"Remote control helicopter"
Nobody gets excited about parkflyers. I believe we need to associate ourselves with the same guys that have been flying RC PLANES in the park for the last twenty years. We're the ones calling them drones and multirotors and UAVs, etc. "Remote controlled heli", ergo toy. Non-threatening and a concept people are used to.
No matter what you call it yourself, you can count on the fact that when the mic cuts back to the reporter the first word out of their mouth is going to be drone.
Personally, I just roll with what ever they call it. I'll point out that this is a hexacopter, etc, but if they only give you 2 minutes to talk and you spend a minute of that saying these aren't drones, it really limits you from getting the real points out.
Not at all, in my opinion. It's an argument you will not win, so I don't even see the point in trying... just help change the meaning of the word by showing this technology in a positive light.
I'd much rather spend my time taking about how the US is quickly falling behind several other counties when it comes to the use of this technology because the FAA won't get off their *** and pass real regulations that allow commercial flight. It's restricting economic growth in a time when we need all that we can get. That line usually gets people fired up.
Ill also tell you one other reason why I don't fight the drone fight. The moment you convince a reporter that what you have is not a drone, and is in fact a remote control helicopter, that reporter/publisher loses 100% of the interest they had in your story. If they can't use the word Drone, they don't have a story. This comes for personal experience, but feel free to prove that theory yourself.
Not at all, in my opinion. It's an argument you will not win, so I don't even see the point in trying... just help change the meaning of the word by showing this technology in a positive light.
I'd much rather spend my time taking about how the US is quickly falling behind several other counties when it comes to the use of this technology because the FAA won't get off their *** and pass real regulations that allow commercial flight. It's restricting economic growth in a time when we need all that we can get. That line usually gets people fired up.
Ill also tell you one other reason why I don't fight the drone fight. The moment you convince a reporter that what you have is not a drone, and is in fact a remote control helicopter, that reporter/publisher loses 100% of the interest they had in your story. If they can't use the word Drone, they don't have a story. This comes for personal experience, but feel free to prove that theory yourself.
The bit about the USA falling behind because of the FAA is also a great sound bite.
Example:
Talking Point: It's important to understand there are different types of drones used for different purposes.
Reporter: "So how did you capture this amazing footage with your drone?"
Pilot: "Thanks for the compliment. It's important to understand that there are different types of drones used for specific purposes. I specialize in capturing pictures and video by safely positioning a flying camera at angles never seen before. I do this with small remote control helicopters I build and design."
Ditto, that will be a great talking point Kilby