Our Projects

Innovation in Action

Discover how we're using technology to protect our environment

3D Printed UAV

3D Printed UAV

Our flagship project involves designing and manufacturing affordable unmanned aerial vehicles using 3D printing technology. These drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras for environmental monitoring.

  • Custom-designed airframes for optimal flight performance
  • Camera systems for aerial photography and mapping
  • Extended flight time for comprehensive surveys
  • Cost-effective manufacturing process
FPV Drone Operations

FPV Drone Operations

First-person view drones allow our pilots to navigate through challenging terrain with precision. These agile aircraft are perfect for detailed inspections and search operations.

  • Real-time video transmission
  • Highly maneuverable for tight spaces
  • HD recording capabilities
  • VR headset integration for immersive control

Learning Log

Documenting our flight tests, challenges, and breakthroughs

Flight 1 - Foam Plane Practice & Failed Lark Maiden Flight

Date: May 4th, 2025

Present: Justin, Michel, Olivier

Location: Near Petaluma

Weather: Sunny with strong westerly gusts (12-20 mph)

Notes:

  • Practiced with the foam plane in overly windy conditions
  • Achieved short flights but control was difficult due to gusts
  • Crashed into a barbed wire fence and hard onto the ground, causing irreparable damage to the foam fuselage. Usable parts will be salvaged for future demos
  • Tested video feed and goggles without flying. Electronics overheated quickly, displaying an "overheating" warning
  • Video recording was in 720p instead of 1080p
  • Attempted a very short takeoff with only 60% throttle (due to tall grass and limited space). Plane failed to gain altitude and landed quickly
  • Lesson learned: Future takeoffs will require 100% throttle and a larger, clear area

Flight 2 - Difficult Lark Takeoff & Landing

Date: May 31st, 2025

Present: Justin, Gideon, Dante, Olivier

Location: Open pasture near abandoned school in Petaluma

Weather: Sunny, calm winds (~3 mph), no clouds

Notes:

  • Discovered ideal flying location with 360° line of sight
  • Flew in ANGL mode (angle stabilization)
  • Initial flight unstable with oscillations; mid-flight stabilized at higher altitude
  • Justin completed a large loop and safely landed near the takeoff spot
  • No damage sustained
  • Next step: Consult Andrew Newton on INAV configuration

Flight 3 - Successful Lark: 3 Complete Flights

Date: June 7th, 2025

Present: Justin, Olivier

Location: Open pasture near abandoned school in Petaluma

Weather: Overcast with low clouds (foggy above 180m), light westerly wind 5-8 mph

Notes:

  • Switched to ACRO mode (no stabilization)
  • Completed 3 flights (~5 min each) with smooth ascents and landings
  • FPV signal lost beyond 500 meters
  • Pre-flight checklist needed after missing recording due to absent microSD card
  • FAA regulations require staying below 400 ft (~120 m) without special waiver
  • Tail elevator damaged; requires repair

Flight 4 - Hill Takeoffs & Turn Issues

Date: July 6th, 2025

Present: Justin, Olivier

Location: Open pasture near abandoned school in Petaluma

Weather: Clear skies, small gusts (5-8 mph)

Notes:

  • Successful foam plane hill launches
  • Control issue: unable to turn left effectively - possible calibration problem?
  • Flight lasted approximately 6 minutes; mostly right turns required
  • Smooth landing with no damage
  • Next steps: Print backup LARK aircraft
  • Future aircraft: Stallion (gimbal camera) and Moose (payload carrier)

Beach Cleanup Initiative

Combining drone technology with hands-on environmental action

Aerial Surveys

Using drones to identify pollution hotspots and debris accumulation along Marin's coastline.

Mapping

Creating detailed maps of cleanup areas to organize volunteers and track progress over time.

Community Events

Organizing regular cleanup events with local schools and environmental organizations.