Pictures Over Stillwater drone school are held at various education venues presenting UAV UAS Drone related topics. These safety and awareness education and outreach activities include introduction, basic, beyond the basics, as well as advanced topics such as aerial photography videography, among others topics. Education and awareness sessions range from large adult community education, high school, individual custom training along with STEM programs around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area and online.
Eden Prairie Central Middle School 8th Grade STEM, Drones, Aviation, Aerial Photo and More Thursday October 10, 2024 Friday May 24, 2024
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Education
Stillwater Area High School Monday October 7, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography and Video Registration information coming soon
Stillwater Area High School Monday September 16, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drones Fundamentals Registration information coming soon
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education. Monday November 11, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday October 21, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday May 20, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday June 3, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday March 18, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday May 20, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Q: Where have you taught classes in the past? A: Anoka/Hennepin Community Education, Eden Prairie High School, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, North Central University STEM, Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education, and Stillwater Public Library among others.
Q: Why do you need to learn to fly a drone as they are automated? A: Learn about the National Air Space (NAS) and where you can fly as well as other tips for flying drones safely. Otoh, you still need to learn how to drive a car, get a license even with self driving cars, or at least for now ;).
Q: Do classes include a live demonstration flight? A: Demonstration flights are weather and other condition dependent.
Q: Can students bring their drone to the classes? A: Yes.
Q: Where have you taught classes in the past? A: Anoka/Hennepin Community Education, Eden Prairie High School, Minneapolis Public Schools Community Education, North Central University STEM, Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education, and Stillwater Public Library among others.
Q: How long have you been flying drones? A: Over 10 years for singles and quads for about eight years.
Q: How long have you been commercial licensed drone operator? A: Since May 2018
Q: How long have you been waivered to fly at night commercially? A: I received my 107.29 (daylight waiver) back in December 2018 which was valid until April 21, 2021 when daylight waivers were sunset (e.g. phased out). As of April 21, 2021 for those who have either taken the new initial, or recurrent part 107 test, you are now authorized to fly at night without a waiver (e.g. daylight and night waivers no longer exist).
Q: How hard is it to get certified? A: Depends on how well you can learn (or memorize). Getting your FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certificate is relatively easy and quick, its free from various organizations such as AMA here. The next step takes more time which is getting your part 107.
Q: How many flights have you flown? A: Many thousands including indoors and outdoors.
Q: How many hours in the air do you have flying? A: Over 600 hours air time.
Q: How many miles total have you flown drones? A: Spanning thousands of flights several thousand miles flown.
Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107? A: Additional experience, you also get access to additional airspace and privileges by being a part 107. Keep in mind that part 107 is often thought of as being commercial license, when in reality, its a category or type of certification that allows you to do more, one of those things being commercial activity.
Q: How much money can you make flying drones? A: Like many things it depends, keep in mind your costs of equipment, spare batteries, apps, licenses, registration, insurance among other costs that will impact what your earnings will be.
Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them? A: Yes I have, check out our FPV experiences page here. FPV drones are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, including racing, general recreation, as well as for action cinematography videography indoors as well as outdoors. Keep in mind if you are going to fly FPV outdoors you will need to have a Visual Observer (VO) standing next to you watching the aircraft (drone).
Q: Whats different from flying indoors vs outside? A: Besides obstacles, biggest difference is you may have poor to no GPS coverage that can impact automated flight modes, in other words, you want to practice your heads up and stick flying skills (or learn to fly FPV).
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online.
2024 UAS UAV Drone Education Awareness Classes
Eden Prairie Central Middle School 8th Grade STEM, Drones, Aviation, Aerial Photo and More Thursday October 10, 2024 Friday May 24, 2024
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Education
Stillwater Area High School Monday October 7, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography and Video Registration information coming soon
Stillwater Area High School Monday September 16, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drones Fundamentals Registration information coming soon
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education. Monday November 11, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday October 21, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday May 20, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday June 3, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday March 18, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday May 20, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Pictures Over Stillwater In Person Training and Consulting
Picture Over Stillwater also provides in-person custom one on one, and group UAS, UAV, Drone classes, seminars, coaching and consulting. Give us a call or send an email to learn more about our drone school, custom education, training, consulting and other drone service offerings.
Courses are lead by Pictures Over Stillwater founder and chief remote pilot Greg Schulz. Greg is an professional FAA Part 107 certified (e.g. licensed) commercial drone operator (e.g. Remote Pilot In Command RPIC). In addition to being FAA Part 107, Greg is also MnDoT aeronautics licensed and insured. His drone flight experience includes having a 107.29 daylight waiver for night flights, 107.41 airspace authorizations to fly in “0” or no fly zones as well as above published altitudes with FAA approval. Greg has accumulated hundreds of drone hours in the air, flown over a thousand drone air miles, spanning thousands of drone flights. As a professional drone operator Greg does projects involving aerial photography, video, photogrammetry (2D/3D model map image survey), inspection and other activity for construction, real estate, events among others, including indoor flights. Greg is also an FAASTeam DronePro representive for Minneapolis region.
2024 St Croix Valley Opera On The River video views
Stillwater Evening Hot Air Balloons
2023 St Croix Valley Opera On The River video views
Stillwater Chamber 2024 Food Truck Extravaganza
Stillwater Chestnut Plaza Dine Here Dance Here Event
2024 Op 23 to Zero Boots On The River Event
2024 Winterfest Fireworks Stillwater MN
2024 Hot Air Affair Hudson Wisconsin Aerial Video
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 4
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 3
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 2
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 1
Views from 2023 Stillwater MN Tree Lighting Event
Aerial Video Views 2023 Tree Lighting (above), Photos below.
2023 Veterans Day Event Stillwater MN
Thank You To All Veterans
2023 Stillwater Armory Open House
2023 Stillwater Harvest Fest Pumpkin Drop
#smashinggoodtime Stillwater MN Harvest Fest Pumpkin Drop
Lake Elmo Animal Inn Dog Agility
Fall 2023 Dog Agility Training Lake Elmo MN
2023 TC Marathon Finish Line St Paul MN
2023 Withrow Classic Car & Tractor Show
Short Recap of 2023 15th Annual Withrow Car and Tractor Show Event
2023 9/11 #343run Hudson Wisconsin #neverforget
Union Park St Paul Minnesota
2023 Downhill Derby Stillwater Minnesota
2023 4th July Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
2023 Food Truck Extravaganza Washington County Fairgrounds
Spring St Croix Valley Foraging
Spring St Croix Valley Foraging
Adventures With Ava Mighty Drones FPV Race Course
Thanks to The Mighty Drones FPV Race Club for allowing Ava (Avata Cinewhoop FPV Drone) a few minutes to fly some gates at their course before a recent event. If you are not familiar, The Mighty Drones Minnesota FPV Race Club is a group that does FPV races (indoors and outdoors). Learn more about The Mighty Drones FPV Race Club (here), their event schedules, and check out their races which are fun to watch, or sign up to race.
Operation 23 to Zero Boots On the Ground
April 25, 2023 Stillwater MN
Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views
St Croix Falls Taylers Falls St Croix River
Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views
Winter Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Downtown Minneapolis Views
Winter Downtown Minneapolis Views
Winter Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Downtown Stillwater MN
Photogrammetry 3D Model Demo
Old Washington County Courthouse Stillwater MN
2023 World Snow Sculpting Championship
#WSSC 2023 World Snow Sculpting Championship Video
2022 Demo Reel Indoor Outdoor Aerial Video Views
2022 Twinkle Event Stillwater Minnesota
December morning timelapse video view St Croix River Valley
Drone Virtual Tour Halloween House Stillwater MN
FPV Fly Through Virtual Tour FMC Stillwater Minnesota
First United Methodist Church Stillwater MN
Highway 36 Manning Ave Interchange Time lapse Hyper lapse Video
Late Summer Evening Stillwater River Boat Aerial Views
FPV School Campus Virtual Tour
Woodbury Minnesota Construction Aerial Views
Candle Light Vigil For Isaac Schuman 8/3/22 #isaacstrong
We were asked by event organizers on short notice to capture some images of the candle light vigil for Isaac Schuman August 3, 2022. 17 yr old Isaac Schuman died as a resulting of a stabbing incident a few days earlier while on the Apple River in Somerset Wisconsin. This event was held near the 14th hole at Oak Glen Golf Club Stillwater Minnesota with attendees wearing orange, and location reflecting Isaacs love of golf. It was our honor to be asked and able to capture some images including the following video. #isaacstrong
July 4th 2022 Stillwater Fireworks Aerial Video
Video Views Lumberjack Days 2019 Stillwater Minnesota
2022 Food Truck Event Washington County Fair Grounds
Video of Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Food Truck Extravaganza Event June 18, 2022 held at Washington County Fairgrounds near Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Lake Elmo Minnesota.
Stillwater Fire Department 150 Year Anniversary Event
Time lapse video and aerial views of Stillwater Fire Department 150 year anniversary event celebration Stillwater Minnesota June 3 2022.
Operation 23 to Zero 2022 Boots on the Ground Stillwater Minnesota
Drone aerial video of Operation 23 to Zero 2022 Boots on the Ground Boots on the River event. Learn more about Operation 23 to Zero at www.op23tozero.com
Car Left Parked Out On St. Croix River
Video Winter Epic Kart Ice Racing February 2022
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Harvest Fest Giant Pumpkin Drop #smashinggoodtime
Making Snow For 2020 World Snow Sculpting Championship
Preparations are underway downtown Stillwater Minnesota for the upcoming World Snow Sculpting Championship (WSSC) event in mid January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow being made on January 6th for the event that starts on January 18th.
Aerial Video Views Withrow 2021 Classic Car and Tractor Show Event
Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Upper Midwest Region Grand Classic
Time lapse Mama Mia Opening Night Outdoors Stillwater Minnesota
June 2021 Chamber of Commerce Event Coverage
360 Interactive Fast Video Tour St Croix Bike Loop
June 2021 Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce Events Lake Elmo MN
Spring Kite Flight Air to Air Video Views
2021 Youth Bike Rodeo Stillwater Minnesota
Operation 23 to Zero Boots on The River Stillwater Event April 9, 2021
East Metro February March early April Aerial Video Views
Hyperlapse Spring Sunset Ice Flow St Croix River Stillwater Minnesota
Early Spring Morning Boating Aerial View St Croix River
Winter Sunset Downtown Stillwater
Winter Week In Stillwater Minnesota Aerial Views
Downtown Stillwater Fire & Ice event and Winter Ice Cream Social
Twin Cities November December 2020 Aerial Video Views
Wintertime in Stillwater Minnesota Holiday Lights
Its Sale Time, Black Friday Before and Beyond
It’s here, Our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday Savings, Cyber Monday, Townie Tuesday, Wednesday Wall of Savings and, Thank You Thursday sale is going on now. We have stock images from around, on the ground and above the Stillwater, St Croix River Valley, Western Wisconsin, Twin Cities and adjacent areas. Browse, Shop, Buy and enjoy savings of 30% (or more) on Prints, Mounts and Wall Art including Metal prints from Tuesday November 24 through Tuesday December 1, 2020 at our online store (here).
Aerial Video – Stillwater House Halloween Decorations – Pirate Theme
Twin Cities and St Croix Valley Fall Aerial Views
360 Interactive View 2020 Withrow Area Classic Car Show Wishes and More Wish Granting
Our name and brand identity is Pictures Over Stillwater however we also do videos and short films across the greater twin cities metro Minneapolis St Paul and upper midwest areas.
River Valley Charities New Richmond 2020 Pro-Am Event
Our videos are shot in 4K resolution at 23.9 to 60 fps, or 1K at up to 120 fps (among others) depending on project, client request or conditions. We are FAA part 107 certified along with part 107.29 (daylight waiver) meaning we can legally fly 24 hours a day.
Revisiting June 2019 Aerial Video Views St Croix Valley
Congratulations Stillwater Area High School Class of 2020
Stillwater Minnesota St Croix River Valley Week of May 20th 2020
Stillwater St Croix River Valley Spring Morning
Minnesota Air National Guard Fly Over Lakeview Hospital Stillwater
Minneapolis St Paul Oak Park Heights Stillwater Views March 2 to 4 2020
St Croix Valley Aerial Views March 30 to April 1 2020
#BeTheLight #BeTheLightMN April 6 2020 Stillwater Area High School
St Croix River Valley Downtown Stillwater March 23-27, 2020
Mid March 2020 Aerial View St Paul Skyline
Spring Minneapolis Mississippi River Views
Mid March Stillwater St Croix River Valley Ice Out
Early March 2020 Aerial Interactive 360 Video View Downtown Stillwater
Spring 2020 St Croix River Valley Views
360 Interactive Video Virtual Tour Candyland Stillwater
July 2019 Aerial video views
Bayport Fire Department Training Burn January 2020
February Stillwater Winter Corn Harvest
Just Another St Croix Valley Saturday January 25 2020
Just Another St Croix Valley Saturday January 25 2020 including capturing images of Bayport Minnesota Fire Department controlled practice training burn in Oak Park Heights, Winterfest outdoor curling on Lilly Lake in Stillwater, and downtown Stillwater along St Croix River winter ice cream social and fireworks. Big thank you to the Bayport Fire Department and home owners for permissions, coordination and access to capture images of the training exercise along with others including Stillwater Fire Department, Lake Elmo Fire Department, South St Croix Valley fire and Rescue along with Lakeview EMS among others. Thank you to all of them for keeping us safe.
Greater Stillwater CoC 2019 Year In Review Aerial views
January 2020
Happy New Years
December 2019
Downtown Stillwater Lights Holiday Twinkle party
The following video is an example of what happens when you dont get your boat out of the water in the fall and winter freeze comes early. This is near the DNR public boat launch ramp north of Stillwater on St. Croix River near Wolf Marina view looking south.
Late Fall Downtown Stillwater Lights Sunset Night Flight Views
Visit our virtual image store powered by SmugMug where you can shop for photos and videos including physical prints as well as downloads in various sizes.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2023 have been added for Minneapolis in March and Richfield/Bloomington in June. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
St Anthony Village and New Brighton – Drone Day Exhibition 3301 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN (Main Lobby) 11 AM – 1 PM Saturday, June 18, 2022
As part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) national Drone Day 2022 event series, St Anthony Village Community Center and Community Education services, along with local Drone professionals have partnered for this in-person exhibition event at the St. Anthony Village Community Center (meet in the lobby of community center).
What Is The Cost, Do You Need To Register?
This event is free and open to the public for those interested in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), aka Drones, to promote safety and awareness of Drones. Watch professional drone demonstrations, get your questions answered, learn about drone safety and FAA drone rules, and get hands-on experience with drones. No registration is required, however you can register here (free) to reserve your spot for attendance as well as get updates for the event.
Where Will This Take Place
Join us along with various drone professionals among others, for this special exhibition event at the St. Anthony Community Center near downtown Minneapolis Minnesota.
Interactive Virtual 360 View of St Anthony Village Venue
Who Is This For, Who Will Be There
This event exhibition is for beginners to professional expertise, from DIY drone builders to FPV freestyle and racers, store-bought, and anyone interested in drones. Regardless of if you or somebody you know has a drone or thinking about getting one, this event is for you.
FAA Safety Team (FAAST) Reps DronePros, along with members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), among other experienced drone operators, will be on hand to answer your questions, do flight demonstrations outside (weather permitting), and present short seminars (indoors).
Current planned activities include (watch for updates)
✓ Learn about various types of drones for different uses ✓ Talk with the DronePros and others to get your questions answered ✓ Drone safety, regulations, and basic rules of the road (air) ✓ Drone demonstrations (skills, basic flying, search and rescue (SAR)) ✓ Skills practice course outside (how well can you fly safely?) ✓ Safety tips, drone license, and registration, airspace and planning ✓ Bring your smart device and take the free online FAA TRUST test ✓ Useful apps including B4UFLY and where to register your drone ✓ Short seminars (signs in community center lobby) including:
Can You Bring and Fly Your Own Drone?
Yes, however to fly your drone at this event, the drone must pass a safety inspection and be FAA registered if it weighs more than .55 lbs (at takeoff). You will also agree to event safety rules and fly under the supervision of one of our event safety members. We also encourage you to take the FAA The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) online free course prior to the event, or, bring your smart phone device and we can show you how to take the test at the event for those 13 years of age or older.
What If You Want To Get Involved?
Want to get involved and participate in the event more than just an attendee? Want to show or demonstrate something, present a short seminar or show your drone skills, perhaps setup a small FPV race course or something else associated with drones? Get in touch with Mike Bowman or Greg Schulz (contacts below) to get involved.
Contact information where to learn more
Informational Flyer (PDF Download)
Free advanced registration, signup for news and updates click here
General questions, location, times, registration (its free) contact:
Mike Bowman St Anthony Community Services 612-706-1176 mbowman at isd282 dot org
For other inquires, including how to get involved contact:
Greg Schulz Pictures Over Stillwater, Minnesota FAASTeam Rep DronePro 612-810-9890 greg at picturesoverstillwater dot com
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Lights Minnesota
Zephyr Theatre 2022 Ice Palace Maze
Making Snow For 2022 World Snow Sculpting Championship
Preparations are underway downtown Stillwater Minnesota for the upcoming World Snow Sculpting Championship (WSSC) event in mid-January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow-making on January 6th for the WSSC event that starts on January 18th.
2021 Light up Stillwater #homefortheholidays
Kicking off the 2021 holiday season and home for the holidays among other events was the lighting of the new lights on the northside of the lift bridge, followed on December 4, 2021 with #twinkleparty tree lighting and fireworks and #homefortheholidays.
Downtown Stillwater Minnesota November 26 2021
Season Three 2020 2021 Stillwater Lights
Ice Maze From Before Construction Until It Vanishes
Aerial Daytime and Night Lights Fire & Ice Event
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Downtown Stillwater Fire and Ice
Opening night downtown Stillwater Minnesota Ice Maze
Downtown Ice Maze
Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Inaugural Night Stillwater Lights Historic Lift Bridge Lights Up
You may have seen our images including some shown on this page in various venues from local and regional news (print, TV, web) and social media among others. We have stock images some shown on this page for sale as prints, metal prints, wall art as well as digital downloads (click here or on the images to learn more about buying options).
In addition to prints, wall art, and digital download stock images, we also have video B Roll available, and other creative services. Contact us to learn more or discuss your particular needs.
Aerial Video Wintertime in Stillwater Minnesota Holiday Lights Views
Stillwater Lights Light Up Stillwater 2020
New in December 2020 Stillwater Minnesota has expanded Stillwater lights along main street downtown, chestnut plaza with overhead led lights and a led virtual tree. Also new is that for the first time, the nearly 100 year old historic lift bridge has been lit up with lights.
Winter in Stillwater Minnesota Lift Bridge Lit Up
The new additions with more in the works combine with previous holiday light display and tree decorations to create a winter wonderland wintertime in Stillwater holiday light display experience (all are free).
There is plenty of free parking downtown Stillwater to check out the holiday light display and hometown for the holidays in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
VACtv Video with Aerial Footage Provided by Pictures Over Stillwater
Click on the images to view more, shopping and buying options for prints, wall art (including metal prints), along with digital downloads of stock images.
Early November Sunrise Fall Colors Downtown Stillwater
View from above Water Street Inn Clock Tower Downtown Stillwater
July 4th 2019 Fireworks with Downtown Stillwater Minnesota as backdrop
Light Up Stillwater Downtown Mainstreet 2020 2021
Fall aerial view downtown Stillwater Mainstreet and St Croix River
Summer 2020 Pandemic Drive in Movies Mainstreet Stillwater
Pony Stadium Lit Up The Night Minnesota Lights April 2020
Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater Lit Up Pony Class 2020 Parade
Light Up Stillwater Lights Season 2019 2020
After making its debut season in December 2018, the Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Stillwater Lights season two has started. Learn more about Stillwater Lights and Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce via their website here.
Lights Downtown stillwater minnesota near mainstreet November 2019
Season Two Light Up Stillwater Setup November 2019
November 2019 Ready For Snow Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater
Evening Sunset View Downtown Stillwater
Season One 2018 2019
In downtown Stillwater Minnesota along the St Croix River there is a new attraction starting December 21, 2018 called Stillwater Lights. The new attraction is an experience that you walk through (and its free open to the public) an open-air tunnel of lights. At the base, it is about 24 feet wide and around 18 feet tall (give or take a foot or two).
February Sunset Fresh Snow Downtown Stillwater
Winter Mainstreet Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
New St Croix Crossing Sunset Moonrise near Stillwater
Click on the above 360 image to navigate the view
Click on above image to view additional images in our gallery of lights
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Classes for 2024 have been added for Minneapolis in March and Richfield/Bloomington in June. Click on the following to learn more as well as links for registrations, times and locations.
Drones for Non-Dummies is a introductory beginner course offered at various Minneapolis St Paul twin cities metro area venues and online. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
Spring 2021 Drone School SAPS Beginner Class Demo Flight
Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you.
Anoka Hennepin Community Education Drone School Demo Flight
Recreational drone hobbyists will gain information on basic operations and a foundation for expanding to commercial operations. You will learn basic safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid). Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations including hobby recreational FAA test (TRUST), insurance, practical tips, techniques, and trends. Weather permitting, an instructor-only demonstration flight may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to register with an adult.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online.
2024 UAS UAV Drone Education Awareness Classes
Eden Prairie Central Middle School 8th Grade STEM, Drones, Aviation, Aerial Photo and More Thursday October 10, 2024 Friday May 24, 2024
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Education
Stillwater Area High School Monday October 7, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography and Video Registration information coming soon
Stillwater Area High School Monday September 16, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drones Fundamentals Registration information coming soon
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education. Monday November 11, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 2 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Monday October 21, 2024 6:00-8:30PM Drone Aerial Photography & Videography Part 1 Ella Baker School Learn more and register here.
Aerial Photography and Video – Online & In-Person
Drones for Non-Dummies Drone Aerial Photography and Video course is offered at various Minneapolis St Paul twin cities metro venues and online. Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities.
Spring 2021 Drone School SAPS Beginner Class Demo Flight
July 3rd 2021 Hudson Wisconsin Fireworks (Click to buy prints & downloads)
This course is for those who want to learn more about drone based aerial photography and video (recreational and commercial).
Topics covered include rules of the road for aerial photography and video, license and registration, where to fly (and not fly), flight planning and weather, autonomous and manual modes, equipment, hardware, software and other tools.
Also covered are drone and camera photo and video modes, settings, time lapse and hyper lapse, panoramic, automatic vs manual settings and much more.
Additional topics include what type of drone and camera equipment are best as well as accessories, along with post processing tools. Students aged 12-17 may attend with an adult. Weather permitting a demonstration flight will be flown.
Stillwater Zephyr Theatre Opening Night Mama Mia Outdoors
Need an still photograph digital image or video B Roll for your upcoming bulk mailing (physical or email), website, social media, event, marketing or other content and creative services needs?
In addition to our SmugMug online store, we also have a FineArtAmerica site where you can shop, buy prints, puzzles, wall art and other items.
What if you don’t see what you are looking for? Give a call or send an email telling us what you are looking for as we may have it in our archives, or discuss other options including custom services.
Looking for some new image content for your site, blog, office or other venue?
How about dressing up your business cards and other collateral with images from around Stillwater, Hudson, and greater St. Croix River Valley along with Twin Cities metro area? Click here to visit our online store, or give us a call to discuss your specific needs.
We also can produce custom content to meet your specific requirements. Give us a call or email to discuss your specific needs.
Our images are via FAA Part 107 certified and MnDOT aerial photography and UAV / Drone licensed pilots thus are safe for commercial including non-profit, as well as print or electronic media use.
The following is information about UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Small UAV (sUAV), Small UAS (sUAS) also known as “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies among others.
In the United States, once your drone takes flight leaving the ground it is considered to be in the National Air Space (NAS) which is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some considerations when flying a drone recreational for fun as a hobbyist, or as a commercial (e.g. part 107), or for other purposes is where your feet are on the ground, and where in the air is your drone.
Common Drone Safety Questions
Q: Why are there so many rules, regulations and restrictions for drones? A: For Safety
Q: What is the difference between recreational hobbyist and commercial? A: Hobby recreational drone operators are flying just for fun, not for commercial or any benefit to self or from others (monetary or other benefit).
Q: Who has to register drones with the FAA? A: For hobby recreational drone operators 13 years and older with drones weighing less than 55 lbs and greater .55lbs you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years and you can register multiple drones with your account number. Note that drones registered for hobby recreational can not be flown for part 107. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
For commercial part 107 operators if your drone weighs less than 55 lbs (including less than .55lbs) you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years per aircraft (each drone requires a unique registration number). Note that drones registered for commercial part 107 can be flown as recreational. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
Q: What if your drone weighs 55 lbs or more? A: For drones weighing more than 55 lbs, or, you want to qualify for sUAS operations outside the US, you hold title to an aircraft/drone in trust, the sUAS owner uses a voting trust to meet U.S. Citizenship requirements use this FAA link for registration.
Q: What are the recreational hobby rules: A: Check your local regulations for any restrictions on where you can legally fly drones outdoors among other rules. FAA recreational drone rules (e.g. 44809) are found here.
You Are Responsible For Knowing The Rules
Recreational drone operators should also be aware and know that if they intentionally violate safety regulations, and/or operate a drone in a reckless, or careless manner, they could be liable for civil and/or criminal penalties. In addition to knowing the FAA regulations, also know what your local restrictions and rules are. Saying that you did not know the rules is not a viable excuse, you as the drone operator are responsible for knowing where and how to fly safely.
✓ Register your drone with its registration number visible on outside of aircraft and carry proof of registration with your. ✓ Fly only for recreational purposes. ✓ When flying, keep your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground when in uncontrolled airspace (e.g. Class G).
Note that recreational flyers are not allowed to fly above 400′ by combing the height of a man made structure plus 400′ when within 400′ of the structure (this is something that part 107 operators can do).
✓ Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D and E) via Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) and/or DroneZone.
NOTE: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app.
Also note that some federal, state, county and local parks as well as other locations have regulations on flying from (take off, landing) their land or waters. Know where your feet will be on the ground and aircraft in the air.
✓ Keep your drone aircraft (drone) within Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS), or within VLOS of an Visual Observer (VO) who is physically next to you to, and in direct communications with you.
Hint, if you or your VO can no longer visually see the drone without using displays, its out of VLOS, and your are flying Beyond VLOS (BVLOS).
✓ Unless your drone has lighting that allows you to know where it is, its direction and orientation, do not fly at night. ✓ Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft. ✓ Do not fly over a person or crowd of people or over a moving vehicle. ✓ Never interfere with emergency response activities including accident response, law enforcement activities, fire fighting, hurricane recovery efforts among others. ✓ Dont fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ✓ Dont operate your drone in a careless or reckless manner.
Q: Is there a training test for recreational hobby drone flyers? A: Not yet, its in the works, visit the FAA recreational website to learn more.
Q: What are the categories of drone operators? A: Part 107 commercial, 44809 recreational hobbyist.
Q: If you do not get any money to fly a drone, are you still commercial? A: It comes down to your intent to fly, and benefit (not just money) to you. If you are are flying a drone with intention to just have fun and not do things on behalf of others (even if you do not get paid) or that benefits you in any way, then you do not have to be commercial part 107. Put another way, if you operate a drone within the carve out exceptions for hobby recreational, then you do not have to be part 107. However if you go outside the regulations for hobby recreational, then you would fall under part 107 regulations and need to be part 107 certified. Note that in Minnesota you also need to be licensed by MnDoT (also aircraft/drones registered with them) to perform drone activities on behalf of others.
Q: If Im not getting paid, just taking some photos or video for a friends business, club, association, church group or as a volunteer at a non profit to help with their fund raising or website do I need to be part 107? A: Yup
Q: If Im just taking photos and using a drone for my own recreation activity, not doing things for others, may be sharing my photos however not selling them, or benefiting someone, do I need to be part 107? A: Probably not, it comes down to what is/was your intent and derived benefit.
Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107? A: Additional experience, get access to additional airspace among other things
Q: How much money can you make flying drones? A: Like many things it depends, keep in mind your costs of equipment, spare batteries, apps, licenses, registration, insurance among other costs will impact what your earnings will be.
Q: How far can your drones fly? A: As far as I can maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) on them
Q: Drones are fully automated, why learn how to manually fly them? A: Its not if, rather when technology fails, or when you get into a situation where knowing how to fly and land manually become important. For example when an automated flight app encounters poor or loses GPS coverage and requires a manual or assisted landing.
Q: Can FPV drones be flown outside? A: Yes, absolutely, however they require at least one other person adjacent to the FPV pilot operator functioning as a Visual Observer (VO) maintaining a direct visual line of sight on the drone, as well as following other FAA drone, uas, uav regulations.
Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them? A: Yes, I think they are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, virtual reality and action type things. Keep in mind if you are going to fly FPV outdoors you will need to have a Visual Observer (VO) standing next to you watching the aircraft (drone).
Q: Whats different from flying indoors vs outside? A: Besides obstacles, biggest difference is you may have poor to no GPS coverage that can impact automated flight modes, in other words, you want to practice your heads up and stick flying skills (or learn to fly FPV).
If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, sign up for one of our classes or seminars. Pictures Over Stillwater partners with various Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro public school community education programs providing continuing education from drone basics to advanced topics. Fly safe and fly smart by learning about UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations
