UC-San Diego Grads To Launch Quadcopter Training Video Series

The FAA's objections to the use of UAVs for "commercial" purposes such as aerial photography has not deterred investors in Spark Aerial's kickstarter campaign from pushing the startup company past its funding goal.

The company is using the campaign to underwrite the cost of production for a video training series and online learning resources for aspiring quadcopter pilots and cinematographers.

Spark Aerial's funded training series will teach the basics of flying camera equipped drones of all types. The training videos will include the essential camera controls and editing skills needed to capture and produce breathtaking video footage from the sky. Spark also has intent to build an accompanying web portal to track training and flight progress.

"We're ecstatic that the KickStarter community is behind us and helped clear our initial goal so quickly.  We're most excited to connect with backers," said Radley Angelo, co-founder and Chief Pilot of Spark Aerial. "We've had an enthusiastic response from beginner pilots and cinematographers, as well as increasing inquiries from resellers and product manufacturers. The rapid growth of the drone user community has made it clear that there is industry and consumer demand for improved training tools."

Spark Aerial, founded by three engineering graduates from the University of California, San Diego, has worked previously with the National Geographic Society as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to name just a few.  The team recently returned from the Cannes Lions Festival,  renowned for recognizing excellence in digital media and creative arts.  Their media work has also been featured on Buzzfeed and Techcrunch.

"What's exciting is to see the wide range of applications these machines can have for people in real estate, agriculture, heavy industry and entertainment," said Angelo.  "We'll be able to teach others how to safely pilot drones while producing breathtaking content. These tools open up so many opportunities, but their is a learning curve to figure out safe operation practices. Given how quickly these devices are coming to market, the need for experienced pilots will only increase. The need for safe operating procedures here is clear, and we're excited to offer our expertise."

The Kickstarter rewards campaign will include access to the video series and online portal, training software to practice techniques as well as training drones for beginner pilots. An enterprise package is also available for businesses looking to incorporate Unmanned Systems technology with their current workflow.  As Spark Aerial's training video campaign continues to grow, it invites inquiries from manufacturers, resellers, and agencies to understand the full scope of Spark Aerial's services.

(Images from file)

FMI: www.sparkaerial.com