A Message From A Local Greenhouse

When I first decided to buy a (very expensive) drone with the idea of making money as a commercial drone pilot, I had a very specific vision. It was a vision that could be considered germane to the region of New York State where I live.

I live in Corning, NY and so my vision was that I was going to IMMEDIATELY be the Drone Guy for all of the wineries in the Finger Lakes Region of New York! So, as I was studying to take the test for my Part 107 License this idea was what was driving me – more or less. I was definitely thinking I would be taking other types of jobs, too, but my focus would be on wineries.

So when I got an email from my first potential client – A local Greenhouse – I was more than a little surprised…and definitely a little nervous!

Had they just wanted me to fly over their property with my drone and take some photos or videos…that would have been one thing. But the email specifically asked me if I could fly a drone THROUGH the actual greenhouses!

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

I realize that SOME commercial greenhouses are pretty wide open and spacious, most…aren’t. They are generally a circus of support wires, fans and other structural obstacles. I knew this particular greenhouse and it definitely fell into the second category.

Sounded a little dangerous for my very first paid gig.

So naturally I said yes!

Safety Features Off Annnnnd…

The craz(ier) thing was, I actually recall that I started the day’s shoot with the inside shots. Not only was my first gig what it was, I actually did the “worst”, first!

Reluctantly I went into the Safety Features of the Fly App and turned off the obstacle avoidance feature. Yes, I willingly and knowingly turned OFF obstacle avoidance in a space where there was an obstacle of sorts within 2 feet of any given location; be it a fan, a post or a structural wire!

Steady As She Goes

The first building (of several) actually was a little bid nerve racking. The owners DID think to turn off the fans so that extra wind would not be an issue to the drone, but that obviously wouldn’t help me out with the support wires, sprinklers and everything else.

But, once I got through that first greenhouse, flying the drone through the rest of them was much simpler! If for no other reason than I now had my confidence with me.

Overall, I was quite happy with how the entire shoot went. And, thankfully, the owners and staff were very pleased, too.