Recent content by bmcelya

I’d second GFields on the Tripltek if you have the cash, around $800. It isn’t a tablet, it is a giant cellphone. As such it is more capable than a tablet and it can be seen clearly with bright sun shining on it. I deny the cell phone part of it so I don’t get calls while I’m flying (smile)...

I recently totaled a Mini 2 while doing a roof inspection. It was steep steel roofing. An unexpected gust blew it into the roof, flipped it over and it slid off and landed on a concrete pad 18’ below. Toast. I sent it in to DJI. They promptly sent me a new one, even before they received the...

Man, what a great show. Too far for me as just a pilot, but good for you to go and report on it. Thanks. Did the companies have an outside area where they demonstrated their aircraft? Great whirling props, the FAA has a sense of humor? Good to hear. I’m happy they had a booth, and I’m...

Yep, that’s a beauty. I always wondered what’s on top of a saguaro. Now I know. Thanks.

The advent of UAS in the national airspace is relatively new compared to helos and fixed wing. The FAA is doing its best to safely integrate these new aircraft. At first no kind of certification was needed. Then came 107, along with recreational carve out. Every few years rules change. It...

There was no question on my 107 exam about rods/cones. The guy testing next to me may have. Maybe cruise through the FAA’s 107 study guide and see what’s there, or the 107 document itself (long). My guess is they want you to know what each one does.

I have and have used often an Icom A-21. Solid unit. I power it with lithium AA’s, not the nicads. It reaches about five miles on the ground and 25 aloft. Your mileage WILL vary. One would not want to transmit while flying drones, unless there were some kind of dyer emergency. Knowing the...

I too will wait. Maybe there will be way to internally modify legacy drones in order to comply with RID. I don’t relish the idea of hardware hanging onto the outside of a drone. The myriad problems with appendages are obvious. it’s going to be a rollercoaster ride. No problem. I like...

Wow. Good footage of some fabulous scenery. Thanks

Since 1980 and you might stay awhile? Haha, good one. My last hooray up there will be a journey down the Alsek. I still got the arms, but alas, I don’t have the money yet. What a great opportunity for droning that would be. Keep shooting pictures for me and post them here. Awl be bock...

Oh man, you the Iceman. Really cool photos. Double entendre intended. Thanks for the post. We ran down the Tatshenshini some years back. Not cold thankfully. I sure like Alaska.

Pleasant little river and a great video. River bed and falls look like re-deposited limestone.

It’s possible that the FAA could slip the date for compliance, as they did for manufacturers. Or, they could keep the date and postpone enforcement for awhile. There’s a few options. I don’t think RID is going to settle in right away. Maybe a year or two. Whatever the case, I’ll wait for a...

I am sorry R is tracking/harassing your drones. IF one could find a way to translate the current DJI frequencies to 900mz you could: A. Fly 5-10 miles from controller, and B. Opponent would have some trouble interfering with or tracking your signal. I have a 900mhz encrypted land based...

I think all drones released in the US should have an FAA compliant strobe, turned off/on with controller. Further, I would like to have a strobe on the bottom of equal intensity, so that I can see the drone, along with pilots above me. As it is, it’s a lot of extra bulk to fly at night, not to...