09 January 2026

See Fred's Pilot Profile.

With an engineering background and decades as the retired owner of a Birmingham-based engineering company, I bring precision, technical expertise, and a relentless drive for innovation to every aerial project. Holding an associate degree in Business and Applied Science, plus hands-on experience in graphic design and CAD, I've always prioritized quality, safety, and real-world results.

My drone passion ignited years ago when my wife’s brother gifted me a Hover Air X1 from Beijing airport. Its compact, self-flying design hooked me instantly, but its limitations—phone-dependent control, 2.7K resolution, and short range—pushed me toward more capable systems. I progressed to the DJI Neo (RC-N2), then the DJI Mini 4 Pro (RC-2), unlocking stunning footage of Alabama's historic Southern landmarks, old mills, civil rights sites, and Birmingham's scenic beauty—while delivering practical services like roof inspections, business content, and short documentaries.

To fly commercially, I earned my FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, ensuring full regulatory compliance and unlocking professional opportunities for events, real estate, construction, and more.

The drone industry moves fast, so I stay ahead by following trends, testing gear, and refining my skills. My current fleet is optimized for versatility—from quick captures to cinematic productions—complemented by ground action and 360° cameras for complete storytelling:

• DJI Neo — Ultra-compact ~135g palm-sized drone with palm takeoff/landing, 4K/30fps stabilized video, 12MP photos, full propeller guards. Category 1-eligible for operations over people. Ideal for spontaneous shots, family events, low-altitude creative content, and safe crowd/event footage.
• DJI Mini 4 Pro — Sub-250g portability, 4K/60fps HDR, 48MP photos. Perfect for real estate, general aerials, and historical documentation.

• DJI Mini 5 Pro (September 2025) — 1-inch 50MP sensor for exceptional low-light, 4K/60fps HDR (up to 4K/120fps slow-mo). The ultimate lightweight pro tool.
• DJI Air 3S (October 2024) — Dual-camera (50MP wide + 48MP tele), 4K/60fps HDR, 14-stop dynamic range, night sensing. Ideal for landscapes, inspections, and extended shoots.
• DJI Flip (January 2025) — Compact vlog drone with full-coverage guards, palm takeoff, 1/1.3-inch sensor, 4K/60fps HDR, AI tracking. Great for spontaneous, safe on-the-go content.
• DJI Avata 2 — Immersive FPV with 4K/60fps wide-angle (155° FOV), motion control. Perfect for dynamic action sequences.
• DJI Mavic 4 Pro Cine (May 2025) — Flagship with 360° Infinity Gimbal, triple-camera (100MP 4/3" Hasselblad wide, medium tele, tele), 6K/60fps HDR, ProRes. Built for broadcast-quality documentaries, premium real estate, and high-end clients.

Complementing the aerial lineup:

• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (September 2024) — 1/1.3-inch sensor, 13.5-stop dynamic range, 4K/120fps. Excellent for ground B-roll, POV, low-light, and hybrid drone projects.
• Insta360 X5 (April 2025) — Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors for 8K 360° video. Shoot first, reframe later. Ideal for immersive historical docs, travel, or "invisible selfie stick" effects.

This toolkit—overhead precision from drones, dynamic ground shots from action cams, and full immersion from 360°—lets me tackle any project with the perfect tool.

Safety is non-negotiable: I strictly follow FAA rules, avoid no-fly zones, and maintain visual line of sight. This commitment builds trust and lets me focus on delivering exceptional drone photography, videography, and immersive content.

What I love most? Every step—from pre-flight prep to real-time problem-solving and final edits. It's a perfect mix of creativity, technical precision, and freedom. Each flight is a chance to learn, refine, and create something meaningful.

Fully retired, I've swapped the corporate grind for passion-driven flexibility. No rush, no burnout—just ideal conditions, golden-hour magic, and projects that matter. Whether it's detailed inspections or breathtaking visuals, I deliver top-tier results.

For businesses needing roof inspections, real estate imagery, historical documentation, content creation, 360° perspectives, or stunning aerial/ground hybrids, my experience and fleet have you covered.

Let's create something extraordinary. Contact me today to discuss your project. Fly safe, fly high!