The DJI NEO as a Workhorse

[DarR-T]

Situation: A dangerous dead branch sitting on another about 30 ft up above a driveway which constitute a huge hazard.
A ladder was out of the question even if one that long was available. Consequently, I used the DJI NEO to carry a fishing line which I attached to a 1/4 inch yellow poly rope. I caught a twig on the way up and crashed. However, I was successful on the second attempt to navigate between the twigs carrying the fish-line over the said branch and down. It took some doing to pull the attached poly rope over the branch without breaking the fishline. I then pulled the branch down with the strong poly rope. I just wished I had filmed the process.

 

[jaja6009]

Little Neo for the win.

We use it at work for public safety. Since we already have an Avata 2 for entering buildings, we use the Neo for times where we may lose the drone such as entering a building post fire to assess for structural soundness. It is easier to stomach a $200 frame than a $500 to 700 one.

With lights on it quickly and easily navigates indoors, even in total darkness.
It is quite a versatile little drone.

 

[Cafguy]

Little Neo for the win.

We use it at work for public safety. Since we already have an Avata 2 for entering buildings, we use the Neo for times where we may lose the drone such as entering a building post fire to assess for structural soundness. It is easier to stomach a $200 frame than a $500 to 700 one.

With lights on it quickly and easily navigates indoors, even in total darkness.
It is quite a versatile little drone.

Where do you put the RID module on a neo? Or can you stomach a $28,000 fine?

 

[DarR-T]

Where do you put the RID module on a neo? Or can you stomach a $28,000 fine?

It may be a grey zone but Aviation Authority (TC / FAA) rules don't apply indoors.

 

[Cafguy]

It may be a grey zone but FAA rules don't apply indoors.

True as long as the flight starts and remains indoors the pilot would be fine.

 

[DarR-T]

True as long as the flight starts and remains indoors the pilot would be fine.

Yes. That's why I wrote that it may be a grey zone. However, it would be really a reach for the FAA to justify slapping a fine for a 135g drone intending to scan indoors for safety reasons.

 

[jaja6009]

Yes. That's why I wrote that it may be a grey zone. However, it would be really a reach for the FAA to justify slapping a fine for a 135g drone intending to scan indoors for safety reasons.

Agree on the FAA not caring too much about a Public Safety drone flying 20 feet to a door and then entering not having RID, but we try to follow all FAA regulations regardless.



When we add the top propguards, it is also a Category 1 drone for over people/moving vehicles.

When using the RID module, a Firehouse Technology strobe is used facing forward and then this light system is pointed downward and allows the Neo to see the ground even in the dark.




When used with a Motion 3 controller and Goggles 3, it can zip around interiors pretty well. We also have an Avata 2 with a light kit, but if there is any chance that we might lose the drone, the Neo becomes the point man.

 

[Cafguy]

it would be really a reach for the FAA to justify slapping a fine for a 135g drone intending to scan indoors for safety reasons.

Honestly.. who would know really...But if your a part 107 pilot, they won't mind collecting your money any more than the fool at the football game.
But as you say, the FAA has no say indoors. So you would be fine anyway.