Aerial Video Production Reel, Drones, and Passing the FAA Exam Again
Every year it seems like I’m being hired more and more for drone video and photography jobs. And of course every few years DJI comes out with a new 4K-capable drone kit. Even though keeping up with new tech and new rules can be tricky, I still love the images we get from hundreds of feet in the air.
New Aerial Video Reel
I recently put together a compilation of some of the most compelling aerial video clips, representing a wide range of projects: adventure, landscape, tourism, agriculture, and more. With as much as I’ve been asked to come out and fly the drone, and only the drone, for video jobs, I figured it was time to have an aerial-specific reel. Check it out below:
New Drones
DJI is the industry leader in drone manufacturing, and I’ve owned four different drones since 2016. Each new drone I’ve purchased has decreased in size, while the capabilities have increased in every way imaginable. We’re currently enjoying the Mavic 2 with the Smart Controller. Longer battery life, autonomous flight modes, better dynamic range with 4K video, the list goes on. This mean there’s simply no excuse for using one in a project, big or small. That is unless, you need content in or near restricted airspace…
Mike flying the Mavic 2 in the mountains. Photo by fixedlinemedia
Passing the FAA Exam (for a third time)
Every two years, drone pilots with the Remote Pilot Certification need to take a recurrent test to keep a valid license. This license allows us to operate commercially, which simply means we can legally fly our drones and charge money to do so. The exam isn’t terribly hard, but the content is definitely unique.
It was pivotal that I renewed my license in a timely manner this time, as I was engaged with a project that required me to fly very close to a large airport, at the same place, but on four different days. In order to operate there, I had to get authorization from the FAA via the airport itself, then verify this with DJI to unlock the controller and allow for the flights. I had to prepare flight plans every time, and it wasn’t a simple process. My client informed me that several others, including news stations and other production companies had tried to fly there, but had been unable to get authorization. I don’t know why exactly, but I’m fortunate that I was licensed and prepared.