spending as much time doing flying drills as I can. My goal is to use the preprogrammed shots as little as possible, even though cable cam is pretty slick.

In your opinion what are the best areas to focus commercially? I am a catastrophe adjuster by day so can’t do anything for insurance carriers.

Michael Bowie · Jan 18, 2020

Real estate is the biggest market...but there is so much competition that it does not pay much. Average of $200 per house, and they will expect stills of the interior. I prefer large ranches...budgets seem larger. My 107 has expired and I have not renewed...nobody seems to care. I mostly use my Solo as added value on commercials. Shooting at a theme park tomorrow.

just_bruce · Jan 19, 2020

Michael Bowie said:
Real estate is the biggest market...but there is so much competition that it does not pay much. Average of $200 per house, and they will expect stills of the interior. I prefer large ranches...budgets seem larger. My 107 has expired and I have not renewed...nobody seems to care. I mostly use my Solo as added value on commercials. Shooting at a theme park tomorrow.

I expect your insurer will care a lot if ever there is an incident. As will the FAA. And local law enforcement [unfortunately]. You already had the 107, the knowledge required has changed very little.

Not telling anyone how to live, but I do think that operating illegally in an environment that is growing more and more rules-prone is courting trouble. But we're all adults here, make your own decisions.

vsasolutions · Jan 19, 2020

Speaking of insurance I am looking at SkyWatch. Anyone use them? Any issues or anything positive to say?

just_bruce · Jan 19, 2020

I use IDRA as they cover worldwide. When I first went looking they were the ONLY organization with international coverage.

vsasolutions · Jan 19, 2020

Definitely affordable for liability. So far SkyWatch seems to be the best when you throw on equipment coverage. I didn't see equipment coverage with IDRA. Now granted that may not be as big of a benefit for the solo but I am anticipating having a zero zero robotics v-coptr and a Mavic 2 pro with hassleblad camera in my future. One other note...after the GPS upgrade I can't believe how fast it acquires a lock.

Staplehawk · Jan 26, 2020

I have been flying for years and I have a lineup of drones I use in my toolkit.

vsasolutions · Jan 27, 2020

Staplehawk said:
I have been flying for years and I have a lineup of drones I use in my toolkit.

Very cool. I just added a Mavic Pro that I got a great deal. I have a lot to learn.

Robpower · Jan 27, 2020

I saw this thread the other day, meant to reply, but so busy out here in Aust with the fires etc.

I use a couple of Solos for aerial photography, still imagery, not videos. I have Nikon J5 mirrorless cameras (1 inch sensor, niceglass 10mm lens, RAW files etc) on the solo platform that I have developed over the past couple of years with a lot of advice from members here. There are a few threads about it:

Nikon J5 mirrorless camera on 3Dr Solo - ch7 shutter - I dont use the servo shutter anymore,

A few images here - 3DR + NO-GoPro image thread

I hold a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Remote Pilot licence ( RPL) n Australia and operate in the sub 2kg categoery (just)

Staplehawk · Jan 28, 2020

That's a pretty sweet setup! Glad the fires are dying down finally.

Sparty577 · Jan 31, 2020

vsasolutions said:
Hey Michael, great to hear. Just passed my 107 test last week. Spending as much time doing flying drills as I can. My goal is to use the preprogrammed shots as little as possible, even though cable cam is pretty slick.

In your opinion what are the best areas to focus commercially? I am a catastrophe adjuster by day so can’t do anything for insurance carriers.

I'm rather new to the forum, but am curious why you are unable to do anything for insurance carriers? I mean if you have your drone license and are a CAT adjuster- it seems it would be a great tool that you could use on your losses (roof claims especially). Please explain, as this is something I've considered getting into. Thank you!

BRBpromotions · Feb 13, 2020

I've been flying professionally on the side for a few years now. I actually did my 107 test on the first day the system opened. Most of what I do is real estate, mainly houses and farmground. My wife owns a photography business so sometimes I do some stuff for her as well, and I have a few other friends in video production that use me for their aerial work. I don't do a ton of work, but with other commitments I haven't pushed or advertised much. I also operate a small farm so I use my drones for scouting fields, standing water, etc. I've done a small bit of work for some government agencies as well, storm damage and tourism.

I have a Solo with mro GPS and running OpenSolo, an Autel Evo (which I've used the most lately), a Phantom 3 Pro, and a Yuneec Typhoon G( which I need to sell).

On the insurance topic, I use Country Companies and they were able to add a photography/videography deal to my home insurance (now on farm insurance) for far less than I could find elsewhere. My main issue was liability, I had a project that wanted $1 mil coverage and it was by far the cheapest option for me.