A recent bid by the NFL to use drones for filming games has been approved by the FAA

Before you go getting too excited about drones flying along behind your favorite player you need to know the FAA has put a stipulation on this permit. The film division of the NFL, simply called NFL Films, is only allowed to fly the drones when the stadium is empty. Along side this restriction are your other standard restrictions the FAA gives out such as the drone must be less than 55lbs, the drone must stay below 400ft and the drone must remain in eye sight of the pilot at ALL times.

We know these sound very restrictive but it is very early in the game. As technology advances and more and more people become certified and qualified pilots, this will change. I eagerly await the invention of swarm tech for film and camera applications. We at DS Drones see a future where when you are watching your favorite sport you can choose which drone camera to view. In real time you will be able to swap from drone cam to drone cam so you can always be watching the action, from whatever angle you want. You will be able to keep an eye on your favorite (or your hated) players and with the buffering of film be able to re-watch the game from different angles.

While this may still be a ways off the technology is all already there. Scientists have been experimenting flying drones as fleets with the current record being 50 drones flown from a single user. I personally welcome our new drone overlords!

Do you think this was an interesting post?
Do you see a use for flying drones to film for the NFL only when stadiums are empty?
What do you think about the potential applications for Drone Swarms?

DS Drones would love to hear what you think!