New Pilot trying to get into the air..

[PeterPilot]

New Pilot here... just paid $5 to register as small UAS Certificate of Registration w/the FAA. Is there anything else that I must do to legally fly

 

[Thomas B]

New Pilot here... just paid $5 to register as small UAS Certificate of Registration w/the FAA. Is there anything else that I must do to legally fly

Check the sectionals to be sure your flight is legal at locations/airspace chosen.... obtain LAANC clearance as indicated.
Read the full online manual for your drone available on the DJI site.

 

[tmtwomey]

Go to the app store and download B4UFly (also Airmap and Kittyhawk). Run them and they will let you know if you can legally fly where you want to.

You will see references to Part 107 rules and recreational rules. You are flying under recreational rules. Go to the FAA website and read up on rules and regs for recreational drone pilots. Things like flying in VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) and flying at or below 400' AGL (above ground level).

If you are flying in controlled airspace (usually around busy airports), you will need to get authorization. This is done thru an automated process called LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability). The aforementioned Airmap and Kittyhawk apps can help you with LAANC.

 

[msinger]

just paid $5 to register as small UAS Certificate of Registration w/the FAA. Is there anything else that I must do to legally fly

If you're flying as a hobbyist, you need to follow these rules:

Overview of current hobbyist FAA rules (updated 7/23/19)

As of 5/17/19, here's a complete list of rules hobbyists must follow when flying outdoors in the US: Register your drone with the FAA Mark your registration number on the exterior of the drone (decals available here) Fly a drone under 55 lbs Fly only for hobby or recreation Follow the safety...

mavicpilots.com

Also, you need to get FAA authorization before flying in controlled airspace. That can be done in about a minute with an app like Airmap or Kittyhawk. See more details here:

HOW TO: Request FAA authorization in Airmap

Using Airmap to Request FAA Authorization Before flying in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E Surface) in the US, you must get authorization from the FAA. Airmap is an approved LAANC UAS service supplier and has a feature built into their iOS/Android app that allows FAA authorization...

mavicpilots.com

HOW TO: Request FAA authorization in Kittyhawk

Using Kittyhawk to Request FAA Authorization Before flying in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E Surface) in the US, you must get authorization from the FAA. Kittyhawk is an approved LAANC UAS service supplier and has a feature built into their iOS/Android app that allows FAA...

mavicpilots.com

 

[pls1911]

Suggestion:
READ YOUR USER MANUAL THOROUGHLY!

Calibrate your compass before every flight.
First flight, use the auto take off function to initiate a take off and hover around 3-4 feet.
Then use the auto land feature.
Simple up and down.
You will smile, safely get up and down.

Next, do the same routine, only while you are airborne , rotate 360 degrees and set down-using the auto land function again. (Not return to home)

Smile and quit for the night.
Tomorrow, go find an empty softball park and do the routine again, and gently exercise the control sticks and get familiar with the RTH feature.
Be sure you are in the beginner program and NOT IN THE SPORT MODE.
Have fun, be safe, and keep us posted.

 

[msinger]

Calibrate your compass before every flight

This won't hurt anything, but there is definitely no benefit to doing it before every flight.

 

[Stingfello]

This won't hurt anything, but there is definitely no benefit to doing it before every flight.

It actually COULD hurt something if a perfectly good calibration was fouled up in a less-than-optimal environment for no good reason.

 

[Thomas B]

It actually COULD hurt something if a perfectly good calibration was fouled up in a less-than-optimal environment for no good reason.

Have actually you had this problem with your drone?

 

[ff22]

This won't hurt anything, but there is definitely no benefit to doing it before every flight.

The very SMART equipment has told me anytime it believes compass calibration is necessary. First use. And then each time I've traveled more than x number of miles it asks for calibration.

 

[msinger]

It actually COULD hurt something if a perfectly good calibration was fouled up in a less-than-optimal environment for no good reason.

The compass calibration will fail if you attempt to calibrate the compass in a less-than-optimal environment. Give it a try and you'll see

 

[txdotjim]

Suggestion:
READ YOUR USER MANUAL THOROUGHLY!

Calibrate your compass before every flight.
First flight, use the auto take off function to initiate a take off and hover around 3-4 feet.
Then use the auto land feature.
Simple up and down.
You will smile, safely get up and down.

Next, do the same routine, only while you are airborne , rotate 360 degrees and set down-using the auto land function again. (Not return to home)

Smile and quit for the night.
Tomorrow, go find an empty softball park and do the routine again, and gently exercise the control sticks and get familiar with the RTH feature.
Be sure you are in the beginner program and NOT IN THE SPORT MODE.
Have fun, be safe, and keep us posted.

I would add, set the RTH to an altitude higher than your surroundings. You wouldn't want your UAS running into a tree or building on its way back to you.

 

[PeterPilot]

Suggestion:
READ YOUR USER MANUAL THOROUGHLY!

Calibrate your compass before every flight.
First flight, use the auto take off function to initiate a take off and hover around 3-4 feet.
Then use the auto land feature.
Simple up and down.
You will smile, safely get up and down.

Next, do the same routine, only while you are airborne , rotate 360 degrees and set down-using the auto land function again. (Not return to home)

Smile and quit for the night.
Tomorrow, go find an empty softball park and do the routine again, and gently exercise the control sticks and get familiar with the RTH feature.
Be sure you are in the beginner program and NOT IN THE SPORT MODE.
Have fun, be safe, and keep us posted.

Thank you for your simple, thoughtful, non-technical reply. Being BRAND NEW to this adventure, it helps to hear your kind words.