By Jessica Ross

ABC Sunshine Coast

Topic: Drones

Christopher Hills made an app that lets him control a drone.

Christopher Hills wanted to be a pilot when he was a kid.

He would imagine flying a plane through trees.

It felt good to think about having control and freedom.

Christopher Hills uses switches on his wheelchair to use computers.

Mr. Hills works as a video editor and has cerebral palsy.

He uses switches to operate computers and communicate.

Christopher Hills changed existing technology for his app.

He said it's great to see technology get better.

When he was six, he could only use two buttons.

How does the app work?

Mr. Hills loves photography and wants to get better.

He made an app that uses Apple and Microsoft technology to control a drone.

Christopher Hills took a great picture of Mount Coonowrin.

Regular drone controllers don't work for him.

He can't use a normal controller without knocking it over.

His system uses facial recognition and other inputs to control the drone.

Christopher Hills uses head movements to fly the drone.

Project taking off

Mr. Hills is testing his app and got help from a farmer.

A student with cerebral palsy is also trying the app.

Christopher Hills worked on his drone tech for six years.

Two people are testing the app and suggesting new features.

He wants people with disabilities to help make flight more accessible.

Mr. Hills advocates for accessible technology.

Leah Barclay is working with Christopher Hills on the project.

She says Mr. Hills is very innovative and inspiring.

Leah Barclay says his drone flights take beautiful pictures.

She remembers when Mr. Hills said he wanted to fly like a bird.

Mr. Hills is a pioneer in drone technology.

He's a better drone pilot than his teacher.

Christopher Hills wants other photographers to try his app.

The right to fly

Mr. Hills wants his system to be approved by the aviation authority.

A teacher once told him he couldn't take a drone course.

Mr. Hills got a remote pilot license and wants to help others.

He wants to be an aerial photographer and have a career.

His vision is for everyone to have a chance in the industry.

Everyone should be able to learn to fly.

ABC Sunshine Coast news

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