Aiming to purchase a drone and train to use it for the benefit of non-profit and public organisations across the UK
There has been a great deal of publicity about the use of camera-fitted drones over the past 2 years. They have been used to create compelling videos, give people viewpoints they never previously thought possible, and make startling revelations. There has also been much discussion, and some speculation, about the potential for drones to be used for socially valuable purposes. In this latter area, there has been rather more talk than action. A small number of non-profit organisations which have explored the possibilities of using drones in their work, have found that hire of a drone, with qualified pilot, can be a very expensive operation, but, at the same time, few such organisations are likely to make sufficient use of drones for it to be cost-effective for them to purchase their own drone and train a member of staff to pilot it.
There are potentially a huge variety of applications for drones to be used for social good. Property inspections, land and crop surveys, and community mapping are just some of the possible uses. But this potential is not being realised because of the lack of availability of drones, and the high cost of utilising those which are available.
This project, therefore, is about acquiring a professional standard drone, plus the requisite training to utilise it for “commercial” purposes. My intention is then to follow the model I have developed for live video streaming in the non-profit sector, in that I will be available for hire with my drone at low rates for non-profit organisations.
My background is in running social benefit projects in the public, voluntary and SME sectors. Since 2010 I have been operating as a social media, digital inclusion, and video consultant. Over this period, I have developed extensive experience of live video streaming events and activities at low cost for the non-profit sector. With this project I intend to follow this model. Once I have acquired the drone and gained the necessary licence, I will be able to use the drone for projects with the non-profit sector at the lowest possible rates.
These are exciting times for new technologies, but the non-profit sector is in danger of missing out on opportunities. Please contribute what you can to this project to help me realise these possiblities.