@mack What do you use, make/model-wise?
I've got a fancy new Mini 3 now! Before that I had the original Mavic Air, but it's getting really hard to find batteries for it (I don't like how quickly DJI stops supporting their products) and I left mine dead for too long so I needed new ones.
After doing quite a bit more research on this, I have found that what I can do legally is much more broad than I originally thought. In my state I'll need the proper license, which I can get online, and knowing the ins and outs of each location, ceiling limits, etc.
Many of my preferred locations are still off limits but I am able to find nice alternatives and the cropping ability of the 20 MP Hasselblad will give me plenty of opportunities I think. I still have the concern about being discreet with it because I don't want to worry other people, just have to read your surroundings but I'll be careful about that.
Right, you have to know what flight paths are and remain a certain distance, they have a geo map that will show you exactly where you can and can't fly, just find your city and go. Looks like Ocean Beach and a lot of the coastline is open for the most part, just have to know what the ceiling is and flight paths. The software will only allow it if it's open as I understand it, still learning more.That sounds great!
I assume you have to be a certain distance and altitude from airports.
How about coastlines/beaches, say Ocean Beach?
Sounds great!Turns out that if you really want to be able to do anything legally you really need to be a certified drone pilot for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Part 107), so I've scheduled and payed for the exam next week. This will allow you to fly at night, sell photos taken with the drone, fly over people and traffic, etc. and all of it is on the up and up, looks like an involved exam so I'll be studying hard over the next few days. Rules are tight but you can understand why, I want to start out right here.
Yes, it's required for any sort of sales or public events. The way I understand it is unless you're just flying for your own personal entertainment in a really private unpopulated area you must have this thing, plus you can get hefty fines.Sounds great!
Would that also allow you to sell services, say making drone photos of properties for real estate agents?
Yes, it's required for any sort of sales or public events. The way I understand it is unless you're just flying for your own personal entertainment in a really private unpopulated area you must have this thing, plus you can get hefty fines.
That is correct but you have to watch the rules closely, fortunately the app will automatically detect things. For example, airplane paths are strictly forbidden no matter who you are, then there are events where they'll restrict airspace for a period of time, such as the sporting event, etc.Does that mean you have unrestricted access to populated areas you otherwise would not have (of course airport distance/altitude restrictions would still apply)?
I suppose if that's true you'd want some kind of liability insurance policy - would that be a requirement for the above?
I am sure going over populated neighborhoods, you encounter just about everything...That is correct but you have to watch the rules closely, fortunately the app will automatically detect things. For example, airplane paths are strictly forbidden no matter who you are, then there are events where they'll restrict airspace for a period of time, such as the sporting event, etc.
Before you make your flight you tell the app the path and then you get approval or told you cannot. At the same time you can purchase insurance for that flight, lots of options but you need a fundamental understanding of all the rules around it.
Parked right next to a cop near a popular landmark because it felt safer, it's a well known spot for muggings. He just watched and waved as I left after the flight. The other thing I noticed is that it flat out will not take off if the area is restricted, so I think as long as you use common sense otherwise it's pretty safe to do.
Right, and I may end up requesting if necessary but for now I'm going to steer clear of anything unauthorized and keep my nose clean. They have reasons for restricting airspace and I suspect they know what they're doing.That is DJI. You can get it opened up if you request it and have gotten the appropriate permissions from the FAA via LAANC.
I suspect they know what they're doing.
It's a trade off that I'm still working with to find a balance.
Perhaps, I want to learn with what I have for now and try to adapt. I'm getting workable images but am really used to the high quality of the mirrorless so I'm sure I'm a bit spoiled. We also have to consider that no matter how great the camera and drone are that they're always in motion so that will always be a struggle in low light conditions, one thing I've also been doing is bracketing my exposures in sets of three and that will always increase your odds.Maybe a larger and more powerful drone someday?
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.