Drones

[rickm]

Im think of getting a DJI Mini drone to use around the place just to check on things like fences, trees down and any activity not getting it per say for the video quality just so i can see what is going on.

 

[Perplexed]

If you’re not hung up on the DJI brand, you might look at the Autel offerings. That company isn’t as beholden to the gov’t as DJI.

 

[rickm]

Im not hung up on any brand since i know nothing about any of them, it just the DJI keeps popping up more anytime i do a search for them. This will be all new to me, have never even see one fly and about the only one i have laid my eyes on is the toy ones in some stores.

 

[rlongnt]

I have a DJI Spark that's perfect for stuff like that. Moving from Sand Springs to Edmond the wind is a big factor now though. After the floods in Sand Springs it was cool to be able to see what the real impact was close to me without interfering with people on the ground trying to respond.

The advantage you could get by safely using it as your eyes in a real SHTF scenario are significant.

 

[Hirschkopf]

My son bought a DJI Mini from Costco. We love it. It can fly over 30 mph and handles wind very well. Photos from it are at White Sands NM; and Pawhuska OK.

 

[Pstmstr]

Do you guys find a lot of restricted areas you can’t fly?

 

[golddigger14s]

State and national parks, wildlife refuges, military bases, and airports. Also, you need an FAA license which gives you a "tail number" to put on it.
https://www.faaregisterdrone.com/?g...zOTS19Ed9U-pYMDiNMS7bNPjT12Mvk38aAqSiEALw_wcB
https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone
$5 for 3 years.

 

[jhb33rd]

I got the DJI mini. It's light enough your not required to have a license. It take good pictures and video's. It's easy to fly. You have to train yourself to watch the screen and not the drone. If you watch the drone you'll crash it. It has about a 25 min flying time per battery, so buy the package with 3 batteries and charger. (Amazon)The UAV Forecast app gives you the area's that are restricted and semi restricted (where you can fly) also wind speeds at different altitudes. Warning and so on.
One thing about the Mini is it will let you know when the wind is to strong to fly, when the battery is getting low and has a return to home. Before you buy...... watch some Youtube videos on the DJI Mini. They are worth there weight in gold.

 

[trekrok]

How much wind is considered too much? Any of these have like a 4 mile range? ie could you run a 1 mile square?

 

[golddigger14s]

1. Fly only for recreational purposes (enjoyment).
2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO).
   Note: We have not yet begun officially recognizing CBOs. Recreational flyers are directed to follow the safety guidelines of existing aeromodelling organizations or use the FAA provided safety guidelines per Advisory Circular 91-57B.
3. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
4. Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft.
5. Fly at or below 400' in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) only with prior authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone.
6. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
   Note: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.
7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage.
8. Have a current registration, mark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration with you.
9. Do not operate your drone in a dangerous manner. For example:
   1. Do not interfere with emergency response or law enforcement activities.
   2. Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Individuals violating any of these rules, and/or operating in a dangerous manner, may be subject to FAA enforcement action.

Good info
https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers