Take to the skies with a bird’s eye

By TIM HODGE

Modern photographers and videographers have a new tool offering a unique perspective beyond the traditional camera lens.

David Pinkevich, of Franklin, has joined an increasing group of people who are using drones to capture images and video from a bird’s eye view.

Pinkevich was a featured artist at the Spring Hill Library where he displayed some of his work.

“Drones bring a completely different and new perspective of view and of possibilities,” Pinkevich said.

Taking images at ground level with a standard camera provides an angle that most people are used to — there is no “wow” factor, Pinkevich said. A drone can take images that were once out of reach for the average photographer, he added.

“This is for a very cheap price compared to renting a helicopter,” Pinkevich said.

His DJI Phantom quadcopter uses a GoPro Hero 3+ camera. It has a GPS system and a stabilizer that performs 60 processes per second to balance the drone. An average drone with camera will set you back about $1,000, Pinkevich said.

The drone can travel up to 400 feet in the air and is estimated to have a 1.3 mile range of control. The Federal Aviation Administration currently allows a 400-foot maximum elevation for hobbyists like Pinkevich.

FAA spokesperson Les Dorr said Pinkevich must operate under the model aircraft guidelines that established more than 30 years ago. Pinkevich must also stay away from schools, hospitals and remain five miles away from airports.

“I think, in general, people are attracted to (unmanned aircraft) because it’s a new technology, and they are becoming more available, more sophisticated and cheaper as well,” Dorr said.

The FAA is expected to publish proposed regulations regarding small unmanned aircraft later this year, Dorr said. He could not offer specifics about what the regulations would address, but he said they will probably relate to aircraft that weigh fewer than 55 pounds.

“We have been able to successfully integrate new technologies into the airspace for more than 50 years, and we have no reason to believe we won’t be able to do the same thing with unmanned aircraft,” Dorr said.

Pikevich uses the drone as a hobby for now, but there are some other uses he is exploring.

He is considering using the drones for real estate applications by using the unmanned aircraft to show the entire home and grounds to potential buyers.

Pinkevich said he believes that 50 percent hear the word “drone” and derive a negative connotation, but there is another side to unmanned aircraft.

“I really don’t like the idea of drones controlling people, from the government and all that stuff,” he said. “I can use the technology for my own good purposes and not interfere into people’s lives.”

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