Contributing writer Bonnie Cranmer
Many stories have been circulating recently about the increase in drone sightings. In Craig County, Bryson Drake has made it his business to learn about drones, their legal uses and how to use photography to share the beauty of the outdoors. Drake graduated from Craig County High School in 2023 and went to work as a welder. He started with drones in 2024, first with a hobby drone.
“I enjoy making the content,” Drake stated. The videos on his Facebook page tell the story of what once was and still remains, vistas from the natural environment in Craig County and surrounding areas. Fenwick Mines in New Castle, Falling Springs in Allegheny County and the Humpback Bridge in Covington are some of the locations Drake has covered. He has upgraded to a commercial drone recently and expects to take the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test in the coming months.
Drake is developing his business, Pure Motion Media, to provide local and regional media services to individuals and businesses. He is working with several clients on shoots with collectible cars and anticipates more of that. “That’s fun work,” he shared. Cars and motorcycles enthusiasts love having their rides memorialized with pictures and videos, captured for family and friends. Drake sees his business growing in 2025.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has national rules for drones, requiring any drone over .55 pounds or 250 grams must be registered. In Virginia, drones cannot be used to hunt, harass or kill wild animals, cannot trespass or spy on people, cannot be used to take pictures of people in a correctional facility, or secretly look into people’s homes. Hobby users must pass the FAA’s Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and follow the FAA’s recreational model aircraft rules. If the video or pictures are used commercially, drone users must follow the FAA’s Part 107 rule and pass the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
According to the FAA, there are more than one million legally registered drones in the United States. In December, there were more than 150 reports of drone activity over Virginia, primarily on the east coast of the state. Virginia State Police are investigating and remind the public that it is illegal to shoot down a drone. All of the reports are processed by the Virginia Fusion Center, part of the Homeland Security Division of the Virginia State Police.
The rise in commercial use for drones has benefits in rural communities. Wildlife management, field management and other research and maintenance are made more efficient with the help of drones. Real estate agents are using drone photography to enhance the buyer and seller experience. Sports teams are using the footage to expand the fan experience, and the new perspectives are popular. Watch the skies for more drones in the future, including hobbyists, professionals and governments using the new technologies.
