The stay

TRIP

Do you already have a drone, or do you aspire to have one? Then, this trip is meant for you. We will teach you how to use your drone safely. If you do not have one yet, you will fly OSI drones and we will advise on choosing your future drone. Under the counsel of drone experts, you will, first of all, learn the basics of controlling small machines. After this, you will get into the realm of controlling huge ones. By so doing, you will be able to test your reflexes in the heart of nature, and begin your animal observations.

Thus, with a drone in a rucksack each, we can embark on an adventure for one or more days in a bivouac under the stars. You can then remove your drone and go on the search for mountain animals.
Will you be able to take shots of stags, does, ibexes, and other chamois which live in the valley?

Moreover, you can have fun playing the many organised drone games. On the programme we have: precision landing competition and race pounding or agility course. Many other open air or evening games will be organised throughout this trip to enable you have an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure.

RESEARCH

As a budding naturalist, OSI, through this trip, aims to make you discover the drone world. But not only that. We want you to discover the fauna and flora from a different viewpoint. Once you grab these wonders, you will discover nature’s beauty as well as its fragility. We will show how a drone can help in preserving animals and their environment. Then it will be your turn: With your experience gathered at the heart of nature, together we will establish procedures on drone usage OSI trips and expeditions such as the PANTHERA Research and Education Programme in Kirghizstan on monitoring snow panthers, bears in the Pyrenees, or better still wolfs in the Alps. What is more exciting than bringing back novel pictures of great animals like wolves, bears or snow panthers?
Better still, you can earn a certificate that will permit you to apply for the post of pilot or camera-operator of these famous expeditions and you will be the one to observe snow panthers, bears or even wolves!

VENUE/ACCOMMODATION

At a stone’s throw to Spain and few kilometres to the Luncheon central town, known as a spa town since the Roman era, the Venasque village houses up to 67 individuals in a warm and cosy environment.

Situated near hiking departures, thus permitting you to discover a fabulous scenery and refreshing waterfalls, this convivial home is surrounded with a park built on four (4) hectares, giving free rein to your children’s imagination and that of their instructors favouring big games, hut building, or wonderful nature walks, etc. Many board games and outdoor games such as foosball or ping-pong tables are organised.

Ensuring complete modern comfort, the Venasque rental will accommodate you in more than ten simple but comfortable rooms with four to six beds. The home has many activity rooms, a large reception hall and terrace that will make you enjoy the good days.

DAILY LIFE ON THE SPOT

After joining a team, you will discover different roles: pilot, camera operator and mechanic.

During the first week, you will learn how to fly drones with the help of a flight simulator. Then, you can test yourself on small drones. You will also learn other small skills like stationary flight exercises, translational flight, squares, and figure 8’s, and if you can!!! After this, you will fly bigger and more sophisticated machines that you will have succeed at controlling.

Throughout the first week, you will alternate between piloting sessions, games and socializing. You will also meet participants of other OSI trips who may ask you to lend them your drones for their research programme. Moreover, you can hold talks with animal specialists to assist you in your mission which begins on the second week:

You will have to invade nature and be ingenious and careful in trying to observe animals. It is within this framework that you may camp on the mountains. On the programme: tent, campfire and again outdoor games.

Next, you will have to present your results during a retransmission session where your parents and various officials of the project will be invited. Thanks to your work and those of others, OSI can improve the use of its drones during its science Science La science est désormais l’affaire de tous. Découvrez la science d’une manière ludique et active. Nous vous proposons d’en découvrir plus sur nos expéditions à la voile, découverte du plancton. expeditions which can be followed through internet.

PARTNERS

INTERDRONES SERVICES is a company which specializes in the building and usage of multi-platform drones. The company uses flying, ground, on-water, and underwater models. Founded in 2013 by a firefighter, the company wants to associate drone technology to rescue and emergency services.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is a good knowledge of piloting needed to take part in this trip?

Notions on piloting are welcomed and will enable you to use machines to a greater extent. Nevertheless, we are available to make you discover the activity. As such, mini-drones and simulators will be provided for to beginners. This will enable them to make progress very fast and acquire enough knowledge in order to reach their objectives.

• Does the camp comply with the law on civilian drones in France? Are there particular dangers participants may face?

OSI relies on the INTERDRONES SERVICES company for the organisation and supervision of DRONE CONNECTIONS trips. This company is recognized by DGAC and has all the necessary authorisations for this type of services. Having existed for more than two years, the company also provides effective supervision through qualified pilots practicing this profession.

We also ensure security with the help of specific equipment. Thus, we can use simulators for beginnings without any risk. We also use safety nets and dual controls to ensure maximum security.

• Is the direct observation of big animals guaranteed during this trip?

Naturally, capturing this type of images is rather scarce but... everything is possible!

However, the observation of habitats and their evolution is always possible and generate many important indicators concerning the health of this or that specie. Besides, this type of information is very valued by naturalists who can predict changes and their impact on the specie tracked.

MORE INFORMATION

• In England, a drone to observe nets without disturbing the birds.

• Drones to count elephants in Africa.

• A rover for Africa.

• There are many other examples.