The Frequently asked Questions page

What do others say about the Draganfly?

Is it safe?

What can it carry?

If I hire you, can I have a go?

You seem expensive

OK, so what are the alternatives?

How far can you fly?

Can I buy one?

Who are you?

Where can you fly?

Do you sell Gift Vouchers?

What do others say about the Draganfly?

The Draganflyer X6 is a serious business tool. However, because of its looks and uses, the gadget market has picked up on it, hence some of the links below. Yes, it can be used as a rich person's toy, but the vast majority of purchases have been for business use.

• Here are some articles from the Draganfly and its Distributors' websites
• Draganflyer used by Air2Air in Project Morpheus - On Saturday 7th November 2009, Air 2 Air was invited to Operation Morpheus to demonstrate the X6 and record this large scale simulation of a Shopping Centre on fire. Air2Air's brief: “The 'Incident' is a shopping centre involved in a serious fire and the exercise will involve approximately 17 Fire Service appliances and therefore in the region of 70 - 100 fire fighters of all ranks. The building will have a number of fires throughout and the fire service will respond in real time to deal with it. We require live images, still images and video of the incident as it evolves so we have an overview of resources and manpower.” The X6 was deployed in strong winds to observe and record the incident.
• Draganflyer VTOL UAV Helicopter used for Urban Traffic Police Investigation - Saskatoon December 7 2009 – Draganfly Innovations was called to the scene of a traffic accident to aid the Saskatoon Police Service in collecting evidence for their investigation. The weather was bitterly cold with the temperature hovering around -28°C / -18 ° F. With the added wind chill the temperature would be corrected to -36° C / -33° F . The Draganflyer X6 was used to take aerial photos of the scene which provide clear evidence for the police to use in their investigation. The Draganflyer X6 is able to be deployed quickly which allowed police to collect evidence and open the road to normal traffic flow in a minimal amount of time. Click link for full article and video.
• Draganflyer X6 R/C UAV approved by FAA for use by Mesa County Sheriff’s under Certificate of Authority (COA) - The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has been working with Draganfly Innovations in order to test the Draganflyer X6 for various policing operations. The Grand Junction Free Press has published an article describing the use of the Draganflyer X6 by the Mesa County Sheriffs Office.
• Here are some of the Press reviews
• cnet.co.uk - "Letting Crave TV loose on a £23,000 radio-controlled chopper might have given our insurers kittens, but we flew the sucker around anyway -- in our office."
• Slashcool.com - "This is the gadget to own if you are either in war zone, a stalker just like to have the coolest things. So go out, get yourself an X6 and be an Amateur UAV owner, strap on a High Def camera and start filming yourself from 300 feet…."
• Channel 5's "The Gadget Show rated it as the No. 1 "Must have gadget" - "The Draganflyer X6 is a fully functional miniature unmanned electric powered helicopter. Aimed at industrial and commercial use, it provides reconnaissance and inspection information using on-board wireless video and still cameras. It has a 10.1MP still camera and can capture video in 1080p resolution."
• Pocket-Lint said "Now 007, you will be careful, won't you? "
• Daily Mail online If you see one of these hovering over your back yard, cease sunbathing immediately and run for your stock of Stinger missiles. The DraganFlyer X6 is an aerial surveillance drone which has vertical take-off capabilities, and can take digital photos and video directly downwards.

Is it safe?

The Draganflyer X6 has a number of built-in safety functions. It can fly on only 5 of its 6 rotors. If its battery is getting low, it will persistently remind the pilot of this and, if persistently ignored, will shut out the pilot and execute a controlled landing before its batteries run out. The motors are brushless. If you put your hand in the way of the blade, it might hurt, but it is unlikely to cause serious injury. Once the X6 is linked to a transmitter, it locks out any other transmitter from accidentally or maliciously taking it over. Having said that, pilot error can still get the X6 to where it should not be as with any Remote Controlled craft so should only be used by an experienced, trained pilot.

We always carry out a Risk Assessment on site and for each flight a pre- and post-flight check.

What can it carry?

It can carry payloads of up to 500g.. This allows it to carry digital cameras but not SLRs for instance. Digital camera technology is sufficiently advanced, however, to mean that excellent quality photographs can be taken. In theory it can carry banners and adverts but in practice, this would represent a big risk of entanglement and so is not undertaken. In the future, if we can implement a fully safe method this might be an option.

If I hire you, can I have a go?

Generally speaking, no. The craft will be insured for trained pilots and allowing others to use it may well invalidate the insurance. Having said that, we do run 'experience days' where, for a fee, you can be taught to fly it then be put through your paces. In addition, where there is a requirement for taking photographs, you can control the photography aspect with a second Remote control and can zoom and tilt the camera for your needs as well as control the shutter.

You seem expensive

Not really, especally when compared to the cost and deployment time of the alternatives (such as erecting scaffolding or hiring a full-size helicopter). Our costs are a fraction of theirs. We can be in, set up, safety checked and deployed before most of the competition can find a parking space. Yes, you may get a fixed mast operative more cheaply, but can they go as high as us and get all the angles that we can? How long does it take to line up more than one shot? We charge a Commercial Rate for a Professional Service. If we can save you time and stress, then you may well find it works out cheaper than the palaver and time that other platforms will generate.

OK, so what are the alternatives?

Plenty. Full-size craft, masts, kites, blimps and so on. If you want a comparison and reasons why an UAV is usually the best solution, check out the comparison table here.

How far can you fly?

We always get asked this and it always is puzzling as why should we fly it too far. We always fly 'line of sight' and the best shots are taken within a few tens of metres of the subject. Further away and the picture loses its impact. We are allowed by the CAA to fly vertically up to 400 feet (approx 125metres) if necessary - windspeed permitting, but this is rarely required or useful.

Can I buy one?

Yes, of course. Contact us directly for further information. We can let you know when the next flight demo will be happening or where we will be exhibiting or, sometimes, with the permission of our customer, observe us in action. Draganflyers are built to order and take 12 weeks or so to build from receipt of Order. If you are unsure as to whether you should buy one, then why not hire us for a specific project? You can see how it operates and get a feel for what you can do with it. sometimes, it is just better to hire as and when you have the need. This prevents you tying your Capital up in a Draganflyer and keeping your flying hours up to prevent skill erosion. Call us now - +44 (0)560 255 0806

Who are you?

Overshoot-Photos is a trading name of Pulse Corporation Ltd. Pulse was set up in 1997 as a management buyout from a Company that was being subsumed into what is now the IT Company Sita. Part of the original Company did not fit the business plan so Pulse was spun off to mutual benefit. Pulse found its niche in Travel IT and can name all the top players as its clients - Thomson, Airtours, Kuoni, Holiday Extras, National Express, Telewest, Ntl, Chauntry, Thomas Cook and so on. As the niche was killed off by the Internet, Pulse has morphed into Overshoot-Photos, taking aerial stills and video photography for PR and Emergency Services purposes. Pulse has been profitable every year since inception apart from a slight blip in 2008 (we were not alone, there), has never had any borrowings and its Annual Accounts are filed at Companies House for examination.

Pulse is registered with the Information Commissioner for Data Protection purposes. Many of our Photo Pilots are Criminal Record Bureau checked (the plan is for all to be checked, but some things just take time) and ECS/CSCS card carriers and we can guarantee a PhotoPilot with these Qualifications and more should you need it.. We are a Member of the Federation of Small Businesses. Want to know more? email us.

Where can you fly?

We are governed and licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It states where we can fly and our licence and our insurance is dependent upon us complying. Some requests, therefore will be turned down as the location is not compatible with safe flying. This list may help you decide whether a shoot is possible. What it boils down to is common sense and Risk. If the helicoptor fails and performs an uncontrolled landing, will it pose a risk to people or property? We fly where that risk is eliminated or, if this is not possible, all possible alternatives have been considered and rejected and we have made a case that satisfies the CAA to make the flight.

The rules changed on January 1st 2010 and their interpretations are still ongoing. This is our understanding of the rules, but may change without notice and you should not rely on them.

• We cannot fly higher than 400 feet (approx. 125 metres)
• We must always be in unaided visual contact with the helicopter
• We cannot fly over (or within 150 metres) of congested areas or organised open-air assemblies of more than 1,000 persons
• Apart from our staff and persons briefed about our activities, we cannot fly within 50 metres of anyone.
• We need a 30 x 30 metre clear area for take off and landing

Common sense and Company ethos.

• We will not fly over roads unless the road is closed off and we are in control of all traffic.
• We do not undertake paparazzi type shots. Whilst this could be very lucrative, the morals are questionable. We have enough work without being associated with this.
• We do not undertake 'adult' work.
• We can fly over rivers, marshland, ponds and other inhospitable areas. That is one of our selling points

Do you sell Gift Vouchers?

Yes, of course.It's an ideal present for all sorts of occasions - New Home, Wedding, Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas and more besides. Click here for more information.