Recent content by Robert Prior

I'm OK with a small fee for the test, but I'd like the RPA test to reflect flying a drone rather than a small plane. When I took my basic test I had questions on the effects of hypoxia, radio procedures for cross-country flights, and other things that have no bearing on flying a drone...

I haven't sold any video, but I have sold still photos for $150-300. I don't go looking for business, but I'm not going to turn it down when it knocks on the door! The commercial image business is a bit strange. You can't make a living from stock photography anymore (especially since private...

Consider the display on your control device, which is also exposed to the cold. I was flying my old Phantom with a friend and the screen on my iPad went black when it got too cold — was very glad I always fly VLOS!

Not the best sunset in the world, but the golden light on the ground was lovely. Larger view here: https://www.360cities.net/image/sunset-over-vancouver-island-seen-from-above-selma-park-arran-lut-canada

Actually, the drone is quite happy letting you launch in restricted airspace. DJI's geofencing doesn't align with Transport Canada's regulations very well. For example, around Sechelt (in BC) DJI will stop me flying near the airport, which legally I can do (as long as I exercise due care and...

You can get a lot of that from the NRC map, but having that, the NOTAMs (which again you can get, but a separate web site) and the DJI flight restrictions (yet another web site) all in one map is wonderful. Soooo much more convenient.

A mini would be easier from the regulatory perspective. Check out the NRC map for flight restrictions. There aren't too many near Nanaimo but enough that with a larger drone you will be restricted without that advanced license. https://nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/ I use Drone Pilot Canada...

They aren't that onerous. There are regulations governing things like horizontal separation from bystanders which would make cordoning of your launch/landing zone a good idea in some circumstances, and an assistant to keep people from bothering the pilot can be useful (but isn't required). The...

This is not true. There is no connection between commercial operation and the level of license you need. An advanced license is necessary for certain types of flying, and not having one can limit what you can do, but you can even make money without a license by sticking to sub-250 g drones (and...

Thanks. That's a useful resource.

The Ottawa River is restricted airspace from Crystal Beach all the way down to Petrie Island, judging by the NRC tool, which means getting flight authorization from NavCan (and the Parliamentary security service if near CYR537 PARLIAMENT HILL). https://nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/ Getting...

How large is the TIFF file? Preview sometimes struggles with large files. If you have a photo editor like Photoshop or Affinity Photo, try opening the TIFF in that.

Autumn in Ontario is a magical time, even in the cities. Fog drifts over the brilliant trees around the East Don River as it flows through Richmond Hill, lending an enchanted air to the otherwise mundane cityscape. You can view a larger version of this panorama here...

I plan on landing with 25-30% left if I'm flying somewhere with few opportunities to land. If the drone is close by (50 m away, say) I'll land with 20% left. I have multiple batteries, and figure the hassle of changing a battery is less than the hassle of losing the drone when it auto-lands in...

A blast from the past (discovered some unprocessed images). Mill Pond Park is one of our most popular outdoor recreation and entertainment areas. Overlooking the pond you'll find a playground, boardwalk and trail, gazebo and many areas to sit and relax. The park also has washrooms and...