Aerial Quad Copter Inspections

If you want a good easy to fly quad copter make sure it has GPS with position hold, return home & its own built in WiFi

Here's a nice Youtube video of one we had 2 weeks ago. You could not see this roof from the ground under any configuration and no ladder we can carry would reach it. We found some serious flaws on this roof that otherwise would have probably gone uninspected.

http://youtu.be/TuRE-bzyCMg

over 10 - 15 mph winds, would you even feel comfortable walking on a roof?? lol. I've thought about one. I'm sure the cost would pay for itself in the time that it takes to get your ladder, set it up, walk the roof, put the ladder back and tie it down!

$500 for the DJI FC40, don't need anything fancier than that. About double the cost of a good ladder. Its not as hard to fly as you might think.

Is that the same model that was used in the youtube video??

We started with the DJI Phantom 2 Vision with the built in 14m camera that operates through a start phone app. It also has a built in GPS, radar and WiFi system as well as a return home feature. We really love it an it is a minimal cost for a all in one copter for $1,250.00. You can do and switch from still photos to videos on the fly.

We use the copter on just about every inspection and supply additional fun aerial photo in the inspection report.

The Clients LOVE IT !!!!

I use a camera mount on a telescoping pole. A plunger activates the shutter. It's great for inspections in foul weather, steep roofs, slate, etc. A guy in Cleveland makes them. It extends to 23 feet. I'm 6'3", so the views I get are 30-ish feet high. And for $325 it paid for itself almost immediately. I also connect my GoPro and have some fun that way. A drone or copter is pretty appealing, and I may someday invest those dollars, but I would have to be dissatisfied with my current set up. It's all game-changing stuff!

Which one are you using Steve? The Polester?

I used to use a pole and still do when the structure is covered by trees but when I moved into commercial building inspection which is now a very big part of business and mid rise structure's the aerial photos where a real need.

One of the BIG turning points for me is when I was asked by a insurance adjuster if I could get a close up picture of a lightning strike to a church steeple about 150' up. This one job that took me about 15 minute and paid for my copter.

The insurance company now uses my services frequently.

Keven, if you're coming to the Power User Conference in September let me know. I may have a need for an expert quad pilot

Nathan wrote:Which one are you using Steve? The Polester?

That's the one.

Keven wrote:I used to use a pole and still do when the structure is covered by trees but when I moved into commercial building inspection which is now a very big part of business and mid rise structure's the aerial photos where a real need.

One of the BIG turning points for me is when I was asked by a insurance adjuster if I could get a close up picture of a lightning strike to a church steeple about 150' up. This one job that took me about 15 minute and paid for my copter.

The insurance company now uses my services frequently.

Tempting, Keven. I think the Polester/GoPro combination may be a gateway drug...

I'm brainstorming on other uses - property advertising, events, etc. Good video is very powerful. Shhh...don't tell anyone.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 06/21/2014 10:54 AM EDT

I want to get a pole or a copter with camera. With poles, how do you point the camera downwards or move them around from the ground?

Nathan, I'm registered for the Powerusers conference...

Awesome. We'll be in touch.