Thermal call-out work pricing

[WeekendMedic]

I have experience with real estate work, and have volunteered my time for some search work in the past. When I replaced my original Mavic Pro Platinum I looked for a thermal capable drone to let me do more search work, and settled on an M2ED.

A local farmer reached out, heard I had thermal capability, and is interested in calling me out to find missing calves on the farm. We haven't had a chat about pricing just yet, but he's already called twice (and cancelled before I left home both times).

How are others pricing this kind of work? It's different than the real estate stuff I do (those are 1h on site, 2h editing) and extra for travel.

The farm is within my normal (no extra charge) operating area, but there won't be any post work - and I'm interested in this work because it's good practice for human or pet search work with the thermal functions. Night flying adds some risk, but I'm comfortable with saying no when conditions aren't safe to fly. I do want to keep the rate reasonable, was considering $100 for the first hour and $50 each additional.

Thoughts?

 

[GadgetGuy]

How about $200 per animal, if you find it before he does?

 

[Felix le Chat]

I have experience with real estate work, and have volunteered my time for some search work in the past. When I replaced my original Mavic Pro Platinum I looked for a thermal capable drone to let me do more search work, and settled on an M2ED.

A local farmer reached out, heard I had thermal capability, and is interested in calling me out to find missing calves on the farm. We haven't had a chat about pricing just yet, but he's already called twice (and cancelled before I left home both times).

How are others pricing this kind of work? It's different than the real estate stuff I do (those are 1h on site, 2h editing) and extra for travel.

The farm is within my normal (no extra charge) operating area, but there won't be any post work - and I'm interested in this work because it's good practice for human or pet search work with the thermal functions. Night flying adds some risk, but I'm comfortable with saying no when conditions aren't safe to fly. I do want to keep the rate reasonable, was considering $100 for the first hour and $50 each additional.

Thoughts?

Seeing as he's wasted your time twice already: tell him it's $100 and hour, although I wonder what kind of heat signature a calf that's probably been dead for a week puts out...

 

[Cafguy]

Depending on the state you live you will need to obtain part 137 certification and if you are using a drone with a weight of over 250 grams you will also need an FAA section 44807 exemption. Some states also require special permits when flying around animals...Check with you local Government before you fly...
P.S. Always have a 3 hour minimum!!

 

[tstr14]

How about $200 per animal, if you find it before he does?

So if you search for an hour and don't find it, no fee? No thanks. Maybe $75 per hour and $50 bonus if found, or something along those lines.

 

[WeekendMedic]

So if you search for an hour and don't find it, no fee? No thanks. Maybe $75 per hour and $50 bonus if found, or something along those lines.

Thanks for the constructive reply, I like this idea. I plan to be paid regardless of outcome, this would work

 

[WeekendMedic]

So if you search for an hour and don't find it, no fee? No thanks. Maybe $75 per hour and $50 bonus if found, or something along those lines.

Depending on the state you live you will need to obtain part 137 certification and if you are using a drone with a weight of over 250 grams you will also need an FAA section 44807 exemption. Some states also require special permits when flying around animals...Check with you local Government before you fly...
P.S. Always have a 3 hour minimum!!

Reading the 137 info, it seems to only cover dispensing product from the air, and the larger agricultural aircraft. Neither of those would apply in this case. NY doesn't restrict flights around animals, especially when flying at the owner's request.

 

[WeekendMedic]

Seeing as he's wasted your time twice already: tell him it's $100 and hour, although I wonder what kind of heat signature a calf that's probably been dead for a week puts out...

I'm a little less cynical - he's offered to pay for the first two cancelled calls, and I've refused payment. I started charging batteries both times, but didn't leave the house, so I didn't see a reason to charge him. It's a business relationship I'd like to foster, as his business has the potential of sending a fair bit of work my way.

In both cases, the calves were recovered alive, and are both doing well.

 

[WeekendMedic]

How about $200 per animal, if you find it before he does?

An interesting idea - not sure how much margin there is in a dairy calf.