Whether you're looking to capture breathtaking aerial photos or survey land, many businesses are turning to commercial drone services as a cost-effective and efficient way to get the job done.
Read on to learn the advantages and disadvantages of using commercial drone services, as well as what to expect when you hire a professional drone service provider.
What is a Commercial Drone Service?
A commercial drone service, also known as an unmanned aerial system or UAS, is a type of aircraft that is remotely operated by a pilot or ground-based operator. These drones are typically equipped with cameras and other equipment designed to capture detailed images and data from the air above an area. By using commercial drone services, businesses can achieve cost and time savings when it comes to surveying land, inspecting infrastructure, and taking aerial photography.
Advantages of Commercial Drone Services
Utilizing commercial drone services has numerous advantages. These include saving time, since the drones can reach places faster than a human, as well as being cost-effective since the UAS does not require a pilot or ground-based operator. Commercial drone services also offer a level of precision and accuracy that is difficult to replicate manually, making it an ideal solution for land surveying and inspections. Additionally, some models come with high-grade cameras that can take stunning aerial photography, perfect for businesses in the media or real estate industries.
Disadvantages of Commercial Drone Services
Although there are several advantages to commercial drone services, there are also a few drawbacks. One of the main issues is the cost associated with purchasing and maintaining these systems. UAV models used for commercial operations tend to be expensive, while repair and maintenance can be costly if something goes wrong. Additionally, some locations have regulations concerning drones being flown near populated areas or other sensitive infrastructures, making it hard for operators to use their drones everywhere they’d like.
Remote Piloting Options
Commercial drone services typically use either a ‘remote pilot’ model or an automated flight plan to fly the drones. In the remote pilot model, an operator remains in control as the UAV surveys an area or takes images for a client, adjusting flight parameters on the go if necessary. However, most UAVs can also be programmed with an automated flight plan that allows them to fly shorter or longer distances and capture precise images without any input from an operator. This is useful for large scale operations where having someone manually piloting the drone would consume too much time.
Insurance and Regulations Involved with Drone Use.
As a business owner looking to hire commercial drone services it’s important to be aware of both insurance and regulatory requirements. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to pay for third-party liability policies for your drones and/or receive special permission from the aviation authority in order to use them commercially. Make sure you thoroughly research all regulations related to using drones in your area and confirm that the drone service provider is able to comply with these regulations. This can help avoid any unexpected penalties should there be an unplanned incident related to your project.