A north entrepreneur has launched a new business flying remote controlled “copters” to provide professional film and industrial inspection services across Scotland.
Doug Berry, founder of Fortrose-based Stratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), is now open for business after completing a strict approval process by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Two weeks ago the flight regulator approved the development of the company’s operations manual, which conforms to UK air law and guidelines, which means the firm is now ready to fly.
Mr Berry, whose professional background includes the design and development of satellite navigation systems, said he was inspired to start the business after he read some technical articles about the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for commercial and industrial applications.
“That made me realise at that point they are not just military,” he said.
Last year, Mr Berry acquired two remote controlled drones with associated camera equipment in order to use them to take pictures or video.
He also works with a professional audio company, HCVF Television, in Inverness to provide broadcast-quality remote controlled cameras.
“The industrial applications are going to be the major thing – survey work and inspection work.
“Wind turbines get inspected at least once a year up close. There will be visual inspections from the ground every month, but in order to get up close that is usually done by a guy in a basket on the end of a crane.
“But with a copter you don’t need that heavy equipment or need a guy up high,” he added.
The CAA also imposes flight rules which restrict the copter’s range to 1,650ft.
“The major issue is having an operations manual. And they audit you once a year to make sure that you are keeping the records you should be,” he said.
He said he “tries to avoid” calling the units drones due to their controversial use by the military, but he admits that most people call them that anyway.
“As far as I’m aware I’m the only person in the north who is legitimately operating here,” he added.
Each copter costs about £10,000, and more for software which monitors the units and manages the images.
Stewart Nicol, chief executive at Inverness Chamber of Commerce, congratulated Mr Berry on the launch of the new service.
He said: “New business start-ups, particularly those from emerging and innovation sectors, are strong evidence of a robust and thriving economy.”