A data collection method and system for a drone aircraft. The system includes a data collection device, an extension mechanism having one end connected to the drone aircraft and an opposite free end connected to the data collection device, and a control system for controlling operation of the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is extendable from a retracted position in which the data collection device is stowed in or maintained proximate to the drone aircraft to one or more extended positions in which the data collection device is extended away from the drone aircraft, and is also retractable to bring the data collection device back to the retracted position. The control system controls operation of the extension mechanism to position the data collection device to a desired position beyond a given obstacle to enable the data collection device to capture data relating to an object or region of interest.