Hello from Sheffield, UK

[alfaken]

Looking for advice on where to start!

 

[GFields]

Looking for advice on where to start!

Greetings from Birmingham Alabama USA, welcome to the forum! We look forward to hearing from you!

Have you purchased a drone yet?

 

[alfaken]

I am still researching what to buy but it appears the Mini 3 /Pro is a good start. I am a retired pro camera person so whilst the Mavics appeal I need to gain flying experience first, plus the chages to UK permissions are in flux it appears.

 

[GFields]

The Mimi 3 Pro is an excellent drone and one of the best for your area. @old man mavic can help you more in that area than I can.

 

[msinger]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[wjkrysak]

Welcome to the forum. We look forward to your participation and your view of the world.

 

[old man mavic]

welcome to the forum
as you have found out here in the UK your best bet right now is the Mini 3 pro until the CAA and government sort out the regs and rules

 

[MA2 317]

Hello from the Crossroads of America alfaken.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[LoudThunder]

I am still researching what to buy but it appears the Mini 3 /Pro is a good start.

Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA. We have a Member's Map in the Upper Right of the Title Bar. Click on "Members" and then Click on "Member's Map…" Check it out and you might find some new flying friends.

Member Map

mavicpilots.com

You will receive a lot of wonderful advice on the pros and cons of various drones. You will just have to decide how much the various features (Photo Resolution, Video quality, obstacle avoidance, flight time, etc..) are worth to you. The more you want, the more it costs and you have to consider the legal ramifications of (registration, licenses, etc…) of owning larger drones.

Go onto YouTube and view the various Reviews, since some of the drones have been out a while, the videos may be a few months to a year old… Don't forget that the device you use, Smart Phone, Tablet, etc… has to support the DJI App. So check that also. Few things more disappointing that to anxiously await the delivery of your drone only to find out that you cannot connect it to your device.

So, find out what app is needed for the drone you choose and down load it and make sure it runs on your device… It will not do much but it will open up and function if all is compatible…

Since you live in the UK, there are specific laws and rules for you to follow, please check to ensure these are current.

Overview : Flying drones and model aircraft | UK Civil Aviation Authority

Find out what you need to know and do when you fly drones or model aircraft in the UK

register-drones.caa.co.uk

Once you decide on which drone, here is some Good Old Fashion Advice… And since you mentioned the Mini 3 Pro, I've included the link to all its downloads, including the user manual…

You paid a lot of money for that Drone, put your phone number on it. If your drone gets lost or stuck in a tree and it finally comes down when you are not around, give the finders an opportunity to contact you so it can be returned.

Now, for the Fun Part, But do not let the excitement of the moment get the best of you. When you are going out to fly, do it slowly and deliberately. Get used to a set procedure and even practice it.

There are so many things I could write but these are the highlights that I feel need mentioning.

Plug in your phone/tablet into your controller; turn on the Controller and DJI Fly App (if it does not start on its own…). On the Drone, open the front legs, then open the back legs, and then remove the Gimbal Cover.

The Gimbal is the most delicate item on the Drone and banging or bumping can damage it. I also fastened a short "Remove Before Flight" ribbon to the cover so it's more noticeable and I do not forget to remove it…

Turn on the drone and watch it come to "life." Watching the Gimbal go through its self-check is almost like watching a puppy or kitten opening its eyes for the first time…

Place the drone down (preferably on a Landing Pad) while it finishes its self-test (collecting satellites, etc…).

Check your battery status (Phone, Drone, and Controller), check the Signal Strength, by now the Controller should have reported it updated the Home Point.

Lift off, 6 feet (2-meters) or so, hover a bit, check the controls (move the drone a bit forward, back, left, right, yaw left and right). By now, your Controller will probably report again, "Home point Updated."

If you go out in a rush and race thru your start up and take off before the drone has finished it prep, it may update its Home Point over that pond or that old tree you are flying over and in your excitement, you'll fly the drone long past it Low Battery point and when it engages Return to Home and lands in the pond or in a tree; it will be all on you…

Now go have fun, learn to fly the drone by sight before you try to fly it out a distance depending on the video feed, FPV.

I would also advise you to use YouTube and watch a lot of the Videos on flying and setting up the Drone. When it is too dark, too cold, or too wet, you can "fly it vicariously" through YouTube. Also watch some of the Blooper Drone Videos and learn how not to fly your "New Baby."

Below is the link to all of the downloads offered by DJI for the Mini 3 Pro, including the User Manual.

After you read the Manual, read it again, you will be surprised what you missed the first time and you will be better prepared for that first "scary moment…"

DJI Mini 3 Pro - Download Center - DJI

At DJI Download Center, Learn aboutDJI Mini 3 Pro

www.dji.com

Fly On and Fly Safe…

 

[landmark orbiter]

Welcome Alfaken. The mini 3 pro is truly an awesome drone (and an amazing piece of technology!) Relative to heavier drones, you have much more freedom with it.

 

[PanoVolo]

Welcome to the forum from Halifax Nova Scotia!

 

[PakNheat380]

Welcome to the forum from NW Montana

 

[Laborous]

Welcome to the forum from the beautiful woods of Maine!
There’s many knowledgeable members willing to help with any questions you have. Search the forum using key words and if you don’t find an answer, post your question and I’m sure you’ll get a quick response! Fly safe and stay safe!

 

[PMF23]

Welcome to the forum from Iowa!

 

[Kendallfordguy]

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

[Drone Master]

Welcome to Mavic Pilots! Enjoy the forum!

 

[Gagey52]

Greetings mate, welcome to the forum from the outback of Australia. Look forward to your input.
Regards