Southern Aerial Surveys

Dorset based David Walker worked for 38 years in the theatre, but as venues across the country remain dark due to Coronavirus, he is now about to start what he calls his ultimate dream job. This is the story of how a chance toy gift from a trade show, turned into a business.

It all started one day when my wife presented me with a tiny drone that was smaller than the size of a mobile phone. She had been to a trade show and walked all around London’s Excel Centre, getting a card stamped at various stands so she could claim her prize. It was so small it fitted into the palm of my hand, so took it into the garden and without knowing what I was doing, flew it straight onto the roof of the conservatory. Where it promptly landed into an overflowing and very dirty gutter!

Unperturbed, I fished it out and wiped away the dead leaves, twigs and all other nasties that lurked within. There is a park near to our house so thought I may have better luck there. It reached the dizzy heights of around 5 metres before a sudden gust of wind blew it higher and across a river, before crashing into a tree on the other side. At home was my wife, and I now faced the prospect of having to tell her what happened.

Sad, but determined, I was bitten by the bug and decided this was something I wanted to try again. A couple of weeks later is was Father’s Day and I was delighted to be given something a little more substantial. A Denver DCH 600 drone, capable of reaching 80 metres and had two modes – beginner and advanced. Every day I would go out and practice. One battery turned into three and, as time progressed, my flying improved.

By now I’m hooked and even when the weather was poor outside, I used a computer simulator to increase my skillset. Like all good operators, I started to look at this more seriously and did my first online training session and undertook a short exam. Anyone who has a hobby knows that you will always be on the lookout for the next bigger and better thing, and for me I was no exception. Shortly after came a DJI Phantom 3 Advance drone, followed by more batteries, tutorials, and insurance. This is quickly followed by a YouTube channel and I find myself writing articles on the subject.

Now, I’m a regular contributor on no less than 15 different drone related groups around the world. As well as being a member of a voluntary Drone Search and Rescue For Lost Dogs UK.

The latest addition to the fleet is a DJI Mavic 2 Pro with combo kit. This unit is quieter, has a sharper image quality and excellent at providing exceptional photo and video. With an ultra-bright control screen, I’ve now found my dream job, and would love the opportunity of working on a project with you.

To speak with David about your requirements get in touch using the contact details below or fill out the enquiry form where we will aim to get back to you within 24 hours.

Services

Roof Inspections

From storm damage for insurance claims, to a general wellness check of your property such as checking the gutters. We can take high quality photos and video of those areas difficult to reach in just a matter of minutes. No more need for running up and down ladders time after time.

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Chimneys

One of the most difficult things to see from ground level is how well your chimney is fairing up to the harsh weather of the UK climate. By using us, we can provide detailed images of your chimney(s) in just a short space of time which you can provide by email to a roofing contractor or insurance broker to carry out any repair work.

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Farmland

From checking your land to counting sheep in a field, we can quickly and effectively take high resolution photos and video of your own personal smallholding. Our latest drone in the fleet is quieter than other models which will help ensure your livestock are not startled when in use.

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Golf Courses

Golfers across the world have often said that when looking at footage of themselves practicing their swing, their playing improves dramatically. The latest drone in our fleet is quieter, has a sharper picture quality and can be used as a tool, in aiding you to become the next Tiger Woods.

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Archaeological Digs

Hiring a helicopter and pilot can be expensive, so why not carry out a site survey in just a fraction of both the cost and time? We can take overhead high-resolution photos which can often show interesting anomalies and help paint a wonderful picture of our cultural history, which you just can’t see when on the ground.

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Real Estate

What better way of showing off the best features of a property, such as grounds, swimming pool, tennis courts and luxurious settings than by air? We can tailor make custom videos, showing off your property in all its finest glory. Get in touch to discuss your requirements today.

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Stately Homes & Gardens

Mansion Houses and Stately Homes can be expensive to run, which is why an increasing number of owners are opening their places to the public. We can provide bespoke, high quality video to music, showcasing the best of what your house and grounds have to offer. Prices start from as little as £280 Get in touch for a free, no obligation quote.

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News Stories

As well as being a qualified UAV operator, David Walker is also a broadcast journalist and newsreader. Therefore, he knows the importance of speed and accuracy when delivering a story. We can provide aerial coverage of a news event and be at the scene in minutes of a story breaking across Dorset, Hampshire or Wiltshire.

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Unusual Gifts

Where did you propose to your loved one? Was it underneath an oak tree, in a meadow, a forest or even a posh hotel? Why not recapture the moment they said “Yes” by commissioning an aerial framed photograph of that special place. Order now and give that special person in your life a gift they can see over and over again.

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