BUSINESS
MILT THOMAS
With all the press recently about military drones and espionage drones, these little electronic wizards have found their way into the private sector, around the U.S. and right here in Vero Beach. The cover photo on this month’s issue of InsideVero is an example of how drone photos can have a dramatic impact.
Dave Talbot of Treasure Coast Aerials, LLC, uses GPS-enabled Unmanned Aerial Systems with image stabilizing equipment and cameras, the proper name for drones, to shoot both photos and videos that can take your breath away. “They are great for real estate agents looking for that unique angle,” says Talbot, “or a property developer looking to show the complete size of a proposed site, progression photos as the site develops, tourism promotion, government zoning visuals, party planners or people who just want a fun photo for a special event.”
The drone itself is lightweight, highly maneuverable, and takes high definition quality images (1080p video and 14 megapixel photos for those who like the details) from near ground level up to more than 2000 line of sight. It is fully controlled by the operator with a control panel that directs the drone’s speed from hovering to rapid movement, ascent and descent, while shooting images all the way. “If for some reason the drone goes beyond its communication limits, it is programmed to automatically return to point of origin and land.”
Before now, you would have to rent a helicopter, small plane or snorkel truck to get these types of shots, and at much greater expense, but now Talbot will meet you at your desired location, unpack his gear and send his drone into the air for 20-25 minutes at a time.
This invites comparison to radio controlled model airplanes, but with its four-point shape and rotors, HD-quality photography, models were never this versatile. There are rules and regulations concerning use of drones as you might imagine, but Dave Talbot is an expert. His other line of work is institutional technology. No surprise there.
If it sounds like something out of science fiction…well, let’s put it this way – anyone from five to 30 years old considers it perfectly normal in today’s technological world. You can probably think of at least half a dozen uses for a Treasure Coast Aerials drone and Dave Talbot knows how to make them happen.
For more information, contact Dave Talbot at 772-519-0904 or visit Treasure Coast Aerials online at www.tcaerials.com.
Indian River Guardian 
The FAA will soon release some new laws governing Civilian use of Drones. These rules will may apply to RC model airplane flying as well. The most threatening is a possibility that we cannot fly within 5 miles of an airport. This judgement may be left to the airport management.
Hopefully, there is enough air space for all those wishing to use it – whether remote-controlled flying machine, small aircraft, ‘copters, and flying saucers. That was a very good picture of the cemetery.