Please excuse if I'm in the wrong forum, but I think this might be a good place to start.
Mavic Air 2, my first drone, purchased a couple of weeks ago for fun and to take pics of the beautiful surrounding coastal redwoods here in Northern California. So far my flights have been short and always in eye shot, my training wheels still on.
We are currently experiencing what have become the annual wildfire season. I didn't realize what an indespensible tool the drone would become. Being able to zoom straight up, do a 360 and scan the area for signs of fire has been unbelievably comforting and frankly essential to assessing my safety. Are flames near? Do I need to pack up the dogs and evacuate or am I all good?
So today, fires raging around, I got my rude awakening. Grounded by the DJI app. It's now a restricted area.
WTF. I'm livid.
Had I have known DJI participates in police state crap like this, I would have thought twice before purchasing.
I just applied for a license, but don't expect to get it.
Now it's dawning on me that this thing is tethered to cell service to facilitate flight no matter what. So no cell service, no decent flight.
I realize I have some research to do, but due to the urgent utility, I need a Cliffs Notes version.
Am I correct in guessing there might be work-arounds? Yes, No? Positives and negatives of doing so? And realistically, how complicated is it to implement? Can it be done quickly and with little effort? Reverseable? Reliable? I'd really like to get back in the air today, realistic?
Any info greatly appreciated,
J
Cazadero, Sonoma County, California.
Sample video clip:
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