High

A former Gastonia minister has launched a second career in the clouds with his own drone-based aerial photography service.

Michael Morton and wife Ronda Morton, launched their company, APV4U.com, this summer. It was a way for the couple to strike out on their own and join a growing movement that brings aerial photography to the masses.

But Morton and other drone operators are awaiting potential federal regulations that could significantly restrict how, when and what they fly - or new rules could put them out of business entirely.

Rock solid from the air: Morton's tiny 'quadcopter,' a dinner-plate sized drone held aloft by four tiny rotors, can reach speeds of 35 mph and climb to roughly 900 feet. But Morton said it shines as a platform for a small HD camera.

'It's a rock-solid, stable platform that lets you take photos from angles you'd never see in any other way,' Morton said.

The hardware has limitations. It's still relatively expensive technology, and Morton has $1,500 invested in a device that can only stay airborne for 8 to 10 minutes before he has to change its battery.

But it allows him to offer clients an impressive sales pitch: a bird's-eye view of your campground or real estate development, for instance, that can be used as a valuable marketing tool.

Fresh start: For nearly a decade, Morton combined his love of videography with his work as a minister at Gastonia Church of Christ. After years of shooting and editing video in the same old way, Morton found himself burned out on the work. His drone purchase cured those woes, he said.

'This - shooting from the air - is totally new for me,' Morton said. 'It's reinvigorating.'

The business is also something he and his wife can share, he said. She enjoys experimenting with new technology and, her husband says, happens to be a much better director than Morton.

'Our daughter usually winds up trying to help, too, so it's become a family thing.'

Uncertain future: Morton worries about legislative challenges that could hamper his new business, including FAA rulings that restrict drones to a 400-foot ceiling or force him to spend $6,000 for a commercial license he said he doesn't really need.

'At the end of the day, this is about being responsible,' Morton said. 'Don't fly near buildings, or beyond visual range or in a way that could hurt people.'

That last concern is paramount, Morton said. He believes most crashes are caused by inexperienced or careless operators that push their drones beyond their safety overrides.

His message to regulators? Recognize that drones offer legitimate commercial opportunities.

'You can sink a lot of money into these things and then getting shut down might be beyond your control,' Morton said. 'It's really scary to think about sometimes.'

High-tech gadget lifts former minister's spirits, business plan

A former Gastonia minister has launched a second career in the clouds with his own drone-based aerial photography service.

Michael Morton and wife Ronda Morton, launched their company, APV4U.com, this summer. It was a way for the couple to strike out on their own and join a growing movement that brings aerial photography to the masses.

But Morton and other drone operators are awaiting potential federal regulations that could significantly restrict how, when and what they fly - or new rules could put them out of business entirely.

Rock solid from the air: Morton's tiny 'quadcopter,' a dinner-plate sized drone held aloft by four tiny rotors, can reach speeds of 35 mph and climb to roughly 900 feet. But Morton said it shines as a platform for a small HD camera.

'It's a rock-solid, stable platform that lets you take photos from angles you'd never see in any other way,' Morton said.

The hardware has limitations. It's still relatively expensive technology, and Morton has $1,500 invested in a device that can only stay airborne for 8 to 10 minutes before he has to change its battery.

But it allows him to offer clients an impressive sales pitch: a bird's-eye view of your campground or real estate development, for instance, that can be used as a valuable marketing tool.

Fresh start: For nearly a decade, Morton combined his love of videography with his work as a minister at Gastonia Church of Christ. After years of shooting and editing video in the same old way, Morton found himself burned out on the work. His drone purchase cured those woes, he said.

'This - shooting from the air - is totally new for me,' Morton said. 'It's reinvigorating.'

The business is also something he and his wife can share, he said. She enjoys experimenting with new technology and, her husband says, happens to be a much better director than Morton.

'Our daughter usually winds up trying to help, too, so it's become a family thing.'

Uncertain future: Morton worries about legislative challenges that could hamper his new business, including FAA rulings that restrict drones to a 400-foot ceiling or force him to spend $6,000 for a commercial license he said he doesn't really need.

'At the end of the day, this is about being responsible,' Morton said. 'Don't fly near buildings, or beyond visual range or in a way that could hurt people.'

That last concern is paramount, Morton said. He believes most crashes are caused by inexperienced or careless operators that push their drones beyond their safety overrides.

His message to regulators? Recognize that drones offer legitimate commercial opportunities.

'You can sink a lot of money into these things and then getting shut down might be beyond your control,' Morton said. 'It's really scary to think about sometimes.'