This past week we spent some time in the great state of Texas (not as great as Tennessee of course 🙂 at the annual PAPA Convention (Professional Aerial Photographer’s Association). Each time we attend, the amount of information we leave with is mind-boggling. This year was all about drones or UAVs and vertical mapping.

Early in the week we did some on hands drone training and flying including getting tested on our new knowledge. PAPA is working with the FAA to develop a training course for drones and we are excited to be in on the ground floor.

A representative from the FAA was also on hand to answer our slew of questions about drones (or UAVs is the preferred term), the FAA’s work on regulation and how they are going to impact our business. We received so much information on this that we are going to break things down into several upcoming blog posts so stay tuned!

On the mapping side (a small part of our business) there are so many new technologies out there, it looks like the product will be getting better and better and also more affordable. We are working with integrating this more into our services with our great vendors and pilots. More on that to come.

And the best part of the event is the networking with new members, friends and colleagues. We look forward to our next get together where I am sure there will be many more things to explore. #neverstoplearning

Wendy Whittemore – Flight Commander

Aerial Innovations of TN, Inc.