Professional drones: This post is more about my Hedgehogers thoughts. I have a DJI Phantom 4 pro that I haven't flown in a while and after downloading the latest firmware, everywhere...

A. T.

This post is more about my Hedgehogers thoughts. I have a DJI Phantom 4 pro that I haven't flown in a while and after downloading the latest firmware, everywhere is some type of restricted area. And, the FAA is trying to implement additional restrictions. I can honestly say that if I didn't already own a drone, I certainly wouldn't purchase one now. Thoughts please.........

etaoin Loc: Wichita, KS

If you're serious about drone photography, I'd highly recommend taking the FAA course, pass the test and get the appropriate license. You'll end up knowing much more about legal operation and how to contact airports, etc., regarding flying within the 5-mile radius of airports and other restricted areas. My son did that a few years ago. It cost some time and money, but was well worth it.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

A. T. wrote:

This post is more about my Hedgehogers thoughts. I have a DJI Phantom 4 pro that I haven't flown in a while and after downloading the latest firmware, everywhere is some type of restricted area. And, the FAA is trying to implement additional restrictions. I can honestly say that if I didn't already own a drone, I certainly wouldn't purchase one now. Thoughts please.........

You might want to post this in the Drone Video And Photography Forum:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-124-1.html

A. T.

etaoin wrote:

If you're serious about drone photography, I'd highly recommend taking the FAA course, pass the test and get the appropriate license. You'll end up knowing much more about legal operation and how to contact airports, etc., regarding flying within the 5-mile radius of airports and other restricted areas. My son did that a few years ago. It cost some time and money, but was well worth it.

I'm assuming I would need to contact the FAA for more information?

A. T.

RWR wrote:

You might want to post this in the Drone Video And Photography Forum:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-124-1.html

Okay, thanks.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

A. T. wrote:

This post is more about my Hedgehogers thoughts. I have a DJI Phantom 4 pro that I haven't flown in a while and after downloading the latest firmware, everywhere is some type of restricted area. And, the FAA is trying to implement additional restrictions. I can honestly say that if I didn't already own a drone, I certainly wouldn't purchase one now. Thoughts please.........

Why did you buy it to begin with? Sounds like you had no real need for it to begin with.
FAA is placing more restrictions as well as various public spaces as well as cruise ships.
Glad they are as those devices are incredibly annoying and primarily used by the worst of the worst of narcissists.
Yes I do use them but for site survey for my Architecture and I ensure there are no people or large animals affected by the survey. It is done quickly so as to have minimum impact.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

A. T. wrote:

I can honestly say that if I didn't already own a drone, I certainly wouldn't purchase one now. Thoughts please.........

That, and fear of losing or destroying it, is the main reason I haven't gotten a drone. Aside from the restrictive laws, many people feel entitled to shoot them out of the sky.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

jerryc41 wrote:

That, and fear of losing or destroying it, is the main reason I haven't gotten a drone. Aside from the restrictive laws, many people feel entitled to shoot them out of the sky.

And I definitely see why they want to shoot the annoying things down.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

A. T. wrote:

This post is more about my Hedgehogers thoughts. I have a DJI Phantom 4 pro that I haven't flown in a while and after downloading the latest firmware, everywhere is some type of restricted area. And, the FAA is trying to implement additional restrictions. I can honestly say that if I didn't already own a drone, I certainly wouldn't purchase one now. Thoughts please.........

FREE Drone Certification Study Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_ucCKFJUCU

ELNikkor

In this era where paranoia and privacy are paramount, (due to an abundance of weirdos,) drones are met with suspicion and fear. If you are going to go to remote areas to make video or stills from high angles, a drone may be of use. Some wedding photographers offer drone coverage of out-door weddings, or companies may use them to inspect hard-to-reach areas. Buying a drone and becoming an FAA certified drone pilot is quite a commitment in time and resources. If you can get one under 250 grams, at least you can fly it without the certification rules.

FuzzyDan

As a side question, I'm constantly hearing about issues, regulations, and incidents involving drones, yet I hear nothing about traditional R/C aircraft. Are they now as regulated as drones? Why are drones now suddenly an issue while R/C aircraft haven't been?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

FuzzyDan wrote:

As a side question, I'm constantly hearing about issues, regulations, and incidents involving drones, yet I hear nothing about traditional R/C aircraft. Are they now as regulated as drones? Why are drones now suddenly an issue while R/C aircraft haven't been?

First, I am surprised you have to ask.
R/C planes generally fly at designated areas, at designated events and require a modicum of skill.
Drones have video cameras thus are used to spy surreptitiously on others, they fly low and hover like an annoying fly, they have been all over the place buzzing homes, parks, public places, cruise ships, public functions, schools with children expecting privacy of image, government buildings, and just being a nuisance in general.
You do not see R.C planes doing any of this except on rare occasions to the extent it is newsworthy.
Finally it appears that a vast majority of drone operators are narcissists that could care less about being annoying to others as long as they fulfill their pleasure at others expense.

BebuLamar

jerryc41 wrote:

That, and fear of losing or destroying it, is the main reason I haven't gotten a drone. Aside from the restrictive laws, many people feel entitled to shoot them out of the sky.

I don't know about the law but if there is a drone hovering over my house I would want to shoot it down.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Architect1776 wrote:

. . . R/C planes . . . require a modicum of skill . . .

Having flown hobbyist RC airplanes and thinking back on my learning experience I have to disagree with you about the “modicum” of skills required to put a model aircraft through its paces.

I haven’t flown a consumer drone, but I have seen one flown out of the box by a neophyte. The typical consumer drones are self stabilizing and can be programmed to fly autonomously.

Stan

scubadoc Loc: Sarasota, FL

BebuLamar wrote:

I don't know about the law but if there is a drone hovering over my house I would want to shoot it down.

If you are planning to shoot down a drone flying in legal airspace, it would be a good idea for you to know about the law, and for you to hire a lawyer.