Any drone users here

[aslrookie]

I’m looking at either getting the mavic mini or mavic 2. The mini seems nice for not having to deal with FAA stuff, but it seems like the performance of the mavic 2 would be worth it.

Also, what are the pros and cons to part 107 vs recreational for registration? According to the FAA website, even recreational will eventually require an exam, so if that happens, would part 107 just be better to have?

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

@lariat would probably be the go to guy for this information.
As far as I can tell he is the only member here who owns a drone manufacturing company

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[lariat]

It depends on what your desired end use for the drone is. IOW, you need to buy based on your intended use or you will end up potentially disappointed in your purchase.

107 means you keep your flight logs and everything else tight. If you are just flying for recreation, there isnt a MUST to get it. But there is a lot of good info you need that you are still liable for if you violate laws so it actually is pretty high value. The biggest right of the top is no-fly zones. Don't screw that one up - there was a guy who thought he could fly over a filled stadium around here and got time in prison over it. Ignorance is not going to help if something goes sideways.

DJI is my competitor in certain industries and anything Chinese I am opposed to, but for the recreational end user I do have to admit that they make a nice drone.

 

[aslrookie]

DJI is Chinese? Go figure! I don’t have any intentions of using it for commercial purposes. My wife and I like to do a lot of camping/hiking which I know drones are banned from any use within national parks. But looking at the B4UFLY app, not all state parks or state forest land have restrictions.

Additionally, I’d like to use it as a situational awareness tool given our current climate. I understand you’re not supposed to fly it over people, but I could have it zoomed in without hovering over a crowd.

What is the deal with night flying? Did the FAA officially rule that recreational flights can be done at night as long as it has a light and etc?

I already have NFA and now a HAM license too. The thought of the ATF, FCC and now the FAA all having reasons to come talk to me isn’t very appealing. So a non registered drone is appealing, but if the performance difference is that drastic, it would be worth it.

What comparable drones do you make?

 

[wh20crazy]

If you're not using it to make $$, you don't need the 107. I offered the use of mine to my boss. He said I could not use it for work. Had to be certified and use our non-existent company drones. I told him I was not interested in that. I'll continue to use mine recreational.

I also have a cousin who's in real estate. She said that she could put me to work photographing houses. I'm not interested in another job.

 

[lariat]

Not only is DJI Chinese there is evidence that some of the flight information is sent back to China. Not a fan, especially given how they treat LE and military.

If you want to fly at night you may need a waiver. Sometimes they say yes, other times they say no. A lot of the no's depend on getting the paperwork filled out right.

If you want mostly American made, look into Autel. I think you would like those. The ones I make are for austere/combat environments and not for sale to the general public, military and LE/EMS only.

 

[aslrookie]

Not only is DJI Chinese there is evidence that some of the flight information is sent back to China. Not a fan, especially given how they treat LE and military.

If you want to fly at night you may need a waiver. Sometimes they say yes, other times they say no. A lot of the no's depend on getting the paperwork filled out right.

If you want mostly American made, look into Autel. I think you would like those. The ones I make are for austere/combat environments and not for sale to the general public, military and LE/EMS only.

That was a concern right there. I'm glad I found out about that prior to ordering one. Maybe my Chief will sign off for me to get one? lol jk that wouldn't happen. We already have a drone, but only the Capt is "certified" to use it. I am not even sure what model or make it is.

 

[lariat]

Not a sponsor on here so I don't want to get off the rulebook, but one comment: when your chief wants/needs a ruggedized and modular drone for SAR, SWAT activities, EM, etc., PM me, we can make that happen.

 

[THEIS]

The ones I make are for austere/combat environments and not for sale to the general public, military and LE/EMS only.

Hi,

Hey, what about me???? LOL

Sidenote....Will be sending you an email this weekend in regards to some demonstrations/exhibitions we are planning for the rifle side that we could incorporate the drone into.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[lariat]

Hi,

Hey, what about me???? LOL

Sidenote....Will be sending you an email this weekend in regards to some demonstrations/exhibitions we are planning for the rifle side that we could incorporate the drone into.

Sincerely,
Theis

Roger that on the email, We can definitely do that. You can be the one to shoot it and run over it before we fly a final mission. Had some guys in North Carolina close in to 15 yards and didn't bring it down, so its all up to you to get it done! I have a big demo over here the first week of Dec with SAR and hostage/house breaching scenarios so I'm mostly out of pocket until then.

 

[lariat]

There is a Mavic Mini 2 recently announced. Stronger flight in the wind and camera upgraded to 4K.

Although a PIA, one can block the transfer of telemetry and flight data off into the ethers with a little ingenuity.

Yeah, there were some guys at the last JIFX that were working on that.

 

[aslrookie]

There is a Mavic Mini 2 recently announced. Stronger flight in the wind and camera upgraded to 4K.

Although a PIA, one can block the transfer of telemetry and flight data off into the ethers with a little ingenuity.

Yeah, it's still china though lol. Knowing them it probably has some secret coding that can be activated remotely to spy on you too lol