Professional and Career Topics

Hello ASCE! 

I am wondering if there are others who are or have an interest in becoming FAA-Certified Drone Pilots? I recently enrolled and completed the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) Certificate allowing me to recreationally operate unmanned aircraft. I am studying and planning to take the Knowledge Exam and apply for my Remote Pilot Certificate.

For those who are FAA-Certified Drone Pilots, what kind of projects have you been inspecting? and how does having your Remote Pilot Certificate help you in your day-to-day (planning, design, construction)?

For those who are interested, what interests you about becoming a certified drone pilot?

Thanks!

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Rafael Estrada Moncada EI, P.E., M.ASCE
Construction Engineer
Lincoln NE
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Rafael:
I am in the midst of studying for my Remote Pilot Certificate.  I am motivated by the opportunity to obtain low level aerials of projects.  We can not always see the interaction between project parts by standing on the ground and photographically from an altitude of 6 feet AGL.  Secondly, the collection of inexpensive high grade marketing photographs of completed projects is also in need.  I also have colleagues who are exploring the use of UAS to provide routine data collection and or photo documentation during large scale site development and environmental restoration projects.

Douglas Mann, P.E.

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Douglas MannP.E., D.CE, M.ASCE
Lake WorthFL
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Morning Douglas!

We share the same motivations. After completion of the Remote Pilot Certificate, my goal is to obtain low-level aerials showcasing the project before, during, and after the construction phase. These can be used for documentation and for marketing purposes. What kind of drone will you be operating? I currently fly a DJI Phantom 3 Standard. A little bulky and loud, but it shoots high-resolution pictures and videos. I like the larger form factor because it is easier for me to keep my drone in my line of sight. 




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Rafael Estrada Moncada P.E., M.ASCE
Construction Engineer
Lincoln NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-19-2021 08:45 AM
From: Douglas Mann
Subject: FAA-Certified Drone Pilot

Rafael:
I am in the midst of studying for my Remote Pilot Certificate.  I am motivated by the opportunity to obtain low level aerials of projects.  We can not always see the interaction between project parts by standing on the ground and photographically from an altitude of 6 feet AGL.  Secondly, the collection of inexpensive high grade marketing photographs of completed projects is also in need.  I also have colleagues who are exploring the use of UAS to provide routine data collection and or photo documentation during large scale site development and environmental restoration projects.

Douglas Mann, P.E.

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Douglas MannP.E., D.CE, M.ASCE
Lake WorthFL
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Check out aecdroneservices.com for a good idea as to the scope of services that can be offered.
Patrick J. Rebull, PE, CGC

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Patrick Rebull P.E., M.ASCE
RETIRED
Miami FL
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Hey Patrick,

Wow, they offer great services. Thanks for the link.

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Rafael Estrada Moncada P.E., M.ASCE
Construction Engineer
Lincoln NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-19-2021 01:42 PM
From: Patrick Rebull
Subject: FAA-Certified Drone Pilot

Check out aecdroneservices.com for a good idea as to the scope of services that can be offered.
Patrick J. Rebull, PE, CGC

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Patrick Rebull P.E., M.ASCE
RETIRED
Miami FL
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Rafael:
I practiced as a civil engineer for over 46 years before I chose to redirect rather than retire.  I began a residential and commercial real estate inspection service.  I am an FAA Part 107 UAS Commercial Drone Pilot.  I use DJI Mavic Air Drones to do roof inspections, siding and window inspections that cannot be observed from ground level. and real estate photography.  If you engage in any kind of activity with your drone that generates revenue for youself, you will need the commercial license.  Dale Gunter, P. E.

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James Gunter P.E., M.ASCE
Capital Property Inspection Service, LLC
Fairfield Bay AR
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Hey Dale,

Awesome that you chose to redirect your career rather than retire. What inspired you to start a drone business?

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Rafael Estrada Moncada P.E., M.ASCE
Construction Engineer
Lincoln NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-19-2021 04:55 PM
From: James Gunter
Subject: FAA-Certified Drone Pilot

Rafael:
I practiced as a civil engineer for over 46 years before I chose to redirect rather than retire.  I began a residential and commercial real estate inspection service.  I am an FAA Part 107 UAS Commercial Drone Pilot.  I use DJI Mavic Air Drones to do roof inspections, siding and window inspections that cannot be observed from ground level. and real estate photography.  If you engage in any kind of activity with your drone that generates revenue for youself, you will need the commercial license.  Dale Gunter, P. E.

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James Gunter P.E., M.ASCE
Capital Property Inspection Service, LLC
Fairfield Bay AR
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When I had my UAS license, the drone used was designed specifically to measure bulk material stockpile volumes; I was the one in assigned that task for my employer.  It was a good use of the technology, considering the alternative was much more expensive and time consuming.

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Michael W. Hall, PE, M.ASCE
Sr. Engineer
Dolese Bros. Co.
Oklahoma City, OK
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Thanks for the reply Michael!

That is a great use of drone technology. Did you primarily work for the Contractor or for other consultants?

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Rafael Estrada Moncada P.E., M.ASCE
Construction Engineer
Lincoln NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-26-2021 08:49 AM
From: Michael Hall
Subject: FAA-Certified Drone Pilot

When I had my UAS license, the drone used was designed specifically to measure bulk material stockpile volumes; I was the one in assigned that task for my employer.  It was a good use of the technology, considering the alternative was much more expensive and time consuming.

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Michael W. Hall, PE, M.ASCE
Sr. Engineer
Dolese Bros. Co.
Oklahoma City, OK
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I'm an independent consultant serving as an expert witness and forensic engineer. We use drones for aerial and infrared imaging of residential and commercial buildings and other structures that have suffered damages to the superstructure due to storms and other direct and indirect causes.

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Patrick Rebull, PE, CGC
Consulting Engineer
Miami, FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-04-2021 10:50 AM
From: Rafael Estrada Moncada
Subject: FAA-Certified Drone Pilot

Thanks for the reply Michael!

That is a great use of drone technology. Did you primarily work for the Contractor or for other consultants?

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Rafael Estrada Moncada P.E., M.ASCE
Construction Engineer
Lincoln NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-26-2021 08:49 AM
From: Michael Hall
Subject: FAA-Certified Drone Pilot

When I had my UAS license, the drone used was designed specifically to measure bulk material stockpile volumes; I was the one in assigned that task for my employer.  It was a good use of the technology, considering the alternative was much more expensive and time consuming.

------------------------------
Michael W. Hall, PE, M.ASCE
Sr. Engineer
Dolese Bros. Co.
Oklahoma City, OK