*Due to new FAA regulations concerning the use of drones for business,  we no longer use drone technology during home inspections. 

AT Advanced Home Inspections of Florida we are sometimes asked to inspect some very tall buildings, structures and even towers.

These high structures can be very difficult, not to mention dangerous, to inspect or get close up photos or video of.  Even with binocular’s, you can not see a 3 or more story roof, from the ground.

Not being the type to shy away from difficult assignments, and because I saw a need, in the inspection industry,  for this type of Drone technology, I invested time and money in the purchase of a variety of drones.

We utilize three types/sizes of Multi-Rotors, also known as UAV’s,  (unmanned aerial vehicles) or Drones. The first, and our largest, is approximately 3 feet across, 24 inches high and is powered by six motors and is referred to as a Hexacoptor. The total weight with cameras and batteries on board is approximately 12 pounds. This Drone is best suited for carrying heavier pay loads such as bigger cameras and heavier batteries.  The added payload capability allows for longer flights and therefore more onsite filming time. Depending on conditions, up to 20 minutes.

The second type of Multi-Rotor Photo Drone uses is approximately 18 inches across and approximately 14 inches tall. It is also powered by 6 motors.  The total weight with the camera and batteries is approximately 7 pounds.  This Drone is best suited for shorter missions, up to 8 minutes of flying time. This Drone is better suited for those tighter or somewhat congested air spaces.

The third type of Drone that we utilize has four motors and is called a Quadcopter. This Drone is 12  by 18 inches across and 6 inches tall. The total weight with camera and battery is approximately 5 pounds. This Drone has a flight time of about 6 minutes and is best suited for very tight areas such as in and around trees/wooded areas, bridge/towers inspections. This Drone is so small and maneuverable that it can be flown indoors.

Camera Gimbals

Advanced Home Inspections uses two types of Gyro equipped camera gimbals.  A 3-axis and a 2-axis. The 3-axis gimbal is stabilized on all 3 axes.  The 2-axis is stabilized on two axes.  These state of the art gimbals allow us to capture amazingly sharp and vivid photos and video even when flying in windy or turbulent conditions.

Cameras

Advanced Home Inspections makes use of a Canon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, a Sony NEX 5, and a GoPro 3 to produce extremely clear and vivid Inspection videos and still photographs.