5 Benefits of Including a Visual Observer for Aerial Photographers

The primary role in every aerial photography mission is owned by the drone pilot-in-charge (PIC), however, the unsung hero of the drone flight crew is the visual observer. Although the drone pilot must always maintain the capability to see the drone in flight, utilizing one or more visual observers allows the pilot to conduct other mission-critical duties while still ensuring situational awareness of the drone.

What, exactly, does the visual observer do? The role of the visual observer is that he or she maintains constant visual contact with the drone, scans for other aircraft and hazards in the area, and communicates to the pilot any instructions required to keep him or her advised on the Drone’s status during flight operations.

Why should any of this matter to real estate agents?

Here are 5 key benefits of having a visual observer on every aerial photo shoot:

Visual Observer Assisting Pilot and Drone Operator

1. Mitigate Risk

Before and during each mission, drone pilots have a tremendous amount on their plate. A visual observer helps to keep the pilot focused on the safe outcome of each mission.

2. Higher Quality Production

An experienced visual observer can also be helpful in setting up important shots by directing the best position and angle for the pilot to photograph the target.

3. Pilot Redundancy

There’s nothing more disappointing than discovering the primary pilot is unable to participate in the mission due to a last-minute emergency. When this happens, a visual observer, who also happens to be Part 107 Certified, can act as a back-up to the primary pilot. Since we feel “the show must go on”, Aerial Decisions always strives to staff each aerial photography mission with this type of redundancy.

4. Scene Management

In the case of smaller productions, the visual observer may also serve as the scene manager, fielding questions from bystanders and dealing with any issues that may negatively impact the pilot’s ability to focus their attention to the safety and control of the aircraft. This is one less thing the real estate agents needs to worry about.

5. Safety

A visual observer keeps the pilot advised on the drone’s location, attitude, altitude, and direction of flight. He or she also notifies the pilot of the position of other aircraft or hazards in the immediate airspace. Finally, the visual observer ensures that the drone does not endanger the life or property of another.

Despite the fact the use of a visual observer is optional when operating under FAA Part 107 rules, they should always be considered an integral part of any aerial photography project.

From The Editor:

Do you need to hire a professional drone service provider? To speak to an aerial data specialist, fill out a form, email us or for even faster response times, give us a call at (833) FLY-4YOU or (833) 359-4968. Check out our transparent pricing at Drone Photography Pricing and watch this space as we expand on the above topics and more over the coming weeks and months. If you like this post, feel free to click the share button at the bottom of the page. We appreciate you helping us by spreading the content we share on our blog.

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Jim Gibson

Founder | CEO at Aerial Decisions

Jim is the founder of Aerial Decisions and is an FAA Part 107 Certified Commercial Drone Pilot.He has spent the last 10 years building and leading world class sales teams for an industry leading digital marketing agency.Jim is widely recognized amongst his peers as a consummate full funnel digital marketing expert and a respected industry leader.

Equally adept as an entrepreneur, Jim has led start up organizations in a multitude of industries ranging from telecommunications to web based software services.In this latest adventure, Jim is leveraging his profound love of flying drones into a dynamic new start-up that he hopes one day becomes the standard bearer for drone flying advocacy across the globe.

Jim originally hails from Clearwater, Florida and currently lives in Glendale, California with his wife Diana and his lovable pup, Gunnar.

When Jim’s not flying drones: “You’ll catch me on the ice (or asphalt) playing beer league hockey or training for my next triathlon.Whether it’s on ice asphalt or in the water you’ll always find me on the move and rarely sitting still.