About to buy first drone!

[Einsteinwv]

Hello,

Just wanted to introduce myself. I been browsing the forums all night and about to order my first drone. Thinking I'm going to get the DJI Mavic Air 2 fly more package from Amazon. Debating between it and the mini from Costco.

My primary uses will be to help my wife with real estate photos, and also alot of water shots as I run a kayak tournament trail in oklahoma. I think it would be really awesome to take videos of launching and people fishing. I am slightly worried about being around the water and pretty sure I am going to at least get the dji extended warranty.

But my wife sales alot of land and we pay drone pilots quote a bit for those shots and it would be alot cheaper if I did it for us since I wanted one for fishing too it just makes since to go ahead and buy one.

Any suggestions before I pull the trigger in the next few days?

I am a bit nervous with being around water and that pool noodle thing doesn't really have me excited about using. But everywhere I read said these things sink like a rock but since I'm always around a bunch of kayaks making it float incase it goes down seems ideal.

 

[Starz]

Mini. I would not have another one. Glad it’s gone.

 

[Tomk_]

Don't consider the mini. However, the Mini 2 is an excellent machine. Air 2 is also an excellent machine.

Based upon your description of desires, I believe that the Mini 2 will probably serve you well. However, I'm positive the Air 2 will fit the bill.

I have the Mini 2 and have no need for the Air 2. I like to fly. Pics and video are fun, but I'm not a photographer and it's just a bonus. Sounds like you might want the ability for active track. The Mini 2 doesn't have that capability but the Air 2 does. That might be reason enough to go with the Air 2.

Please note that to do the things that you want to do... you're going to need to get your part 107 license as what you have described cannot qualify as strictly recreational.

Whatever you decide, I suspect you are going to get addicted (like the rest of the people here) by the time you use up your first battery.

Good luck and safe flying.

 

[Phantomrain.org]

Welcome to the AIR 2 family

Being that your going to be around Water and how fast the Mini tends to land in water , the AIR 2 is a great option

Phantomrain.org
Gear to fly your AIR 2 in the Rain and land on the Water.

 

[Einsteinwv]

The 107 license is already something I'm planning on. I'll probably spend some time learning it first then go for that. While my tournament trail I do i do not earn any Money off of unless I win a event. My wife's real estate would probably be a gray area. And once I start doing it I'm sure some of her friends will start asking me too and it's just a matter of time before I would want to start making a income. Instead of being questioned it would just be wise to get that early and not regret it.

 

[blabel75]

The 107 license is already something I'm planning on. I'll probably spend some time learning it first then go for that. While my tournament trail I do i do not earn any Money off of unless I win a event. My wife's real estate would probably be a gray area. And once I start doing it I'm sure some of her friends will start asking me too and it's just a matter of time before I would want to start making a income. Instead of being questioned it would just be wise to get that early and not regret it.

Money or compensation has nothing to do with the need for Part 107. Planning to post video of those kayak trials online (YouTube, Facebook, etc), or even as promotion for the event or sport? Then it is Part 107. There are very few things that are truly recreational. Since you plan to use the drone for real estate, any actual use of it from the moment you buy it is to further a business, thus Part 107.

 

[Einsteinwv]

Ah I didn't realize that at all, I figured it was all about making money on it. Good to know, I really appreciate that. At least it was already my plan anyway. I haven't done much research on the test itself yet, just looked up costs this afternoon and now bombarded with ads trying to sell me a course.

 

[MA2 317]

Hello from the Crossroads of America Einsteinwv.

Welcome to the Forum. ?

 

[mrjohnc1]

Welcome!

 

[eaglesurfing]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy.

Live by several lakes and channels. Land on them all the time with the Mavic Air 2.

 

[Einsteinwv]

That floating thing looks alot nicer than the pool noodle thing I was seeing on Amazon. What is it? It looks pricey but I like the blue color.

Also are there any accessories that are actually worth it, I see stealth blades ads now and like the idea of slightly quieter, but with most aftermarket parts for most items usually oem is highly superior. Does the same thing apply for drones?

 

[StantonZ]

Avoid anything with the word "Mini" in it...and you will definitely need that Part 107 based on your use case.

 

[Squidinc]

Welcome to the forum. I started off just over a year ago with the Mavic Air 2 combo. Best decision I ever made. It’s an awesome drone in so many areas. You won’t look back with the MA2. ??

 

[Thomas B]

Welcome to the forum from the deserts of Arizona! Enjoy.

 

[Drone Master]

Welcome to Mavic Pilots! Enjoy the forum!

 

[Steel63]

Greetings from ? Florida go with the air 2 there awesome i fly over the ocean a lot so far so good ?

 

[Deleted member 137163]

I have been a pilot for 37 years and a Realtor for 29 years. I recently purchased a Mavic Air 2 and for the money it is fantastic for real estate photos. If your wife has a great year of sales you can buy a more expensive toy next year. Seriously, the MA2 Fly More is a great deal. The 107 is MANDATORY since you are doing your wife's real estate photos. If anyone argues that point then they are wrong. I have a 107 to do my own real estate photos. Do not forget insurance. There are many insurance threads on the forum.

Many will offer some great schools for the 107. My vote is Pilot Institute. Greg is a manned aircraft pilot and flight instructor as well as a drone specialist and educator. He also offers a FREE Mavic Air 2 "Deep Dive" 3 hour course. Comprehensive course for the MA2 and did I mention FREE.

Good luck.

 

[dirkclod]

Welcome to the forum.
I hope you will find our site helpful and look forward to any input , photo's/video's you might post .
Don't be shy and ask anything if you can't find it by searching.

 

[eaglesurfing]

That floating thing looks alot nicer than the pool noodle thing I was seeing on Amazon. What is it? It looks pricey but I like the blue color.

Also are there any accessories that are actually worth it, I see stealth blades ads now and like the idea of slightly quieter, but with most aftermarket parts for most items usually oem is highly superior. Does the same thing apply for drones?

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Here are the Air Screw Props.... I like the blue ones.

 

[Einsteinwv]

I did this morning take a practice exam for thr 107 and got a 72%, seems like alot of questions either completely do not pertain or some what self explanatory. I work with fiber optics and greatly familiar with map reading and have a engineering degree. I did not know some of the very specific questions or even know what they where really asking but it sounds like the 107 won't be too difficult with some youtube videos.

My wife is a Rockstar in real estate, she has her own radio show on real estate and has a huge driving passion for it. For years I have been wanting to do something to help her in that space since she has so many contacts and so well known in the area. Drone flying has always been in the back of my mind for just many reasons and when I was talking to her she said let's do it.

I also used to fly some RC planes when I was in college with a local group but never spent the big bucks on one myself.

I do own 10 acres outside of the city I can do alot of practicing at and lease 1800 acres for hunting, so I think I have a ideal place to learn with.

And we are pretty sure our son is going to become a pilot, his second word ever was airplane and his room is decked out in airplane stuff. Me getting a drone and license just seems to make a bunch of sense, and with the ease of the latest technology just seems like a ideal time to jump in.

Just trying to think of any other must haves or things you wish you got early on, for tax reasons to try to get everything all at once and grouped up.