Orion Drones

Weather

The weather turned. I noted some local flora and fauna such as red dead nettles Figure 1, called so because they do not sting, so they are ‘dead’, and Eastern cottontail rabbits, like this one in Figure 2. I took the Skydio2 on a short flight after an update in Figure 3. Should be flying often now.

Verticals Community Learning Center

How It’s Going: Drone Cinematography Sessions start Thursday 04/28/2022

The three days I participate as a volunteer instructor are as follows: April 28th, May 5th and May 12th, 2022. Those are Thursdays, all day events. I take a lot of inspiration from the stars above, so let’s get there.

Verticals is a local community development center that gives kids a choice of after-school programs that enrich young lives and provide a sense of pride in community. A link to the group is provided. Some school districts pony up transportation.

I signed on as a drone coach and provided some media resources. I teach students:

• How to fly recreational drones with basic and advanced maneuvers.
• How to orient oneself to internal and external factors that allow for safe and reliable air travel.
• Get the soon-to-be mandatory – and EASILY OBTAINED – TRUST flyer certificate from the FAA, online for free.
• How to plan, film, edit, and share a video you make with drone footage and free apps.
• How to fly a drone with Scratch Python block code.
• Provide information about industrial drone applications and jobs.

This module was planned to integrate within an ecosystem of courses in technology applications, physical well-being, and business development. These are hands-on tangible experiences that have lifelong value.

Local Resource in Action

Community groups will have some authority to determine the nature of its flight operations in local airspace come this fall 2022. As long as a responsible pilot is connected to the group, the area can develop flight operations that best suits the needs of the group. A FRIA is basically an area supported by a Part 107 drone pilot or more qualified pilots. The FAA determines the location and quality of FRIAs.

I worry that our little group will not have the stuff to pass the FAA definitions of community-based learning institution, so I am studying what we need to do to qualify. I have a break from school in a month, and I like to read legislation. One of the problems is that it’s not 1986. The idea of community is radically different than it was before the internet, global telepresence. Could someone from 1986 even function in this community?

• (1) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
• (2) is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
• (3) the mission of which is demonstrably the furtherance of model aviation;
• (4) provides a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for all aspects of model aviation addressing the assembly and operation of model aircraft and that emphasize safe aeromodelling operations within the national airspace system and the protection and safety of individuals and property on the ground, and may provide a comprehensive set of safety rules and programming for the operation of unmanned aircraft that have the advanced flight capabilities enabling active, sustained, and controlled navigation of the aircraft beyond visual line of sight of the operator;
• (5) provides programming and support for any local charter organizations, affiliates, or clubs; and
• (6) provides assistance and support in the development and operation of locally designated model aircraft flying sites.

Time to learn

Topics in the Verticals Youth Empowerment program include artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, drones, digital fabrication, coding, media production, design studio, blockchain, and crypto. Courses in the topics are presented alongside fitness and wellness resources. The center director is retired NFL pro-football player William James, who stepped off the gridiron and into a new life arena. William has an amazing base of supporters, collaborators, volunteers, and stakeholders who help make this happen. Very grateful.

Verticals Youth Empowerment Center is designed to stimulate young minds, give parents an inclusive environment in which to socialize, and to offer youth a sense of pride in themselves and their community. There are other facilities in the works.