FlyRoute Drone Operations
Last week, FlyRoute Colorado and Tennessee locations supported 46 high school football events with 65 drone pilots. This week, FlyRoute will support 47 events with 61 drone pilots.
Going into Week 6 of the football regular season, the competition is continuing to increase as teams continue to enhance their performance. Drone film has proven to be a vital asset to teams. Coaches continue to use the aerial perspective to help their players improve in-game performance.
FlyRoute Pilot Spotlight, Cameron Barnes (Nashville, TN):
Hello, my name is Cameron Barnes! Going through high school I started to find an interest in working with drones and had the wonderful opportunity to get into Middle Tennessee State University for a degree in UAS operations. College offered me valuable information regarding the operation process of drones and provided a multitude of opportunities to build my hands-on experience in the field. I currently work two other jobs, one in a small business bakery and another in real-estate photography. Throughout both high school and college I had multiple opportunities to get involved with various organizations such as JROTC and mechatronics along with some work experience with my professor instructing multiple groups on drone operation and safety. When I find free time, I enjoy playing some video games or being on the water.
Q&A:
FlyRoute: As a new FlyRoute drone pilot, how has your previous aviation experience prepared you to fly for FlyRoute?
Cameron: "Before I started working with FlyRoute, I spent 4 years going through Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace. MTSU has a wonderful aerospace department covering the various occupations, and I was drawn into their Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations major as I saw drones as the next tool to revolutionize how information is gathered, and work is performed. The courses offered me knowledge and hands-on UAS experience to include construction, programming, troubleshooting involved, and various payload and software options to produce a desired service. During first two years, we worked with in-class made kits and worked into operating the different models of DJI drones to include DJI Phantom, Mavic, Inspire, Matrice, and FPV/Avata series. Additional payloads included optical, LiDAR, thermal, and multi-spectral. With the various hands-on experience offered through the courses, I have gained the experience and skills necessary to operate and produce high quality media and I am looking forward to the new knowledge and experience gained from FlyRoute."
FlyRoute: Where do you foresee the future of drones in athletics evolving in the next 2-3 years?
Cameron: "Before I heard of FlyRoute, I only knew of utilizing drones for offering another camera angle for the media team to show the game and make highlights. Most sports could utilize the aerial shots to better improve their showing of the sport such as golf showing the green and ball travel, or field sports like cross country to view the runners progress and course. In the short time working with FlyRoute I have realized there is more potential in utilizing drones in sports as football teams can review the birds-eye view of the field to improve their formations. This tool could be useful for other sports such as soccer or rugby to offer the coaches a better view of their players and possible zone coverage improvements."
FlyRoute: How do you feel your experience with FlyRoute will enhance your current career goals and aspirations?
Cameron: "My goal with FlyRoute is to improve my skills and knowledge of drone operations and the various use cases involved with sports to offer teams desirable services. I plan to use this opportunity to also work on customer interactions and building a reputation as a local drone operator for other opportunities in the community outside of sports. If given the chance to continue working with Chris and the Nashville team, I plan to further build the company and networking as there is a great growth potential for this area and the various schools. We have talked with seemed highly interested in utilizing FlyRoute for aerial videography in their sports."
FlyRoute: What would you say to a potential pilot considering flying with FlyRoute?
Cameron: "Although my time with FlyRoute is just starting, I am already getting to experience new opportunities working with drones and skills for making connections with various schools in the area. To potential FlyRoute pilots, I highly recommend joining the wonderful FlyRoute community as this opportunity will offer you experience in the field of aerial videography and the networking connections within the company can lead to more opportunities and tips to improve your skills in the aviation field. Working with FlyRoute also provides a great chance to build strong connections and improve communication skills within the community and the sports teams in the area."
Football FPV Contest Recap - 2023 Winner, Gayle Kakac
Each football season, FlyRoute hosts a Football FPV Contest. The FlyRoute pilot entrant is tasked to submit a 1-2 minute highlight/hype video for their designated team.
Each contestant is graded by our pre-appointed panel of judges. Grading is assessed on:
Film Quality
Audio Quality
Viewer Engagement
Creativity
Flight Smoothness.
Winners are awarded with a cash prize and the video is showcased at our end of year Drone Pilot Social Hour.
The video above is the 2023 winning submission from FlyRoute Pilot, Gayle Kakac. Well done, Gayle!
Street League FPV Championship - Oct 5-6th 2024, Colorado
If anyone is interested in doing some filming for the event or interested in volunteering, email Tim (Owner of Street League & FlyRoute pilot) at sky@streetleague.io.
For a full schedule, rules, format, and further event information, visit: Street League Event Page.
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Check back periodically at www.FlyRoute.com for the latest news, pilot spotlight interviews, and industry updates. For any comments or news tips, feel free to reach us at ops@flyroute.com.
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