Hello, from Orange County CA

wmrichar · Feb 8, 2024

Hello all,

I recently retired after a 34 year career. I live in North Orange County, CA. I have been interested in camera drones for a long time, but never bought any equipment because my work hours were insane. Now that I have a lot of free time, I took the plunge. I wanted something that would be easy for a beginner to learn and also be viable for intermediate drone activities. After some research, I decided on the DJI Air 3, even though I will have to register it with the FAA.

I just purchased the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo w/RC-N2 controller. I also bought a Tripltek 9 pro to use with it. Right now, I just want to have fun learning how to use the drone and get lots of practice. I plan on taking a lot of road trips and visiting interesting places, mostly on the western half of the US. This equipment should be plenty for me to get some really interesting 4k video.

If I really end up loving this hobby, I may get the Part 107 certification and learn how to do mapping. Then I can start doing some part time work to keep me busy and earn a little extra income. Boredom sucks!

Lykus · Feb 8, 2024

Welcome to the forum!

MA2 317 · Feb 8, 2024

Hello from the Crossroads of America wmrichar.

Welcome to the Forum.

akdrone · Feb 8, 2024

wmrichar said:
Hello all,

I recently retired after a 34 year career. I live in North Orange County, CA. I have been interested in camera drones for a long time, but never bought any equipment because my work hours were insane. Now that I have a lot of free time, I took the plunge. I wanted something that would be easy for a beginner to learn and also be viable for intermediate drone activities. After some research, I decided on the DJI Air 3, even though I will have to register it with the FAA.

I just purchased the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo w/RC-N2 controller. I also bought a Tripltek 9 pro to use with it. Right now, I just want to have fun learning how to use the drone and get lots of practice. I plan on taking a lot of road trips and visiting interesting places, mostly on the western half of the US. This equipment should be plenty for me to get some really interesting 4k video.

If I really end up loving this hobby, I may get the Part 107 certification and learn how to do mapping. Then I can start doing some part time work to keep me busy and earn a little extra income. Boredom sucks!

Welcome. As one that does some traveling you may wish to consider the purchase of another battery or two along with a 100W cigarette lighter or two if you don't have an AC Plugin. Even on a single long day of flying I will be flying, charging, swapping, charging, etc. I always prefer to launch with a full battery for safety sake and in the event there is something that catches the eye so I get 5 batteries for each of my drones - I have 5DJI drones. Enjoy.

msinger · Feb 8, 2024

Welcome to the forum!

A few useful things to get you started:

The current Air 3 manual can be downloaded here (it doesn't come in the box). Other useful Air 3 related downloads can be found here.
This video covers all the basics of the Air 3.
Your drone batteries will last longer if you use and maintain them like this.
The drone records flight data each time you fly. You can decrypt and view those flight logs with these tools.

wmrichar · Feb 8, 2024

akdrone said:
Welcome. As one that does some traveling you may wish to consider the purchase of another battery or two along with a 100W cigarette lighter or two if you don't have an AC Plugin. Even on a single long day of flying I will be flying, charging, swapping, charging, etc. I always prefer to launch with a full battery for safety sake and in the event there is something that catches the eye so I get 5 batteries for each of my drones - I have 5DJI drones. Enjoy.

Hi there. Thanks for the advice. I have 4 batteries that came with the "Fly More Combo" and I bought an Anker 100w charger. You got me thinking, maybe I should buy another battery or two for traveling. My truck has a built-in AC inverter and I have a backup inverter that I can plug into the 12v cigarette plug. Take care!

wmrichar · Feb 8, 2024

msinger said:
Welcome to the forum!

A few useful things to get you started:

The current Air 3 manual can be downloaded here (it doesn't come in the box). Other useful Air 3 related downloads can be found here.

This video covers all the basics of the Air 3.

Your drone batteries will last longer if you use and maintain them like this.

The drone records flight data each time you fly. You can decrypt and view those flight logs with these tools.

Great info...thank you!

gulfstream4 · Feb 8, 2024

wmrichar said:
Hello all,

I recently retired after a 34 year career. I live in North Orange County, CA. I have been interested in camera drones for a long time, but never bought any equipment because my work hours were insane. Now that I have a lot of free time, I took the plunge. I wanted something that would be easy for a beginner to learn and also be viable for intermediate drone activities. After some research, I decided on the DJI Air 3, even though I will have to register it with the FAA.

I just purchased the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo w/RC-N2 controller. I also bought a Tripltek 9 pro to use with it. Right now, I just want to have fun learning how to use the drone and get lots of practice. I plan on taking a lot of road trips and visiting interesting places, mostly on the western half of the US. This equipment should be plenty for me to get some really interesting 4k video.

If I really end up loving this hobby, I may get the Part 107 certification and learn how to do mapping. Then I can start doing some part time work to keep me busy and earn a little extra income. Boredom sucks!

Welcome Aboard! Enjoy the journey going forward!

rawman001 · Feb 8, 2024

Congrats on your retirement, welcome to the forum!

wjkrysak · Feb 8, 2024

Welcome to the forum. We look forward to your participation and your view of the world.

Cafguy · Feb 9, 2024

Welcome Neighbor from Bakersfield!

wmrichar said:
I just purchased the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo w/RC-N2 controller. I also bought a Tripltek 9 pro to use with it

Very nice setup you got yourself there! Don't forget to keep a copy of your Trust card in your wallet or on your phone- Around these parts they like to check for them.
Have fun Try to ignore that really nice screen for the first few flights read the posts on this forum about the things you may be curious about- your Drone knowledge will increase tenfold. and Finally Keep us posted about your travels with your new Drone!

wmrichar · Feb 9, 2024

Cafguy said:
Welcome Neighbor from Bakersfield!

Very nice setup you got yourself there! Don't forget to keep a copy of your Trust card in your wallet or on your phone- Around these parts they like to check for them.
Have fun Try to ignore that really nice screen for the first few flights read the posts on this forum about the things you may be curious about- your Drone knowledge will increase tenfold. and Finally Keep us posted about your travels with your new Drone!

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely be scouting the forums here for info. Someone sent me some helpful links earlier. I have also been watching a lot of DJI Air 3 tutorials on YT. I set up everything tonight, and got all the software/firmware updates. The only thing I have left to do is register with FAA. Them tomorrow, if there is no rain down here, I will take my maiden flight. I will take it slow and cautiously. Years ago, I use to fly RC airplanes and I was good at it. But it's been a long time. I know this drone will be MUCH more forgiving, but this technology is new to me. I've never flown electric.

LoudThunder · Feb 9, 2024

wmrichar said:
I just purchased the DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo w/RC-N2 controller.

Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA. We have a Member's Map in the Upper Right of the Title Bar. Click on "Members" and then Click on "Member's Map…" Check it out and you might find some new flying friends.

Member Map

mavicpilots.com

As a New Drone Pilot, there are a couple of Legal Things you may need to do…

If you have not already done so, you will need to get your TRUST Certificate. You can get that at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…). And yes, your Drone weighs more than 250-grams (0.55 pounds), and even while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are required to register your Drone.

Link to the TRUST Certificate at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…)

FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute

Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.

trust.pilotinstitute.com

FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute
Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.
trust.pilotinstitute.com trust.pilotinstitute.com

Link to the FAADroneZone (Optional Registration for Drones under 250-Grams…)

FAADroneZone

faadronezone-access.faa.gov

If you are considering acquiring your Part 107 License, here is a link to get you going…

Online Ground School: Aviation Classes - Pilot Institute

Pilot Institute offers courses on drones and airplanes from world-class experts. Pass the Part 107 or Private Pilot exam and take to the skies.

pilotinstitute.com

Since you live in California, there are specific laws and rules for you to follow, please check the link below for all the Rules and Laws that are in effect in your neck of the woods and it also links you to some of the Best Places to Fly in your area… Also, if you travel on vacation, visit friends, and relatives in other parts of the country, check back here so you do not run afoul of the law.

Federal Drone Laws in the United States (FAA) - Pilot Institute

44809 is an exemption from Part 107 drone laws. This means that drone pilots fly under Part 107 drone rules by default unless they meet all 9 of the requirements to fly under 44809, the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft. You can read more about these requirements...

pilotinstitute.com

Even if you have flown Drones before, here is some Good Old Fashion Advice…

You paid a lot of money for that Drone, put your phone number on it. If your drone gets lost or stuck in a tree and it finally comes down when you are not around, give the finders an opportunity to contact you so it can be returned.

Now, for the Fun Part, But do not let the excitement of the moment get the best of you. When you are going out to fly, do it slowly and deliberately. Get used to a set procedure and even practice it.

There are so many things I could write but these are the highlights that I feel need mentioning.

Plug in your phone/tablet into your controller; turn on the Controller and DJI Fly App (if it does not start on its own…). On the Drone, open the front legs, then open the back legs, then remove the Gimbal Cover.

The Gimbal is the most delicate item on the Drone and banging or bumping can damage it. I also fastened a short "Remove Before Flight" ribbon to the cover so it's more noticeable and I do not forget to remove it…

Turn on the drone and watch it come to "life." Watching the Gimbal go through its self-check is almost like watching a puppy or kitten opening its eyes for the first time…

Place the drone down (preferably on a Landing Pad) while it finishes its self-test (collecting satellites, etc…).

Check your battery status (Phone, Drone, and Controller), check the Signal Strength, by now the Controller should have reported it updated the Home Point.

Lift off, 6- feet (2-meters) or so, hover a bit, check the controls (move the drone a bit forward, back, left, right, yaw left and right). By now, your Controller will probably report again, Home point Updated.

If you go out in a rush and race thru your start up and take off before the drone has finished it prep, it may update its Home Point over that pond or that old tree you are flying over and in your excitement, you'll fly the drone long past it Low Battery point and when it engages Return to Home and lands in the pond or in a tree; it will be all on you…

Now go have fun, learn to fly the drone by sight before you try to fly it out a distance depending on the video feed, FPV.

I would also advise you to use YouTube and watch a lot of the Videos on flying and setting up the Drone. When it is too dark, too cold, or too wet, you can "fly it vicariously" through YouTube. Also watch some of the Blooper Drone Videos and learn how not to fly your "New Baby."

Fly On and Fly Safe…