We’ve been writing a lot about drones, covering everything from small startups to the efforts of Amazon.com.
But until Saturday, I’d never flown one of the mechanical contraptions myself.
Sure, there was the time on Christmas Day two years ago when my son and I unsuccessfully piloted a $70 Radio Shack remote-controlled helicopter over our neighbor’s house, crashing the vehicle on the sidewalk.
But I’d never taken the controls of a $1,000 quadcopter.
So, when the CopterShop — a new Woodinville-based retailer of drones and accessories— invited me out to experience the new DJI Inspire 1 and take a “pilot lesson” for the DJI Phantom model, I had to say yes.
The weather was perfect for flying — a crisp fall afternoon with the sun blanketing the Seattle Center.
Nonetheless, I entered the grounds with some trepidation — recalling my last experience with the radio-controlled helicopter.
I didn’t want to be that guy who lost control of an expensive piece of equipment — embarrassed in front of experienced drone pilots by flying it into a tree or, worse yet, a pedestrian.
CopterShop co-founder Steve McIrvin reassured me that I’d be fine, noting that the high-tech drones are programmed to return autonomously to their starting point if they happen to stray out of range. He also calmly instructed me on the drone’s lightweight controller, which I used to get my mechanical bird flying in the air.
I was told not to fly over 400 feet — something I didn’t anticipate doing. (To put that number in perspective, I later learned that the Space Needle is 605 feet tall).
Taking the controls of the Phantom 2 Vision + — a drone that sells for $1,299 — was both exhilarating and scary.
There was certainly a learning curve, and I didn’t press my luck by attempting to emulate the professional pilots who were buzzing their drones around the International Fountain. I also steered clear of them.
“This is a little freaky,” I told McIrvin as I piloted the drone up and down, topping out at probably 75 feet.
The Phantom 2 was fairly easy to control, much easier than the Radio Shack helicopter I crashed a few years ago. My four-year-old son was even able to land the device.
“Dad, look how high it’s going,” noted my son as he watched one of the pilots maneuver the Inspire 1 high into the air. He was also equally impressed with the ability of the Inspire 1 to transform in mid-air, allowing it to retract its landing gear to allow for unobstructed photography.
As with any hobby, there’s an interesting subculture around drones. At lunch, I spoke to several drone pilots, many of whom shared experiences of dealing with people who didn’t like the idea of the aircraft hovering nearby. Others discussed what’s next with government regulations around drones.
One pilot noted how he now calls the police before taking his drones to the sky, better to forewarn them in case anyone gets in his face. Another noted how he’s built a niche business editing aerial footage for real estate professionals.
One could certainly sense a budding energy around the drones, perhaps best exhibited by McIrvin who quit his job at Amazon.com to start the CopterShop.
“We saw that the timing was right with the drone revolution,” said McIrvin, adding that a strong retailer has yet to emerge in the category. “This is a very specialized product, and you need a lot of training and parts and knowledge and equipment.”
Plus, he added, it is just a heck of a lot of fun. “I bought the first Phantom, and saw just how cool it was,” he said.
As for me, would I fly a drone again? I am not as convinced as my colleague Todd Bishop, who wants one for Christmas.
But one could certainly see the appeal.
Saturday’s event certainly made one serious convert. My four-year-old son wanted to know when he could fly again.
