Quiet at the harbor then...

[virtualphotographers]

So there I was pumping out my boat at the harbor when I hear the familiar sound of a quad copter. I look up and think I see a Mavic flying around and, having flown the harbor myself, assumed this pilot was doing the same. I look across to the street, see the pilot behind his car and go about my business. Maybe 10 minutes later, I look up at the pilot and from his body language, could tell something was up. Walking over, I ask if he lost his drone and he says "yes, and the home button isn't working". Scanning the sky (full of seagulls) I spot his Parrot drone pretty far down wind heading away. He asks if I can help and hands me the remote to me (yikes). After a a little struggle, I got oriented and was able to get the drone back against a headwind with 19% battery remaining. Turns out, the drone was a gift to Dad from daughter. Went straight out to fly... No calibration done and on his second flight, sends it out high and far, looses video connection and gets turned around.

Thankfully, the basic layout of the Parrot was familiar enough and I was able to spot the drone and bring it back without camera and telemetry. Line of sight was critical and without it, that would have been a drone in the drink.

Not something I ever would have expected to do but I'm happy to be confident behind the sticks without the smartphone helping to navigate and fly. An essential skill

 

[Drbobk]

Nice job! I hope HE learned something.

 

[Clipper707]

Nice save!

Had you ever flown a Parrot before? How did it handle in comparison to your Mavic?

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

Well done mate, I hope he offered you a beer, you earned it.

 

[DagDerniT]

So there I was pumping out my boat at the harbor when I hear the familiar sound of a quad copter. I look up and think I see a Mavic flying around and, having flown the harbor myself, assumed this pilot was doing the same. I look across to the street, see the pilot behind his car and go about my business. Maybe 10 minutes later, I look up at the pilot and from his body language, could tell something was up. Walking over, I ask if he lost his drone and he says "yes, and the home button isn't working". Scanning the sky (full of seagulls) I spot his Parrot drone pretty far down wind heading away. He asks if I can help and hands me the remote to me (yikes). After a a little struggle, I got oriented and was able to get the drone back against a headwind with 19% battery remaining. Turns out, the drone was a gift to Dad from daughter. Went straight out to fly... No calibration done and on his second flight, sends it out high and far, looses video connection and gets turned around.

Thankfully, the basic layout of the Parrot was familiar enough and I was able to spot the drone and bring it back without camera and telemetry. Line of sight was critical and without it, that would have been a drone in the drink.

Not something I ever would have expected to do but I'm happy to be confident behind the sticks without the smartphone helping to navigate and fly. An essential skill

You sir receive a gold star! ?!!!

 

[MtnMan1985]

The look of absolute panic I'm sure . Nice job helping the guy out.

 

[Racin8de]

You probably made that man's day.. He's lucky you were at your boat to save his drone otherwise he may have been on this forum saying that his Parrot just flew away....lol. Great job!

 

[NAVMAV]

All ends well... except the OP needs a new pair of Shorts!~

Great Save !

Rgds, NAVMAV

 

[Walt]

Bravo!