Despite continued discussion over unmanned aircraft use and regulation, Bellevue residents could be seeing more drones in the skies with the arrival of a new store in Downtown Bellevue.
Drones Plus, the largest drone-specialized retailer in the U.S., recently opened its first Washington location on Bellevue Way on May 14.
“One of the reasons we chose this location is because the Seattle area is actually one of the most drone-friendly locations in the country,” said Drones Plus manager Chris Wilson. “The response we’ve gotten from the community has been great.”
The drones sold at Drones Plus cost anywhere between $29 and $3,400, depending on the size, model and add-ons. Wilson recommends beginners start with the nano models for recreational practice before purchasing larger models that support high-definition cameras and GoPros like the DJI Phantom line. However, customers can purchase a small drone with video capabilities for as little as $59.
Aside from recreational drone flying clubs, the machines are also making their way in industries like real estate, construction, agriculture, retail deliveries and surveillance.
Real estate brokers such as Amy Adams, owner of Windermere Bellevue Commons, have benefitted from using drones to capture photos of Bellevue properties with acreage, pools, or mountain or water views.
“Before, getting aerial photographs was really weather-dependent because the photographers would have to go up in a plane. With a drone, you can do it any time,” Adams said.
But the quickly evolving technology has stirred debate over safety and privacy concerns over the last few years.
Recreational drones are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., due to their easy use, affordable prices and camera capabilities. Drone sales nationwide are expected to approach $130 million in 2015, a 55 percent increase from 2014, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. The CEA expects retailers will sell 400,000 units this year.
Within days of their grand opening on May 14, Drones Plus sold out of their preliminary inventory. Wilson said customers have been coming from an hour or two away, and the Bellevue Drones Plus location already has a waiting list for the newly released DJI Phantom 3 model.
“When it comes to privacy, it’s common sense at this point. But there’s more regulations coming into play,” said Drones Plus assistant manager David Hughes.
Currently, drones must meet Federal Aviation Administration safety guidelines. Drones are not allowed within five miles of airports, must fly before 400 feet and avoid stadiums and manned aircraft operations.
“I’ve not heard of any incidents, but it is a concern for me and something I’ve discussed with other pilots,” said Alaska Airlines pilot Tom Koger. “But the potential is always there with these things being unlicensed as they are.”
The FAA is in the process of amending those regulations to create specific rules addressing the operation, certification and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems. The agency has a Sept. 30, 2015 deadline for the new regulations, set by Congress in 2012.
Bellevue does not currently regulate drone usage. Drone operators that create a substantial risk of injury or actual injuries could be charged with reckless endangerment or assault, said Bellevue Police Ofc. Seth Tyler.
For now, Wilson said the store is striving to educate customers by offering instruction and getting out in the community.
“We’re not a sales-y place, but a place for people to come in and look,” said Wilson. “We realize it’s new for a lot of people, so if it does come down to people needing to vote to change the laws, at least they’ll be educated.”
