The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Peru – It’s hard not to love drone photos. They’ve given us a whole new perspective on the world. David Duprey of Peru, is the owner of Duprey’s Drone Zone. The aerial views of Peru, the City of Plattsburgh, the Cumberland Head ferry landing, and the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum he’s posted on Facebook have been awe-inspiring.  

After 20+ years working for a local manufacturer and facing medical issues, Duprey devotes his energy to developing a drone photography business. He commented, “I bought my first drone about two years ago to play with. I’ve always been fascinated with technology.” Thankfully Drone #1 wasn’t expensive because it’s at the bottom of Lake Champlain. Duprey explained, “I was flying over the lake when heavy winds came up. The battery ran out, and down it came.” 

Drone #2 is much more sophisticated. For example, it automatically returns to the operator if it senses a problem, such as a low battery. It has a 360-degree obstacle avoidance system and won’t fly in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted airspace. As a commercial operator, Duprey has to be FAA certified, requiring him to pass a 90-minute, 130-question examination. Maintaining air safety is always his top priority.

Duprey has been low-key in advertising his business. He said, “I’ve only used word of mouth, Facebook and YouTube. My customers have included realtors, a wedding, land surveys, and people worried about such things as beaver dams on their property.

One job involved photographing the Town of Peru’s watershed adjacent to the Reservoir Rd. Duprey’s sophisticated software stitched together about 800 aerial photos. Peru Water Department Superintendent Courtney Tetrault said, “The images gave us an overview of the watershed tributaries and areas where we need to be concerned with runoff. On a previous occasion, we used a drone to inspect the top of our water tower for storm damage. Drones can be a big help to us.” 

If Dave Duprey ever purchases Drone #3, it might be a thermal drone he could use to find missing pets or downed animals. He commented, “It’d be my dream to help the community do that type of search and rescue or inspection with a thermal drone. But, for now, we’re happy doing what we’re doing, and some of the views we get are spectacular!”

Anyone desiring more information can contact David Duprey at 518-593-4809 or email dupreysdronezone@gmail.com or search for his Facebook or YouTube page.  Click here to view David’s video of St. Augutine’s Church and Cemetery in Peru. 

See David’s May 20th video at the Babbie Rural and Farm Learning Museum. 

Click here to view a real estate compilation. 

Duprey photos of St. Augustine’s Church and Cemetery

St. Augustine’s Church and Cemetery