So as we all know, there are tons of range test videos on youtube for all the DJI drones. Not sure about international laws regarding drones but I would imagine they're all pretty close in terms of pilot operations and regulations. For instance here in Canada, having obtained your Basic Drone Pilot License from Transport Canada, all drones must be flown at all times with VLOS . So, my question of course would be, all these people posting their videos of flying 1-2-3-4-10 kilometers in distance, I know for my part once I'm out about 300 meters I can no longer see the drone (Mavic Mini and Mavic
Air2) So is everyone breaking the law? I've only ever come across one youtube range test video where there is a "spotter" or Pilot assistant to keep a watch on the drone as it flies out of VLOS from the pilot. So what's the point of testing how far it can go, if every time you do that you break the law and subject to a huge fine and possibly with a license suspension thrown in.Thoughts?
The reality is this since you have determined that at 300 meters you can no longer see it, Should you be fined if you go 350 meters and be suspended or do you want a little lee way and how much do you want.
What about if you have some flashing lights , a whole set of them , its all a gray area but most of us dont want it to be black and white .
There will always be those that test the limits of the drone as they should . it means that someone else took the risk.
I know that with my lights on on I can see them flashing at 2500 ft , and thank fully i know the signal can hold because of someone that tested there drone for me.
Tester usually have Optimum conditions to test in. I know I do. We Test in the Pouring rain how far the Drone can go, and in the heavy snow storm and in Hail and Heavy winds. We take the Risk because we have excellent conditions to do so and it benefits others greatly.
We all drive pass the speed limits even though they our signs posted , Flying your drone should be no different , if the FAA wants to fine the flight they will but as of now that not happening but it could in the future .
I keep asking myself our the people at Amazon going to sit on top of the building using super ZOOM binoculars to watch the drone make a delivery and what kind of contraption will they use to see it land. lolllll
At some point you have to realize that this is a Gray area and should remain gray as everyone has a different coloring book.. and unless you do a complete investigation how would you know about spotters, lights, weather conditions , but as testers we push the limits and take a calculated risk.
Phantomrain.org
Gear to fly in and out of the Storm.