Drone Safe Register March Newsletter 2023

It’s been a quiet start to the year for most drone operators, but don’t let that worry you. It can be a seasonal business and we’re optimistic 2023 will be a great year. If you are finding things slow it’s a good time to work on your website, marketing plans, networking and other things you may have less time for once Spring arrives!

2023 Event Opportunities

As public awareness of drones grows and fears over safety become less of an issue we’re expecting it to be a great year for event filming. Big occasions like King Charles’s coronation in May often increase interest in drone filming as people wonder if they could have the benefit of aerial coverage at their own events. These can be anything from a school prom to an ‘Iron Man’ event and they’re great ways to find regular sources of work. 

The presence of crowds and other considerations put some operators off event filming but it’s a lucrative field and not as hard as many people think. There are plenty of members in the network with relevant experience so don’t be afraid to ask others for help. This could either be advice about legal and safety matters or actually asking other operators to join you at a larger event on a ‘white label’ basis.

Thermal Drones

Thermal drones, also known as infrared drones, are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, from construction and engineering to search and rescue operations. These models are equipped with thermal imaging cameras that can detect and capture heat signatures, allowing operators to visualize heat patterns in real time.

If you’re looking to get into a new line of work thermal drone work could be it. Yes, it requires investment in equipment and training, but there are likely to be great opportunities for operators in the field over the next few years.

One of the key benefits of thermal drones is their ability to detect heat signatures that are invisible to the naked eye. This can be particularly useful in a variety of applications, such as identifying hotspots in electrical systems, detecting heat leaks in buildings, and even spotting wildlife in the dark.

We're seeing an increasing number of businesses and organizations taking advantage of thermal drone technology and this isn’t just a short-term trend. Here are just a few examples:

Construction and engineering firms are using thermal drones to identify potential problems with buildings and structures, such as areas of heat loss or water damage. This can help to prevent costly repairs and keep projects on track.

Energy companies are using thermal drones to inspect their facilities, such as pipelines and power plants, for signs of wear and tear. This helps to identify potential issues before they become major problems, and can also help to reduce the risk of accidents and downtime. On a smaller scale, thermal inspections of homes, offices and industrial units are becoming more popular, and drones are the perfect tool for these.

Search and rescue teams are using thermal drones to locate missing persons, particularly in situations where visibility is poor or the terrain is difficult to navigate. By detecting heat signatures, these drones can help to speed up search and rescue operations and increase the chances of finding people alive.

As you can see, the applications for thermal drones are wide-ranging and diverse, and we expect to see even more businesses and organizations adopting this technology in the coming months and years.