Belle Plaine city council discusses drone ordinance. March 14th, 2023 Author: Bridger Hawkinson The city council of Belle Plain, Iowa on Wednesday, March 1st held a council meeting discussing numerous issues including a segment regarding the use of drones around the city. In a phone interview with a Belle Plain Ambulance Services spokesperson, the concern is over a local drone pilot "Interfering" with their operations of service, and the families they serve. The spokesperson also reports the drone is spying and invading public peace and enjoyment of those in town. The operator that is flying the drone remains unidentified at this time but will be updated as we know more. John DeRaad, a resident of Belle Plaine, mentioned during a March 1 city council meeting , that he is aware of the concerns, but wants to make sure the city does not get too restrictive on drone laws that affect responsible drone operators. Iowans for Drone Freedom has reached out to city officials wh...

Visual Observer Training Guide for Drones Introduction: Visual Observers (VOs) play a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation of drones. VOs are responsible for observing the drone's flight and ensuring that it does not pose any safety hazards to people, property, or other aircraft. In this guide, we'll go over the essential skills and knowledge that VOs need to have to perform their duties effectively. 1. Drone Safety Regulations: VOs must be familiar with the current drone safety regulations in their area, including the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Part 107 regulations. They should also be aware of any local regulations that may apply. 2. Understanding Drone Flight: VOs should have a basic understanding of how drones work, including the principles of flight, navigation, and control. They should also be familiar with the different types of drones and their capabilities. 3. Communication Skills: VOs must be able to communicate effectively with the drone pilot...

Aerial photography is a valuable tool for realtors to showcase properties and the surrounding area to potential buyers. This guide will provide an overview of the equipment and techniques used for aerial photography, as well as some tips for getting the most out of your aerial photos. Before I begin, in order to conduct any drone services, you must have a remote pilot certificate (Part 107) issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Any activity other than pure recreation is considered a commercial operation and is regulated as such. For more up to date information please visit the FAA Drone Website Equipment Camera: The most important piece of equipment for ground photography is the camera. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a high resolution and the ability to shoot in raw format is recommended. Additionally, a wide-angle lens is a must-have for capturing the full scope of the property and surrounding area. Aerial Platform: There are several options for aerial platforms, incl...