RCAPA – What we are and from whence we came

The Remote Control Aerial Photography Association was formed over two years ago by two forward thinking professionals who were enjoying aerial photography both as a hobby and a service.  Our purpose is to gather like minded individuals into an association whereby information and techniques could be exchanged to better what we liked to do – take pictures from remote controlled aircraft.  Either as a hobby or as a profession.  As it became apparent that there were commercial applications, it was decided to post and showcase companies that provide these kinds of services nationwide.  A "one stop shop" all across the country.  It also became apparent that an association would have much better chance of landing the insurance required to conduct this business.  And we were right, it was pursued and that came to fruition.  RCAPA has pioneered one of the first liability insurance policies for commercial aerial photography by remote control.

The Future

We knew "they" would come.  We knew the government would step in at some point to begin regulating this bit of commerce, and they did.  RCAPA has always fought against regulation of our activities.  We wrote and published the FIRST code of safety and conduct for R/C aerial photography in an effort to reduce government anxiety of our operations.   This effort of "self policing" did benefit the membership in that we ended up being invited to help supply some of the information and practices that are soon to become regulation that could not be stopped.  RCAPA is a unified voice that represents 1100 plus members and fights to minimize regulation at every turn.   RCAPA officers will continue to keep a pulse on this rapidly changing scenario.  RCAPA will respond every time it will affect the way we as an association and as individuals operate.  RCAPA is not driven by any "special" interest group other than our membership, and we will do our utmost to protect our operations from needless governmental burden. 

RCAPA exists only for the benefit our profession and its' members.