On The Border

Mike Drop · Nov 29, 2021

In the New Mexico high desert near Columbus, I'm fortunate that there isn't any controlled airspace within 50 miles! My MA2 should be here in the first week of December.

Gagey52 · Nov 29, 2021

Look forward to seeing some of your images, I've been told that the high desert country is quite striking.
Regards

Mike Drop · Nov 29, 2021

Gagey52 said:
Look forward to seeing some of your images, I've been told that the high desert country is quite striking.
Regards

Hi Gagey, I think it depends on your taste. Its pretty stark territory with few exceptions. I'll start posting images as soon as I fly some familiarization flights with the new MA2.

JimWest · Nov 30, 2021

I spent a night in Columbus at Hacienda de Villa some years ago and photographed the school children crossing the border the next morning. I didn't have a drone then, but I'm wondering if you fly near the border much, and whether there is ever difficulty with the Border Patrol if you do?

Mike Drop · Nov 30, 2021

JimWest said:
I spent a night in Columbus at Hacienda de Villa some years ago and photographed the school children crossing the border the next morning. I didn't have a drone then, but I'm wondering if you fly near the border much, and whether there is ever difficulty with the Border Patrol if you do?

I haven't yet flown near the border, but that may change. We've had a crime wave in the neighborhood. My next door neighbor's truck was stolen and my P3 4K was taken from my house. The gas station in Columbus was broken into along with two homes.

tlswift58 · Nov 30, 2021

Mike Drop said:
In the New Mexico high desert near Columbus, I'm fortunate that there isn't any controlled airspace within 50 miles! My MA2 should be here in the first week of December.

Welcome from the mountains of Western NC.

Not sure exactly what you mean "glad about no controlled airspace." So many areas not even remotely close and free flying within the rules for hundreds of miles. Would check to make sure NM State Laws on drone flying, as way too many state and some locals have created no fly zones (mostly parks) that won't show up on apps like Aloft / B4UFLY. Same goes for ALL NPS's - without special permission which is rarely if ever given to a rec flyer.

Droning is fun, so go have a lot of it. Mountainous / desert terrain affords some great pic / video ops as well.

CorralesDan · Nov 30, 2021

Hi from your neighbor up North in Corrales. The folks here are very friendly and most know a lot and are willing to share.

Mike Drop · Nov 30, 2021

tlswift58 said:
Welcome from the mountains of Western NC.

Not sure exactly what you mean "glad about no controlled airspace." So many areas not even remotely close and free flying within the rules for hundreds of miles. Would check to make sure NM State Laws on drone flying, as way too many state and some locals have created no fly zones (mostly parks) that won't show up on apps like Aloft / B4UFLY. Same goes for ALL NPS's - without special permission which is rarely if ever given to a rec flyer.

Droning is fun, so go have a lot of it. Mountainous / desert terrain affords some great pic / video ops as well.

If I am under class 'G' airspace don't have to beg the FSDO permission to fly.
I use air charts. I'm part 61 pilot and get current charts on my tablet so I know where the TFR's are and the perimeters of controlled airspace. I check for NOTAMS before I fly. There is a wildlife refuge 8 nautical miles away and a state park 6 nautical miles from me.

Mike Drop · Nov 30, 2021

CorralesDan said:
Hi from your neighbor up North in Corrales. The folks here are very friendly and most know a lot and are willing to share.

Thanks Dan.

AZDave · Nov 30, 2021

Gagey52 said:
Look forward to seeing some of your images, I've been told that the high desert country is quite striking.
Regards

This is from Southern Arizona at 5,000 feet above sea level about two miles from the border ... taken last winter when it was brown and dry.

This is the same area after the monsoons arrived in July.

Mike Drop · Nov 30, 2021

AZDave said:
This is from Southern Arizona at 5,000 feet above sea level about two miles from the border ... taken last winter when it was brown and dry.

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This is the same area after the monsoons arrived in July.

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.