Black Bear Drone Services LLC

07/21/2026

Two great updates today!

South Portland: I got word this morning that the dog that had been roaming the South Portland/Cape Elizabeth area has been safely caught and brought home.

The owner had contacted me on Monday about coming out to search. Because the area was so close to the Portland Jetport, I had already submitted multiple LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) requests to the FAA so I would be authorized to fly up to 300 feet, since the area is restricted to 100- and 150-foot altitude grids. I planned on Friday being the search day to allow further review of my flight requests.

Mechanic Falls: Two adventurous huskies decided to take a tour of the countryside. While I was driving home today with the plan on heading out for a low light search, I got the message that both had been caught and were safely on their way home.

These are the kinds of updates I love getting.

07/19/2026

Amazing outcome tonight.

Went back out and began flying just after 6pm looking for Stormy Axel. Seen the usual deers, squirrels, a couple cats too but no Stormy. 😞

Around 8pm we caught sight of him and began to follow him with Pueo. He made several casual loops in the woods and even stood across the street from his home and contemplated going home.

I had to do a battery swap and he decided to go ninja on us and disappeared.

Lo and behold, he snuck right up behind our launch site. He was curious about his kennel that was out there and attempts to lure him in wasn’t working and he wandered off. Pueo was on the ground during his ninja moves and I didn’t launch as we didn’t want to spook him.

It was decided that we would switch to trapping him tonight so I quietly packed up and departed. I knew he was going to be coming home soon.

I just didn’t realize how soon. Shortly after I left, he made another appearance and walked right up and a slip lead was put on him and he was caught!

Of course as soon as I got the call about this good news, I just had to meet this guy. 🙂

I am happy he is home and getting snuggles.

07/18/2026

Went out this morning to look for Stormy out in Oxford. Did four hours with no sightings. Gonna head back out tonight to see if I can spot him while he has been active.

07/13/2026

Decided to strap a small Heltec v4 Meshtastic radio to see how far out I could detect other radios. For such a tiny antenna, it went out really far.

07/13/2026

07/13/2026

Another capability upgrade for Pueo!

I’m excited to share that Pueo is now connected to the Point One Navigation RTK Network, giving the aircraft access to real-time centimeter-level positioning through a professional RTK corrections service. Point One’s network is designed to deliver highly accurate GNSS corrections with fast convergence and broad coverage, helping compatible systems maintain exceptional positional accuracy. (⁠pointonenav.com)

What does that mean in the real world?

-More precise aircraft positioning
-Improved waypoint accuracy
-Better repeatability for automated missions
-Increased confidence when operating in complex environments

While my primary focus remains lost pet recovery, public safety support, and search operations, having technology like this also prepares Black Bear Drones for precision mapping, inspections, and other commercial missions where accuracy matters.

I believe in continually improving my equipment and capabilities so I can provide the best possible service to my clients and the communities I serve.

One more step forward for Pueo.

Point One’s stack provides developers centimeter-accurate globally-referenced position data (RTK corrections).

07/11/2026

Came home from work and went right out to help look for Lady. As I was just about to roll up on site, I got the call that she was found!

7.11.26 GOOD NEWS - LADY WAS FOUND!!

7.11.26 MISSING FROM SEBAGO, MAINE

Lady is a 4 month, 30 lb, female, tri-colored, Collie. She went missing from Anderson Road in Sebago. She is wearing a current rabies tag. Lady is friendly, but please don't call or follow her. Contact Alix with any sightings at 203-667-2016.
Harvest Hills Animal Shelter

07/09/2026

While testing everything today, I discovered that my LP12 still has an electrical issue. Pueo didn’t like it being connected and immediately started throwing alerts, so to avoid any potential problems, I’ll no longer be using the LP12.

I’m fairly certain this is the result of residual water intrusion from when it got wet.

A replacement LP12 runs around $2,500, so I started looking at other options. I ended up finding a CZI GL60 Mini for $1,599 through GenPac Drones on the West Coast. I gave them a call to confirm it was actually in stock, and once they did, I went ahead and placed the order.

I’m glad I shopped around as other sites had the spotlight going for $2,000-$2,200.

07/01/2026

Closer to being done. Testing connections.

07/01/2026

Alright! Black Bear Mobile has returned! Time to get everything back inside and ready to go!