Posted: 11/1/2016 1:37:41 PM EDT
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Probably not the best place for this but I'll give it a shot.
Are there any drones in the $10k range that would be suitable for inspecting water lines under a bridge? If not what price range is more realistic. Range would need to be in the 200 yard area. |
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The Gopro Karma can be had for $1,200 and it would be fine for flying under a bridge. I guess you may want something big enough to carry lights though.
The bigger question perhaps is the legality of using a drone for commercial purposes. I remember the FFA had a ban on it, but I don't recall if it was lifted or not. |
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Which ever you decide, flying under a bridge poses a couple other hazards.
Make sure you're close enough so you don't lose signal. 5.8 isn't the best when it comes to flying out of line of sight...like under a bridge. Watch out for the ceiling effect. if you get too close to a flat overhead structure, your blades will pull air in from the sides causing a vacuum and pulling the vehicle into the overhead. Might want to invest in floats or foam bottoms if you're determined to fly under a bridge. 
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The Gopro Karma can be had for $1,200 and it would be fine for flying under a bridge. I guess you may want something big enough to carry lights though. The bigger question perhaps is the legality of using a drone for commercial purposes. I remember the FFA had a ban on it, but I don't recall if it was lifted or not. The operator or guy the OP contracts needs to get part 107 certified. Commercial operations are legal now A karma or mavic might not be the best unit for looking up. Same goes with the Phantoms. |
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That's a heck of a budget.....can you use a boat in conjunction to mitigate line of sight? That is possible. If you go boat, you'll definitely need a good 3-axis gimbal. Quite a bit more action going on with stability over what an airborne UAV camera system contends with. the larger the water-borne platform, the less choppy action your camera mount will need to contend with. |
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1K DJI drone will do that you ask Hell even the cheaper models will I could take my Phantom 3 out over a mile away Get a simple reflective range extender for your remote and you can fly your DJI/P3Pro 2-3 miles or more. Available on Amazon. yes, I have a P3Pro and a parabolic reflective range extender. 
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Under bridge you will have GPS issues (trust me I know) so practice flying ATT (without GPS) mode. You will need a Part 107 FAA license since you are flying commercial. You might need to get a waiver since you are flying right next to or over car traffic (which this waiver is almost impossible to get). Plan for drone loss since if you have an issue the only place to land in water. Launching/landing from a boat takes practice but can be done (I have done it many times already). DJI P3P, P4 or Mavic will be your best bet for the money...You can go much higher but I would use those to start. |
| They make drones built with circular protective cages for exploring caves. Something like that would work, as it would prevent the drone from crashing when it hits the bridge. Between the wind, hanging cables, pipes...etc on the under side the drone will hit something. |
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Being able to look up is going to be the key for you.
With that need I would go with the Dji Inspire 1 with the zenmuse z3 camera system. The camera has 3.5x optical zoom capability and also on the Inspire airframe is able to look up at 45 degrees with no prop intrusion. The zoom allows you to stay a safe distance from the structure while getting the shots you need. As others have said, 107 certification would be required and also a pilot that is comfortable flying in attitude mode over water. |