An innovative new aerial photography business has taken flight, with two Bermudians at the controls.The Department of Civil Aviation announced yesterday it has given the go ahead to Bermuda Aerial Media to conduct operations with remote controlled helicopters for filming aerial photography. The company, whose services include professional photography, video, 3D photogrammetry, and surveying, is currently busy with filming Island Games events for different clients including overseas media.Owners EJ Burrows and Connor Burns both work in the engineering field. Mr Burrows is a project manager for Island Engineering and Mr Burns an engineer for Onsite Engineering and he also runs Bermuda Renderings and a 3D technology firm.They came up with the idea two years ago, noting the technology was on the rise in the US, and have been working with Government for the approval.“It was a long process but the Department was extremely helpful,” Mr Burrows said.Mr Burns said they had three remote-control helicopters, including a larger one that cost just under $20,000 including shipping. The company is regulated to fly up to 400 feet.Bermuda Aerial Media has been granted an Aerial Work Certificate (AWC) and Civil Aviation said yesterday the company was the first, and at present only, company permitted to conduct such operations in Bermuda. It will be regulated by Civil Aviation and privacy complaints or other issues will be monitored and addressed by the Department.Dr Grant Gibbons, Minister of Economic Development, congratulated the owners of Bermuda Aerial Media, Connor Burns and EJ Burrows, for their proactive approach to gain this certification.“By achieving this distinction, they have demonstrated to the Civil Aviation technical staff, their ability to develop safe and comprehensive operating procedures,” he said.“They have also demonstrated, by a series of flight tests, their ability to handle their aircraft in a variety of emergency situations.”Dr Gibbons added, “This is an open market for young entrepreneurs, photographers and videographers. It should be noted that the Department of Civil Aviation is willing to work with any individuals to assist with getting the aerial work certification. It is vitally important to maintain safety standards and strict regulations regarding the operation of small unmanned aircraft in a congested Island such as Bermuda.”The Department noted approximately one third of the airspace above the Island lies within the airfield Air Traffic Control zone and flying these unmanned aircraft or drones in such airspace could pose a hazard to conventional air traffic.“It is essential that comprehensive procedures are established, which are acceptable to the Department of Civil Aviation and Air Traffic Control,” a statement said. “Use of these vehicles for commercial gain, for example aerial photography, is only permitted when approval has been granted in the form of an Aerial Work Certificate.“In today’s marketplace, these remote controlled vehicles are freely available from specialist suppliers and are affordably priced, from a few hundred dollars for a simple machine to $15,000 and up for a complex model.“The Department of Civil Aviation, strongly advises individuals who wish to become involved in the use of these aircraft either for pleasure or financial gain to contact the Department for guidance before they commit themselves to a purchase.”The Department said it would like to take this opportunity to advise the public that all forms of aerial activity are subject to regulatory control and restrictions.For more information see info@bermudaaerial.com or bermudaaerial.com.