Goosebuster, an offshoot of Aerial Perspective photography, is patrolling the city park with a six-propeller chopper, outfitted with plenty of battery power and an speaker blasting predator sounds.
Steve Wambolt was originally trying to sell the city his photography services but Monette suggested using the helicopters to scare geese instead. Wambolt received the necessary wildlife and operating permits and started hitting the beach last month.
Full article here:
http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/08/20/goosebuster-hobby-copter-chases-nuisance-birds-off-ottawa-beach
Comments
very interesting... I would like to know why his rig cost $6K.
It looks like he is using a Naza Setup with Standard DJI F-550 That is about $3K with a few upgrades...
http://bradatech.com/xPedRobo/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info...
Transport Canada has regs in place, some people follow them (myself included of course) and some people don't. It's the people who don't that will ruin this for everyone..... this guy says he has the permits and insurance good for him!
The permits from TC are there for good reason! Everyone and their dog would be flying these things reclessly for money if we did not have regulation in place.
I have been doing this longer than most and have no issues with the permit process. You have to show that you are responsible with this tech before given the right to use it and that only makes sense.
www.uavservices.com
We carry a blanket SFOC that allows us to shoot at the drop of a hat... but it did not come without years of a clean track record and insurnace.
Canadian drone permits are issued on an case by case basis
...But this isn’t Afghanistan – it’s Milton, Ont., where geographer Scott McTavish is using his autonomous aircraft to survey a gravel pit.....
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2013/07/10/f-canadas-commce...
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/general-recavi-broc...
OG please keep it civil.
Ian, yes, getting an SFOC for commercial operations, including a widely applicable permit appears to be not a big deal now.
I saw a report on this from CTV where the pilot was flying quite recklessly, buzzing the reporter repeatedly. I imagine it was wanted to make an interesting story, but still...
I've also heard that they employ 2 RC Trucks in addition to the copter.
Overall, at $30,000 it seems like a good gig. But when you consider it works out to $60/hr, and factor in the equipment costs, maybe it's not.
Sounds like a Monday-Friday operation, I may try get out and see this thing and get some more details. On the SFOC I thought you would have to prepare a flight plan and submit it well in advance of your flight, as well as having the area clear of the general public, ie: not at a public beach? This seems to have more of a blanket approval that I didn't know was possible.
I've also overheard at the local hobby shop someone who came in with a full AP rig that he was just getting ready to go out and do photo shoot's for his business on the weekend, so I guess untethered operations with "RC" aircraft are more common place than I had thought.
i want to hear what the predator sounds it "blasts out". would they sound like this ?
You tube - predator sounds
Looks like this company has a $60/hr $30,000 contract to fly and chase geese all summer. <-- sounds like a good fun isnt it :)
Yes with a SFOC.
It wouldn't really be a true "drone" the operator would need to maintain visual contact with the aircraft.
I see nothing about having Transport Canada approval? Does this mean commercial operations of drones are approved in Canada? Looks like this company has a $60/hr $30,000 contract to fly and chase geese all summer.