Skagit Pilot Among First FAA Part 107 Operators

Press Release

OverSkagit.com operator among first in Washington to receive remote pilot license.

Mount Vernon, September 8, 2016: Last week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented its new certification program for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) pilots. The regulation, titled Part 107, requires that individuals who operate drones for commercial purposes after August 29 pass an aeronautical knowledge exam before applying for a remote pilot certificate.

One of the first certified remote pilots in the state of Washington is OverSkagit.com’s Patrick Marker, owner of Circle Path Media, LLC, a media/research company based in Mount Vernon, WA.

During the past two years, Marker has captured stunning aerial footage of humpback and grey whales near Everett, orca in the San Juan Islands, and flooding in Skagit County. Marker is probably best known for his videos of the daffodil and tulip fields near his home in Mount Vernon, Washington.

“This is the next level of piloting and safety,” Marker said, “Recent FAA requirements, including a requirement that most UAVs be registered and that operators follow rules (not flying at night, over crowds or above 400 feet, etc.) are intended to make the skies safer.”

Marker is looking forward to working with local organizations, businesses and law enforcement to capture images from a different angle. “The story is often different from above,” Marker said, “and the applications are endless: Search and rescue, mapping, real estate and construction, and environmental monitoring are at the top of the list. However, few things compare to capturing and watching aerial footage of that epic battle with a king salmon.”

Marker’s photos and aerial video have been featured on KOMO-4 (Seattle), KING-5 (Seattle), KIRO-7 (Seattle) KCPQ-12 (Seattle) as well as CNN and other news outlets including Skagit Breaking News.

For more information about OverSkagit.com and Circle Path Media, LLC, please visit www.overskagit.com or call/ text 360-421-5849.