I have been going to a lot of waterfalls recently and they are shrouded by trees and the number of satellites is only close to 5-7. I only recently became aware of fly aways, so I am concerned. But once I take off and go above the trees, I am pretty sure I can get full satellites. How do you guys handle flying in such places?
I have photographed several waterfalls, and with geology interest sometimes record places I can't easily get to. Only one mishap so far (in two years). The drone has never done anything I didn't tell it to do, even stupid things.
1. Don't fly underneath anything (bridge, overpass) that might mask GPS signal.
2. If the area is congested, forested, etc. consider using Hover as a loss-of-signal choice. Then you can approach closer while it waits for you rather than climbing blindly into a tree canopy.
3. Use down-camera to check out your vertical path before descending.
4. Be patient. Don't move sideways or backward without rotating the drone into that direction and look at the video to check for obstructions.
5. Tripod mode is quite useful.
6. I sometimes use prop guards, but be aware that they will make the drone less wind-tolerant.
7. Wind check: When you get above treetop height, hover for a bit and check your attitude indicator. Any tilt in a hover indicates wind and you can interpret that to read wind direction. Turn 90 degrees and check again. Abnormally slow speed moving in some direction indicates a headwind.
8. Best tactical situation is if you can fly into the wind outbound and with your back to the sun.
