Review of Drone Expo 2017, Saturday 11th March.

By Frank Ó Tormaigh Primary Teacher, Masters of Education and Digital Learning Student @StPatsDCU

Drone Expo Ireland 2017 at the RDS highlighted the latest drone technology available for recreational and commercial use. Saturday was a busy day, with a steady stream of visitors inquiry about all types of drones. Hall 3 was a busy place on Saturday, with various stands offering al types if services from purchasing, collaboration, surveying, filming, photography and insurance.

Live feed from the drone racing area in #DroneExpoIreland @Irish_TechNews pic.twitter.com/JSWUToyFjY

— Frank Ó Tormaigh (@FrankOTormaigh) March 11, 2017

Drone pilot training was another service which was on offer and I was fortunate enough to speak to Gearóid Ó Briain of www.FlyRyte.com who offer such training services.

Oisín McGrath, CEO DroneSAR, delivers a talk about how drones enhance search and rescue operations.

Epic Aerial Filming and iPlan iDesign

L – R: Conor Walsh (www.iPlaniDesign.ie), Philip Gaffney (www.epicaerialfilmimg.com) and Shane Doran

One of the first stands that I visited was Philip Gaffney’s from epicaerialfilming.com. Philip has worked on projects such as The Vikings and advertisements for Paddy Power.

I also had a chance to Speak to Shane Doran who is a camera operator for epicaerialfilming.com. Shane spoke to me about his role

I then had an opportunity to speak to Conor Walsh from www.iPlaniDesign.ie. Conor explained to me how drones can be a valuable asset when it comes to surveying.

Bart Zondag, Geo Inspect

Bart Zondag of Geo Inspect standing the impressive Procyon 800E drone helicopter.

I moved onto a stand which was displaying the Procyon 800E drone helicopter and Yellow Scan Sensor. Manning the stand was Bart Zondag of Geo Inspect. I asked Bart to tell me a bit more about the Procyon and Yellow Scan.

Vernon Kerswell and Micro Drone 3.0

The Micro Drone 3.0 and DODO case VR viewer.

One stand that was getting a lot of attention was Vernon Kerswell’s, creator of Micro Drone 3.0. A fascinating and exciting piece of technology. Vernon has raised over 3.5 million euro to fund the project after a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign.

Vernon later provided us with a very entertaining demonstration of just how agile the Micro Drone 3.0 really is.

Cover Drone

With the number of drones in Ireland on the rise drone users must ensure that they are covered by insurance. I spoke to Philip Heath, director of Cover Drone, www.coverdrone.com.

List of services offered by www.coverdrone.com

Yuneec Aviation Technology

The Tornado H920 plus which on display at the Yuneec stand.

Next to the Cover Drone stand was Yuneec Aviation Technology. I spoke to their managing director, Clive M Coote.

Pat MacHale and Mayo County Council

One stand which caught my attention was the Mayo County Council stand. I spoke to Pat MacHale and asked him about his experience at Drone Expo Ireland 2017 so far.

Altitude Professional Aerial Services

www.altitudeproaerial.com

Display at the Altitude stand at #DroneExpoIreland @Irish_TechNews pic.twitter.com/xhYoh129zS

— Ireland Above (@ireland_above) March 11, 2017

Mark Fox of Altitude Professional Aerial Services speaks to a Drone Expo visitor

One of the last stands that I visited was Altitude Professional Aerial Services which was set up by Mark Fox.

Crop Spraying Drone #DroneExpoIreland @Irish_TechNews pic.twitter.com/tERWCWCNOL

— Frank Ó Tormaigh (@FrankOTormaigh) March 11, 2017

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