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10 September 2024
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<a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/our-team/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">By Timothy Brazzel&nbsp;</a>
On September 8, 2024, I felt an urgency in my spirit to document the catastrophic Line Fire that was rapidly spreading through San Bernardino County, affecting family and friends close to my heart. The fire, which started near Highland just days prior, had grown at an alarming rate due to scorching temperatures and dry conditions. As a certified drone pilot, I knew I had an opportunity to contribute to public awareness in a safe and meaningful way.
The Line Fire, as of today, has scorched over 20,000 acres, forcing more than 6,000 residents to evacuate. With mandatory evacuation orders issued for communities like Running Springs and Arrowbear Lake, the situation continues to escalate. Only three percent of the fire is contained, despite the efforts of over 1,700 firefighters battling the flames day and night.
With these heartbreaking realities in mind, I carefully planned my flight. After checking my local airspace and confirming that the area I intended to fly in was Class G airspace (without restrictions or advisories at the time), I powered on my Mavic 3 drone and began capturing the overwhelming effects of the fire. From a safe distance, I documented the thick clouds of smoke, the desolate skies, and the poor air quality that continues to plague the region.
What inspired me to share this experience?
It was the response from my Instagram Reel. The footage resonated with many, and I realized how crucial it was to showcase this disaster from a different perspective. People were grateful to see what was happening from the sky&mdash;an angle not everyone has access to. As drone pilots, we have a unique tool in our hands to bring constructive, positive, and informative visuals to our communities. By safely documenting and sharing such events, we can contribute to the public&rsquo;s understanding of these crises.
However, there are critical responsibilities that come with flying in such situations. I cannot stress enough the importance of being intentional, safe, and respectful of airspace regulations. Interference with manned aircraft&mdash;particularly those involved in firefighting efforts&mdash;can be dangerous and even life-threatening. That's why I always emphasize to fellow drone pilots: use your drone wisely, but never recklessly.
As the Line Fire continues to rage on, I hope my small contribution serves as a reminder of the power of perspective and the responsibility we have as drone operators. Stay informed, stay safe, and, if you can, use your skills to make a difference.
For those following the fire closely, official updates can be found through CAL FIRE and InciWeb, as this situation continues to evolve with the arrival of more triple-digit heat this week: <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/5/line-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024/9/5/line-fire </a>and <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-line-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cabdf-line-fire</a>
By sharing these visuals and my experience, I hope to inspire others to use technology responsibly in times of need. We have a real opportunity to be visual advocates. Let&rsquo;s make sure we do it safely.
<h5>Watch</h5>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_r2oIHxyBZ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_r2oIHxyBZ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a>
<h5><a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/brazzel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click to Read More Articles From Timothy Brazzel</a></h5>

Capturing the Unyielding Line Fire Through the Lens of a Drone

Product News

18 August 2023
<a href="https://draganfly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Draganfly</a>, a leading provider of cutting-edge drone solutions, has achieved a significant milestone in wildfire suppression technology. The company has been granted a <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/get-permission-special-drone-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Special Flight Operations Certificate</a> (SFOC) for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operations, specifically at altitudes exceeding 400 feet.
The SFOC certificate allows Draganfly to operate its drone technology at altitudes beyond conventional limitations, making its products a valuable resource in fighting wildfires. The capability of its technology to gather data from elevated vantage points greatly enhances comprehensive situational awareness.
It&rsquo;s been an <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/longer-fire-seasons-alberta-western-canada-1.6908230" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unprecedented year</a> for fires in Western Canada, with Alberta seeing over 1.7 million hectares burned by fires and British Columbia surpassing its previous annual record for affected areas. Draganfly&rsquo;s newest product, <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://draganfly.com/precision-delivery-system/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Precision Delivery System</a>, can be an effective wildfire suppression method and fill significant gaps in firefighting. This platform combines advanced technology with precision engineering, delivering unparalleled efficiency, speed, and reliability to those on the front lines responding to wildfires.
The Precision Delivery System is designed to be integrated onto the <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://draganfly.com/commander-3-xl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander 3 XL</a>, Draganfly&rsquo;s most versatile airframes. One of the standout features of this new system is its drop-down winch system, which ensures the safe and precise delivery of vital supplies and equipment to hard-to-reach locations. Firefighters can rely on the system's precise control to safely lower or retrieve payloads, ensuring timely delivery even in the most critical situations. The quick-release delivery box is another crucial component that can significantly accelerate the delivery process of vital items. This delivery box ensures the security and protection of sensitive medical equipment and other critical items. The quick-release mechanism allows for easy and swift unloading of material, enabling first responders to get what they need on the ground without delay. Situational awareness and coordination are crucial during wildfire outbreaks. The Precision Delivery System comes equipped with an integrated point-of-view (POV) camera that provides real-time video footage of the delivery process, enabling remote monitoring and coordination from command centers. Ground-based operations and drone deliveries are seamlessly connected, ensuring that decisions are made based on accurate and up-to-date information.
In addition to its firefighting capabilities, the Precision Delivery System can be adapted for other emergency response scenarios, such as search and rescue missions, environmental monitoring, and disaster assessment. The technology's potential to save lives and protect communities extends far beyond wildfire suppression and is a tool that has the potential to make a positive impact on society.
Draganfly offers other cutting-edge products that can be valuable tools in wildfire suppression. Its <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://draganfly.com/products/heavy-lift/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heavy Lift Drone</a> is a versatile, industrial, multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to lift more and fly further. Capable of automated missions and manual flight operations, Draganfly&rsquo;s heavy-duty, robust UAV has a payload lift capacity of 67 pounds and up to 55 minutes of flight time. Draganfly and its partner <a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://promo-drone.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Promo Drone</a> also recently launched the new <a href="https://thedroningcompany.com/blog/draganfly-and-promo-drone-unveil-next-gen-uav-communications-and-information-platform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Starling X.2 drone</a>. The Starling X.2 incorporates Draganfly's Commander 3 XL airframe with Promo Drone's video display technology featuring ultra-bright LED display panels. The platform was designed to convey crucial information about natural disasters, rally points, missing persons, and other critical notifications, to help improve public awareness and preparedness.
Draganfly's innovative drone fleet, combined with its achievement of securing the SFOC for BVLOS operations at altitudes exceeding 400 feet has garnered attention from the drone industry and firefighting agencies. As the wildfire seasons become increasingly unpredictable and challenging, solutions like Draganfly's Precision Delivery System offer new insights into combatting these natural disasters more efficiently. Draganfly sets an inspiring example of how innovation can be harnessed to protect lives and preserve our natural resources by combining cutting-edge technology with the drive to make a difference.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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Draganfly Receives Special Flight Operations Certificate to Aid Wildfire Suppression Efforts

20 June 2023
The U.S. Air Force has awarded <a href="https://wingxpand.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WingXpand</a> a seven-figure contract for the customization and ruggedization of its unique seven-foot backpackable aircraft.
This upgraded aircraft will not only withstand more rigorous conditions, but it will also be equipped with advanced fire spotting software, transforming it into a crucial tool in wildfire detection and prevention. This notable contract underscores WingXpand's pioneering role in the field of aerial intelligence and its significant contributions to national security and environmental safety.
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WingXpand can play a crucial role in wildfire detection and prevention.
The new aircraft combines size, power, and versatility. Although compact enough to fit into a backpack, it offers more than two hours of autonomous flight time while carrying two pounds of customizable sensors for data collection. This capability is invaluable across various industries, like public safety, agriculture, and inspections, allowing comprehensive and flexible aerial surveys, more safely and effectively.
At the heart of the aircraft is a smart computer with Edge AI, a cutting-edge technology that enables the aircraft to detect early signs of wildfires autonomously. By identifying potential threats early, emergency services can respond faster, saving homes, wildlife, and most importantly, human lives.
James Barbieri, CEO and co-founder of WingXpand, expressed his pride in the company's latest achievement, "Our collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and the contract we've secured emphasizes the innovative work we do. Not only have we developed an easy and powerful aircraft, but our AI technology will also contribute significantly to preventing wildfire loss. We're excited to bring such a valuable tool to the U.S. Air Force and the nation."
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WingXpand co-founders (left to right): CEO James Barbieri and CCO Michelle Madaras.
The aircraft's ability to fly for extended periods and carry a significant payload, combined with the advanced AI technology, is a game-changer. The U.S. Air Force's investment underscores the significance of WingXpand's technology and opens the door to future collaborations with other defense entities.
<h5>Learn More</h5>
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WingXpand Scores Contract with U.S. Air Force 

Drones have proven themselves in combat, and now there's another battle where drones are coming to the rescue&mdash;fighting out-of-control mosquito communities.&nbsp;
Forr example, the Caddo Parish Animal Services and Mosquito Control in northern Louisiana&mdash;which is responsible for mosquito control over a 900-square-mile area&mdash;has begun deploying drones to spray insecticide into the region&rsquo;s difficult-to-reach areas. According to Caddo Mosquito Control Manager Brian Glascock, the plan is to stop mosquito larvae from growing to adulthood.
&ldquo;We are excited about being able to treat mosquitoes in the parish in areas we haven&rsquo;t been able to treat before," said Glascock. &ldquo;We are able to fly the drone over these areas and drop larvicide."
The drones are also helping combat a health challenge in the community, as the potentially deadly West Nile Virus remains an issue in Louisiana.&nbsp;
<h5>WATCH!</h5>
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&nbsp;

Drones Go to Battle Again. This Time, Against Mosquitos

Danny Jalbout started Atlanta, Georgia's <a href="https://hotwingdrones.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hot Wing Drones</a>&mdash;an aerial mapping company serving the agriculture, real estate, construction, insurance, and other industries&mdash;with a vision that automation technology would be as standard as the cell phone. The company's primary mission is to improve the world by contributing to its future.
During his time as an electro-mechanic, Jalbout saw several industries getting older and a labor market getting smaller. In fact, <a href="https://fortune.com/2022/04/08/online-learning-workforce-training-digital-skills-gap/#:~:text=Further%2C%20an%20estimated%2085%20million,participating%20in%20training%20programs%20today." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fortune.com</a> reported that studies show we may have 85 million unfilled jobs globally due to skills shortages by 2030.
So, in the same way that companies embrace new policies to attract talent, they also will have to implement new technologies to prevent their employees from being overworked and bogged down on tasks outside of their specialty.
Hot Wing Drones wants to be that relief point with specialized drones and pilots that know how to get the most out of their equipment. Hot Wing Drones takes care of the administrative paperwork and flying (permissions required to pass, maintenance of the aircraft, using software, and evolving laws), so that companies and their employees can focus on the job.
Everything that is built needs to be inspected throughout the life of the infrastructure, and there is no point in wasting valuable resources on these tasks. Drones are faster and more accurate than humans, helping to build a safer and more efficient future.
Part of Hot Wing Drones&rsquo; mission for a better future includes preparing a generation of young adults ready for tomorrow&rsquo;s technology. Hot Wing Drones is committed to providing scholarships to marginalized students going into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and trade fields.
Drone technology is still in its beginning stages, but every day, companies push what is possible. Their uses make companies more efficient and produce data that was once too expensive for everyday use.
The Future of Thermal Inspections
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Drones are reaching new heights every day, and companies are pushing what is possible&mdash;such as with DJI's Matrice 300 drone. As technology in the UAVs sector grows, companies will implement them in everyday cases. One primary use is inspections. Not only can a drone perform a visual inspection, but it can do thermal ones&mdash;often at the same time with live feedback. These inspections can catch things that might be missed because of the ability of a drone to see the structure from angles not possible by humans.
Drones with thermal cameras can achieve radiometric data. This is when each pixel captures temperature data to make it easier to compare the same objects. During post-analysis, a person can click on any part of the image and get instant information on its temperature&mdash;such as comparing transformers in the field to see if there are significant variations.
Aerial thermal images can spot objects on the ground, even if there is vegetation. Farmers and conservations use thermal drones to keep track of livestock, and with the added ability to cover large areas at once.
Drones save time. Solar farms are some of the current users. One study showed that a drone could do a 5MW solar farm&mdash;typically about 30 to 40 acres&mdash;in one hour, while a ground crew would more than 100 hours.
The best part is that many drones, such as the DJI Zenmuse H20T can now take both aerial photos and thermal photos at the same time. This gives people the ability to compare photos&mdash;on a roof you can see if there is a leak or vent&mdash;reducing the rate of false positives, giving the consumer a better picture of their system, and diminishing wasted resources.
Drones help save money by finding problems that the eyes can&rsquo;t see. Thermal roof inspections can see water, energy leaks, and any physical damage to the structure. There are no extra safety precautions needed with drones. For example, there's no reason to send a crew member to inspect a power-line pole, because the drone can capture the same data as someone climbing up a pole. Also, 80 percent of inspections show nothing is wrong with the infrastructure. This is a significant waste of a crew's time when they can be focusing on another task. Instead of sending a tech to each site, send in a drone team to do the groundwork while the experts can stay in a central location and analyze the data with the same information as if they were there. In addition, aerial inspections help workers avoid hazardous environments, and stay away from private property, aggressive dogs, volatile homeowners, and areas that are not well maintained.
3-D rendering 
Three-dimensional rendering uses the concept of photogrammetry, which takes aerial images at different angles on a set flight plan. The photos are processed, creating a 3-D or 2-D model. The outputs are highly detailed and are exact reconstructions of the object. The models help with critical assessments such as pre-site planning and stockpile-volume measurement inspections, and more uses are being added every day.
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The measurements can reach sub 5cm accuracy and are compatible with most CAD software. Even when a company doesn't have access to the right software, a detailed report can be made. One person can analyze the data from his or her desk, and get the same results as being on the field.
Experts can use this data to determine post-disaster damage, saving a trip to the site. Teams use models to ensure their project goes according to plan, and these results are shared with the entire team to keep everyone on the same page. The process saves time and is more efficient for the customer. One 40-minute flight captures more data (about 200 acres in one flight) than what took weeks using traditional methods. The process is more accurate than humans, and the same job is repeatable with AI.
<img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/PGi6RgFSQ41a0CPTpMNlmn4uAa2NTjC8FRcubQmw.png" alt="" width="689" height="485" />
Accessibility is no longer a question, as drones can go into areas that are difficult to reach or hazardous to people. Drones can cover areas with high vegetation or high hills. Three-dimensional rendering is an advantage for any company, as it provides a fast and safe way to give teams a complete picture of what is happening on the field.
&nbsp;

Company Profile: Hot Wing Drones

Drone Operation

Major League Baseball appears to be considering more thrilling drone footage to up its television coverage of games &mdash; but not before testing things out at the MLB4 Collegiate Baseball Tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona, February 18-20, 2022.
Using a DJI Inspire II drone for overflight shots of the field and stadium&mdash;as well as focusing on individual players, the bullpen, and other game action&mdash;the MLB team captured content during two tournament games at the Salt River Fields (the shared spring-training base of the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks): UC Berkeley and the University of Houston, and Texas Christian University and San Diego State.&nbsp;
The drone trial was scheduled for much more than the typical high-flying "beauty shots" often broadcast during pauses in games. Ultimately, MLB wants to put viewers right into the action&mdash;but without putting fans in the stadiums at risk.
"The main reason we are out here is to use the drone to help in coverage of a baseball game, MLB Network Senior Coordinating Producer of Live Events Chris Pfeiffer remarked to Sports Video Group News about the strategy for the MLB4 tournament. "If there&rsquo;s a home run, that drone is leaving its perch and following the batter around the bases. It will be over the field during action. We&rsquo;ll be getting really cool shots while it&rsquo;s out there. I&rsquo;m not sure you&rsquo;ve seen anything like that in a baseball game. We are really excited for this.&rdquo;
The footage and "safe deployment" trials at MLB4 were done by one pilot and a spotter, and required six weeks of preparation before the tournament. Las Vegas company JibTek outfitted the DJI Inspire II with a Zenmuse X7 gimbal.
The 2022 MLB4 schedule opened on February 18 with Cal taking on Houston. The Bears went on to notch a 3-0 record, with victories over Houston, TCU, and San Diego State.

Major League Baseball Looks to Add TV Thrills with More Exciting Drone Action

Forestry and Firefighting

<figure id="attachment_18118" class="wp-caption aligncenter below-entry-meta" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-18118">
<figcaption id="caption-attachment-18118" class="wp-caption-text below-entry-meta">Check out this California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) video on how the agency and its firefighters use Unmanned Aerial Systems on wildfires. The two-minute video was produced by the CAL FIRE Incident Management Team #1, and features drone deployment during the California's Dixie Fire, which burned 963,309 acres from July 13, 2021, until its 100-percent containment on October 25, 2021.</figcaption>
</figure>
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See more info at <a href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.fire.ca.gov/</a>.
About The Droning Company The Droning Company specializes in collaborating with licensed, insured, and highly experienced drone pilots across the United States. As a one-stop-shop offering access to professional drone pilot services, our online magazine also provides helpful resources and news in the drone industry, such as articles, product reviews, tips, and the latest updates surrounding FAA news, regulations, and much more. As a company committed to providing the best services possible for all-things-drone, we provide a wide range of services that are perfect for your needs and budget. If you are searching for a licensed and insured drone pilot for your specific needs, we&rsquo;ve got you covered. You can view drone pilots&rsquo; portfolios, the types of specialized equipment they use, the types of jobs they specialize in, and much more--making it easier than ever to find the perfect drone pilot specific to your needs.&nbsp;
If you are a company hiring drone pilots for more permanent positions such as power line inspections you can post your job free of charge for our pilots to view.
At The Droning Company, we are proud to be one of the top drone resources nationwide and are committed to providing you with the services that you need. Whether you are looking for a highly skilled drone pilot or you are a drone pilot ready to offer your services on our website, we are here to help every step of the way. Contact us to learn more or simply sign up to get started today!

Featured News Trending NewsCapturing the Unyielding Line Fire Through the Lens of a Drone

Featured News Product NewsDraganfly Receives Special Flight Operations Certificate to Aid Wildfire Suppression Efforts

Featured News Product NewsWingXpand Scores Contract with U.S. Air Force

Featured News Trending NewsDrones Go to Battle Again. This Time, Against Mosquitos

Featured News Trending NewsCompany Profile: Hot Wing Drones

Featured News Drone OperationMajor League Baseball Looks to Add TV Thrills with More Exciting Drone Action

Featured News Forestry and FirefightingCAL FIRE Deploys Drones on Wildfires