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Drone Recordings

Posted by theo vaughn on 11/22/2024, 1:58 pm

Do any of you use drone footage for MB performances or any other performances. If so do you hire a professional or just do it yourself?

Re: Drone Recordings

Posted by DesertJazz on 11/23/2024, 10:54 am, in reply to "Drone Recordings"

So, just a caution with this one. First, because it is for something work-related, you don't fall under the recreational flyer rules; you need to get your Part 107 license if you don't have it already.

Second, UIL put in a series of rules with drones this last year or so that prohibits using them at any games of UIL contests.

Lastly, if you do record, you must follow the Part 107 rules and only fly over people if you have a specific Category 1 drone or an OOP waiver. Those have become easier to get, and I've considered that a bit for the future for myself.

This past month, we did a sendoff performance for our community before Area, and I was careful about not flying over people to get a run of the band in uniform.

I'm more likely to use it for a rehearsal or two throughout the season once students have the general sense of the dots down. It's also handy, I think, to fly to the level of a taller press box to get a higher view if you have a lower viewpoint from your own.

Re: Drone Recordings

Posted by theo vaughn on 12/2/2024, 7:15 am, in reply to "Re: Drone Recordings"

All good! I've got my part 107 and I also have a private pilot cert as well. Thanks for clarifying for others.

Re: Drone Recordings

Posted by Buck on 11/30/2024, 5:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Drone Recordings"

Not trying to be snarky here, because I appreciate the info. But why do there need to be permits, etc. to fly a drone over a marching band for educational use? I am honestly curious.

Re: Drone Recordings

Posted by DesertJazz on 12/1/2024, 10:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Drone Recordings"

This is because the second you use a drone you are stepping into federal airspace and subject to FAA rules. Not to mention significant liability if you have a crash. The rules are sensical, but if you don’t follow them there are serious penalties possible. $10k+ and up for an offense.

In this litigious world I do not recommend messing around and hoping you don’t get caught.

Pilot Institute has a great course, as well as a YouTube channel with a lot more in the why’s.

Re: Drone Recordings

Posted by Oops! on 11/24/2024, 6:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Drone Recordings"

I used to work in a district that bought drones for all of the high school bands and said “go shared!” No training, no restrictions, no certifications.

I realize that doesn’t absolve anyone from responsibility, but it was a little surprising to me!

Re: Drone Recordings

Posted by DesertJazz on 11/25/2024, 10:31 am, in reply to "Re: Drone Recordings"

If it was before 2016 you were probably in the clear. That's when the FAA finalized the rule set.

The problem that people run into with drones is that you can buy one from a store with zero information about the rules presented. Boxes now come with information about registering with Dronezone, which gives you some information about the recreational certificate. But even then, it's too easy to miss that it's a very limited 'fun' use only to fly under those rules. (Even posting photos/videos online on social media will potentially take you out of that recreational use situation.)

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