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New member from the land of 10,000 lakes

dkderek

Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2024
Messages
5
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19
Age
47
Location
Minnesota
Hello everyone,

I'm Derek, and I've just joined this community. A few months back, I ventured into the world of drones with my first significant purchase – a M4P. It's been an exhilarating learning curve, filled with discoveries and fun. My prior drone experience was limited to a few flights with a friend's drone, supplemented by playing around with some basic toy drones.

Most of my drone adventures unfold in the scenic north-central lakes region of Minnesota, a paradise for any drone enthusiast seeking stunning aerial shots. Additionally, my wife and I frequently visit our townhouse in Minneapolis. After a rewarding 25-year career in the software and technology sector, I’m now working on shifting gears, stepping back from the high-paced corporate life. I may consider commercial drone work in the future and am currently studying for my part 107.

Looking forward to sharing experiences and learning from this vibrant community!
 
Greetings from Birmingham Alabama USA, welcome to the forum! We look forward to hearing from you!
 
Welcome from Vero Beach, Florida, Where The Tropic Begins.

I too am studying for Part 107. Already completed all the Pilot Institute videos and quizzes. Now going back through all the lecture notes and then taking the practice exams and then the real one.

Currently reviewing the Charts Chapter. Weather Theory, is my weakest link. Trying to remember all the cloud names and how each affect turbulence and visibility was confusing for me. But, I'm sure I will have a better understanding when I review that chapter.
 
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Welcome from Vero Beach, Florida, Where The Tropic Begins.

I too am studying for Part 107. Already completed all the Pilot Institute videos and quizzes. Now going back through all the lecture notes and then taking the practice exams and then the real one.

Currently reviewing the Charts Chapter. Weather Theory, is my weakest link. Trying to remember all the cloud names and how each affect turbulence and visibility was confusing for me. But, I'm sure I will have a better understanding when I review that chapter.
Sounds like you're well on your way! Many years ago, I was studying and taking lessons for my sport pilot certificate but didn't go far with it as I knew time and cost would be an issue. I do recall charts being my weak point. Best of luck on your journey!
 
Sounds like you're well on your way! Many years ago, I was studying and taking lessons for my sport pilot certificate but didn't go far with it as I knew time and cost would be an issue. I do recall charts being my weak point. Best of luck on your journey!
Yes, pretty far along the way. For me Charts are easy. I've been doing Microsoft Flight Simulator for years and using Charts, so that's why they are easy for me.

I have a Navigraph subscription which I use for Flight Simulator. It includes all the charts and approach plates for all airport. VFR and IFR routes, sectional charts, route planning, etc. Navigraph is not for real use, but it is as real as it gets. I guess they use older Jeppesen plates in order to keep the cost down and why they cannot be used to real navigation. and Flight Simulator has some outdated frequencies, that Navigraph will use instead of the real ones.

Studying for Part 107 does take some time. I started just before Christmas and have taken a lot of time off between studying, so I have been at it a little over a month. With other things in life that slow me down, I hope to finish in the next two weeks or so.

Some people cram for it and do it in a short time. But, with all the other things in life and really taking the time to learn all the topics well, I think the whole process takes about two months. I'm sure that some will disagree, but I've pace myself and been doing other things while I study for Part 107.

But, I see light at the end of the tunnel. I will be done soon :)
 
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Welcome to the forum! :)
 
Hello from the Crossroads of America dkderek.

Nice to meet you Derek. 🤝

Welcome to the Forum. :cool:

.
 
I've just joined this community. A few months back, I ventured into the world of drones with my first significant purchase – a M4P

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.


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…). 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 trust.pilotinstitute.com

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


Since you are studying for your Part 107 License, I am a proud Alumni of the Pilot Institute and the course sure made it easy… So here is a link to get you going…


Since you live in Minnesota, 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.


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 4 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…"


Fly On and Fly Safe…
 
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