Remote-controlled helicopters will soon be photographing the Island from above.
The
Department of Civil Aviation announced yesterday it has given the go
ahead to a Bermudian company to carry out this kind of aerial
photography.
Bermuda Aerial Media has been granted an Aerial Work
Certificate (AWC) to conduct operations with their remote controlled
helicopters for filming aerial photography.
Bermuda Aerial Media
are the first, and at present only, company permitted to conduct such
operations in Bermuda, Government said.
Dr Grant Gibbons,
Minister of Economic Development, congratulated the owners of Bermuda
Aerial Media, Connor Burns and EJ Burrows, for their proactive approach
to gain this certification.
“By achieving this distinction, they
have demonstrated to the Civil Aviation technical staff, their ability
to develop safe and comprehensive operating procedures,” he said.
“They
have also demonstrated, by a series of flight tests, their ability to
handle their aircraft in a variety of emergency situations.”
Dr
Gibbons added, “This is an open market for young entrepreneurs,
photographers and videographers. It should be noted that the Department
of Civil Aviation is willing to work with any individuals to assist with
getting the aerial work certification. It is vitally important to
maintain safety standards and strict regulations regarding the operation
of small unmanned aircraft in a congested island such as Bermuda.”
The
Department noted approximately one third of the airspace above the
island lies within the airfield Air Traffic Control zone and flying
these unmanned aircraft or drones in such airspace could pose a hazard
to conventional air traffic.
“It is essential that comprehensive
procedures are established, which are acceptable to the Department of
Civil Aviation and Air Traffic Control,” a statement said. “Use of these
vehicles for commercial gain, for example aerial photography, is only
permitted when approval has been granted in the form of an Aerial Work
Certificate.
“In today’s marketplace, these remote controlled
vehicles are freely available from specialist suppliers and are
affordably priced, from a few hundred dollars for a simple machine to
$15,000 and up for a complex model.
“The Department of Civil
Aviation, strongly advises individuals who wish to become involved in
the use of these aircraft either for pleasure or financial gain to
contact the Department for guidance before they commit themselves to a
purchase.”
In addition, the Department would also like to take
this opportunity to advise the public that all forms of aerial activity
are subject to regulatory control and restrictions.
Story and Photo: http://www.royalgazette.com
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