The Shetland Flyer Aerial Media
Donation protected
Many of you know me as "The Shetland Flyer" and for the last few years I have been photographing and filming The Shetland Islands from the air using unmanned aerial systems (UAS). I have shared these photos and videos freely for everyone to enjoy through my Facebook page, Vimeo channel, and the Shetland Aerial Video Project .
I've been approached on numerous occasions to provide commissioned photos and videos for individuals, local businesses, film and production companies (including the BBC's "Springwatch" programme) and commercial surveys, but to take on aerial work for any financial gain requires a permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In some cases I have been able to "gift" individuals an aerial photo of their house if I had been filming in the area, but normally I have to decline any specific commissions.
To gain a UK CAA Permission for Aerial Work (PfAW) requires me to provide evidence that I am a competent and safe operator of UAS, have an Operations Manual that covers all aspects of the aerial work I intend to undertake, have a full understanding of air law and how it applies to UAS operations, and have robust safety plans and risk assessment procedures. The simplest route to a PfAW is through a recognised training course, flight test and operations manual assessment.
To this end I have decided to take the leap and undertake the Icarus flight training programme with a goal of applying for my PfAW in the first quarter of 2016. I have already invested heavily in equipment and have some financial backing in place for starting the business, but I'm hoping to "crowd fund" some of the additional costs involved with training, travel and accommodation costs and insurance to get the business off the ground.
This means a lot to me, and as many of you know I have had some serious health issues over the last few years. Running my own aerial media business would allow me to reduce hours in my "day" job to do something I have a great passion for, and for however long I'm able to do it!
I will be eternally grateful for any financial backing for this project. I'm not sure what I can give you in return, but I could certainly provide you aerial photos or videos of your property or favourite place if it's in Shetland!
Thank You!
I've been approached on numerous occasions to provide commissioned photos and videos for individuals, local businesses, film and production companies (including the BBC's "Springwatch" programme) and commercial surveys, but to take on aerial work for any financial gain requires a permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). In some cases I have been able to "gift" individuals an aerial photo of their house if I had been filming in the area, but normally I have to decline any specific commissions.
To gain a UK CAA Permission for Aerial Work (PfAW) requires me to provide evidence that I am a competent and safe operator of UAS, have an Operations Manual that covers all aspects of the aerial work I intend to undertake, have a full understanding of air law and how it applies to UAS operations, and have robust safety plans and risk assessment procedures. The simplest route to a PfAW is through a recognised training course, flight test and operations manual assessment.
To this end I have decided to take the leap and undertake the Icarus flight training programme with a goal of applying for my PfAW in the first quarter of 2016. I have already invested heavily in equipment and have some financial backing in place for starting the business, but I'm hoping to "crowd fund" some of the additional costs involved with training, travel and accommodation costs and insurance to get the business off the ground.
This means a lot to me, and as many of you know I have had some serious health issues over the last few years. Running my own aerial media business would allow me to reduce hours in my "day" job to do something I have a great passion for, and for however long I'm able to do it!
I will be eternally grateful for any financial backing for this project. I'm not sure what I can give you in return, but I could certainly provide you aerial photos or videos of your property or favourite place if it's in Shetland!
Thank You!
Organizer
Rory Gillies
Organizer