Pros of Using Drones in Real Estate

Drones make capturing captivating footage for your property easier. But what it does better is capture an aerial view that is perfect for real estate because:

A. Captivates Potential Buyers With Immersive Experiences

In real estate, you need to sell the idea, the dream, and what the property could be for the potential homeowner or tenant.

So, to create an immersive experience, you need to show the property as not just a house or an empty lot.

But as an unfolding story.

Therefore, paint a picture for the tenant using aerial views to help them envision what the space might be.

Also, the aerial view of your property will enable you to create an unforgettable story that ignites the interest of your potential buyers.

B. Obtain Unique Views of Your Property

With a drone soaring high above, you can record every tiny detail from angles you couldn’t have been able to capture before.

This is usually challenging from a ground-level perspective.

Therefore when the home buyer or tenant clicks play on your
ad or video they can see exactly what they are getting.

You can also do a voice-over to spice up the experience by explaining the following:

• When the house was built
• What plants are in the yard
• Other design features like hidden doors or unique elements that add more value to the property
• Possible expansions where applicable.

And in real estate being unique makes you stand out of the crowd.

So, by using a voice-over in your aerial footage, explaining all the details to your potential clients no matter how small, it makes the client feel understood and that makes them feel that you are aware of their needs.

Cons of Using Drones in Real Estate

Using a drone may enable you to create mind-blowing immersive experiences but it comes with its challenges.

1. You Need a Drone Pilot Certification

To fly a commercial drone in Canada, you must meet Transport Canada’s requirements.

For instance, you must first enroll in and pass the Basic and Small Advanced Exams.

You also need to Pass the in-person flight review and only then will Transport Canada issue you with the advanced operations pilot certificate.

2. Privacy Concerns

Operating a drone for real estate brings along safety and privacy concerns.

For example, if your property is an apartment with multiple neighbours, capturing aerial views of the space may make the other residents feel as if you are violating their privacy boundaries.

These could lead to many legal issues and even losses as some neighbours can destroy your drone even though it is illegal.

Use a Drone in Real Estate by Balancing the Pros and Cons

Drones like any advanced technology, come with their share of pros and drawbacks as discussed above.

And to paint a clear picture, the table below adds more summarised benefits and drawbacks of using a drone in real estate.

However, the pros outweigh the cons since you can tackle most drawbacks by following the set regulations for drone piloting. 

But you need to know how to use a drone and this is why you should enroll in a drone piloting course by Coastal Drone.

At Coastal Drone, we have the expertise and experience to teach you how to fly a drone without breaking any laws.

Hence, at the end of the course, you will be able to effectively pilot a drone. This will enable you to get eye-catching footage of your property for immersive experiences for prospective customers.

Enroll in our drone pilot courseand operate it like a pro within no time. A drone could be the secret weapon your real estate listings have been waiting for.

Understand the Legal Requirements and Regulations

Transport Canada and Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) have set regulations that you must follow before flying a drone in Canada.
These include:

•  Be over 16 years old to get an advanced operations pilot   certificate.
• Ensure you mark your drone with a unique code provided    by Transport Canada
• When flying Visual-line-of-sight (VLOS) never exceeds 400 feet in the air.
• To fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) you must have a Special Flight Operations Certificate for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (SFOC-RPAS).

Failure to comply with these requirements, you risk attracting the penalties shown in the table below.

Adhere to Safety Guidelines When Flying a Drone

You cannot fly a drone safely unless you follow the set rules.

Not because that’s what you are legally required to do. But because it is your social responsibility to avoid causing harm to others while flying your drone.

Additionally, following safety guidelines can help you take better shots because you minimize the risk of accidents or mishaps, which can be stressful and distracting.

After all, you cannot take stunning shots or footage while distracted, even from ground level. For most of the amazing shots ever taken, the photographer has spent hours trying to capture the perfect shot; just look at Joel Sartore’s amazing wildlife photography.

Therefore, to adhere to safety guidelines, use these tips:

1. Familiarize yourself with Canadian drone regulations and also the ones specific to your province.
2. Maintain the necessary rules for each line of sight, whether VLOS, BVLOS, or EVLOS (Extended Visual Line of Sight).
3. Check the battery level a few hours before every flight to ensure it is in good condition and fully charged. Flying with a low battery can result in overheating causing accidents, reduced flight time, inconsistent performance and even drone malfunction.
4. Do pre-flight mapping before you fly your drone. This lets you identify potential obstacles, power lines, or other hazards thus making it easy to fly your drone.
5. Fly slowly and smoothly so as not to encounter any obstacles or sudden movement which could cause accidents.
6. Fly during the day if you can. It will enable you to identify and navigate potential obstacles easily.
7. If you need to fly at night, attach bright LED lights to your drone for increased visibility. Also, avoid crowded and residential areas to respect others’ privacy.
8. Have a spotter even if you are flying VLOS. A spotter is commonly used in BVLOS and EVLOS because of the extended range and distance the drone can travel beyond your direct line of sight. Therefore, a spotter provides real-time information about any potential hazards on the flight path enabling you to fly your drone safely.
9. If you want to fly at any Canadian national park, always have permission first from the relevant authority like the Field Unit Superintendent of Parks. Then follow the set regulations by Parks Canada to ensure you do not risk the wildlife as you fly your drone.

Learn How to Fly Your Drone Safely in Canada

You cannot fly your drone safely if you do not know how to.

Flying your drone safely starts with learning and understanding the dos and don’ts. Not just taking a drone and then trying to fly it like it is a Liftoff®: FPV Drone Racing simulator episode.

And in Langley, Coastal Drone provides a comprehensive drone piloting course.

We also have dependable trainers with the knowledge and experience to teach you how to fly your drone safely.

Furthermore, we stay current on changing drone flying rules and regulations in Canada, ensuring that our training is always up to date.

Sign up for our drone pilot training today.

Let us teach you how to fly your drone safely, whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced pilot looking to improve your skills.

Why Can’t You Fly Drones in Canadian National Parks?

Parks Canada has set restrictions on drone usage in parks because:

1. Limit wildlife disturbance as most animals are usually very sensitive during breeding and nesting.
2. Ensure that you do not harm birds that may view a drone as a predator causing them to panic and abandon nests or get hurt as they try to flee.
3. National parks are popular tourist destinations because of the different wild animals, the breathtaking landscapes, and the tranquil environment filled with nature’s soothing sounds. However, the constant buzzing of drones will drown out the natural soundscape that nature provides, reducing the overall experience that we seek when visiting parks.
4. Protect cultural and historical sites from prying eyes or potential damage. Since most Canadian national parks have indigenous heritage sites, archaeological remains, or structures with historical value, drones flying by can cause damage or disturbance to these areas.

Exceptions to the Prohibition

Field Unit Superintendents can permit you to use drones but you have to obtain the proper permission and permits.

This includes ensuring that you meet all the Transport Canada requirements to fly a drone even before seeking a special permit.

First, contact the Field Unit Superintendents responsible for the national park you want to fly your drone.

Next, gather information about their drone policies, any restrictions, and the permit process.

Then, familiarize yourself with the guidelines and requirements so that when you are applying for permission, you understand what you need to do.

Remember, these are the only circumstances that the Field Unit Superintendents will permit you to fly your drone in national parks:

• Any research and scientific study conducted within the national park like monitoring wildlife, studying habitats, or conducting environmental assessments.
• Commercial filming and photography but you must obtain the necessary permits.
• Special events hosted by Parks Canada for recreational use like capturing aerial footage for educational purposes, or supporting park management operations.

Plan National Parks Flights Using Drone Maps

While flying over uncharted territory in the National parks, you need a visual representation of the park’s boundaries, restricted areas, and flight restrictions.

This helps you plan your flight paths accordingly.

However, drone maps do come with their benefits and drawbacks and the table below lists some of them.

Learn How to Leverage Drone Maps While Flying in National Parks

Before you venture into the national park, after you obtain authorization you need a drone map to help you identify the restricted areas easily.

And since drone maps require deep understanding to leverage their full potential, you need to learn how to use them from professionals like Coastal Drone.

Our experts will teach you effective flight planning techniques that integrate drone maps in our mapping and geomatic course.

This helps you identify suitable spots for take-off and landing without messing up with the ecosystem. It also allows you to select the best flight paths to record the most beautiful moments nature has to offer.

But we don’t just teach you how to use drone maps effectively; we also show you how to fly a drone like a pro to get the best shots.

Contact us today to start your photogrammetry and mapping lessons, and have you flying over Canadian National Parks as soon as you have approval.

A. Understand Drone Operations

If you plan on flying a drone, you need to follow all the regulations in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

For starters, if your drone weighs 250 grams to 25 kg, you must hold a valid pilot certificate whether it is for basic or advanced operations.

For Basic operations, you must:

• Not flying in controlled spaces, around airports,
  government   buildings or military bases.
• Be over 14 years old
• Register your drone before you fly it
• Register and pass the Small Basic Exam
• Have a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations

As for advanced operations, you must:

1. be over 16 years old
2. Take and pass the Small Advanced Exam
3. Pass the in-person flight review before you can qualify to
   apply for a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
4. Pay a $25 fee
5. Submit the results to Transport Canada. They will confirm that you meet all these qualifications, and will
   issue the Pilot certificate for advanced operations to you.
6. Fly a drone marked with a unique identification number or
   registration code provided by Transport Canada.

B. While Flying a Drone

You must have a pilot certificate while flying a drone and meet all the set regulations.
Failure to which you attract fines or penalties.
For instance, if you fly a drone without having a pilot certificate, yet it has a maximum takeoff weight of 250g to 25 kg, you will attract fines as shown in the table below.

Also, you should take time to understand all the features your drone comes with.

Most drones for example have a Return-to-Home (RTH) feature, that ensures that the drone returns to its starting point if the battery gets low or loses connection with the operator.

Other features include

1. Geofencing. It prevents your drone from flying into restricted areas.
2. GPS module. Shows the exact positioning data that the drone uses for RTH and geofencing
3. Cameras. They capture all the pictures and videos from an aerial point of view. Cameras are one of the most important and must-have features of a drone, So while flying your drone, ensure that the camera is working perfectly and if you can you can attach more with a high resolution.
4. Collision avoidance sensors. They assist in detecting any obstacles in the flight path and adjusting the drone to avoid crashes.

C. General Safety Rules

Other than flying with a pilot certificate, you must respect other people’s privacy when you fly.

Also, you must adhere to these drone safety regulations:

• Always survey the area you intend to fly to. This allows you to detect any obstacles, analyze any tricky terrain that may interfere with landing or takeoff, and confirm that there are no regulations or limits.
• If you plan to fly your drone at night, ensure you install lights on it so that you can see it well
• Fly your drone away from bystanders, emergency operations, forest fires, airports and outside controlled airspace
• Always keep your drone in sight ( Visual-line-of-sight or VLOS), less than 400 feet in the air.
• Never engage in reckless behaviour that might hurt people, animals, and other aircraft.
• Keep up with the latest regulations, as they are subject to change.

Enroll in a Comprehensive Drone Pilot Training Course

To better understand the basics of drone regulations and pass the online exams easily so that you can become a drone pilot, you need to enroll in a drone pilot training course with us.

At Coastal Drone, we understand that flying a drone requires a firm grasp of the subject matter.

So, we ensure that you receive hands-on training from experienced instructors who have the practical knowledge to guide you effectively.

And to avoid leaving you out in the cold after you finish the drone pilot training course, we also offer ongoing support or resources after the completion of the course.

Contact us today to book a slot in our drone pilot training course to take your first step in being part of the incredible world of drone flying.

I. Not Adhering to Local Regulations and Airspace Restrictions

Flying a drone brings along several issues like compromising safety and personal privacy. 

The consequences of this mistake are dire as your drone can be confiscated and it can take a long time before you can get it back. Also, in some extreme circumstances like flying near an airport that has the potential to interfere with aircraft operations, possibly causing a crash can lead to hefty fines or even jail time.

For example, the table below shows some of the fines you could face if you do not follow Canadian drone flying rules and regulations.

Solutions

1.During your pre-flight and terrain checks, research the local restrictions and rules online—Transport Canada or from the local aviation authority. These include checking whether there are no-fly zones like:

• Airports
• Heliports
• Military bases
• Prisons

2.Check for any altitude restrictions.

For example, in Canada, you cannot fly a drone above  400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace.

Also, as a drone operator, you must fly away from bystanders, forest fires, and outdoor concerts (unless you have permission).

II. Inadequate Flying Safety Procedures

Just like flying an airplane, operating a drone requires you to prioritize your safety and the environment around you.
Failure to observe drone flying safety procedures leads to losing control of the drone and potentially injuring other people or colliding with objects and trees. This causes injuries, property damage, or even death.

Solutions

1. Maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with your drone if you do not have a visual observer and ensure you do not hit or harm other people, animals, trees, buildings, cars and airplanes.
2. Get permission from Transport Canada to use a drone in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight). BVLOS allows you to fly your drone while it is not in your line of sight and there is no visual observer.
3. Read the drone manual before you start using it to learn about all its flight modes and safety features and measures. Also, always refer to the manual before you become an experienced drone operator as this will provide some knowledge required to fly the drone safely.
4. Stay updated with drone flying safety procedures by subscribing to well-known manufacturers, and operators or joining relevant online communities.
5. Carry out pre-flight checklists and inspections. These include:

• Check you have charged the batteries properly
• Inspect the drone for any physical damage or loose parts
• Ensure the Return-to-Home (RTH) function works accurately by performing a pre-flight test flight. RTH is a feature in most drones that ensures that the drone returns to the designated coordinate you save as home ( in most cases the starting point) safely.

Enroll in Comprehensive Drone Pilot Training Programs

You need to get drone pilot training from expert trainers to avoid making these mistakes like not adhering to local regulations, neglecting re-flight checklists and flying safety practices.

The drone pilot training program also needs to be comprehensive in order to offer value.

Therefore, you need to ensure that you enroll in a program run and instructed by professionals like Coastal Drone, with years of experience and who understand the industry’s dos and don’ts.

Also, through our training, we explain how we overcome the mistakes we made when we were starting our drone flying journey. 

Therefore, we are able to provide tips and tricks to help you avoid these common mistakes through our firsthand personal experiences.

Contact us today to enroll in our comprehensive training program to learn the necessary skills and gain confidence as you become a competent drone operator who does not make mistakes.

1. Planning and Surveying

While flying a drone, you need to understand your terrain. You need to know where the slopes, water bodies, cliffs, and dense trees are. You also need to understand any elevation changes as these may affect how you operate your drone.

Also, as a surveyor or project manager, it makes it easy for you to identify potential hazards or other existing obstacles like water bodies that you need to consider in the planning process.

For instance, if the detailed drone map shows that the house or road you want to build lies in an area that needs levelling or stabilizing, you can allocate the needed resources. Similarly, you can be able to map out your route while drone flying to avoid any obstacles like trees or buildings.

Therefore, this data helps interested parties devise a feasible plan taking into consideration any challenges they may encounter.

2. Improved Decision-making

Running a project in whichever kind of industry requires making informed decisions, and so does operating a drone. But it is hard to make these decisions in a timely manner if the data you are using is not accurate or lacks some of the crucial aspects like steep inclines, presence of trees, restricted zones or waterbodies.

Also, you are able to visualize your project in better detail as the drone maps are usually from an aerial view. This way, you can see angles you may have missed during any planning that lets you come up with a better or improved infrastructure.

For example, if you want to build a hotel on the beach, you need to use a drone map since it’s always in aerial view, allowing you to see all the minute details you might have otherwise missed from information gathered from other viewpoints.

So, knowing where to put the rooms is crucial when working with your contractors and architects to design the best building plan because this is the selling point for your hotel.

On the other hand, operating a drone without an extensive map is like flying blind and you run the risk of failing to reach your objective because you can’t account for all the risks.

3. Contribute to Environmental Conservation

Here is how a detailed drone map may contribute to environmental conservation as shown in the table below.

Learn to Use a Detailed Drone Map like an Expert

Having a drone map is better than having none, but knowing what to look for in a detailed map is something else.

You need to know how to read the elevation data, contours, and slope analysis, including the challenging terrains found in Canada.

Then, you should use this information to adjust your drone the next time you fly it.

However, you will not be able to learn this unless you attend a drone pilot training institution such as Coastal Drone, which has expert instructors.

To enroll in our drone pilot training ,contact us today and be well-equipped to adjust your drone flights by effectively utilizing detailed drone maps.