After watching quadcopter pilot Tim Teach’s latest video of his flight over the Niagara Gorge and Niagara Falls, I had to reach out to him to ask what it was like to fly a drone in such a wild setting. After all, we must remember that the pilot is fixed on the ground, controlling the copter by use of myriad sensory and learned skills.
So what’s it like to pilot the copter in a situation such as this?
There’s a huge difference in perspective between looking at The Falls and The Gorge from above and being down in the gorge and so near the water. The footage flying over the falls was from my same quad but prior to having a gimbal in place for the camera. It was a nerve center test to be sure. Flying down in the gorge was very similar but with much more confidence in my gear.
What are the risks?
Funny, in the back of my mind the fear of falling into the rapids or over the falls is about equal. I’d go again any time. People should be aware, however, that it is potentially a very hazardous trek, not for small children or those less ambulatory. One little foul up and anyone could be in a world of hurt!
How can you properly gauge the camera? With or without goggles?
I used my goggles up at Terrapin Point but not at all down in the gorge. It takes estimation, camera pitch, scale comparison, mental cockpit projection, and ALWAYS knowing the copter’s direction. This is a pretty close definition of flying “blind” in my book. It requires 100% attention. It can be quite challenging. 25 years of rc experiences, good and bad.
What other takeaways did you glean from the experience?
If you have a moment while you visit, take time to smell (and feel) the negative ions in the air. You can really see and feel the power and majesty of the mighty Niagara. It reminds me to a degree of Thailand in that is just feels PRIMAL!”
Enjoy the following video that features: Flying in the Niagara Gorge at the flat rocks off the whirlpool. Enjoy the class 6 rapids and the jet boats. Don’t forget to look up at the Spanish Aero Car on the Canadian side!