This has been eating at me for two years now, so it is time for me to issue an official public apology for using one of my drones to invade someone’s privacy.  A couple years back I was in Las Vegas and excited to test out my new “quadcopter” drone, which was equipped with a GoPro camera on it.  I was at a golf course and launched my drone from the parking lot.  I flew up to about 100 feet and captured this picture below.  I had no idea what was in the picture when it was shot.  The GoPro was shooting photos automatically, every 10 seconds.  In the picture you can see the red arrow which points to a golfer in the fairway on one of the holes.

Invasion of Privacy via Drone

The media is full of invasion of privacy articles involving drones lately. People are shooting at drones with shotguns.  They’re calling police.  There are altercations.  It’s crazy.  There’s quite a stir going on. All of this attention has been really getting to me and I’ve been losing sleep knowing this this poor golfer in the photo had no idea I shot his (or her) picture. I can’t tell if the golfer is male or female since it’s just basically a tiny distorted dot in the photo.  Actually, I’m not 100% sure that is a golfer, but I think it is.  It might be a 150 yard marker.

To the golfer in the photo above (if you’re really a golfer and not a 150 marker), I sincerely apologize for taking your photo without your permission.  I deeply hope this photo has not caused you any emotional damage, and that it has not had any adverse effect on you or your family.   I understand if you feel legal action is necessary, but I hope that you consider this apology before doing so.  I have not sold or licensed this photo and have not made any financial gain from it.

Once again, you have my sincere apology.

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Perfect Aerial Imaging Solution for GoPro® Enthusiasts

ONTARIO, CA (September 2, 2015) — Yuneec International, the world leader in electric aviation, today announced the launch of the Typhoon G for GoPro® users. The newest member of the Typhoon family is designed to provide smooth and stable aerial footage for the crisp GoPro® camera. In addition, the Typhoon G continues to deliver Yuneec’s standard of being ready, easy and safe for consumers everywhere.

The Typhoon G has several smart features that ensure safety and ease of use, which consumers have come to expect from the Typhoon series. Features such as Geo-Fencing, Speed Control, Dynamic Return to Home, Follow Me and Watch Me are built into the Typhoon G system.

“We believe the Typhoon G will be the aerial and ground imaging solution of choice for GoPro® enthusiasts because it provides the most stable imaging available,” said Tian Yu, CEO of Yuneec USA.

The new GB203 3-axis self-stabilizing gimbal is designed especially for the GoPro® Hero3TM and above. It can be mounted on the Typhoon multicopter and on the SteadyGripTM ground handle – a device that ensures ground shots are as smooth as those taken from the air. While flying the Typhoon G, real-time image transmission is achieved with the included MK58 digital video downlink module and can be viewed on the ST10+ ground station. The SteadyGripTM uses up to a 6.4-inch mobile device as a display, and features camera pitch control for precise camera angle control on-the-go.

Typhoon G is made for the GoPro® user, and comes ready-to-fly in a color box with a ST10+ ground station, a handheld SteadyGripTM for stable ground footage, one battery and a smart charger for the suggested retail price of $999.99 USD. For more information visit www.yuneec.com.

About Yuneec International
Founded in 1999, Yuneec is the world leader in electric aviation. With hundreds of patents held, Yuneec’s core technologies power manned aircraft, Typhoon and Tornado drones and its market-leading line of radio controlled aircraft for the hobby market. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Yuneec manufactures over one million units a year that are sold under OEM/ODM brands as well as the Typhoon brand of multicopters. The company’s achievements include the introduction of the industry’s first “Ready to Fly” radio controlled electric powered airplane, and the design and manufacture of market-leading radio controlled helicopters and microcopters.

GOPRO, HERO, the GOPRO logo, and the GoPro Be a Hero logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro Inc.

Welcome to the Ambient Flight “Drones for Good” section.  Each week we will highlight a news item featuring drones doing something good, in an effort to counterbalance the negativity and paranoia drones are receiving in the press and in public opinion.

This article in the Duke Chronicle highlights the use of drones for marine lab studies in the recently opened Marine Conservation Ecology Unmanned Systems Facility.

“We’re interested in using these systems (drones) to go out and count animals, to study coastal habitats and obtain coastal imagery, to see how coastlines might be eroding, as well as for emergency response to maritime emergencies.” ~David Johnston – drone facility’s executive director and assistant professor of the practice of marine conservation ecology at The Nicholas School of the Environment.

The article (please read it) continues on saying the use of drones is much safer than the helicopters they used to use for the same research and that drones open up areas of research previously not accessible.  Additionally, “drones offer access to lower altitudes and tighter spaces and are particularly useful when studying endangered species, because loud planes or helicopters risk altering the animals’ behavior.”

This is great news and I can’t wait to see what findings and new information come as a result of this use of drones for good.