Drone Fun for Business and Pleasure

You have the pleasure of witnessing, via blog, the inaugural flight of Henry... The quadcopter that joined my family recently!

Henry had been a twinkle in my eye for quite some time. Perhaps since the day a fellow Boulder CO Realtor introduced me to his quadcopter child, back in mid 2014.

As you might remember, I love real estate, love flying and love photography. The plan to buy a quadcopter and use it for aerial photography while simultaneously embracing my inner 14 year old boy, was an exciting one.

Mark gave me a mini drone for Christmas and quadcopter flight lessons began. At about 4-5" in diameter, it was almost harmless fun. We laughed out loud as it flew mostly out of control across my living room. Before the "crash kit" even arrived, we had (really, I had) managed to destroy 2 sets of propellers by way of collisions with the ceiling, walls, furniture and myself! The good news was that the dog still had his eyes and the cat was holding his own with a stoic face from behind the furniture.

Practice makes perfect though and 5 days later, it was indeed possible for both Mark and I to crash land that device, without breaking something. Just in time for the inevitable arrival of Henry. Yes, I had bitten the bullet and purchased a Phantom Vision II - who we are affectionately calling Henry.

Henry is CAPABLE. His role with Silver Fern Homes will be part-time photographer and with his 14 megapixel camera he will provide me with gorgeous aerial photos and short videos, providing a brand new perspective. Perhaps most importantly, offering my sellers a service that is not super easy to find and buyers, a way to see the big picture... Location, orientation, neighborhood layout, views.

On his first day out of the box, Henry, Mark and I had some learning to do. There was a bit of set-up and a few batteries to install.  Then, painfully, we had to wait for nicer weather. Apparently my living room is not big enough for Henry so we headed to the open space of a local school for his inaugural flight.

What a fantastic Sunday afternoon! We had a lot of fun learning and playing. So much so that I almost didn't notice my freezing fingers.

Henry has a fairly short attention span. He only lasts 30 minutes or so before needing a nap.  So Mark and I were happily flying him back toward the car, fully aware that he was down to 1 of his 4 battery lights when Henry suddenly rises up and flies off, by himself!

I was freaking out... The controls in my hands were ineffective and I watched Henry, 100 feet in the air, moving back over the school field and getting further and further away.

Suddenly I realize what is happening. The low battery warning that was being yelled from the app on my phone, was also telling Henry to return to where he first launched. Mark and I had calibrated his GPS about 75 feet out in the field and that is where Henry landed himself on autopilot. Very reassuring when you think about it - and after your mild stroke abates.