Greetings from Dania Beach, Broward County, Florida. I am Zeprider but most people call me Zep.
This is not my first foray into the world of drones. Previously (2015) I owned a Phantom 3 Pro with everything that could possibly go with it, all in a giant Lowepro backpack. This was a huge kit! I ended up selling it within a year after a small demonstration turned into a crashed drone and broken camera. I bought the parts, repaired it, and she was like new again.
I found the Phantom to be this long legged, top heavy, unwieldy thing, with a very delicate dangling camera system just waiting for a junk punch, and, well, no obstacle avoidance. Couple that with knowing that the industry was in its early infancy, equipment that is prone to disconnects, fly-aways, and absent of any real insurance offerings. Yeah buddy, I sold the kit to a very lucky and satisfied customer.
I have been watching the industry grow since then and I cannot believe how quickly it has evolved. As well as the advancements in drone technology, which is equally impressive and the reason I just bought a Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo & DJI Care Refresh eh…, MA2-FMC+DJICRF?
I ordered direct from DJI which I see some dislike doing but I did not mind the wait plus other options lead to sales tax on $1k+, no thank you. When possible I like to buy direct which in most cases leaves no doubt about warranty or who is responsible for what. With Refresh I guess it doesn’t really matter.
I grew up and have lived in Broward County for many years on and off and finding a place to fly can be difficult. In fact, it is still an ongoing process…
Going out West there is a plenty of Class G
US-27 north of I-75 is uncontrolled but laced with power lines on both sides. South of 75 there are no powerlines on the east side of 27. No shade either which is a shame because these are wide open spaces.
My sister lives in Weston and that is uncontrolled as well but it is a neighborhood and all that that implies. Not to mention it was the scene of my original demonstration crash with the P3Pro. Go back? Not really.
There is Markham Park but not the Airfield unless you are a card-carrying member of the AMA and dues paying member of the Park otherwise you will encounter hostilities. I would stay clear of there. However, the other side of the park offers some opportunity because it is directly adjacent to the Everglades.
Note for Tourists: If you lose a drone in the Everglades consider it lost unless you have a boat. DO NOT enter on foot or you will be eaten.
On the coast, things are a bit different and there are more circles around here than hoola-hoops.
My community is 1mi from FLLs 28L and 1mi from the coast but I am also within a 200’ NFZ. I may try to request authorization and see what kind of response I get.
I can go south towards Hallandale Beach Boulevard which is just outside the zone but I am still scouting the area.
Looking forward to meeting everyone and making contributions.
This is not my first foray into the world of drones. Previously (2015) I owned a Phantom 3 Pro with everything that could possibly go with it, all in a giant Lowepro backpack. This was a huge kit! I ended up selling it within a year after a small demonstration turned into a crashed drone and broken camera. I bought the parts, repaired it, and she was like new again.
I found the Phantom to be this long legged, top heavy, unwieldy thing, with a very delicate dangling camera system just waiting for a junk punch, and, well, no obstacle avoidance. Couple that with knowing that the industry was in its early infancy, equipment that is prone to disconnects, fly-aways, and absent of any real insurance offerings. Yeah buddy, I sold the kit to a very lucky and satisfied customer.
I have been watching the industry grow since then and I cannot believe how quickly it has evolved. As well as the advancements in drone technology, which is equally impressive and the reason I just bought a Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo & DJI Care Refresh eh…, MA2-FMC+DJICRF?
I ordered direct from DJI which I see some dislike doing but I did not mind the wait plus other options lead to sales tax on $1k+, no thank you. When possible I like to buy direct which in most cases leaves no doubt about warranty or who is responsible for what. With Refresh I guess it doesn’t really matter.
I grew up and have lived in Broward County for many years on and off and finding a place to fly can be difficult. In fact, it is still an ongoing process…
Going out West there is a plenty of Class G
US-27 north of I-75 is uncontrolled but laced with power lines on both sides. South of 75 there are no powerlines on the east side of 27. No shade either which is a shame because these are wide open spaces.
My sister lives in Weston and that is uncontrolled as well but it is a neighborhood and all that that implies. Not to mention it was the scene of my original demonstration crash with the P3Pro. Go back? Not really.
There is Markham Park but not the Airfield unless you are a card-carrying member of the AMA and dues paying member of the Park otherwise you will encounter hostilities. I would stay clear of there. However, the other side of the park offers some opportunity because it is directly adjacent to the Everglades.
Note for Tourists: If you lose a drone in the Everglades consider it lost unless you have a boat. DO NOT enter on foot or you will be eaten.
On the coast, things are a bit different and there are more circles around here than hoola-hoops.
My community is 1mi from FLLs 28L and 1mi from the coast but I am also within a 200’ NFZ. I may try to request authorization and see what kind of response I get.
I can go south towards Hallandale Beach Boulevard which is just outside the zone but I am still scouting the area.
Looking forward to meeting everyone and making contributions.