HEY from another North Eastern PA newish pilot

[BLDGBEAR]

I've had a Mavic Mini for a while now (close to 5 years ... can that be?) and have gone through a few stages of flying it and putting it away. Now that I'm 'exploring retirement' I've been flying everyday and thinking about taking the certification test. Terrain local to the hosue is NOT drone friendly as in just cause you know where it might be doesn't mean you'll ever retrieve it, so caution is of utmost importance as is practicing with beginner friendly (and inexpensive) drones several of which now (two) are on the watch list for retrival come fall. Lesson learned is (as seen in many videos) some slight breezes at 6 to 10 feet can be a drone snatching (and line of sight removing) wind at tree top level. Anyway, happy to have found this site.

 

[1gratefulflyingdawg]

Welcome from the desert southwest Phoenix Arizona where it will be hot enough to melt your drone or cook your breakfast on the driveway. 108º today and 113º tomorrow.

 

[MA2 317]

Hello from the Crossroads of America BLDGBEAR.

Nice to meet you.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Hauptmann]

Hi! Welcome to the forum, from Hauptmann in Hurst, Texas!
I have the Mini 4 Pro, which is less susceptible to gusting winds than it's predecessors. I'm not saying you SHOULD upgrade, but you might at least consider it.

 

[akdrone]

hi from North Pole, Alaska. If wind is an issue consider a larger drone if you can afford it. I fly my Mav3 and 4 in 20mph wind without thinking about it. I fly in 30mph wind with some caution (flying INTO the wind...).

 

[LoudThunder]

I've had a Mavic Mini for a while now (close to 5 years ... can that be?) and have gone through a few stages of flying it and putting it away.

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

As a Newish Drone Pilot, there are a couple of Legal Things you may need to do…

If you have not already done so, you will need to get your TRUST Certificate. You can get that at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…). Your Drone weighs less than 250-grams (0.55 pounds), and while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are not required to register your Drone.

Link to the TRUST Certificate at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…)

FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute

Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.

trust.pilotinstitute.com

Link to the FAADroneZone (Optional Registration for Drones under 250-Grams…)

FAADroneZone

faadronezone-access.faa.gov

If you are considering acquiring your Part 107 License, here is a link to get you going…

Drone Courses - Free and Paid Drone Pilot Training

30+ free and paid classes to fly your drone. Pass your FAA Part 107 license exam, learn how to fly your drone, and more.

pilotinstitute.com

Since you live in Pennsylvania, there are specific laws and rules for you to follow, please check the link below for all the Rules and Laws that are in effect in your neck of the woods and it also links you to some of the Best Places to Fly in your area… Also, if you travel on vacation, visit friends, and relatives in other parts of the country, check back here so you do not run afoul of the law.

Federal Drone Laws in the United States (FAA) - Pilot Institute

44809 is an exemption from Part 107 drone laws. This means that drone pilots fly under Part 107 drone rules by default unless they meet all 9 of the requirements to fly under 44809, the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft. You can read more about these requirements...

pilotinstitute.com

Even if you have flown Drones before, here is some Good Old Fashion Advice…

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, 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, 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…"

Mavic Mini - Download Center - DJI

Learn and download Mavic Mini related apps, software, and manuals at the DJI Download Center

www.dji.com

Fly On and Fly Safe…