Drone Pilots?

[Neal]

Who RV's with a drone? I used to have a DJI Phantom 3 Pro and sold it and got the newer DJI Mavic 2 Pro (and Fly More Kit). Really enjoying the more compact drone but still figuring out how to get the photography and video nailed down. If you haven't dabbled with the drones you should, it's a lot of fun and the new perspective in photography with them is really cool. I am going to start including YouTube videos of my "where was I with my Newmar" posts to show the campgrounds better.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RZDWCM1/?tag=rvf01-20

I recently got the DJI Goggles which has been interesting.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07448FPTT/?tag=rvf01-20

Share your drone videos. Will be fun to see.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Had a Pro...sold it a while back to simplify my photo gear inventory. The new mini is pretty intriguing at only $350.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

We frequently travel with a skeet gun on board.

TJ

 

[Neal]

We frequently travel with a skeet gun on board.

If you shoot like me then there is nothing to worry about. But I have a feeling I should be worried

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Let's just say that I've been known to run the table at a 100-target event.

TJ

 

[CaptainGizmo]

Sounds like I want TJ at my table! [emoji6]


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[Gronk]

I've thought about it, but that's about as far as it went. The decent ones are darned expensive!!

 

[Neal]

There are a gazillion of them these days in all price points. It's fun to do while RVing to get the different perspectives with photography.

 

[MapNerd]

I was considering buying a DJI Mavic Mini. Just barely under the weight threshold that it doesn’t have to be registered with the FAA and it has a 30m flight time, 2-mile range, 12MP camera and shoots video at 2.7K. Only issue is no obstacle avoidance, but at a $400 price tag, maybe that’s not too much of an issue. For $500, the fly more kit gets you a ton extra as well. Could be a fun little toy when you’re sitting in a standstill traffic jam, open the window and fly it ahead to see what the deal is. Also great for catching aerials of your adventures...think I may be taking advantage of the Black Friday deal @Neal posted!

 

[Neal]

I've enjoyed the drone photography. I wouldn't worry about the FAA requirement or have that drive me to a lesser drone, instead get the drone you want and if you need to then pay up the $5 fee and put a label with your FAA number on the drone. But it is interested how DJI went so far as to get it 1 gram under the weight limit.

The obstacle avoidance saved me once already with the Mavic 2 Pro. Not sure how but I kind of went into full opposite panic mode doing something and went right towards a tree. Never had this issue with my Phantom 3 Pro which didn't have obstacle avoidance but I can tell you it works great on the Mavic 2 Pro. Would I buy a drone for obstacle avoidance? No, typically not necessary but it's cool to see it work. Drones are fun and I do think they compliment our adventure spirit of RVing and capturing neat videos and pictures. I installed a Synology DS218+ NAS with 2 x 2TB SSD's in my coach which stores all of the photos and videos.

 

[Joe Hogan]

I am a 'Want a Be' drone pilot. While I have a Commercial Single engine, Instrument rated pilots license, I am not sure if my Drone operation would be held to a higher standard than your basic drone pilot. With all the Drone airspace violations it takes a fair amount of thought before launch. However there are some good apps to help you decide before launch. The FAA B4UFLY app is a good source to keep you out of trouble with the Feds. The FAA always say they are here to help

https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/b4ufly/

 

[Neal]

Fired up the DJI FPV and Avata last night to get firmware updates updated, time to start flying them again. Always wanted to get more proficient with them so I can get into manual mode and have more control. Not there yet. I may have screwed up leaving the batteries on charge, FPV batteries don't seem too healthy, will run them down and then recharge and see what happens. Avata looks good.

I need to get back to the Deer Springs Drone Range to get more open area practice in

By the way, the new drone remote ID rules, whatever they are, are probably going to require a tether to your phone with an Internet connection prior to launch. I think my Avata has been that way. Not sure how the DJI FPV will react but will see next time I fly. Not a big deal, just a weird requirement. Big bro is watching!

P.S. NOT doing firmware updates may be a good idea to avoid this tether requirement. Should research if you're concerned, too late for me, everything is updated expect my older Mavic 2 Pro. Not sure how this could affect RVers in remote locations trying to get drone footage with no Internet.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Interested on how you avoid obstacles using the Goggles. Thinking about purchasing a FPV drone of some sort. Ideally with Starlight or Infrared camera to search for animals at night. My worry is driving into an obstacle.

The Autel lineup are nice but no FPV features. EVO Max 4T

 

[Neal]

You're looking out the "front window" of the drone with goggles, so whatever you see is in front of you. Technically you're supposed to remain within view and have a spotter at your side.

FYI - I got my part 107 certificate as it's an easy addition for anyone that has a private pilot's license (PPL). Initially I thought it would be a painful thing to get. You do a course online, it does take time and effort, and then the hardest part was getting the paperwork submitted which does require a CFI with access to the convoluted FAA system to submit it. But at least I'm a little more protected in flying someplace I shouldn't be or if I want to take drone footage where I fly my plane, legally.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Just renewed my drone certification the other day. The training and exam finished in an afternoon at a leisurely pace.
This was the first test that I found to be instructive and confidence building, rather than some word trick filled PIA.

 

[sheridany]

How hard is it to become a drone pilot if you don’t have a pilots license?

 

[Neal]

If you want the Part 107 which allows you to professionally use your drone and also in areas others can't fly, check out:

Home - Drone Pilot Ground School

Launch your drone career with the #1 online test prep course in the industry. Pass the Part 107 exam on your first try – Guaranteed.

www.dronepilotgroundschool.com

 

[sheridany]