Hello everyone! Just joined and making my first post. I'm about as new as a newbie can be...easily passed the TRUST test last week, but don't own a drone and have never even flown one. But I'm very interested in pursuing the hobby and look forward to learning from everyone here.
My first question is, what are your thoughts on "Drone FAA 107 License Study Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Pass Your 107 Test the First Time" by Damon Darnall?
Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA. We have a Member's Map in the Upper Right of the Title Bar.
mavicpilots.com
Like the other members, I do not know this book but I imagine it's much like every other book like it…
I would advise you to log onto the FAADroneZone, lots of good references there on the rules and laws for Droners… And later, if you get a drone that requires registration, you'll be ahead of the game.
Link to the FAADroneZone (Optional Registration for Drones under 250-Grams…)
faadronezone.faa.gov
Since you are considering acquiring your Part 107 License, here is a link to get you going… you can explore the web site and they have a fabulous YouTube Channel with all the latest news on Droning…
Pilot Institute offers courses on drones and airplanes from world-class experts. Pass the Part 107 or Private Pilot exam and take to the skies.
pilotinstitute.com
Here is the link to their YouTube Channel…
The advantage to taking this online course is that it is not boring; having the information shown to you in the presentations and explained is a whole lot more interesting than just reading the dry information. And if you have questions about the presentation, the instructor Greg Reverdiau, responds back to any inquires very quickly. Meaning he monitors the course as the students go through the sections. It's much more than just some old posted video that is years old, out of date, and is not updated.
Each section is broken down in easily digestible sections and if you didn't quite get it the first time, you can repeat it easily.
Finally, if your choice is to pursue your 107, the license is only valid for 24-months and you would be required to retest to maintain currency (Part 107 licenses do not expire, but are only valid for 24-minths). Enrollment is "forever" if that's the correct term, but to retest in 2-years, you can log back on to go through the course again and get up to date.
So, even if you decide to do what a great many do, study on your own and watch lots of YouTube Videos, Pilot Institute does offer a FREE Android/iOS App at your favorite Google Play Store with over 100 Flash Cards to study for the 107 (No Advertisements…)…
This app will help you pass the FAA Part 107 test with flashcards.
play.google.com
And as for what drone you should get, only you can decide that. What do you want to do, how fast do you want to start doing it? How much can you afford? You use the word "hobby" and perhaps that's all it will be; then again, you might become the "Ansel Adams" of Drones and you will not be happy with a kid's drone.
I am a hobby recreational flyer and I have a
Mini 2 that I bought at Costco and I'm very happy with. This evening I was out with friends and I flew a
Mini 3 Pro and it was a wonderful experience, but not so much that it's worth twice the price, so the
Mini 3 did not ruin me for my
Mini 2.
I started out with a GoolRC S161 from eBay for $30, Drone, controller, 3-batteries, and hard travel case. The S161 is a DJI Mini "look-alike" and it flew great. It was not GPS so I had to fly it. If I let it hover, the breeze would cause it to drift away. But it gave me the opportunity to learn to fly and not depend on the drone to do most of the work.
Last piece of advice, (yeah, I know, I do not know the meaning of "final…"), go to YouTube and watch lots of the Drone influencers, you can see all the drones on the market today and see how they fly and get the low-down on the pros and cons of each. Just remember, when someone is given a drone for free to evaluate, the report might be a bit bias…
Good Luck and let us know what you decide to do and we might be able to hook you up with some great links.
LT