6 Things Every Drone Pilot Needs
Aerial Drone Surveys
If you need a large area of land surveying rapidly, or struggle to access it. Then an Aerial Drone Survey is your best option.
Written by R. Nixon | Published: 12th September 2024
Like any professional, drone pilots need the right tools in order to do their job correctly. After all, you never want to miss out on a high-paying gig because you don’t have the proper tools to get the job done. Having the right stuff in your toolkit will ensure that you’re always prepared.
While the exact drone tools you’ll need will depend on the nature of your job and skill set, there are a few things every pilot should have on them.
No matter how your using the drone to do work, here are the tools you’ll need to be ready for action in the field:
- Long-Term Storage Data
- Carrying Case
- Portable Storage
- Landing Pad
- Vest and Hard Hat
- Basic Redundancy
Let’s go into more detail…
In an ideal world, external hard drives would never fail and break down. We’d be able to depend on them to work whenever we needed. Unfortunately, hardware is always subject to failure and such instances can be catastrophic depending on the circumstances.
Long-term data storage can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on the important aspects of your drone work. You’ll be much happier knowing that all of your footage and stills are safe and ready to be accessed whenever and wherever you need them.
2. Carrying Case
When working with clients who are there on site with you, first impressions means a great deal. What’s more, a customer’s impression can directly influence their decisions.
The right carrying case should not only be functional, but should demonstrate preparedness and professionalism in every aspect. There are a number of solid cases to keep your equipment safe and secure. However, you’ll want to think through your own specific needs and take into account portability and functionality before making any purchases. Some pilots have multiple cases for different applications, functional for both commercial pilots and hobbyists.
3. Portable Storage
The right microSD card is a must have for excellent short-term storage of your data. While there are plenty to choose from, you want to find one that transfers at a rate of 100 mbps or higher.
4. Landing Pad
Debris and dust can cause huge issues for UAS operators and aircraft alike, a simple tool such as a landing pad can be a simple but effective way to preserve your drone. A good landing pad will help you prevent cosmetic and structural damage that loose sediment can cause.
5. Vest and Hard Hat
Again, credibility is everything when showing up to a jobsite. For commercial applications, having a safety vest and hardhat will not only keep you safe, but provide assurance to clients that you know what you’re doing.
Here at SolidPoint, we have a Warning Cone as well as hi-vis vests and hard hats for job sites that are likely to have a lot of people around. This isn’t a requirement, but we’ve found it useful to have handy just in case.
6. Basic Redundancy
Batteries, charging cables and propellers are all musts for any drone operator. While it’s a no-brainer that any pilot should be carrying these with them, it’s important to note that multiple layers of redundancy are critical in preventing a failed mission and creating a smooth working environment.
One way to avoid this is to have an extra backup case. There’s no excuse for traveling to a site without being prepared. Backing up every aspect of your operation will save you plenty of headaches in the future.
Rules & Regulations
While it’s important to be prepared, it’s crucial that you understand the rules, regulations and responsibilities that come with piloting a drone. Read our blog to find updated information on:
- Drone Licenses
- UK Drone Flying Rules
- CAA Drone Registration
- UK Drone Insurance
- Cameras & Recording
Stay updated with us:
How Can SolidPoint Help Your Project?
At SolidPoint, we are passionate about providing accurate and efficiently collected data for our clients and have worked on numerous projects across the UK. If you are looking to commission a survey in your next project, please don’t hesitate to Get in touch with a member of our friendly team to discuss your requirements and get a free quote.
Alternatively, you can call us on 01332 898350 or email us at projects@solidpoint.co.uk for more information on our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
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