Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy McNeil.
Hi Tracy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
After almost two years of being a stay-at-home parent throughout the COVID pandemic, my child started daycare and I took the newfound spare time to venture into self-employment. I began to see all the possibilities of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or “drones”.
Whether it was photography, videography, mapping, or other utilities, I saw how involved unmanned aircraft systems were in a multitude of everyday aspects. After studying the laws governing commercial drone use, I received my Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA in December 2021. From there I started flying and filming projects for construction, real estate, marketing and advertising, and special events, in addition to search and rescue.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
While the unmanned aircraft market isn’t particularly crowded, starting a book of business has been a slow process.
Some clients especially have to be educated on the regulations behind commercial drone use and have to be convinced that there are laws behind flying in the national airspace system. There’s also an ever-changing equipment market with the latest and greatest technology right around the corner from your most recent purchase.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Arctyx Creative Studios, LLC?
Arctyx Creative Studios (“Arctyx” being an anagram for Tracy + x) is my drone company of which I am the sole member. Based in Birmingham, AL with satellite offices in Memphis, TN, and Columbus, GA, effectively covering a three-state plus territory. It provides photography, videography, and photogrammetry aerial services for Real Estate, Construction, Marketing, Special Events, Agriculture, and other industries.
What sets my company apart is the dedication to regulations and safety, going as far as becoming the proud creator and pilot behind Alabama Search and Rescue’s UAS program backed by multiple SAR and FEMA certifications. Customers usually find me presenting at their own safety briefings, taking the time to educate clients and the public on the rules and regulations, or in my yellow “FAA Certified Remote Pilot” safety vest.
I get to fly robots for a living, so what people should know about my company is that my work, once safe, is fun. If it’s for a commercial purpose or just getting an aerial perspective, I’m always available for an intelligent conversation. So while not everyone can legally fly drones for commercial purposes, everyone should at least be able to experience the views I get to see.
My most popular services are photography and videography, but aerial mapping is also well within my capabilities.
This could be running orthomosaic maps, elevation maps, or even agricultural crop health analysis. Some of my projects have been as simple as homeowners wanting documentation of roof damage after a recent storm while some of my more complex projects have been filming the 3,600-acre BlueOval City in Stanton, TN. There are endless possibilities for drones that can help gather imagery or data faster and more efficiently than other methods as well as reduce risk factors to humans performing the same tasks.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
DroneU has been a phenomenal resource for education for aspiring to advanced drone pilots with all of the above to offer like books, podcasts, videos, blogs, etc.
The FAA has taken a sharp interest in the unmanned aircraft space lately and every bit of the information they have to give is free of charge, though it can be difficult to find sometimes. Webinars, reports available for public comment, aviation safety teams, resources, and much more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.arctyxcreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arctyx_creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArctyxCreative
Image Credits
Arctyx Creative Studios
