Albuquerque (KRQE) – KRQE News 13’s latest high tech tool is an FAA-approved unmanned aircraft system, or drone, called Sky Drone 13.

The model KRQE uses is called an ‘Inspire 1’ and is built by DJI. It’s equipped with an ultra-high definition gyro-stabilized camera and transmitter for live images.

Most commercial drones and a few private drones flying around America do so in violation of FAA rules and sometimes cause problems, especially when they get in the way of manned aircraft near airports. Sky Drone 13 is registered with the FAA and complies with all the agency’s regulations for commercial “Unmanned Aircraft Systems”. That includes coordinating with airports to make sure conflicts with other air traffic are avoided.

Sky Drone 13 pilots are FAA-licensed pilots, who are knowledgeable about safe airspace use. They have undergone months of additional specialized drone flight training and practice prior to flying Sky Drone 13.

The FAA restricts commercial drones like Sky Drone 13 to operating no more than 400 feet above the ground. KRQE drone pilots must also get permission from anyone they need to fly in close proximity to, and they need permission of the owner before flying over private property.

With its small size, Sky Drone 13 is able to fly places the Sky News 13 full-size helicopter cannot. It can also do so more safely, often creating unique aerial perspectives that help tell the full story in a news report.

The stunning high definition footage of some of New Mexico’s most beautiful places is often breathtaking.

KRQE News 13 fully supports the multi-agency national drone safety program “Know Before You Fly“. Both hobby drone enthusiasts and commercial drone flyers are encouraged to observe these FAA-endorsed safety guidelines.

For more information on flying drones privately as a hobby, consider joining the Academy of Model Aeronautics.