FOX21 debuts first drone cleared for media use in Colorado

KXRM/FOX21 News recently announced the debut of their drone, SKYFOX21. The 4K (4 times the resolution of high definition TV) drone is the first federally sanctioned quadcopter aircraft cleared for media use in Colorado. The drone, SKYFOX21, is a DJI Inspire 1 model and provides 360 degree views from aloft. THE FAA granted Media General, FOX21’s parent company, the ability to fly the drone. 

Media drones must be operated by a licensed pilot alongside a trained observer, in KXRM’s case, usually a station camera operator, and requires strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration standards and guidelines. Piloting SKYFOX21 is Josh Kimmel, a licensed pilot who has gone through rigorous training and has met all FAA regulations.

I recently met with Kimmel and FOX21 news director Joe Cole. Kimmel showed me the drone and gave a quick demonstration on how it works. Surprisingly, all he used to pilot it was a small iPad attached to a remote device slightly larger than an Xbox controller. Despite both the drone and the controls being relatively petite, Kimmel was able to manipulate SKYFOX21 with great precision. Cole later answered some questions about the station’s plans for the drone. His answers are below. 

Gazette: How often have you used the drone since your first broadcast with it on Nov. 16?

Cole: So far we have used the drone three times. Our first flight was in Black Forest to show all of the snow in that area after the first big snow storm of the season. We also worked with The Broadmoor to fly Seven Falls. The video from Seven Falls exploded on our Facebook page with over 111,000 views and 2600 shares and still counting. 

Gazette: Will you always point out to the audience when it's used? 

Cole: Yes. Anytime we use the drone video, viewers will be able to tell because we will have our SKYFOX21 drone logo in the corner.  

Gazette: Is it cost prohibitive to use it for things that aren't quite as "news" heavy, like the Balloon Glow? Or are you planning to use it sparingly, like for fires or major events? 
Cole: The main operating cost to the station will be paying our commercial pilot. We have already used the drone for a grass fire in El Paso County near Yoder. We plan to use the drone whenever we feel it adds something to a story. Our goal is to give unique perspectives only FOX21 can offer by using the drone.

Gazette: Do you have any restrictions on how it can be used either by the FAA or a media organization?

Cole: SKYFOX21 will stay well clear of people and structures without their prior consent. We only fly below 200 feet above ground level. The aircraft must be controlled by our licensed commercial airplane pilot and he or she must be assisted by a visual observer to maintain safe flight at all times. A NOTAM (notice to airmen) must be filed with the FAA in advance to provide adequate warning to manned aircraft. We must also keep a log with the FAA on all of our flights. We cannot fly at night. Amateur operators do not have the same strict rules we have.

Gazette: Will law enforcement have an issue with you using it at a crime scene?

Cole: At the fire in El Paso County the sheriff deputies asked us to not fly directly over the fire since it was active and considered a potential crime scene. We intend to work with law enforcement any time a crime scene is involved. We are going to be extremely responsible with the drone. Our pilot is also extremely conscientious of the rules, because he can lose his license if he violates the rules.

Gazette: Can you use it in real time or does its video have to be tape delayed?

Cole: We can go live in the air with the drone. 

Gazette: What are the expenses to run it? What are its dimensions (height, weight)?

Cole: The main expense was the purchase price ($8,000). Expenses going forward will be routine maintenance and paying our pilot. It’s 17.24 x 17.75 x 11.85 inches. It weighs about 6.5 pounds.

Gazette: Do you anticipate other local stations getting their own drones? 

Cole: FOX21 is the first station in Colorado and one of just a handful in the nation to operate their own drone. The legal hurdles are significant and it requires significant planning and resources. As restrictions are relaxed and costs come down, commercially operated drones will become more common news gathering tools. The FAA granted Media General, KXRM FOX21’s parent company, the ability to fly this specific drone for news gathering purposes.

Source:  http://gazette.com