Hi folks,
Just a quick introduction. Many years ago I used to be a member of the Epsom Downs Radio Flying Club and for some years I was the editor of the club's magazine. I used to fly fixed wing power and large (1/3rd scale) gliders writing of my exploits in two monthly articles called 'The Sussex Winchman' (alluding to the powered winch that I built to tow my gliders aloft and 'Not on the Level' for when I was slope soaring.
Moving forwards 30 years and several hobbies later I became fascinated by drones having been introduced to them by a friend who flew them commercially and did some research work with the MOD. I couldn't justify the cost a anything like what he flew but when I saw the Mavic Mini I just had to have one which brings me to where I am now.
I've only logged about four hours flying time so far as the weather in the UK is atrocious at the moment (in fact we are in the middle of 'Storm Dennis' as I write this) but I am having a fantastic time with this little device which has so far proved to be very reliable and predictable although I am deliberately flying comfortably within its recommended flight envelope and heeding any wind warnings that the DJI Fly app gives me!
My main interest is in capturing scenic country views as I live in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' on the South Downs of West Sussex. Althiugh I don't currently have to be registered as the craft weighs less than 250gm, I have registered with the UK's authority, the CAA and have both an 'Operator' and 'Flyer' licence. From July 2020 onwards, this will be a legal requirement anyway as the Mavic Mini has a camera and new laws ignore the current weight where cameras are concerned. Sadly, I already fear a little for the future of my new hobby but will be actively promoting it in a positive manner.
My other interests include Astrophotography (I've written two books on the subject), fast cars (I built my own Westfield SpeedSport 1800), learning to play the Great Highland Bagpipes (with some limited success) and producing music on my Moog modular synthesizer.
I hope to take an active part in this forum once I get up to speed.
Regards,
Steve
www.nightskyimages.co.uk
Just a quick introduction. Many years ago I used to be a member of the Epsom Downs Radio Flying Club and for some years I was the editor of the club's magazine. I used to fly fixed wing power and large (1/3rd scale) gliders writing of my exploits in two monthly articles called 'The Sussex Winchman' (alluding to the powered winch that I built to tow my gliders aloft and 'Not on the Level' for when I was slope soaring.
Moving forwards 30 years and several hobbies later I became fascinated by drones having been introduced to them by a friend who flew them commercially and did some research work with the MOD. I couldn't justify the cost a anything like what he flew but when I saw the Mavic Mini I just had to have one which brings me to where I am now.
I've only logged about four hours flying time so far as the weather in the UK is atrocious at the moment (in fact we are in the middle of 'Storm Dennis' as I write this) but I am having a fantastic time with this little device which has so far proved to be very reliable and predictable although I am deliberately flying comfortably within its recommended flight envelope and heeding any wind warnings that the DJI Fly app gives me!
My main interest is in capturing scenic country views as I live in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' on the South Downs of West Sussex. Althiugh I don't currently have to be registered as the craft weighs less than 250gm, I have registered with the UK's authority, the CAA and have both an 'Operator' and 'Flyer' licence. From July 2020 onwards, this will be a legal requirement anyway as the Mavic Mini has a camera and new laws ignore the current weight where cameras are concerned. Sadly, I already fear a little for the future of my new hobby but will be actively promoting it in a positive manner.
My other interests include Astrophotography (I've written two books on the subject), fast cars (I built my own Westfield SpeedSport 1800), learning to play the Great Highland Bagpipes (with some limited success) and producing music on my Moog modular synthesizer.
I hope to take an active part in this forum once I get up to speed.
Regards,
Steve
www.nightskyimages.co.uk
