Students and teachers from Augusta Primary School were treated to a special visit from Margaret River drone operators UAV Resources this week.
Teacher Katherine Roberts organised the appearance and drone demonstration as part of National Science Week.
“I applied for a grant as part of Science Week and we were lucky enough to win,” Ms Roberts said.
“This allowed us to approach UAV Resources and they were really keen to come down and take us through what they do.”
A detailed lesson on drone technology and flying etiquette was provided by UAV’s Sam Watson, himself an aircraft pilot as well as skilled drone operator.
“We must remember that along with this technology comes a responsibility to use it safely while sticking to aviation and privacy laws,” Mr Watson told the students.
UAV Resources chief executive Brent Watson said there was a need to educate the younger generation given the rise of drone technology and its use in everyday life.
“We now have a world where deliveries, medical emergencies and rescue, agriculture and all sorts of other applications are relying on unmanned aerial vehicles,” Mr Watson said.
“We’re aiming to give the future pilots of these machines the knowledge and respect for the good they can offer the world.”
Ms Roberts agreed, as the students squealed in delight at the three impressive drones parked on their school oval.
“Being a smaller school, we are able to include the entire group in this experience, which means they all get to learn the same things and share their knowledge between them,” she said.
Sam Watson is UAV Resources’ chief operator and with the help of some team members, took the students and teachers through the different drones, including one worth around $300,000.
“Due to the very expensive and very precarious nature of flying these machines, lots of training must be undertaken,” Mr Watson told the group.
“If you are keen to get into drone flying, I highly recommend purchasing a drone simulator for your computer which you can crash over and over again and simply hit the ‘reset’ button.”
Mrs Roberts said the experience was a highlight for the school and had no doubt the students would be sharing their knowledge with their famililes and friends.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
