I bought a second hand Mavic Air a couple of weeks ago but only got to try it out today. A combination of work, winds and cowardice kept me grounded apart from playing with it indoors (I know - don't do this at home kiddies!). So today batteries were charged for aircraft, controller and tablet, the tide was out, the field behind the house clear and the wind stronger than I'd like but within limits (13-15 mph). I'll just have to work till 2100 or so to catch up. I snuck out of the house, avoiding the neighbours and leaving the dog at home - she gets very interested in mechanical things like bicycles, refuse wagons and boat trailers and I thought chasing a drone without prop guards wouldn't be a good idea.
I set up, crossed fingers and lifted off. I could see the Air bucking in the wind but the video looked steady on the tablet. At the back of the field is an expanse of mud, covered at high tide and a marina. I sent the drone over, had a wee look, checked the battery and pressed RTH. Back it came, spotted my H landing pad and descended. Tried the same again, bringing it back manually. Not quite so easy as I have little or no depth perception so it was a matter of forward, sideways, back a bit. I was very impressed by the way the machine hovered when I stopped moving the sticks and waited for me to sort myself out.
Came back, downloaded the video and, apart from being half a stop overexposed it's rock steady and very detailed. I realise there is a great deal to learn and the only way is to do it, not read about it. Look forward to doing just that!
I set up, crossed fingers and lifted off. I could see the Air bucking in the wind but the video looked steady on the tablet. At the back of the field is an expanse of mud, covered at high tide and a marina. I sent the drone over, had a wee look, checked the battery and pressed RTH. Back it came, spotted my H landing pad and descended. Tried the same again, bringing it back manually. Not quite so easy as I have little or no depth perception so it was a matter of forward, sideways, back a bit. I was very impressed by the way the machine hovered when I stopped moving the sticks and waited for me to sort myself out.
Came back, downloaded the video and, apart from being half a stop overexposed it's rock steady and very detailed. I realise there is a great deal to learn and the only way is to do it, not read about it. Look forward to doing just that!
