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34 | I NSIGH T • N o v e m b e r 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m meant scheduling a small airplane or helicopter for a shoot, oen just to get a single or small number of images. Now the drone — which is flown by a licensed pilot — can accomplish that same in a more cost effective and timely manner. e company recently prepared drone-shot video of the Whistling Straits golf course for its long- time client Kohler Co. Gehl says the company is still learning and developing new ways to use the technology. e regulations they must follow for shoots include publishing an operations manual, use of a certified pilot and meeting stringent airspace requirements. As specific as the requirements seem — the summary provided with Image Studios notification letter ran more than 20 pages — they are still muddied enough to keep the industry from really breaking free, says Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Alberts & Heling CPAs and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities. Neither Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. nor its representatives or employees provide legal or tax advice. Alberts & Heling CPA's LLC, 1977 American Dr Suite 202, Neenah WI 54956 Front to back, we understand recent changes in tax laws, IRS procedures, investment strategies, compliance, and health care laws. Let us put our knowledge to work for you. Call Alberts & Heling today. ALBERTS & HELING t a x e s i n v e s t m e n t s c o n s u l t i n g Alberts & Heling CPA's, LLC www.alberts-heling-cpas.com Green Bay: Fox VAlley: A_AL03-0715 Insight Tax Ad 2015_Final.indd 1 8/20/15 5:02 PM FREE $10 gift card when you purchase $100 in gift cards. 716 north casaloma drive appleton 920.882.4044 www.carmellasbistro.com Great corporate gift ideas! (Not redeemable on day of purchase. Offer valid Nov. 27 - Dec. 31) sharing our passion for food, wine & family Chris Knight, CEO of De Pere-based SparkNET Interactive. An RC hobbyist for nearly a decade, Knight describes himself as drone obsessed and has been using drones for aerial photography since at least 2012. Knight's Skypixel and Instagram accounts are filled with compelling images taken using a drone. While he has 333 Exemption pending, Knight raises concerns that individual states or municipalities may step in while the FAA works on its regulatory revamp. Such moves in local markets will only serve to damp down growth in the industry, he says. "We are in a gray area right now because the FAA has not promulgated the new rules," Knight says. "ere is the possibility for a lot of contradiction and conflicts." For example, if Knight is given clearance for a UAV flight by an FAA airport tower operator, that approval trumps local regulations such as Green Bay's municipal ban on UAVs at events such as parades or the farmers market. But it could take days and added costs to work those conflicts out on the ground. He notes that between 700,000 and 1 million drones are expected to be sold during this year's Christmas season. Not everyone is going to know they are flying into restricted airspace and what the rules are — whether it's a hobbyist or commercial flight. In October, the FAA announced expedited rules that would require drone owners to register their devices before the end of the year in an effort to better enforce existing drone rules, particularly flight above 400 feet or near airports. Still, Knight is optimistic about the commercial possibilities of drones, whether it's mapping or photography or even the UAV delivery service championed by Amazon. "ere is definitely a demand for the services, whether it's the photography or the training on how to fly a drone," he says. "is is going to be a billion dollar industry." TECHNOLOGY