Seniors; What aides have you come up with to help you enjoy flying more?

[Former Member]

Im a senior citizen, and my body has limitations due to age and a few motorcycle and skiing accidents from back when I was young and dumb. Now that Im a senior, my body remembers every mogul on a ski slope that I jumped and wiped out on, and every dirt mound I misjudged on my Enduro. Since Im not as limber as I once was, I have come up with devices to help me enjoy flying more.

Some of my helpful accessories are:

1. 3' long grabber to help me pick things up off the ground
2. Controller device extender to bring my Galaxy S9+ closer to my eyes
3. Reading glasses that focus on 12" in front of my nose so that I can see the S9+
4. Vaseline on my arms, legs and feet during those cold days when 18 minutes of flying feels like hours
5. Controller mittens to keep my hands out of the elements

There are many more and I will add them as I remember them.

What have you come up with to help you?

 

[Rnl]

Im a senior citizen, and my body has limitations due to age and a few motorcycle and skiing accidents from back when I was young and dumb. Now that Im a senior, my body remembers every mogul on a ski slope that I jumped and wiped out on, and every dirt mound I misjudged on my Enduro. Since Im not as limber as I once was, I have come up with devices to help me enjoy flying more.

Some of my helpful accessories are:

1. 3' long grabber to help me pick things up off the ground
2. Controller device extender to bring my Galaxy S9+ closer to my eyes
3. Reading glasses that focus on 12" in front of my nose so that I can see the S9+
4. Vaseline on my arms, legs and feet during those cold days when 18 minutes of flying feels like hours
5. Controller mittens to keep my hands out of the elements

There are many more and I will add them as I remember them.

What have you come up with to help you?

Flying from inside a nice warm truck.

 

[lalojamesliz]

I'm not a senior but what about a neck strap to hold your controller?
I have a couple rc gliders and one of my rc planes has a battery I fitted and that thing can give me close to a hour of flight time. the gliders, similar time. the neck strap really helps

 

[bushie]

A good broad brimed Akubra hat to shade my face and my S8 screen

 

[Test pilot]

Honestly. i look at my monitor after i get above about 100 ft. alot less strain on the old neck. also a folding chair nearby.

 

[rickw]

A nice big screen for these old eyes,lol

 

[Mossiback]

I had cataract surgery on both eyes so now I have 20/20 vision (again)!

 

[Former Member]

I had cataract surgery on both eyes so now I have 20/20 vision (again)!

Was it like lasik?

 

[Mossiback]

Was it like lasik?

No. It was a complete replacement of both lenses.

 

[Former Member]

No. It was a complete replacement of both lenses.

How did it work out for you?

 

[Mossiback]

How did it work out for you?

Perfect. I was going blind but now have 20/20 vision.

 

[dronerdave]

I have and do use my little Crystal Sky monitor from time to time but the 7" is SO much better for my eyesite.
I use an awning when it's hot out.
I hate trying to crawl out of a low profile chair (kills my knees) so I use my astronomy chair.

 

[doronlev]

A folding chair to seat while flying...

 

[julius13]

They call them (the Golden Years)...I say, more like tarnished brass.

I tried the neck strap. Big mistake, it torqued ny neck so I purchased a shoulder strap type and it made a huge difference in comfort. I only use it when flying the Phantom 4 Pro though. The larger controller feels bulky and I have a better comfort level that I won’t inadvertently drop it. With the Mavic’s I just hold the controller. All in the way I set the balance on the mavmount. I also use an I Pad Pro 10.5 for better vision. Generally I launch and land on the roof of my car. It keeps me from having to hold the drone, bend down and set it on the ground while trying to also hold the controller. It also keeps it from sucking up dirt when taking off.

I’m sure the younger pilots who are reading this thread are shaking their head thinking we are probably hobbling with a walker while attempting to fly. I leave you with this thought. The body wears out way before the mind so use the mind as a tool for smarter work.

 

[tca]

You said "Senior".....how old are you?

 

[Luke147]

Im a senior citizen, and my body has limitations due to age and a few motorcycle and skiing accidents from back when I was young and dumb. Now that Im a senior, my body remembers every mogul on a ski slope that I jumped and wiped out on, and every dirt mound I misjudged on my Enduro. Since Im not as limber as I once was, I have come up with devices to help me enjoy flying more.

Some of my helpful accessories are:

1. 3' long grabber to help me pick things up off the ground
2. Controller device extender to bring my Galaxy S9+ closer to my eyes
3. Reading glasses that focus on 12" in front of my nose so that I can see the S9+
4. Vaseline on my arms, legs and feet during those cold days when 18 minutes of flying feels like hours
5. Controller mittens to keep my hands out of the elements

There are many more and I will add them as I remember them.

What have you come up with to help you?

 

[Luke147]

Tramadol and a shot of whiskey when when I can't figure something out!

 

[gerrymad]

A younger person to go with me and help me maintain vlos.

 

[jpcabral]

You know what they say, the only thing golden about the golden years is the urine!

 

[Slim.slamma]

Hoodman gear comes in handy
No hands needed

Just be mindful of the guillotine effect whilst using a stool