Is the Mini 4 Pro the drone for me?

[Starz]

insure all my drones thru State farm

Every filed a claim for a loss on one of your aircraft?

 

[WilliamDaugherty]

Late to the party but I have a few thoughts. I own and fly the Mini4Pro quite a lot. It's a wonderful aircraft, however I don't think I've ever used it for roof/construction/tower inspections, which I do quite often. I was at an event recently with multiple drone pilots and those with "mini" models were incapable of useful operation in 20-30mph winds even though none of them lost their drones. Gimbal tilt was too much for stable footage.

Also, it should be obvious that inspecting roof, tree limbs, etc., is not "purely recreational". As a Part 107 pilot, I don't worry about the distinction, but it does exist. Trying to do edge-case operations under the recreational exception can be problematic and life is too short to deal with the risk I think.

For me the Mini4Pro is ideal for taking on hikes, in the kayak, or anywhere else where loadout weight is critical. Another use case is where low-observability is desirable. In most other cases, the larger aircraft are my first choice.

 

[Felix le Chat]

For easy of interpretation, the Federal government considers anything other than taking pictures of squirrels (for personal consumption only) to be commercial. Or so they would lead to believe.

Personal consumption of squirrels? Why have I now got a mental image of Elvis with a Pentax?

 

[Z06_Pilot]

thanks everyone for your help. I received my Mini 4 Pro a few days ago. Read the instruction manual (twice) as directed by this forum I have taken a few flights around the property, and am getting the hang of it. I was impressed with how quickly it moves and the fast response to remote inputs.

Being a first time flyer, I really appreciate the safety and warning systems built into the unit. The technology deployed in such a small package is mind-blowing to me. Took it up yesterday in a 8-10mph ground level wind, and it did a really good job of staying steady. I can definitely tell a difference in battery usage between calm and windy conditions.

I look forward to learning so much more and honing my skills via this forum.....

 

[skycam509]

Good choice. I have multiple drones, but if I could only have one, it would be the Mini 4 Pro.

 

[Z06_Pilot]

I also went ahead and registered the Pro 4 with the FAA as I will be using the extended batteries. One feature I like right off the bat is gimbal control. I like the fact that you can smoothly rotate it up and down, and snap it to the forward or down position with the push of a button...very handy.....