Drone pilot captures unique views of P.E.I. life

‘You get these amazing vistas’

By: Ryan McKellop

March 25, 2024

“Any day in the sky is a good day.” says Shane Hennessey, a video producer and advanced drone pilot. He uses a drone to capture views people don’t often see. (Photo taken by Ryan McKellop)

Shane Hennessey has seen first hand the changes drones have made to industries, like his own.

Hennessey, 49, is a video producer and advanced drone pilot who has been working in the TV industry for 27 years, the past nine with CBC P.E.I. and has been flying drones for the past four.

One of the main advantages of drones when it comes to news gathering is the perspective you can get from above he said, as well as the hidden advantage of carrying around less equipment.

“You get these amazing vistas of what they’re doing from a different perspective, and I don’t have to lug gear a kilometre in and a kilometre out.”

Hennessey said drones save time and energy, they also help engage the audience because they can get shots people haven’t seen before, for example an aerial view of a farmer’s field.

“Now you can just pop the drone up, follow the machinery around, and you can get pretty close to it. It’s changed everything.”

Hennessey said one of his favorite shoots was the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona.

“It’s a totally different view when you’re above...than if you only have ground shots,” he said.

Another advantage is the price point.

Before drones, TV shows, movies and news programs would have to send their videographers up in a rented helicopter for aerial shots that would cost them thousands of dollars. Drones have an upfront cost, and they can get expensive, but in the long run, they are cheaper than alternatives such as helicopter shots, Hennessey said.

He said drones bought by the CBC can cost up to $10,000 but they purchase and use more durable equipment than amateur drone operators.

“It will take more of a beating, so it comes with a bit of an extra cost.”

Hennessey said his newest drone, the DJI Mavic Pro 3, cost about $5,000, and other add-ons like batteries, chargers and remote controls are around $1,000 each.

Another model, the DJI Mavic Mini 2, weighs under 250 grams and costs only $1300. Because it is under 250 g, it can fly without having to request permission, skipping having to make a flight plan with NAV Canada. That means he can send it up quickly if something unexpected happens.

Drones have been useful in other businesses as well; making their way into many industries such as construction, real estate and agriculture.

They are also used by city police and the RCMP. Those forces have thermal drones that sense body heat on the ground below.

Hennesey said thermal drones can also be used for commercial or civil uses, they have been useful to search and rescue teams covering large areas efficiently.

“Civilian use could be going to a business that spends a ton of money on heating in the winter, [and] you can use the thermal camera to find where the heat is escaping.”

He said when it comes to agriculture, drones can be used to map out grids, which is especially useful on coastlines to measure rates of erosion.

Drones do have disadvantages too. Weather such as rain, snow or high winds can make it impossible to fly and extreme cold can drain the batteries a lot quicker.

“It adds so much whenever things are going your way. It adds so much to it that no matter what it’s worth, it’s good to have around,” said Hennessey.