UAS – Unmanned Aerial Systems, commonly known as drones – are in most cases flying cameras (although other forms of payload are of course possible and already in use). They can be small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, or as big as actual airplanes.
Drones come in two main types: multicopters (typically quadcopters with four props, but there can be more of those) or fixed wing, looking much like traditional remote-controlled planes.
Drones are used in many contexts, e.g.
- Aerial photography
- Real estate photography
- Videography
- Construction site surveillance
- Stockpile measuring
- Geo-referenced 2D and 3D mapping
- Roof inspection
- Solar panel farm inspection
- Pipeline inspection
- Thermal imaging
- Cell tower surveillance
- Windmill surveillance
- Agriculture spraying
- Search & Rescue
- Post-disaster damage assessment
- Law enforcement
- Warfare
- Speedracing
- Wedding ring presentation
- Package deliveries
- …
My experience spans mainly DJI, Autel and Skydio drones (I have one from each of these manufacturers 🙂 )
I use them mainly out of curiosity, but also managed to earn a little bit by offering drone services – I’m open for more, but still need to learn and practice quite a bit more to effectively carry out manual and automated flights.
Since drones are flying objects and need to be positively controlled so that they don’t crash into someone or something or interfere with aviation, they have been officially integrated by the aviation authorities around the world. Here in the US, every drone pilot needs to have at least basic knowledge of airspaces and regulations, and either have a TRUST certificate (for recreational flights) or a Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate (which I have, it allows for commercial operations).