About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com
Should We Be Concerned About the Number of Drones in the Sky During Public Events?
New Year’s Eve in Perth, Western Australia, started to become a spectacle. It wasn’t always this way.
Fireworks now light up the sky, crowds gather onshore, and boats fill the water.
This year, Sky Perth was commissioned by one of our clients to capture the display from above.
All our paperwork was in order. Our drone pilots were licensed, and flight paths were carefully planned. Yet, as we launched our drone, we counted around 30 others sharing the same airspace.
This raises a critical question: Should we be concerned about the growing number of drones flying at the same time in crowded spaces?
Chaos in the Skies
Drones are no longer rare gadgets. They’ve become tools for capturing moments, both professionally and recreationally. But with this popularity comes risk. Too many drones in one space can lead to chaos.
During New Year’s Eve in Perth, we noticed drones taking off from boats and crowded shorelines.
- Were they licensed pilots?
- Did they have permission to fly there?
- Did they know CASA rules for drone operations?
When too many drones fly in close quarters:
- Mid-Air Collisions: Drones can crash into each other and fall into crowds below.
- Interference with Professionals: Licensed pilots can lose control or visibility.
- Safety Risks: A falling drone isn’t just a broken gadget—it’s a hazard.
Many recreational users might not even realise they’re breaking the rules or creating danger.
A Future Without Action
Imagine 100 drones filling the sky during the next New Year’s Eve in Perth.
Some pilots are professionals, others are hobbyists, and a few are careless. Without oversight, we could see:
- Restricted Airspace Violations: Drones entering off-limits areas.
- Blocked Emergency Response: Ambulance helicopters unable to operate safely.
- Public Fear: A drone-related accident could cause panic in a crowd.
If we don’t act now, drone-filled skies could turn celebrations into chaos.
Clear Rules, Education, and Enforcement
The problem isn’t the technology—it’s how we manage it.
- Clear CASA Regulations: Drone rules must be communicated clearly, especially at popular launch spots.
- Event Permits: Large events should have stricter drone activity rules, including pre-approved flight plans.
- Public Education: Workshops and online guides can teach recreational pilots about safe flying.
- Drone-Free Zones: CASA should mark restricted zones during major events.
- On-Ground Enforcement: Event staff or CASA representatives should monitor drone activity.
How Sky Perth Can Help
At Sky Perth, we’ve spent years navigating complex drone regulations, securing permits, and working with licensed pilots. Our experience in high-pressure environments, from live events to remote industrial sites, has given us a deep understanding of safe drone operations. But we know the skies are getting crowded, and safety can’t be left to chance.
Here’s how we can contribute to safer skies:
- Training Workshops: We can offer workshops tailored to recreational and commercial drone pilots. These cover CASA regulations, flight planning, safety protocols, and practical flying skills.
- Event Airspace Planning: We can help organisers create structured drone management plans for large public events. This includes identifying safe launch zones, controlled flight paths, and effective communication channels for pilots.
- Operational Audits: We can assist businesses in reviewing their drone operations to ensure compliance with safety standards and CASA guidelines.
- Educational Content: We can share insights on drone safety and responsible flying through blog posts, video tutorials, and social media updates.
Our goal is not just to fly drones but to set a standard for responsible drone operations in Australia. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we aim to reduce risks, improve public confidence in drone technology, and ensure the skies remain a safe and creative space for everyone.
If you’re planning an event, managing drone operations, or want to learn more about safe flying, Sky Perth can guide you every step of the way.
We don’t just fly drones—we help build safer skies for everyone.
A Shared Responsibility
Drones offer incredible opportunities for creativity and storytelling. But they come with responsibility.
Next time you plan to fly your drone—whether at an event or for fun—ask yourself:
- Am I following the rules?
- Am I contributing to a safe airspace?
At Sky Perth, we’re here to help, guide, and mentor those who share our passion for flying safely.
