Drone-ing on

I have a drone and am going through CAA certification so that I can use it commercially.
 
I'm keen to get some newbie advice too, got a brand new in the box DJI Spark which I plan on using once the weather turns.
 
My lad had a cheap Maplin’s Drone (before he crashed it), and I was getting pretty good at flying it. Would love to do more.
 
Two imperatives are that you're aware of the law (particularly the Air Navigation Order) and that you have liability insurance. On both points I would strongly suggest joining the BMFA and checking their 'Drone Aware' programme. The CAA have a policy of making examples of any indiscretion whether intentional or not, multi-thousand fines being typical. You're not playing with a toy!
Cheers
Phil
 
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Interested in your thoughts on th air, was saving for spark, but now going to go for the air
 
Kev said:
Interested in your thoughts on th air, was saving for spark, but now going to go for the air
Click to expand...
Rumour has it that mavic pro 2 will be out in March , 20 mega pixel camera with a 1 inch sensor , I fancy something small as the crafts I use for jobs are not very portable but produce great results , however mavic air looks a great bit of kit but as a photographer I just want a bit more !
 
I have the DJI Phantom Vision 2 + - had it for around 4 years.

The fun went out of it when they started getting bad coverage on the News and everyone looked at you as a peeping tom, or a hazard to aircraft..


My tips (IMHO):

  • Calibrate the compass regularly
  • Never turn the GPS off
  • Never fly until you have at least 5 or ideally 6 satellites
  • Flying around high trees and buildings will affect the Satellite location (things can get ugly quickly with no GPS - think "Black Hawk down")
  • RTFM get to know your controls - learning on the flight is a recipe for disaster
  • If things get ugly - fly up (less things to hit)
  • Keep your eye on it - despite the flashing lights, it easy to loose sight
  • Don't panic / rush - the GPS is good and will hold position well if you let go of the controls (even in winds of around 12-15 mph)
  • Don't hesitate when taking off - doing it slowly could result in you flipping it over (fly straight up to around 8 Ft, and then regroup)
  • Get used to flying using the screen (while keeping an eye on it)
  • Set your Home position at the start of each flight - otherwise it will fly off to "somewhere" if you loose control
  • Either dymo print, or white tape on the top of the drone and put your mobile number on it (offer reward if you want)
  • You probably got a card with the different light settings on it - attach it to a piece of string and hang off of your controller (quick reference and a handy wind indicator)
  • Make a "take-off" list, the same way that pilots do - GPS = check, calibrated = check...
I will be digging it out again soon.. and get some flight time


Have fun!
 
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Gingercoastie said:
Just purchased myself a DJI Mavic Air drone, are there any more experienced pilots out there willing to share their experience or tips for a newbie

@CaliforniaCamping I see an idea for a video for you here
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Sorry I've only just seen this message (only 4 months too late), sorry about that. Artaroos has covered pretty much everything... and more. Also download the NATS Drone Assist App and the most important rule in my opinion is never, ever fly above the maximum permitted height of 400ft. The UK's low flying rule is generally 500ft (the lowest an aircraft is allowed to fly is 500ft) and aircraft appear very quickly. Exercise even more caution in areas like North Wales and Scotland where military aircraft are likely to fly as they don't have many rules regarding low level flying. You don't need to worry as much on a Friday afternoon because they're in the pub by lunch time :whistle:

Hope this helps a little. The safer we are when flying drones, the less likely they'll get banned.
 
Cheers. I have the drone assist app. I have to be carful where I live as I live next to the UK’s largest helicopter base. Though they also stop flying at 1200 on Friday.
 
Can anyone offer any advice on this, i wouldn’t mind getting a drone, to try and diversify at work. I’ve no experience with them apart from crashing my sons one. Is it possible? Is there a market for this type of work? What are the likely training requirements and costs for the course and a decent drone?

Cheers guys
 
Dont launch it from a boat and follow it down the river with return to base on low battery set :D watched a film company lose their expensive drone and camera by doing just that
 
Can anyone advise on flying laws here in uk ?
Simply , my annoying next door neighbor likes to use his small ish drone from his back garden !
Buzzes over our gardens and hovers just over fence height . I’m on verge of blasting it down with water gun .

I’m thinking it won’t last long . He’s a bit of a know it all ! So thought I’d check laws before discussing with him! Or blasting it from the sky after a few beers on a Sunday afternoon!
Thanks
 
Brennanpj said:
Can anyone advise on flying laws here in uk ?
Simply , my annoying next door neighbor likes to use his small ish drone from his back garden !
Buzzes over our gardens and hovers just over fence height . I’m on verge of blasting it down with water gun .

I’m thinking it won’t last long . He’s a bit of a know it all ! So thought I’d check laws before discussing with him! Or blasting it from the sky after a few beers on a Sunday afternoon!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Sit there, bollock naked and hope he’s filming. Call him a perv and he won’t bother you again. ( in theory)
 
Brennanpj said:
Can anyone advise on flying laws here in uk ?
Simply , my annoying next door neighbor likes to use his small ish drone from his back garden !
Buzzes over our gardens and hovers just over fence height . I’m on verge of blasting it down with water gun .

I’m thinking it won’t last long . He’s a bit of a know it all ! So thought I’d check laws before discussing with him! Or blasting it from the sky after a few beers on a Sunday afternoon!
Thanks
Click to expand...

They are breaking the law. Your neighbour must keep their drone 50metres away from people and property and 150metres away from built up areas. Not sure the legalities of shooting it down with an anti aircraft water pistol though :laugh:

Here's a quick guide for drone law... Drone code | Dronesafe
 
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