Back in April, we revealed that thermal imaging specialist FLIR has made a strategic investment in DroneBase.
It’s a big step that is going to open doors, both for our pilots and our customers. To start with, we have developed specialized training for DroneBase pilots through FLIR’s Infrared Training Center (ITC).
The aim is to train hundreds of pilots through FLIR’s regional centers across the United States, starting in the second half of 2019.
Our network of thermal trained pilots will then provide customers with the ability to gather thermal imagery and data at a national and global scale, with standard pricing and reliable capture via the DroneBase API and cloud dashboard.
The promise of thermal drone data
We see huge potential in thermal drone data. The technology has come a long way in the past few years, in part due to FLIR’s continued development of leading thermal micro cameras. But also because organizations of all kinds are using drones and thermal imagery to make better decisions.
These range from first responders and search and rescue teams to conservation groups and industrial inspection crews. Solar farms, pipelines, transport infrastructure and more can all be more easily maintained with a thermal eye in the sky.
Thermal drone possibilities are set to expand with the FAA’s proposed changes to Part 107. The changes could clear the way for even more advanced commercial operations, including valuable nighttime inspections.
If you want to be a part of this exciting step, receive training from FLIR’s professional thermographers and fly thermal missions for DroneBase, you may need a gear upgrade.
Here are a few reasons to invest in the future and some examples of the gear we are recommending for our thermal missions.
Upgrading your gear
As the drone industry continues to mature, so too do the regulations that guide it and the hardware that drives it. Legislators, manufacturers and organizations using drones are always making forward steps, so it makes sense that you future-proof your gear and skills accordingly.
Making the most of the coming possibilities will also be lucrative in the short term. Once our training program with FLIR and our thermal pilot network are established, we anticipate that missions requiring higher-caliber drones, cameras, and expertise will yield a much higher payout than our standard pilot missions.
Upgrading your drone and/or buying specialist thermal equipment will put you in the perfect position to benefit from our rollout of thermal drone imagery. It pays to keep your gear up to date and remain at the forefront of drone technology.
DJI’s thermal options
There are two steps to flying thermal missions with DroneBase. The first is to enroll for training at one of FLIR’s ITC centers. View training dates, locations, and more details here.
The current price for the Certificate is $1,995. DroneBase has a limited time 20%-off promotion that will be redeemable for all sUAS Level I Thermography courses until June 30, 2019. After that, the discount will be 15%. You can find more information on that here.
The second step is to upgrade your gear to make sure you’re ready to conduct thermal missions as soon as they become available.
The thermal options we’re recommending from DJI are the Zenmuse XT and XT2 640x512 13mm 9 or 30hz cameras. The Zenmuse XT can be flown with the Inspire 1 and the Zenmuse XT2 can be operated with the DJI M200, M210 and M600.
Other thermal drones from DJI and Parrot do not have sensors that provide enough resolution for in-depth data analysis. We are working to secure exclusive discounts for DroneBase pilots on this essential hardware.
If you’re interested in learning more about our partnership with FLIR, the potential of thermal imagery and how best to update your skills and gear, visit our FLIR ITC landing page or email us at flir@dronebase.com.
