Commercial drones are an excellent tool for businesses and individuals. They can take photographs and video footage over long distances. They can also conduct land surveys and collect 2D and 3D mapping data.
While the same can be said for many consumer-grade drones, it’s also important to know what makes commercial-grade drones unique. In this article, we’ll look at what drones are for and everything you need to know about flying them.
What are Commercial Drones Used For?
A drone is a versatile tool despite its initial simplicity. While it is essentially a flying camera, it can also be equipped with software and other sensors.
Depending on the drone’s size, it can also be equipped with extra attachments. These can range from gimbals to customized dispensers and even robotic hands.
All in all, commercial drones have a variety of applications, such as:
- Agriculture
Agriculture drones are becoming increasingly popular as large-scale farming operations continue to find ways to optimize their yield.
In agriculture, drones scan for plant and soil health and can also help with seeding or spraying pesticides and fertilizers, thanks to custom attachments. They are also helpful in monitoring and tracking livestock.
- Mining
One of the commercial drone uses is in the mining industry. Drones monitor and scan mine shafts for potential hazards without risking the safety of miners and engineers.
Drones for the mining industry conduct terrain mapping, surveying, and stockpile estimation. They can help detect hot spots, identify explosive areas, and ensure road safety in mine sites.
- Power Line Inspection
Drones are also applicable in the utility industry for maintaining and repairing power lines, electric poles, and towers.
They are especially crucial for monitoring and assessing damage in post-disaster scenarios. Flying drones remotely from a safe location enhances precision and provides a safer way to work.
- Architecture and Construction
Cameras can only sometimes take the proper footage to document various project construction phases. With the need to showcase different angles, drones are the perfect tool for capturing multistorey buildings and large structures.
Many of the best commercial drones are specially designed to capture more than just clear images and videos. They are also intended to fly stably in high winds, with built-in stabilizers supporting the camera.
How are Commercial Drones Different from Consumer Drones?
Today, drones are no longer just for military use. Many are being used for business and professional purposes, as well as recreational and personal use. That said, there are a few differences between industrial and consumer drones, such as:
- Equipment and features
The easiest difference between consumer and industrial drones is to look at the onboard equipment.
For example, industrial-grade drones generally have specialized equipment like hyperspectral cameras and LiDAR sensors. Depending on the industry’s needs,
- Different users
Another difference between industrial and consumer drones is the target audience. The latter is aimed at hobbyists and aerial photography enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the former tends to aim towards industry users.
As a result, consumer-grade drones tend to emphasize portability and ease of use. Meanwhile, industry-grade drones focus on having a complete package of features.
3. Use conditions or applications
Consumer drones are designed to meet customers’ entertainment needs in a way similar to other electronic products. Meanwhile, finding the best drone for commercial use depends on the industry or application.
For example, there are drones specifically for surveying or 3D mapping. Meanwhile, others are intended for carrying cargo. As for consumer drones, they are often focused on aerial photography or racing.
4. Price
The most visible difference between industrial and consumer drones is the price. While some consumer drones can have elevated prices, commercial drones are typically more expensive.
The Bottom Line
Drones today aren’t just for military use. Commercial drones are versatile tools that have become indispensable in nearly every industry. Their speed, relative ease of use, and cost efficiency make them an excellent alternative for real-time data collection.
That said, it’s important to know the differences between industrial and consumer drones. While they may seem similar at first, the differences in features, specs, and especially their prices can set them apart.
When choosing a drone for your business, it’s important to know exactly what features and capabilities you need. After that, it’s a matter of finding the right drone within your set budget.
FAQ’s
There are many questions buyers want to know about drone technology. Drones can do much more in the right hands outside of aesthetic imagery and promotional videos.
Here are other frequently asked questions about drones you need to know:
Q. How Fast Can Industrial Drones Fly?
A. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has a speed limit of 100 mph (160 kph) for drones.
That said, speed is only sometimes the most crucial factor, especially for industrial drones. There are many instances, like crop spraying and environmental monitoring, where slower-moving drones are better.
When it comes to commercial drone buying, what matters more than speed is manoeuvrability and control. Precise flight controls allow drone pilots to better collect data in real time.
Q . Do I Need a License to Fly Industrial Drones?
A. A remote pilot certificate may be required for businesses or companies using drones for any source of income stream.
Remember that regulations and licensure exams may vary depending on the country or state. When applying for drone pilot certification, look up your area’s requirements for doing so.
Q. How Long Can Industrial Drones Fly?
A. Professional or industry drones can have a flight time of 50-60 minutes, depending on their battery life. For this reason, choosing a drone with the most extended flight time is always good.
For this reason, it’s also important to include extra batteries to allow for multiple flight runs. Aside from batteries and charging pads, pre-programmed flight routes can also help save battery life by automating data gathering.
Q. Can Commercial Drones Be Flown at Night?
A. Yes! Many industrial drone models are equipped with night-flight capabilities, allowing them to continue operating under low visibility. Commercial pilots still need to undergo specialized training for night flights.
Additionally, when it comes to flying for commercial purposes, night flying may be restricted to the pilot’s line of sight. Aside from obtaining the necessary permissions, pilots may also need to detail the following:
- Daylight reconnaissance and site safety assessment
- Identification of any hazards and restrictions
- Weather limitations
- Launch site illumination
- Aircraft lighting requirements
Q. Do I Need to Insure My Drone?
A. It’s generally a good idea to apply for drone insurance whenever possible. Doing so can help protect you against losses or damage since commercial drones can be expensive.
That said, depending on your needs, you can insure your drone only for liability. Depending on your current insurance policy,
