Recent content by Steve LaBranche

Update: I've double checked with DJI customer support that the serial number i turned in did identify the owner of lost Phantom 3 in my possession and that owner has been emailed by DJI twice with my contact information. Three months have gone by with no responce. I have no use for it being an...

The person that found and retrieved it was a very experienced mountain climber with 12 ft retractable pole with a hook. Once spotted, it took a second person on the bridge directing him to location. The rescue was quite a story in itself.

The link at bottom no longer exists.

UPDATE: I have the found drone in my possession. Looked through the SD card and didn't find anything to identify owner. Looking through pics and vids I know what owner looks like and he drives a white BMW with no front plate, so assuming he's out of state. The exact location was Big Sur...

A friend forwarded the pic. After looking more closely I see there are no identifying numbers. These are just model, FCC, and compliance standards. I'll have him look for more numbers.

Found in the Big Sur California area, appears to be a DJI Phantom 3. Pic of model, serial #, FAA #. Is there a way to find owner?

Sorry for slow reply, drone is on holiday due to a local TFR till October 23rd. No local fires or air traffic around me for 25 miles at all for two weeks. As for the DJI update, I was surprised it happened at all as my Tablet was not on Wi-Fi and it's not on a cell plan. Yet, it forced the...

I've been out of the air defense industry for over 20 years, I thought all aircraft had IFF, Military use was Information Friend or Foe. But all Aircraft have squawk number, ident.

I have noticed Flightradar24 isn't 100% accurate. I pointed phone at a helicopter once and showed up as a private airplane. But I watched fire bombers, some were helicopters dipping in local ponds, some were OV-10 bronco's, even a 747 out of Sacramento. Generally most water bombers approach at...

I have noticed Flightradar24 isn't 100% accurate. I pointed phone at a helicopter once and showed up as a private airplane. But I watched watched fire bombers, some where helicopters dipping in local ponds, some where OV-10 bronco's, even a 747 out of Sacramento. They approch at 4k AGL, descend...

You do not know where I live or understand my situation. Your opinion is just that, an opinion.

I am aware of that, I have dumb quad with a camera I haven't flown for years. When I pulled it out, needs a left front motor. I'm just upset with the responses that I was being irresponsible and not adhering to rules. The rules were restrictive to me and my needs.

I'll end this thread by saying some of the responded have really upset me. I wanted to say something else. You arm chair quarterbacks do not know where I live or my situation or my concern. I live in a Redwood forest valley. The fires that were threatening were 15 miles away. All I wanted to do...

But not for two month's, maybe the restrictions may be lifted earlier but this blanket No Fly Zone for two months is ridiculous.

Hello all fellow Aerial Photographers. I'm presently in a Temporary No Fly Zone, or TFR Temporary Flight Restriction due to Northern California wildfire's. My last update has grounded my M2P till October 23rd 2020. Really!! Two months!! Where is the best place to obtain a part 107 license...