Drones

I have a DJI Mavic Pro. It is a lot of fun, and you can get some great photos.

Sometimes I fly from my house. Mostly I fly it at the lake. I’ve been able to get some fun photos and videos that you can’t get any other way.

The DJI GO app will tell you if you are in a restricted area - too close to an airport.

I’ve taken my drone out while waiting for a commercial flight at an airport to download photos, and the drone software is advanced enough that it wouldn’t let you take off if you wanted to.

These conversations always bring up tough guys making threats. If they ever follow through on those swinging statements, it will be fun to see them prosecuted.





https://youtu.be/ZcqEdS_GXSg

I fly racing quads. Nothing at all like camera quads. These DON'T fly themselves. I also have a camera quad - a Phantom - for checking out the fence line on the fields. It doesn't get a lot of use. Compared to the racers, it's boring.

Some things to keep in mind:

NOTE: Current rules apply only to quads that weigh 250 grams or more when in flight trim. New rules will apply to all quads and their flyers.

1. If you plan to fly recreationally, you need to register as an FAA Part 336 recreational flyer and put your registration number on the quad.

2. If you plan to fly professionally, you need to certify and take a test and register as an FAA Part 107 flyer, and also register your quad.

https://federaldroneregistration.com/

A couple months ago Congress passed, and the President signed, the FAA Reauthorization bill. While it's law, the FAA has not yet developed the changes mandated so the old rules still apply for a few more months. The changes mandated will include a test for recreational flyers. No one knows exactly what's going to be on the test yet.

3. If the camera quad uses 5.8G Analog signaling for the video, and if the video transmitter is not FCC certified - almost none are - you'll also need a HAM Radio License. The Technician License is sufficient. My racers require this. If it uses digital signaling - like Phantom's use - then this isn't needed.

4. Most NPs and many SPs don't permit taking off and landing within the park. They can't regulate overflight - that's the job of the FAA. They CAN forbid taking off and landing though.

5. CURRENT RULES: If you're within 5 miles of an airport, helipad, or other registered facility, you need to notify the tower or airport manager before you fly. You'll be limited to 400 feet or less altitude, but limits follow the Class of airspace if you're NOT within 5 miles. Notification is done by calling the appropriate phone numbers.

Maps and tower information: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/

6. NEW RULES under reauthorization bill: If you're within Class G airspace you can fly up to an altitude of 400 feet without having notify. All other classes of airspace require permission, not just notification, from the tower or manager responsible for that airspace. It's not yet known how that permission will be obtained.

Aeronautical Chart with class of airspace:
https://skyvector.com/

It's likely the new test will require some basic ability to read Aeronautical charts.

Why the rules? Some of those things flying up there contain live humans, and some are on search and rescue/law enforcement/public safety missions. It's for them.

There are some campgrounds that thankfully don’t allow them to fly over the CG. One reason is they can be quite annoying, two is they can cause damage should they slam into a RV. Not much damage but enough to be a concern.

I have a quad copter. It's for scouting fields, checking on crops and perimeters. I farm and use it for that only. Not for fun, for business only. I don't find them to be a fun item and I certainly don't want one hovering above my property snooping. I'd have to employ an anti-drone weapon, my 12 gauge with Number 8 and remove it from the sky.

Don't have one, but if you're just looking for some fun in a campground, I don't think folks will be too upset. We've been to several places where dads and kids were flying them together. They usually pick an open area in the campground and the kids are playing with them. Dad is usually nearby. They actually draw a lot of attention, and I've noticed folks just shrug their shoulders once they know kids are playing with them. It would be good to check campground rules, if there are any prohibitions first.

I've heard they are banned in National Parks. And if you are not flying them over private property, more than likely you'll not have any problems.

And I think it makes a big difference if you are using one just for the fun of flying it, or if you are wanting to do some serious photography. Just be aware, a lot of folks think they are intrusive into their personal space and react badly sometimes.

I would offer a different path. Start with a light drone. On Amazon there is Holy Stone drones. My choice to learn and have fun would be one around 140 grams. Learn to fly with one of these. Customer service with this company is legendary.

You can get somre grainy pictures with toy drones, but there is a ton of fun and friends galore out there with them. Once you have six months of flying you will have had enough experience to go to a Mavic. I have the Mavic Air and it is the perfect portable, high quality drone.

The little ones are fun to fly in tight quarters. They take a beating, but flying skills grow fast. Some tiny drones are even used inside. Grandkids will love it.

Just be aware of the rules wherever you fly one. Many state and national parks for instance, prohibit them to protect the wildlife.

+1 on the Mavic Pro. I haven't really used it as much as I expected. Operation is very easy.

I have built and flown Quad copters and Tri copters for 4-5 years. They are a very useful tool if you're looking at getting some aerial pictures. I had more fun flying in tight quarters with my multi-rotors.

If i was going to recommend one for a novice it would have to be a DJI Mavic

https://www.abt.com/product/114580/DJI-Mavic-Pro-Platinum-Quadcopter-CP.PT.00000071.01.html

They almost fly them selves and are very well built for the money.You'll really enjoy the ride.

hope this helps.