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by Vivek on Thu Apr 13, 2017 7:07 pm
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I received a DJI Phantom 4 Pro as a gift. Unfortunately I know nothing about the drones and how to fly them and this is rather expensive toy to destroy.

So....I would love some pointers from folks who actually are using drones to get a newbie started. I have started looking at websites but it is still intimidating. The batteries are charging now and I shall be ready for the weekend. If the experienced folks could guide me on getting started, it would be great. Thanks in advance.
-- Vivek Khanzode
http://www.birdpixel.com
 

by E.J. Peiker on Thu Apr 13, 2017 7:25 pm
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The most important thing is to know where you can legally operate it - you are going to have to drive out of Silicon Valley to fly it - it won't be legal even in your own yard - you will have to at least go to western Saratoga or Los Gatos.  Here is an FAA site for that - clicking around the various links in this site will also get you to the rules and regulations.  lso realize you ahve to register your drone and display the drones registration number on the aircraft before you can fly it:
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/air-space-map/
 

by schlansker on Thu Apr 13, 2017 7:43 pm
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Looks like Rancho San Antonio might be a nice (and legal) place to try out your new toy. You might need to research detailed rules about the field's use.

It's a beautiful setting with lots of space.


The link below has a list of bay area RC sites.
http://bayrc.net/flying-sites
 

by schlansker on Thu Apr 13, 2017 7:49 pm
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One other tip. Don't fly in any significant wind until you have gained some experience.
 

by mikeojohnson on Thu Apr 13, 2017 8:02 pm
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Practice, Practice, Practice before you go too far away.

Join a Facebook group and read the posts for awhile. There is a lot of useful current information.

Drone rules are changing fairly regularly. There are FAA rules and often local restrictions.

Have fun. It is a really cool perspective on the world and a lot less expensive than renting a helicopter!
Mike
"Photography intensifies the experience of life"
http://www.mojphoto.com
 

by Vivek on Fri Apr 14, 2017 9:20 am
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Thanks a lot folks. I am drinking from the firehose as they say. Thanks for all the links, please keep them coming. Any specific sites that are good?
-- Vivek Khanzode
http://www.birdpixel.com
 

by rajandesai on Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:14 am
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I returned mine because rules and regulations around flying drones are getting very annoying. 
Ensure that you register your drone - here: https://registermyuas.faa.gov/  
Have your registration number taped to your drone. I guess it is a requirement.

There are many apps to help you with your drone flying-
Hover (http://www.hoverapp.io/) - shows you no-fly zones.
AirMap - Similar to Hover but I think it allows your to notify nearby airports with just a push of a button.
Sun Surveyor - Should be good for regular photography as well.
Autopilot et al.

Enjoy your drone...
 

by Vivek on Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:22 am
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schlansker wrote:One other tip.  Don't fly in any significant wind until you have gained some experience.
Thank you. Hopefully calm mornings should help in getting me started. Actually my kids swim from Alcatraz to the bay and this would be a good way to see them from the boat - once I get good at flying this.
-- Vivek Khanzode
http://www.birdpixel.com
 

by Vivek on Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:23 am
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E.J. Peiker wrote:The most important thing is to know where you can legally operate it - you are going to have to drive out of Silicon Valley to fly it - it won't be legal even in your own yard - you will have to at least go to western Saratoga or Los Gatos.  Here is an FAA site for that - clicking around the various links in this site will also get you to the rules and regulations.  lso realize you ahve to register your drone and display the drones registration number on the aircraft before you can fly it:
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/air-space-map/
As always, thank you for the good pointers EJ. Rancho is close by and is legal. I might also be able to use a local park for early morning practice. I also registered the drone already - now need to print the sticker for it.
-- Vivek Khanzode
http://www.birdpixel.com
 

by Vivek on Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:25 am
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mikeojohnson wrote:Practice, Practice, Practice before you go too far away.

Join a Facebook group and read the posts for awhile.  There is a lot of useful current information.

Drone rules are changing fairly regularly.  There are FAA rules and often local restrictions.

Have fun.  It is a really cool perspective on the world and a lot less expensive than renting a helicopter!
Mike
Thanks Mike, exactly my recipe; practice, practice and more practice. I am just trying to learn from the experiences of others so I do not crash it which is what I am afraid of. I am not sure what the rules for drones are in Antarctica, but I do hope to be somewhat good at this by the time I end up taking the trip later in the year.
-- Vivek Khanzode
http://www.birdpixel.com
 

by Vivek on Fri Apr 14, 2017 10:26 am
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rajandesai wrote:I returned mine because rules and regulations around flying drones are getting very annoying. 
Ensure that you register your drone - here: https://registermyuas.faa.gov/  
Have your registration number taped to your drone. I guess it is a requirement.

There are many apps to help you with your drone flying-
Hover (http://www.hoverapp.io/) - shows you no-fly zones.
AirMap - Similar to Hover but I think it allows your to notify nearby airports with just a push of a button.
Sun Surveyor - Should be good for regular photography as well.
Autopilot et al.

Enjoy your drone...

Thank you Rajan. I am sorry you returned yours. I hope to be able to use it. The apprehension is because I've never done it and am afraid of crashing it. Learning as much as I can so the list of apps is very helpful and I am grateful for it. Thanks again!
-- Vivek Khanzode
http://www.birdpixel.com
 

by Mark Picard on Fri Apr 14, 2017 3:32 pm
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A forum of interest:  http://www.phantompilots.com/
Mark Picard
Website:  http://www.markpicard.com
Maine Photography Workshops
 

by Vivek on Fri Apr 14, 2017 6:37 pm
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Mark Picard wrote:A forum of interest:  http://www.phantompilots.com/
Thanks Mark, I registered there earlier today. Seems like a good site.
-- Vivek Khanzode
http://www.birdpixel.com
 

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