Philip (Frogman) Hinkle, a long-standing member of the VideoUniversity Forums, has been flying remote-controlled aircraft and shooting aerial videos for a couple years. Philip says the video above led that company to hire him to film corporate training classes as well as video tours of all of their 20 locations (some including aerial video). Way to go, Philip!

This growing field has just received a boost from a new federal law. The law compels the Federal Aviation Administration to allow unmanned aerial vehicles known as drones to be used for all sorts of commercial endeavors — from selling real estate and dusting crops, to monitoring oil spills and wildlife, even shooting Hollywood films. They may look like overgrown toy airplanes and helicopters, but add a camera and a skilled operator and these aircraft can capture moving video like nothing else.

Aerial cinematographers are not the only ones to benefit from the new law. Local police and emergency services will also be permitted to send up their own drones.

For more information see this NY Times Article and NY Times Video.

These aerial vehicles don’t all cost a fortune. Here’s a Drone Quadricopter with video camera for less than $300.

Keep in mind that remote flying drones are very dangerous and can seriously hurt people and property. Know what you’re doing and do it safely. Check your insurance policy.