FOX25 launches first drone flight for fall foliage story

GROTON, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- It’s a historic day at FOX25 News as the station launched its first drone flight over Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton.

FOX25 is now the first Boston television station to receive federal approval to use drones. FOX25 and our parent company, COX Media Group, worked diligently for the last year to get approval, so we can comply with all of the regulations while bringing you intimate, unique aerial views of news stories in a safe way.

All FOX25 drone flights will comply with state and federal laws. That includes being far from airports and crowds and staying below 200 feet. There also has to be a licensed pilot at the controls.

After more than a year of planning and safety considerations FOX25 became the first local television station to receive Federal Aviation Administration approval to use drones to help tell local stories.

With the assistance of Pilot Roland Boucher, we took a drone over Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton to see what all drones can do. There are many different vantage points that would be impossible to see from the ground or even SkyFOX, but with a drone, you can fly in places that a helicopter can't, capturing an intimate perspective; one unlike we've never seen before.

From the drone you can see the Autumn Hills Orchard full of apples. There are nearly 12 different types cover the some 80 acres. Beautiful vistas and a landscape that will take your break away where you can see the colors of fall at their best.

FOX25 and Cox Media Group stations will continue working with the FAA to help establish permanent rules and regulations for drones by demonstrating their safe and effective use.

Cox Media Group