Aerial17

Drone Aerial Video & Photography

US Veteran Owned and Operated - FAA Certified Commercial Drone Pilot
North Carolina Commercial UAS (Drone) Operator Permit

customers

recent projects 

03Jul

416 Sandy Ridge Rd. Tyner NC

Thank you Jennifer Berry with Taylor-MuellerRealty in Elizabeth City NC.

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26Jun

226 Mayfair Drive, Edenton NC

A particularly private, and beautiful small dock and small event building on the Yeopim River. Christina Townsend of Brown Properties of NC contacted A17 after finding our website. She asked if we could capture this small, beautiful river facility with a multi-slip dock on the historic and beautiful Yeopim River near Edenton NC. We were able to capture images and video, then edited together a small media package that Christina will use to market the property. If you manage commercial and private real estate sales, and need reliable and efficient aerial documentation, please contact us at rick@aerial17.com, or visit our website at Aerial17.com and fill out an information request. 

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30May

Spring/Early Summer Update – John A. Holmes High School Replacement Project, Edenton, NC

Learn about the latest developments and progress in the John A. Holmes High School Replacement Project located in Edenton, NC, as the community advances towards enhancing educational infrastructure. In this Spring/Early Summer update, discover current development milestones, reflecting the dedication to providing a modern and forward-thinking learning environment for students.

As spring turns to early summer, the transformation of the new John A. Holmes High School continues at an impressive pace. The main academic building is nearing exterior completion, with brickwork almost entirely finished. Inside, substantial progress is underway with electrical wiring, plumbing, and drywall installation bringing classrooms and corridors to life.One of the most exciting developments is the new theater. What began as a sandy excavation has quickly taken shape, with the seating pit and stage area now clearly defined. We anticipate that the roof will be in place within the next few visits, allowing interior finishes to begin soon after.It’s remarkable to witness this project evolve from blueprints to a state-of-the-art learning environment for the Edenton-Chowan community. If you are part of a major construction project that needs reliable and efficient aerial documentation, please contact us at rick@aerial17.com, or visit our website at Aerial17.com and fill out an information request. 



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11Apr

Utility repair/construction monitoring-Walt Jennette/Raleigh NC

Construction monitoring for leased property.

Thank you Mr. Jenette of Raleigh NC

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30Aug

Waterfront Comm. Property, off of Knobb's Creek Drive, Elizabeth City NC

Thank you Norma James from Taylor Mueller Realty.

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12Jul

Cinch Home Buyers, Raleigh NC

Thank you Cinch Home Buyers of Raleigh NC.




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05Jul

T.D. Commercial Group, Ft. Lauderdale FL

Property Video Link

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12Apr

M.B. Kahn Construction J.A. Holmes High School Major Updates

Construction phase documentation for Chowan County contract to update John A. Holmes High School in Edenton, NC. Project is expected to run through 2026. Working with M.B. Kahn has been an illustration in excellent communications, and efficiency. Very grateful M.B. Kahn accepted my work proposal.

Property Video Link

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12Apr

Property shoot for Butler Parachutes in Roanoke VA.

Butler Parachute Systems, based in Roanoke, VA, manufactures high-quality parachute systems for various applications, including emergency egress and military missions. With a newly renovated, 21,000 sq. ft. facility, they ensure reliable testing and production.  Butler Parachute Systems has received federal awards, highlighting their reliability and quality. This was a shoot to highlight the facility expansion into the property footprint.

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25Mar

Towne South Church of Christ, Elizabeth City, NC

longer project documenting property expansion improvements, events, etc.

Towne South is experiencing a welcome phase of growth, as new members are finding a church home here. I have been documenting property improvements, events and images for their publications.

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25Mar

Property photography in Edenton, NC for Linville /Team Partners Commercial Real Estate-Raleigh NC

Thanks to Ben Bloodworth at Teams / Partner Commercial in Raleigh for this opportunity.

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20Dec

Blue Pearl Drones and Groceries


Thank you Jerry Alston, owner of Blue Pearl Drones LLC, of Charlotte, NC. 



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See more

examples of drone aerial imaging use

f.a.q

How to Contact Aerial 17 for Aerial Photgraphy and Video Services

You can contact Aerial 17 for aerial photography and video services by filling out the contact form on our website, or by e-mail to rick@aerial17.com.

What kind of aerial imaging and video does Aerial17 shoot?

Aerial 17 has shot many private and commercial properties in NE North Carolina and SE Virginia. We will contract for construction monitoring, providing scheduled and unscheduled video and still photography for project and property owners.

How do I contract or hire Aerial 17 to work on my project?

After an email or telephone conversation describing the project, Rick will build an invoice that outlines the details of the project. When the terms are accepted, we'll get the work completed, and send a watermarked digital contact sheet for approval.  When the work is approved, the images and or video will be uploaded to an online folder. After payment is made, the access information (web address and password) will be emailed or messaged to the hiring party to access the data for download.
We'll keep the data in the online folder for one week, then it will be archived at Aerial17 for one year.

What do I need to know about drone photography on your property?

Controlled Airspace:Drones are treated as aircraft by the FAA and are subject to federal regulations governing airspace use in the U.S.  Property may lie within controlled airspace, requiring authorization to operate a drone.  The time needed to obtain this clearance varies depending on the airspace.
Important information:  All commercial drone pilots in the U.S. must have a Part 107 FAA certification.  Ask your drone operator if they are Part 107 certified.  If not, you assume liability.  Also, be cautious if a pilot ignores airspace restrictions and flies anyway without authorization; this is not responsible behavior for a Part 107 operator.
Time of Day: Photo and video quality often depends on the time of day and weather (clouds, bright sun, etc.). We'll check the property's location to determine the best time to avoid shadows from trees or buildings.  Then, we'll do our best to schedule the shoot for optimal lighting, ensuring the best possible images of your property.


testimonials

 Aerial 17 Drone Imagery has been providing photos for a new high school we're building in Edenton, NC. We have been extremely satisfied with the quality, timing and cooperation with their service. We would certainly use them again and recommend them to others. 

Kahn Construction
Bob Sebire, Kahn Construction project manager
Kahn Construction
     

 We recently hired Rick to take aerial photos of our building for our website. From the very beginning, he was incredibly responsive and took the time to thoroughly answer all of our questions—we had quite a few! He was ready to get started right away, but we had to delay the shoot until our parking lot was redone. Throughout the waiting period, he was extremely patient and understanding. When it came time to do the shoot, he was professional, efficient, and very accommodating to our specific needs. He offered a very fair price for the service. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for aerial photography—excellent work and outstanding customer service! Thank you Rick. 

Von Piersall-The Piersall Law Firm
Law Office in Portsmouth VA
     

 Rick was amazing! Super responsive and produced product in a very timely manner. His work is phenomenal and extremely good quality! Highly recommend and can’t wait to use him again on future properties! 

Christina Townsend
Waterfront Group, Cornelius NC
     

 Thank you! I am extremely grateful to you for your outstanding work. Not only did you complete this task promptly, but you also ensured that it was executed exactly as I had described. Your willingness to make a trip and deliver exactly what you promised was also greatly appreciated. Your communication and professionalism are outstanding. I eagerly anticipate maintaining this connection and service in the future. I will also be certain to spread the word that you are truly remarkable at what you do. Once more, many thanks for your tremendous help. Sincerely, Crystal Heningburg 

Crystal Heningburg / EXP Realty
Realtor for EXP Realty
     

 "Working with Rick has been an incredible experience! Not only did he deliver stunning photos that perfectly captured our vision, but he also went above and beyond by accommodating an extra favor we asked of him, including a special trip to Lowe's. His professionalism, punctuality, and dedication to his craft are truly commendable. The pictures are great, the work is awesome, and he is simply outstanding. We couldn't be happier and highly recommend his services! ---Destini - Transaction Coordinator with Cinch Home Buyers" 

Cinch Home Buyers
A team of housing specialists that use current market indicators to purchase homes at a fair price and partner with investors to help both parties succeed.
Cinch Home Buyers
     

 "Five Star Service! Rick gave me what I asked for and worked with me to tweak the shots for my customer. Thank you, Rick!" 

Mike Baker
Mike Baker, Realtor for Taylor Mueller Realty
Mike Baker-Taylor Mueller Realty
     

 I hired Rick of Aerial 17 to capture drone footage of a commercial property in Elizabeth City. The images came out fantastic and were exactly what I was looking for. I will definitely recommend anyone looking for a great pilot to give Rick at Aerial 17 a call. I plan on using him again for work in the future.  Jerry  

Jerry Alston
Drone Pilot/Owner-Blue Pearl Drones, Charlotte NC
     

 Rick takes incredible drone photos and videos! We have used him for our church’s publications. I highly recommend him! 

Jonathan Snoots, Towne South Executive Minister
Jonathan manages the property and business management of Towne South Church of Christ.
     

 Got a very nice set of videos and pictures of our office building. We will be using them on our marketing materials. Rick is extremely professional! 

Roberto Montanez
Owner, Butler Parachutes
Butler Parachutes
     

 "Great service and very professional drone aerial shots of a property I have listed off Knobbs Creek Drive. I will use them again." 

Norma James
Broker-in-Charge Taylor Mueller Realty, Elizabeth City NC
Knobb's Creek Comm. Property
     

 July 4th family cookout. Great aerial videos of folks on the water jet skiing and paddleboarding, great shots of the waterfront property, and a very great group photo! I highly recommend Aerial17 for any events or if you just want to get drone shots of your property. The owner is great to work with. 

Casey K.
Property Manager, Outer Banks, NC
     

about aerial17

Aerial17 is a US Veteran-owned small business located in Eastern North Carolina.
Rick McElrath, owner and operator of Aerial 17 is an insured, FAA certified Part 107 sUAS (drone) operator, and Part 61 Private Pilot.

We currently provides services to various scale aerial imagery and video projects to include;

Outdoor Events, private and public
Property mapping for landscape planning 
Construction progress monitoring
Personal and professional real estate sales and development
Insurance claim imagery for storm and fire property damage

Practical use of sUAV (drone) imagery is constantly developing.

So if you have an idea or specific project need that you believe will benefit from aerial imaging and video, contact Aerial17, and we’ll discuss the possibilities.

About Aerial17 image

contact aerial17

We provide the aerial imaging you need, when you need it. Contact Aerial17 to see if we can help you with your project.

  • Elizabeth City, North Carolina, United States

Thank you for contacting Aerial 17. I look forward to answering any questions concerning aerial photography, videography, construction progress and property mapping.