Hey from Houston (Meyerland area), buying 1st drone

[TexasEric]

I am looking at buying an dji Air 3, or a Mini 4 pro with fly more kits. Probably on or before Black Friday.
I was a crewchief on Blackhawks in my younger days, and always liked flying. Getting my daughters into flying also seems great to me as well. Definitely getting the dii care refresh plan. Also, I like the idea of using the drone to help people out and earn some cash. I see a part 107 in my future. Plus the thought flying around, with in legal limits, seems really fun.
I am hoping to learn what the drone community culture and ethics are like here.

Do y’all have any words of advice.
Where are good places to fly at around the Houston area?
How difficult is the 107 test?

 

[msinger]

Welcome to the forum!

How difficult is the 107 test?

With a good study guide, most people find it easy to pass.

 

[Cafguy]

Welcome from Bakersfield!
Those are both nice choices but if you don't really mind the extra bucks the Mini 4 pro would be my choice.

Getting my daughters into flying also seems great to me as well.

That's a GREAT PLAN! We need all the Drone Pilots we can get in our Hobby! and learning together would be a great experience.

I see a part 107 in my future.

Check the Pilot Institutes Site ! You won't regret it come test time.
This is a great community and lots of great tips and advice!

Do y’all have any words of advice.

Do your research, Get your Trust Card, Fly Legal and most of all HAVE FUN!

 

[PanoVolo]

welcome

 

[LoudThunder]

I am looking at buying an Air 3, or a Mini 4 pro

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 New 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…). The Air 3 weighs more than 250-grams (0.55 pounds) and the Mini 4 weighs less, so while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are only required to register the Air 3 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

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 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… I took the part 107 Course, Greg is a onderful instructor and he keeps the material interesting. I scored 100% on the exam. Many, many other folks have only taken the FREE YouTube Videos and they passed just fine. But check out the PI web site and see all they offer.

Online Ground School: Aviation Classes - Pilot Institute

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

Since you live in Texas, 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 links to all of the downloads offered by DJI for the Mini 4 Pro and the Air 3, including the User Manuals.

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

DJI Mini 4 Pro - Download Center - DJI

At DJI Download Center, Learn aboutDJI Mini 4 Pro

www.dji.com

DJI Air 3 - Download Center - DJI

At DJI Download Center, Learn aboutDJI Air 3

www.dji.com

Fly On and Fly Safe…

 

[MA2 317]

Hello from the Crossroads of America TexasEric.

I was a crewchief on Blackhawks

Thank you for your service in keeping the birds in the air.

Gravity sucks when the aircraft isn't air worthy.

This is true with drones as well.

Welcome to the Forum.

.

 

[TexasEric]

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 New 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…). The Air 3 weighs more than 250-grams (0.55 pounds) and the Mini 4 weighs less, so while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are only required to register the Air 3 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

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 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… I took the part 107 Course, Greg is a onderful instructor and he keeps the material interesting. I scored 100% on the exam. Many, many other folks have only taken the FREE YouTube Videos and they passed just fine. But check out the PI web site and see all they offer.

Online Ground School: Aviation Classes - Pilot Institute

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

Since you live in Texas, 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 links to all of the downloads offered by DJI for the Mini 4 Pro and the Air 3, including the User Manuals.

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

DJI Mini 4 Pro - Download Center - DJI

At DJI Download Center, Learn aboutDJI Mini 4 Pro

www.dji.com

DJI Air 3 - Download Center - DJI

At DJI Download Center, Learn aboutDJI Air 3

www.dji.com

Fly On and Fly Safe…

This is all GREAT info. I subscribed to the pilot institute, just learned about some new restrictive law that was reinstated in Texas. I will be getting trust certified shortly!
thanks again for the manuals as well!

 

[GFields]

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

I made the most money in one week in Houston a few years ago following a huge hail storm doing roof inspections. Depending upon what area you want to go into, there is money to be made. I did a lot of Commerical Real Estate in Houston as well.

 

[old man mavic]

welcome to the forum

 

[wjkrysak]

Welcome to the forum. Good luck with your choice. We look forward to your participation and your view of the world.

 

[Drone Master]

Welcome to Mavic Pilots! Enjoy the forum!

 

[astrohip]

Welcome from a (former) neighbor. I grew up in Meyerland, lived as an adult in Southampton (with our kids), then moved into a condo (near Lamar HS) as we got older. We spend almost all our time at our place in Brenham, but still call Houston home.

Where are you flying so far? Meyerland?

 

[Kendallfordguy]

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

[careless]

Welcome from Kentucky

 

[LakesGuy]

I am looking at buying an dji Air 3, or a Mini 4 pro with fly more kits. Probably on or before Black Friday.
I was a crewchief on Blackhawks in my younger days, and always liked flying. Getting my daughters into flying also seems great to me as well. Definitely getting the dii care refresh plan. Also, I like the idea of using the drone to help people out and earn some cash. I see a part 107 in my future. Plus the thought flying around, with in legal limits, seems really fun.
I am hoping to learn what the drone community culture and ethics are like here.

Do y’all have any words of advice.
Where are good places to fly at around the Houston area?
How difficult is the 107 test?

Hello, Texas Eric. I am a former Meyerland resident and now live in Sugar Land. I am a Part 107 pilot. I fly several Mavic 2‘s. The coastal plane is

I am looking at buying an dji Air 3, or a Mini 4 pro with fly more kits. Probably on or before Black Friday.
I was a crewchief on Blackhawks in my younger days, and always liked flying. Getting my daughters into flying also seems great to me as well. Definitely getting the dii care refresh plan. Also, I like the idea of using the drone to help people out and earn some cash. I see a part 107 in my future. Plus the thought flying around, with in legal limits, seems really fun.
I am hoping to learn what the drone community culture and ethics are like here.

Do y’all have any words of advice.
Where are good places to fly at around the Houston area?
How difficult is the 107 test?

Texas Eric,

Thank you for checking in on the forum. I formerly lived in Meyerland but now live in Sugar Land. There are some very nice places to fly in the area, especially in Fort Bend County. Washington County (Brenham) has very interesting features, especially in the spring when the bluebonnets are in bloom. Some parts of Galveston County. Including the bay, are very nice as well. if Let me know if you would like to come by sometime and learn more about drone flying. I hold a current Part 107 license and fly Mavic 2’s.

 

[astrohip]

Maybe next spring, us former Meyerlanders (@TexasEric & @LakesGuy & myself) can get together and fly. I'm smack dab in the middle of wildflower/bluebonnet country.

 

[PakNheat380]

Welcome to the forum from NW Montana

 

[LakesGuy]

I’ll look forward to it. A friend just bought a place in Chapel Hill I am anxious to see.

 

[TexasEric]

Welcome from a (former) neighbor. I grew up in Meyerland, lived as an adult in Southampton (with our kids), then moved into a condo (near Lamar HS) as we got older. We spend almost all our time at our place in Brenham, but still call Houston home.

Where are you flying so far? Meyerland?

We moved here from Katy about 6 years ago. The school are great for my little girls. Plus I work in the med center, so being close to work is really nice. Westbury has an amazing diversity of birds as well. I know nothing about them, but they are amazing. We have a neighborhood hawk, yellow night herons, cardinals, woodpeckers, Blue Jays, and more. This place is GREAT for kids, when we can get them away from screens.

I have not chosen one yet drone yet, torn between the Air 3 and the Mini 4 pro. The drone will have the fly more kit and dji care refresh. I will be buying on/ before Black Friday, hoping to find a deal.
I am wondering which would be best to create a side gig with, I have questions for the forum about that.

I am excited about flying, Willowbend Waterhole has been built out with walking trails, fishing piers, and clear lines of sight for at least a mile and half from the right spots. Also, not a many people frequent there yet. LoudThunder explained where to find some sites to fly at too.

Thanks again for all the positive feed back.

 

[TexasEric]

Hello, Texas Eric. I am a former Meyerland resident and now live in Sugar Land. I am a Part 107 pilot. I fly several Mavic 2‘s. The coastal plane is

Texas Eric,

Thank you for checking in on the forum. I formerly lived in Meyerland but now live in Sugar Land. There are some very nice places to fly in the area, especially in Fort Bend County. Washington County (Brenham) has very interesting features, especially in the spring when the bluebonnets are in bloom. Some parts of Galveston County. Including the bay, are very nice as well. if Let me know if you would like to come by sometime and learn more about drone flying. I hold a current Part 107 license and fly Mavic 2’s.

Awesome, I am doing the trust certification today. I will definitely message you about the 107 Testing. This is vey much appreciated!