Just got word today from the FAA that my §107.29 Daylight Operation Waiver was approved, good through 2022. I applied the evening of 9/20 and the waiver was approved and issued today, 10/12, so barely three weeks to process. I did not use an attorney, and it cost me nothing other than a long evening of very detailed writing (11 pages) to describe all planning, operations, documentation, training, visual illusions and nighttime phenomena, CRM, preparedness and contingencies—all very specific to my equipment, crew and operations.
I also have Strobon CREEs, which I've been using recreationally for civil twilight flights under §101.E Section 336. I currently have three: 1 red, 1 green, and 1 white. Technically, quadcopters are omnidirectional, so using aeronautical strobe norms is not strictly necessary, but it does hint at possible direction for other pilots and also gives a good sense of orientation from the ground.
I mount the LEDs with the included white velcro (somewhat wobbly feeling due to the slightly rounded battery back of the lights, but they are featherweight and nothing has ever fallen off), with the smooth sides adhered to the
Mavic 2. The white is on top, as aft as could place it (which, due to the rear sensor and interchangeable batteries means just fore of the battery compartment—although I suppose I could spring for more velcro and then attach directly to the batteries). The green is starboard, red to port, which I mount side center, covered by the arms when closed (lights must be removed when closed, but soft side of velcro is gentle on the plastic and even acts as a little cushion). The lights are visible in 360° laterally and from above, and seem to be constantly visible from the ground as well.
Tip: I used Sharpies to draw large red and green dots on the port and starboard velcro* (both on the craft velcro and on the light velcro), which makes it easy to identify which light is which, since they all look the same when powered off—I just line up the colors and go!
Warning: The Strobon CREEs are bright bright bright! The buttons are difficult enough to push that you will likely have to turn them on before attaching to the craft, and that pretty much guarantees that you or your VO will get a blinding eyeful. Be sure to give your eyes at least ten minutes of rest afterward, to readjust to the dark.
* When flying in daylight without the anti-collision lights, and viewed from its port side, the little white velcro rectangle with big red dot gives my Mavic a slight Japanese Zero vibe.
