Update - Dec. 31, 2019. Overnight, firmware versions were released.
Update 2: Dec. 31, 2019. At first, I could not unlock. Note that depending on your mobile device, you may have to manually update the DJI Fly App. Once I updated the app, I was able to go through the normal process to unlock the aircraft from within the application. I was able to fly inside my home (10 or 11 Sats captured) without any issues.
For Reference & Notes
Having issues? I would triple check to ensure you've updated everything and are running the current firmware on the drone and controller, and the current version of the application.
Original Post (OP)
Apologies. I buried the lede, so here is a recap.
=== Original Post ===
So today is my first day as a drone pilot. I was airborne all of 90 seconds. Nope, did not crash, just had all sorts of connection issues. I'll skip the issue this morning where Best Buy did not have my drone and I had to drive an hour round trip to pick one up at another store. Plus I'll skip the part where I had to run to Taget to get a new SD card since the MM rejected my SanDis Ultra 32GB card.
So I'm in a restricted zone of Class C airspace. My home is in the box where the LAANC limit is zero feet, so as a recreational pilot, I can't fly in my own yard. Anyway, I figured I would try to get everything connected and try to spin up the drone in my garage. I've got plenty of space there. Nope, since I'm in that zone, would not let me take off. (Is there a way to do this?)
So I know there is a 100 foot limit box down the road about 250 yards with a nice clearing. Head over there, and put in my LAANC request and approved. All sorts of issues connecting AirMap with the controller. [Note - AirMap will not connect with the MM yet, not sure if we will be able to.] Tried over-and-over. Complete shut down of everything and start from scratch. AirMap crashing. Drone disconnecting from the controller.
Somehow, I got in the air and got an immediate message that I was in controlled airspace and the drone would land on its own in about 90 seconds. I took the opportunity to fly around a bit. Starts beeping and descending. I go over and catch it. OK, try again from scratch...
Previously, I had contacted DJI by chat to ask about flying in my house. They directed me to the DJI Flysafe website to fill out the form and request an unlock. I submitted that application just before I headed down the road to try and fly. And proceed to have all of those issues in that 100-foot limited area with my approval in both AirMap and Kittyhawk since I was having the issues with AirMap crashing. [Again, there is no connection between AirMap or Kittyhawk and the MM controller at this time.]
I get back to see this email concerning my unlock application.
All during my experience, I was asked a couple of times to check off a box and agree to terms and conditions since I was flying in restricted airspace. It was almost like a waiver. Although I checked off the box and agreed, still could not fly.
I spent a couple hours getting the drone today, and then another four hours trying to fly. I'm mentally exhausted, the sun goes down in about 30 minutes, and I have to get some work done.
Sorry for the rant.
Update 2: Dec. 31, 2019. At first, I could not unlock. Note that depending on your mobile device, you may have to manually update the DJI Fly App. Once I updated the app, I was able to go through the normal process to unlock the aircraft from within the application. I was able to fly inside my home (10 or 11 Sats captured) without any issues.
For Reference & Notes
- I am in a blue authorization zone within Class C airspace.
- Kittyhawk has me in a ZERO feet authorization box for the UAS Facility Map.
- I am NOT in a Restricted Zone or Altitude Zone associated with runways for the Class C airspace.
- I'm running an iPhone 8 Plus.
- DJI has definitely updated their Geo Zones. This may or may not be good for you. As an example, Westerly State (KWST) in Rhode Island was previously not Geo Fenced. It is now a full Authorization Zone with Restricted and Altitude Zones associated with their main runway. It's Class D airspace and Kittyhawk has nothing for WST on their app at all.
Having issues? I would triple check to ensure you've updated everything and are running the current firmware on the drone and controller, and the current version of the application.
- Aircraft Firmware: v01.00.0400
- Remote Controller: v01.00.0400
- DJI Fly App iOS: V1.0.4
- DJI Fly App Android: V1.0.4
Added featureFIX: to unlock GEO zones (requires DJI Fly v1.0.4 or later). [It's funny they call this an "added feature" since it was a bug since day one and they knew it. They are calling it an "added feature" so they do not have to admit they released a product not ready to go.]- Added feature that disables takeoff when the GPS signal is weak (GPS <8) and the environment light is not sufficient. This feature can be disabled manually (requires DJI Fly v1.0.4 or later).
- Added requirement for compass calibration before takeoff when the environment light is not sufficient and the compass experiences interference.
- Adjusted flight altitude and distance in payload mode.
- Added warning prompt for battery cycles.
- Reduced noise during self-diagnostics after powering on.
- Fixed issue: linking was abnormal in some regions.
- Note that the update may reset various main controller settings, such as the RTH altitude and the maximum flight distance, to default settings. Before updating, take note of your preferred DJI Fly settings, and readjust them after the update.
- If the update fails, restart aircraft, remote controller, and DJI Fly or DJI Assistant 2 for Mavic, and retry.
Original Post (OP)
Apologies. I buried the lede, so here is a recap.
- DJI uses a Geo System that "locks" you out from flying in restricted zones.
- Normally, you can "self unlock" or "custom unlock" a blue "Authorization Zone" at Fly Safe – Drone Flying Tips, Policies & Regulations, and More – DJI
- This functionality is not yet available with the Mavic Mini. Estimated firmware release is "late December."
=== Original Post ===
So today is my first day as a drone pilot. I was airborne all of 90 seconds. Nope, did not crash, just had all sorts of connection issues. I'll skip the issue this morning where Best Buy did not have my drone and I had to drive an hour round trip to pick one up at another store. Plus I'll skip the part where I had to run to Taget to get a new SD card since the MM rejected my SanDis Ultra 32GB card.
So I'm in a restricted zone of Class C airspace. My home is in the box where the LAANC limit is zero feet, so as a recreational pilot, I can't fly in my own yard. Anyway, I figured I would try to get everything connected and try to spin up the drone in my garage. I've got plenty of space there. Nope, since I'm in that zone, would not let me take off. (Is there a way to do this?)
So I know there is a 100 foot limit box down the road about 250 yards with a nice clearing. Head over there, and put in my LAANC request and approved. All sorts of issues connecting AirMap with the controller. [Note - AirMap will not connect with the MM yet, not sure if we will be able to.] Tried over-and-over. Complete shut down of everything and start from scratch. AirMap crashing. Drone disconnecting from the controller.
Somehow, I got in the air and got an immediate message that I was in controlled airspace and the drone would land on its own in about 90 seconds. I took the opportunity to fly around a bit. Starts beeping and descending. I go over and catch it. OK, try again from scratch...
Previously, I had contacted DJI by chat to ask about flying in my house. They directed me to the DJI Flysafe website to fill out the form and request an unlock. I submitted that application just before I headed down the road to try and fly. And proceed to have all of those issues in that 100-foot limited area with my approval in both AirMap and Kittyhawk since I was having the issues with AirMap crashing. [Again, there is no connection between AirMap or Kittyhawk and the MM controller at this time.]
I get back to see this email concerning my unlock application.
Please accept my sincere apology for this inconvenience caused. Kindly note that Mavic Mini doesn't support to unlock the No Fly Zone currently. We will launch a new version of the aircraft firmware and DJI Fly App in late December to support unlock the no-fly zone. Please pay attention to the official announcement. Thank you for your understanding and support.
All during my experience, I was asked a couple of times to check off a box and agree to terms and conditions since I was flying in restricted airspace. It was almost like a waiver. Although I checked off the box and agreed, still could not fly.
I spent a couple hours getting the drone today, and then another four hours trying to fly. I'm mentally exhausted, the sun goes down in about 30 minutes, and I have to get some work done.
Sorry for the rant.
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