Filming paragliders - Increase visibility

[JoostGT3]

Last weekend, I filmed some paragliding buddies of mine!

Afterward, I talked with the guy whom I had been filming, and -despite the fact that he knew I was around- he hadn't seen or heard me the entire time. We took a lot of precautions to keep it safe, but it got me thinking; what would be the best way to increase air-to-air visibility of a drone? (I filmed this with my Mavic Pro, but the principle is the same for the Spark)

I thought about adding streamers, a whistle, etc. What would you do? I don't think painting it in a bright color or adding strobes will help much on a bright sunny day!

 

[pmshop]

Last weekend, I filmed some paragliding buddies of mine!

Afterward, I talked with the guy whom I had been filming, and -despite the fact that he knew I was around- he hadn't seen or heard me the entire time. We took a lot of precautions to keep it safe, but it got me thinking; what would be the best way to increase air-to-air visibility of a drone? (I filmed this with my Mavic Pro, but the principle is the same for the Spark)

I thought about adding streamers, a whistle, etc. What would you do? I don't think painting it in a bright color or adding strobes will help much on a bright sunny day!

Something that small there is nothing you can do.
Especially NO STREAMERS
You might be able to attach a small strobe light system?

Best thing is to be a responsive pilot.
See a quick turn or pass, be quicker to avoid.
But all of that seems to be a rather safe distance.
Great job!

 

[JoostGT3]

Haha thanks! Yeah, streamers didn't seem like a good idea to me either!
Strobes might help, but on a bright sunny day? Not too sure.

I have to admit that the best strategy seems to be to have only one paraglider in the air, and just keep him in sight, preferably above or below it, and aft or sideways. That way you'll have the most separation and the smallest chance in accidentally colliding...

 

[Northwood Mediaworks]

I remember streamers back in the day of tethered fixed wing combat duels... but not for copters! Strobe would be the only thing I can think of... and as suggested, keeping a healthy distance at all times.

 

[JoostGT3]

I remember streamers back in the day of tethered fixed wing combat duels... but not for copters! Strobe would be the only thing I can think of... and as suggested, keeping a healthy distance at all times.

Oh, that sounds awesome! (the streamers on fixed wing combat duels that is). *Heads off to youtube to try and find videos of that*

 

[Northwood Mediaworks]

I am struggling to find anything on YT about that, we are talking 48-50 years ago

 

[Northwood Mediaworks]

Oh, here we go.

 

[Jeplane]

Strobes won't work. Spark is still too small.

You would need like an airliner size landing light! And even then, pilot still have midair from time to time, so...

 

[Northwood Mediaworks]

Strobes won't work. Spark is still too small.

You would need like an airliner size landing light! And even then, pilot still have midair from time to time, so...

Ya, you are right... when do we get zoom lenses on our drones?

 

[Jeplane]

This is what you need shooting out of the Spark on a regular basis (after all, look at the name...):

 

[Jeplane]

What truly happens:

The following chart is for two average size single engines going at each other. As you can imagine, there is very little chance for a pilot to avoid a drone, let alone a small thingy like the Spark.

Which reminds me to ask you for a favor: Yes 336 allows you to be over 400 feet, but please consider the risks involved.

Thank you.

 

[Northwood Mediaworks]

In Canada, the legal height max is 295.2 feet or 90 meters, so a little safer for non UAVs

 

[graywoulf]

Great video! My suggestion is some type of audible alarm that makes a loud chirping sound. That way the person in the paraglider does not have to maintain a visual on your drone but can listen for it and easily determine both position and also distance based on the volume.

 

[notime]

Last weekend, I filmed some paragliding buddies of mine!

Afterward, I talked with the guy whom I had been filming, and -despite the fact that he knew I was around- he hadn't seen or heard me the entire time. We took a lot of precautions to keep it safe, but it got me thinking; what would be the best way to increase air-to-air visibility of a drone? (I filmed this with my Mavic Pro, but the principle is the same for the Spark)

I thought about adding streamers, a whistle, etc. What would you do? I don't think painting it in a bright color or adding strobes will help much on a bright sunny day!

Dont do it. Faa gets wind of it and...

Something that small there is nothing you can do.
Especially NO STREAMERS
You might be able to attach a small strobe light system?

Best thing is to be a responsive pilot.
See a quick turn or pass, be quicker to avoid.
But all of that seems to be a rather safe distance.
Great job!

 

[notime]

Something that small there is nothing you can do.
Especially NO STREAMERS
You might be able to attach a small strobe light system?

Best thing is to be a responsive pilot.
See a quick turn or pass, be quicker to avoid.
But all of that seems to be a rather safe distance.
Great job!

Time and space... what a weirdo.

 

[pmshop]

Time and space... what a weirdo.

It is called see and avoid

 

[willardsSpark]

Be cognizant of what you are filming and where your aircraft is in relation to everything around it.

The firehouse strobes are incredibly bright, adding one will definitely increase the visibility of the drone.

 

[Anthony Geiger]

**** hot!

 

[Concorde]

A really nice video!