If you hear buzzing like an angry swarm of bees overhead, it might not be what you think. It might just be a drone belonging to Jerry Bogossian.

The Warwick firefighter is also the owner of FLY, an aerial photography and videography company that uses drones as a unique way to capture footage.

Drones have typically been used by government agencies such as the FBI and the CIA for intelligence and surveillance purposes. Amazon has even considered drones as a possible future delivery system, promising to deliver packages by an unmanned aerial vehicle in 30 minutes or less. Although military drone use is not new, use of drones by civilian hobbyists is becoming increasingly popular.

Bogossian received a simple drone from his wife Carine as a birthday gift. It peaked his interest in an upgraded model. After a month of researching, Bogossian purchased a DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus drone.

With his newfound interest in drones and his wife’s expertise in photography, she encouraged him to turn his hobby into a business. Bogossian partnered with his wife, owner of LookBook Media Studios in Cranston, making FLY a subsidiary company.

“We want to offer people a different perspective they never get to see. We offer a service that no other photography company is doing and that sets us apart,” said Bogossian.

Although FLY has photographed indoor and outdoor shoots and BMX tournaments, fashion is the main focus. Bogossian also enlists the help of a friend, fellow firefighter and drone enthusiast, Michael Farias, when more than one drone is needed.

“Our most recent shoot was with photographer Rob Van Petten at Glen Manor House in Portsmouth,” said Bogossian.

Using both drones Bogossian and Farias were able to capture aerial footage of the manor and fashion for a behind the scenes promotional video.

Bogossian has also used his drone for his work with the Warwick Fire Department and training exercises with the Warwick SWAT team. Following the fire at the Westgate Condominiums in March, all 38 condo units were destroyed and the remnants were demolished.

“The fire marshal asked me to take photos and video of the scene using the drone before the demolition because it was ruled unsafe for investigators,” said Bogossian.

Bogossian hopes to see drones used throughout local fire and police departments in the future but doesn’t see it as a priority due to lack of money.

“You can get a pretty good idea of the situation you’re in, you can see the incident in real time, and you don’t put anyone in danger” said Bogossian. “Drones could be used in the event of a hazardous material spill or to fly a radio out to someone in need of communication assistance,” he added.

In optimal conditions Bogossian said the Phantom drone can fly up to 400 feet high with a view of 1,600 feet vertically and 5,200 feet horizontally. Bogossian uses his smart phone and a remote to control the drone, which enables him to see what the drone’s camera is capturing in real time, along with specifications such as air speed, battery power and radar when the drone has flown where it cannot be seen with the visible eye.

The Phantom displays its current position in relation to the pilot. If Bogossian were to exceed the control range of the remote control, this would trigger the “return to home” failsafe feature, meaning the drone would automatically fly back to its takeoff point and land to reduce damage. The Phantom drone needs to be in contact with a minimum of six GPS satellites to work and runs best when connected to 10 satellites.

Bogossian feels the downside to drone use is public perception and maintenance.

“People are very worried about privacy or they are just ignorant on the subject. This is not something everyone has, and the people that do have drones have them because they have a practical use for them,” said Bogossian. “Many people approach me out of sheer curiosity, but rarely do they become agitated at the sight of it,” said Bogossian. “I don’t mind questions because I want to educate people on this matter,” he added.

Maintenance is also a factor that needs to be addressed when working with drones.

They need maintenance like anything else. The Phantom battery lasts 20 minutes, but I have a minimum of four batteries with me. Between Michael and I we have eight batteries if we’re working together,” said Bogossian.

Bogossian’s drone work with the fire department is not paid.

“Fashion shoots are the real focus of FLY because there is no other market for fashion photography shot by drone at the moment,” said Bogossian.