3 Reasons To Use Drone Consultants For Your Business
Governments, businesses, and other organizations worldwide are benefiting from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.
The disruptive nature of drones has taken many industries by storm. Construction, mining, agricultural, utilities, and more are looking to UAV solutions and reaping the rewards.
Many tasks, such as mapping or inspections, within each sector of the economy mentioned above, are labor-intensive, expensive, and sometimes dangerous. UAVs are proving themselves to provide better results than traditional methods, often at a lower cost and in less time. The efficacy of drones as a force multiplier is fueling explosive growth in the UAS industry.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, as of Aug. 11, 2020, there are over 1.6 million registered drones in the United States. Almost one-third of that number represents drones in commercial operations.
Now is an excellent time to consider how UAV technology can benefit your organization. As with any significant decision, it is always advisable to consult experts in the field. Drones offer many benefits, but to gain the most from the technology, it is best to discuss available options, and even regulations, with drone consultants.
There are three reasons working with drone consultants is beneficial for most entities.
First, drone consultants bring with them a wide range of experience in the field. The best firms have international experience in the industry. Second, consultants can design UAS solutions that fit each organization’s specific needs. Finally, the best firms will help strengthen and grow UAS solutions, as needed.
Let’s break it all down.
Drone Consultants Have Experience
The rapid growth of the UAV industry means the technology is always changing.
Additionally, it means the regulations surrounding the operation of drones is also changing, and they’re different all around the world. While drones have been around for decades as military platforms, it was only in 2010 when Paris-based drone manufacturer Parrot introduced the first consumer drone to the market.
By 2015, over 6.4 million consumer drones were shipped globally. By 2021, that number will have grown to 67.6 million. Growth of this nature is complex and requires experts to understand the rapid change.
Drone consultancy firms are staffed with professionals who have years of experience in both aviation and unmanned vehicles. Many are pilots of crewed aircraft that have a unique understanding of aerial operations.
In-depth knowledge of UAV hardware and software allows drone consultants to recommend ideal solutions for specific needs.
The most reliable firms are international. Organizations such as NGOs, for example, may need to use drones in multiple countries. Experts in international drone consultancy firms understand the rules and regulations related to different regions.
Consultants keep organizations operating legally while maximizing the benefits of drone integration.
They Offer Tailor-Made Solutions
No two businesses or organizations are the same.
UAS consultants start by learning the needs of a business, then act as a guide by investigating how drones can address those needs.
Drones come in all shapes and sizes. Many are quadcopters, but there are plenty of fixed-winged drones as well. UAV payloads can support anything from standard cameras to more advanced systems, such as LiDAR. Understanding the equipment is essential to employing it properly.
Consultants use their experience to recommend the best platform for each desired result. Choosing a platform is only the beginning, though. If an organization is developing an in-house drone program, it will need training on how to operate its drones safely.
Consultants provide a complete solution … not just a packaged drone kit sold to everyone.
Drone Consultants Grow With You
As an established drone program grows, organizations will need support.
Training related to passing the Part 107 remote pilot exam, and actually flying, are only the beginning. There will always be a need for additional training. Whether that training is designed to maintain skills or expand capabilities, experts can provide the appropriate courses.
Consultants can also help with establishing standard operating procedures, developing in-house trainers, a fit-for-purpose UAS operations manual and training, and applying for waivers – such as the daylight waiver that allows you to fly after sunset.
There is no reason to risk litigation or safety incidences due to a lack of understanding of the technology.
Utilizing drone consultants’ strengths to grow an operation safely within local regulations is the best course of action. Expert opinions can recommend training that will keep the benefits coming while mitigating any potential pitfalls. The experience these firms bring with them is worth the investment for most operations.
Bringing It All Together
Utilizing drone consultants’ strengths to grow an operation safely within local regulations is the best course of action.
Expert can recommend training that will keep the benefits coming, while also mitigating any potential pitfalls. The experience these firms bring with them is worth the investment for most operations.
Thinking about using a drone consultant for your business? From operations manual evaluation & support to hardware evaluation, UAS training framework and drone safety audits, we’re here to help!
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David Daly - Contributing Author
David Daly, is an award-winning photographer/writer and licensed (FAA) Commercial sUAS pilot. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, David is a former Marine Corps officer with a BS in Oceanography and has earned his MBA from the University of Redlands. David has worked for Fortune 100 companies and has a background in aerospace, construction, military/defense, real estate, and technology.
