Airborne Photographer

[wuzafuzz]

Its not in there - they have started using the proposed curriculum at NESA, and my wing has taught at least one class, but until they
update the SQTRS, etc., there's no rating to "have".

Is the training from NESA available anywhere else?  We've been asked to teach aerial photography to our folks, it sure would be nice to avoid reinventing the wheel.  We could wait for national but we have a need now.

[Larry Mangum]

Funny.  I was talking to one of our young engineers today.  For his engineering leadership project they designed a communications system for balloon that broke the worlds balloon (amateur) height record.  On board was GPS, and a live digital photo link and other bells and whistles.

We were discussing my idea of shooting a tethered camera and downlinking the images to a terra based server live.  Thus a ground team could view the images within moments. There is no emailing, etc.  As the image comes from the camera to the laptop, it is FTP'd to the secure terra server.  being that we would be using a highspeed link a full 8 m pixel image would download in less than a minute.

We discussed using satellite transmission (expensive), 900 MhZ (Line of sight), and then high speed cell network.  (doable).

I am working on my project now and I am going to use LINUX as the operating system to keep costs down.  One thing I am doing is going to use one of the newer small, inexpensive laptops that does not have a mechanical hard drive as I need to be aware of vibration.

I suppose I am basically working on a system.. Hopefully better than SDIS.  Again I am using all COTS and I am trying to keep it below $1000 price bogey, for the entire system, and YES that does  include the laptop and camera.

Back on topic when I am shooting missions I also shoot the airplane panel as a separator.   being that I am geotagging my images through my Garmin, there is no need to manually log each shot.  I orientate my GPS as the same direction as my camera. This way the general direction is tagged on each image.  I am also within a few degrees if I want to get real accurate.

How do you plan on dealling with the FAA prohibition on the use of cellualr modems (wireless broadband) while in-flight? Research has already been conducted by an AFR unit in conjunction with WAWG and shot down for that reason.

[Smithsonia]

There are some new airborne internet, digital phone connectors in the loop:
Aircell has announced their first product for airborne internet. Still too expensive but as promised --
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_12561328

Supposedly there is a lower cost Air Cell alternative coming along in a few months. Also, the 4G or 5G phones are supposed to have some new priority system. With the right chip, first responders and emergency crews, will be able to use digital text, photo downloads, and burst call features - ad hoc as the routing is procured, tracked, and coded, as emergency response. This is one of those left over band-width trade off things from 9-11. It was supposed to be done earlier... but then so was my Christmas Dinner.

[TXCAP]

Re the use of personal electronic devices on aircraft this issue came up during Hurricane Ike when 1AF was field testing a full motion video (FMV) system strapped to a C182 and transmitting on Sprint's cellular network.  Below is a email string explaining the regulations, the interpretations, and the final approval resting with the PIC and not to be used operating IFR.  This was for a specific application on a specific cellular network and may not be applicable in all circumstances (your mileage may vary, not valid in all states, some assembly required, batteries not included...)

>As discussed, following is the relevant passage from the FCC Notice of
>Proposed Rulemaking released in 2004 (FCC 04-288, WTB Dkt. 04-435):
>
>"While Personal Communications Service (PCS) under Part 24 and Wireless
>Communications Service (WCS) under Part 27 are not subject to an
>airborne use restriction by Commission rules, regulations promulgated by
>the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibit the use of all types
>of mobile phones, as well as other portable electronic devices (PEDs),
>on aircraft, unless the aircraft operator has determined that the use of
>the PED (including mobile/cellular telephones) will not interfere with
>the aircraft's aviation navigation and communications systems."
>
>Again, the proceeding was terminated by the FCC, but there still is no
>specific Part 24 prohibition, under which Sprint is regulated for its
>"PCS" service.  The Sprint  aircard operates on licensed broadband PCS
>spectrum at 1.9 GHz and is also regulated under Part 24.
>
>Therefore, to summarize our brief discussion earlier today, the FCC does
>not have a specific prohibition against the use of wireless devices
>regulated under Part 24 aboard aircraft.  While the FAA does prohibit
>use of "all" mobile phones aboard aircraft, it does allow the aircraft
>operator to ultimately determine whether or not there exists a
>likelihood of interference with the avionics.  In addition, as part of
>our carrier/subscriber relationship and for the limited purpose and
>scope of the particular exercise discussed, related to Hurricane Ike,
>Sprint grants its consent for a limited duration for the operation of
>several Sprint aircards aboard airborne aircraft in the areas in Texas
>impacted by Hurricane Ike, even though there is a likelihood of
>potential impact to the operation of Sprint's wireless network in the
>area.  (For many reasons, Sprint is opposed to the widespread and common
>use of mobile devices aboard aircraft.)
>
>Sprint would like to ensure that all involved with this operation are
>very familiar with the inherent frailties associated with wireless
>service, particularly during bad weather.  The performance of our
>network is largely dependent on atmospheric conditions, topography,
>radiofrequency propagation characteristics (which can be dramatically
>impacted by temperature, humidity, foliage, the presence of steel and
>concrete, etc.), the availability of commercial power and landline
>telephone lines and circuits, not to mention the structural integrity of
>the wireless telecommunications facilities, including towers, poles,
>rooftops, watertanks, etc.  Obviously, all of this is subject to the
>whims of Mother Nature.  Hurricanes, in particular, can be especially
>damaging to wireless networks due to the strong winds, lightning, hail,
>rain, storm surge and flooding.  Please also remember that our network
>was not designed to be used from the air and many characteristics of the
>system are specifically tailored to street-level use in the most heavily
>populated areas, such as major highways.  We can not guarantee service
>inside buildings, for example, provide coverage only in certain areas of
>the country, and the quality and extent of that coverage can vary
>greatly depending on location.  (Coverage maps can be found at
>www.sprint.com.)  All of this said, please be assured that Sprint is
>committed to keeping its network up and running at all times, especially
>during natural disasters, and takes steps in advance to help facilitate
>that.  We take pride in providing a first-rate customer experience and
>world-class service.
>
>Thank you for contacting us and allowing us the opportunity to consider
>your request.  We are glad to be of assistance during this challenging
>time and wish everyone success in the efforts to minimize the impact of
>Hurricane Ike and to provide assistance and support in its wake.
>
>Please do not hesitate to contact us again in the future should the need
>arise.
>
>Best regards,
>
>
>
>Ray Rothermel
>
>Counsel-Legal
>
>Sprint Nextel Corporation
>
>703 433-4220
>
>Ray.Rothermel@Sprint.com

>Subject: FW: Sprint Lawyer Guidance on FCC Reg
>
>Gen Morrow has blessed the airborne FMV.  Below is the e-mail from the
>Sprint lawyer explaining the FCC issue.
>
>There is still the issue of the FAA, which believes that wireless
>devices may interfere with an aircraft's avionics.  For that reason the
>flight cannot be IFR when the wireless device is in use.  For VFR
>flights, the FAA allows the determination to be made by the Pilot in
>Command or operators of the aircraft as to whether the aircraft can be
>operated safely.  Arguably CAP could make the call, but with volunteer
>pilots I believe we should give them a say in the matter.
>
>I recommend that the following be presented to them before they
>undertake the FMV flight:
>
>There is a possibility that the portable electronic device (PED) use to
>transmit data live during flight may effect, or interfere with the
>aircraft's navigation and communications.  Responsibility for making a
>determination of an interfering effect caused by the PED on the
>aircraft's navigation and permitting the use of any PED technology lies
>solely with the pilot.  By agreeing to fly this mission, and permitting
>the use of a PED during flight, the pilot of the aircraft has determined
>the PED will not interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft and
>is assuming the risk associated with the transmission of the PED in
>flight.

>Subject: FW: Sprint Lawyer Guidance on FCC Reg
>
>ALCON:
>
>The following is hot off the press. Lt Col Guillory has consulted with
>the Sprint Lawyers regarding the FCC issues with FMV use in aircraft.
>They have signed off on using the FMV with the caveat that some verbiage
>be given to both air and ground crews in the form of SPINS. The verbiage
>is part of the text of this e-mail. General Morrow has concurred.
>
>Please forward to CAP legal for review and concurrence. We would like to
>field the FMV ASAP.

>Subject: RE: Sprint Lawyer Guidance on FCC Reg -- Ref FMV for CAP Use in
>Hurr IKE
>
>Norm:
>
>-  From the CAP-USAF perspective, I concur with 1AF that FMV use in the
>aircraft is allowable, with the following guidance to the crews:
>
>1.  Do not fly in IMC, as there is a possibility the wireless devices
>may interfere with an aircraft's avionics.  Do not fly under IFR when
>the wireless device is in use.  For VFR flights, the Pilot in Command
>will ensure the aircraft can be operated safely.
>
>2.  There is a possibility that the portable electronic device (PED) use
>to transmit data live during flight may effect, or interfere with the
>aircraft's navigation and communications.  Responsibility for making a
>determination of an interfering effect caused by the PED on the
>aircraft's navigation and permitting the use of any PED technology lies
>solely with the pilot.  By agreeing to fly this mission, and permitting
>the use of a PED during flight, the pilot of the aircraft has determined
>the PED will not interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft and
>is assuming the risk associated with the transmission of the PED in
>flight.
>
>-  Bottom line: Do not compromise flight safety to operate FMV equipment

[RiverAux]

There was a blurb in the latest Volunteer about a guy getting one of the first Mission Photographer ratings.
Have you checked the latest version of the 60-3?

How can anyone get the rating when there is no approved SQTR for it?

[Eclipse]

^ I saw that too.  Obviously a misunderstanding.

[SarMaster]

Florida Wing is using a Garmin GPS unit along with your COTS digital camera.  You sync the camera time with the GPS...When you get on the ground you plug in your GPS to the laptop, run a custom software package that  uploads the tracklog and pics, geocodes the images to the EXIF header, resizes the images , and applies a watermark to the image, then uploads them all the the Florida Wing Server to be displayed on a Google based map via the web.

The system national uses were you have to log the coordinates on the XLS file is rediculouse and too time consuming.   

Its funny that we use 'state of the art' technology but we rely on an excel spreadsheet for our photos....


The 'RECON' designation some were talking about is more than just taking photos with a camera.  It was developed to assist the State in impact assessment. The photos Must have geo data as well as specialized impact assesment reporting. As well as  'Rapid Response, Tactical Tasking' or R2T2.... basically we anticipate tasking and pre-launch airframes to the AOR ...drops the response times to minutes vs hours.

[Eclipse]

Florida Wing is using a Garmin GPS unit along with your COTS digital camera.  You sync the camera time with the GPS...When you get on the ground you plug in your GPS to the laptop, run a custom software package that  uploads the tracklog and pics, geocodes the images to the EXIF header, resizes the images , and applies a watermark to the image, then uploads them all the the Florida Wing Server to be displayed on a Google based map via the web.

The system national uses were you have to log the coordinates on the XLS file is rediculouse and too time consuming.   

Its funny that we use 'state of the art' technology but we rely on an excel spreadsheet for our photos....

Not everyone has access with this "custom software package", everyone has access to Excel (or a varient).

[SarDragon]

The "custom software package" usually comes with the GPS logger, so it's not like you have to get something extra.

[Eclipse]

The "custom software package" usually comes with the GPS logger, so it's not like you have to get something extra.

What GPS logger?

[SarMaster]

As soon as we tidy up the code were going to present it to national...then maybe everyone can have it.

[Eclipse]

What if you don't use a Garmin?

[SarMaster]

Currently the software only works with Garmin.

[Larry Mangum]

You can access the Airborne Photography course unformation here, http://www.4shared.com/dir/18345915/5d598475/MAS.html

[Eclipse]

Right, which is my point - until and unless NHQ starts issuing equipment as a set, including turn-key software, it has to be LCD or
the first guy to try and use it with the wrong rev of "whatever" is stymied with no support during a mission.

Thus, Excel.

We took the same approach with status displays - how many of you have been promised blue-sky integrated, web-enabled, shiny systems only to get nothing, or the IMU? 

We found recently that some dirt-simple spreadsheets and a Powerpoint display works great and can be used by anyone with a notebook
(which would be every unit in the country).

[wuzafuzz]

You can access the Airborne Photography course unformation here, http://www.4shared.com/dir/18345915/5d598475/MAS.html

"The file link that you requested is not valid."

[Larry Mangum]

You can access the Airborne Photography course unformation here, http://www.4shared.com/dir/18345915/5d598475/MAS.html

"The file link that you requested is not valid."

Link works for me, but try this one http://www.4shared.com/file/122090868/4da6be7a/Airborne_Photography__Videogra.html

[wuzafuzz]

You can access the Airborne Photography course unformation here, http://www.4shared.com/dir/18345915/5d598475/MAS.html

"The file link that you requested is not valid."

Link works for me, but try this one http://www.4shared.com/file/122090868/4da6be7a/Airborne_Photography__Videogra.html

That one worked for me.  Thanks!

[Pumbaa]

Plenty of freeware programs out there to do geo-tagging.  Microsoft dIGITAL PROFESSIONAL, Google Earth, Geo Setter andmore.

[SarDragon]

The "custom software package" usually comes with the GPS logger, so it's not like you have to get something extra.

What GPS logger?

OOPS!

I was reading more into it than I should have. I have a GPS with logger that I use for the same thing, and it was all in one package.