seen. It’s not entirely stable, but it is easy to
quickly see that Olaf has put some time in
mastering the craft as he quickly gets it into
a relative position near the whales. Getting
the snot would prove a little harder as each
whale’s misty blow lingers in the air for a few
seconds before dissipating on the breeze.
I chat more with Olaf in between runs and
we discuss not only the science but some
of the ideology and personal perspectives
that science expeditions like this can evoke.
I ask him if he enjoys the chase, even if it
comes with certain frustrations and financial
burdens. He laughs and explains it to me “This, this is the payment time, it’s the only
payment I receive, but it’s worth so much
that I am happy to put in my effort and do it
over and over again, and my own resources
into this research. I think the time out on
the water where you can actually encounter
these animals, and use such a fun tool like
the drone - that combination is pretty much
the best thing. Also, to have a good team on
board as well, which you actually need, to
have a successful run, then it makes it even
better.”
I’m looking at the drone as we bounce across
the water. Olaf is putting in a new battery - he
does this for every run to ensure there is no
chance for power failure. It’s just an off-theshelf copter, but its new purpose is far more
distinguished than that of a novelty or toy.
Written crudely in marker pen upon its back
is a name - Tom. It’s a reference to Australian
whaling history and an iconic choice for this
little machine. Olaf explains “When we started this season, it was actually
the 80th anniversary of the death of Tom - a
killer whale from Eden (NSW) - a very famous
killer whale. Tom was helping the whalers back
Rise above
the rest!
D
LARGER PAYLOA
MULTICOPTERS
E!
ALSO AVAILABL
Multicopter and
Drone Specialist!
CALL for a quote
>GOLD COAST
BASED AND DELIVERED
>SHIPPING AVAILABLE
Custom Designs ● FPV Quadcopters ● Accessories
Propellors ● DIY And Kits ● Motors ● Electronics
Camera Gimbals ● After Sales Service And Support*
HOT!
XMAS SPECIAL - $950
MCA-450-V5 GPS Quadcopter
READY TO FLY
Full set up with radio gear (transmitter & receiver)
GoPro camera mount included (camera not included)
Fully assembled and ready to fly
Superior build & highest performance
APM2.6 flight controller running Arducopter firmware
which can perform full unlimited waypoint navigation
MULTICOPTER RC TECHNOLOGY
James White
0408 458 645
[email protected]
HUGE range of kits & RTF copters
Operator assumes all responsibility and liabilities for licensing, safety and legal operation of vehicle. *After sales support may incur a fee.
from $189 to $7500
Images used are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from actual product. Xmas special for orders placed on or before Dec 10th 2014