DJI Mavic, Air & Mini Drone Community

Hi @SpitFire!
My day in Chicago went fairly well. A few lessons learned. I did not get to all the locations that I had hoped to visit, thanks to the traffic on the way in to the city, accidents as well. My first stop was Promontory Point. Took a few pics and one hyperlapse. Then I walked south down the lakefront to the Museum of Science and Industry and took a few more pics.

I then hopped in my truck and went to Soldier Field. I only got to take one video before security asked me to bring the drone down as it is illegal to take off on their property, which I thought was only an issue during events. Security was very cordial and polite though. My last stop was Grant Park, where I parked right at Buckingham Fountain. Got a handful of pics there, and another hyperlapse.

After wrapping it up at Buckingham Fountain, I saw 3 Chicago cops on bicycles, so I approached them for a conversation. The discussion was very friendly and non-threatening, although they did inform me that I needed a permit from the Chicago Park District to take off from any and all park district property. I find it hard to believe that they did not see me in action, but for some reason, did not approach me.

Lessons learned:
-Finding parking spots was incredibly difficult and consumed a lot of my time.
-Permit is needed to fly on Park District property.
-The 3 drone batteries I have barely made it through a half day.
-Did not expect to walk as much as I did (with all my equipment consisting of a backpack and a small carrying bag)

I would like to just take the train next time, but my truck is my only option for charging batteries and/or my phone, which I use on my remote control. I would have to buy two more drone batteries OR purchase a portable charging bank to carry with me. Taking the train would also force me to depend on Uber's and probably a bicycle rental or two as I trek around the city lol.

I am in fact trying to start a drone business focusing on Real Estate photography, Residential/Commercial Inspections, and Residential/Commercial Job Progress. In the future, hoping to also do Mapping and Surveying, which involves more sophisticated equipment that I do not have yet.