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Pilot testing facility in the VI?

(@AandA2VI)
Posts: 2294
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I know we have some copter pilots here, I just bought a drone. Pretty stoked but I need to do a list of things to get everything that I need to be able to use it for commercial use - i.e. sell the pics. I am a ways from that of course but I cant find anything about any testing facilities here. Anyone have any info on this? I will fly to the mainland if I have to when I am ready. The list of locations from FAA doesn't show any here of course. TIA

 
Posted : June 28, 2017 2:35 am
(@Scubadoo)
Posts: 2434
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Nothing in PR either?

 
Posted : June 28, 2017 7:35 am
(@beeski)
Posts: 644
Honorable Member
 

I took my FAA exam on St. Thomas at Ace Flight Center, 340-776-4141
There is no facility on STX for FAA test.

It is listed here (with a wrong phone number) as are two PR sites:
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/test_centers.pdf

 
Posted : June 28, 2017 8:56 am
(@islandjoan)
Posts: 1798
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hi AandA

there is someone else doing drone aerial shots...Exposure Studio

Here is their fb page, go down to April 8 to see some shots over Carambola

Exposure Studio

 
Posted : June 28, 2017 12:19 pm
(@AandA2VI)
Posts: 2294
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BEESKI THANK YOU!!!! That's really exciting. A pilot friend mentioned Bolkhe might have one here too but any excuse to pop over to STT works for me! Now to apply to NPS for buck island permit lol! I heard it can take up to a year. Pfft. It'll be worth it.

I'm wicked excited to get a different perspective on my photography. Had a dream many years ago about videoing dolphins from above. Hopefully will get that chance soon!

 
Posted : June 28, 2017 1:12 pm
(@alana33)
Posts: 12366
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Indeed, Cleo Hodge of Ace Flight Center.(tu)

 
Posted : June 28, 2017 1:55 pm
(@LiquidFluoride)
Posts: 1937
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hi AandA

there is someone else doing drone aerial shots...Exposure Studio

We've had at least 2 photographers with drones take pictures of our horses during photo-shoots.

Plus there's that video of the drone flying htrough the fireworks in Fsted... these things are all over, didn't know you needed to deal with the FAA other than some minor registration bit..

Which drone did you get? if it's the DJI Inspire2 I gotta come drool on it some time! I want one of those!!

I'm interested in getting my sports license for a possible Paramotor purchase... But that's me actually flying in the air, not piloting a small piece of plastic around for 20 min (or less)

 
Posted : June 29, 2017 5:35 pm
(@AandA2VI)
Posts: 2294
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Topic starter
 

Yea it's pretty intense. You don't have to get a UAS liscense unless you're using it for commercial use... which I will be. At first I thought it was absurd but as I read more and look at the capabilities of my drone - which has a 4.3 mile range - I realize these are really not little plastic toys at all and serious (yet small) things that could cause major damage to actual aircrafts. Knowing the logistics and being responsible with it is really important to me. Ive already applied for a NPS permit for a STJ. Hopefully will get that but not holding my breath. Also some rules are very grey. Like Buck island. I have an email in to verify but the rules in NPS is that if you take off, land, or fly from inside of NPS land - that's illegal. But I can fly from STX beach to buck and video. Legally that is OK from what I am finding but there's A LOT of things like this that are not very clear. It'll be 50% research and permits and 50% flying in sure lol. But wait till I get video of dolphins swimming out west! That's something I always wanted to film.

You don't legally have to register a drone after May of 2017 when a private citizen sued the FAA and won. I still think it's a good idea IMO but for what I am doing I need to be 100% legit.

I got the Mavic pro over the P4P because of portability. I have ZERO interest in flying myself in anything lol.

 
Posted : June 29, 2017 9:54 pm
(@AandA2VI)
Posts: 2294
Noble Member
Topic starter
 

Well I didn't crash it on its first flight. It's fun but really stressful haha! This is a real crappy mash up I put together quickly. Its in beginner mode with no camera or gimbal adjustments or filters for or crazy bright sun. I cut most of the video out as I was playing with settings and moving the camera around too fast but man isn't our water THE BEST?!?? Lawd!

Sooooo much studying and testing permitting and practice yet to do but I determined for some sweet beach stills.

https://youtu.be/3-UNlJ-dwKg

 
Posted : July 6, 2017 6:57 am
(@alana33)
Posts: 12366
Illustrious Member
 

Well done on your first time out.
Looking forward to more!

 
Posted : July 6, 2017 11:46 am
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