December 25, 2015

UAV (Drone) Rules - Know before you fly

Many people may have received a drone for Christmas or know someone who has. Most will be new to the world of radio controlled aircraft, so I thought I'd post a bit of important information for those that are not yet in the loop.

First, if your new toy quadcopter weighs between .55 and 55 lbs you must register with the FAA. This includes the popular DJI Phantom series and fixed wing aircraft.

Here's a link to the FAA registration page: http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/

Also, remember to fly safe - everything from reading the instruction manual, getting the latest software updates to calibrating the IMU and compass.

• Fly below 400 feet altitude.
• Keep your unmanned aircraft in sight at all times.
• Never fly near manned aircraft, especially near airports.
• Never fly over groups of people, stadiums or sporting events.
• Never fly near emergency response efforts.

**Please share this with new recreational drone owners you may know

December 10, 2015

Mountain Lions

One of my motion-activated wildlife cameras caught some mountain lions in the Mountains around Tucson, AZ:

Love the feline predators!

November 27, 2015

Audubon Research Ranch

Here are two new aerial video surveys I captured for the Audubon Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch near Elgin, AZ:

These locations currently have or hopefully will provide habitat for extirpated or threatened/endangered native species ... Aerial surveys can be compared to past and future surveys to denote changes to vegetation and landscape over time ...

'Drones' are not all bad ...

November 24, 2015

Marine Debris/Plastics

Another video I made while working on Midway Atoll last winter:

November 24, 2015

Albatross

A video I made from my time on Midway:

November 24, 2015

Aerial Videos for Conservation

Here are some videos I've taken using a radio controlled quadcopter for wildlife refuges and conservatiion NGO's:

I've no doubt that this Christmas season will bring about a crazy onslaught of 'drone' crashes, injuries, and property damages due to inexperienced Radio Controlled operators. While these issues are legeitmate concerns, I'd ask that reasonable consideration be given to responsible R/C operators who follow the FAA recommendations.