Cheers. A mate of mine is selling mini2 and mavic 2 zoom. Both that work with the software that I’m looking at. They are working on integration with the mini 4 which I can upgrade to if I get any work from it.
The cost of the training isn’t too much of a problem.
Definitely. Out of courtesy I would let them know . Tell them to stop naked sunbathing for example
Good question - I’m in a similar position as I’ve been asked by a local farmer to do aerial photos of a very large field - complications are it’s right next to an RAF base (I know the form here, they are usually accommodating when flight requests are made) - it’s bordering a junior school and the nearest properties are >50m from where I will be flying. I’ve done a site visit and risk assessment with the person commissioning me too.
I’ve got a M3P and Air 3 - the Air 3 will be much more appropriate for this job because of battery life - I also have the A2CofC.
I’ll be talking to the school and ATC before the operation (I will have commercial insurance for the day).
Simple solution is use the Mini, but the Air 3 would be SO much better as it’s an exposed site prone to gusty wind too 
Presumably the RAF base also comes with airspace restrictions as an added complication?
I’m curious how accommodating they are, especially considering they tend not to like working after 4pm so unlikely to need their airspace (obviously depending on what is based there) 
It’s RAF Odiham where the Chinooks are based - and where we live - they fly at all hours during the week, but rarely at the weekend unless there’s an active operation.
It’s a small place and we know a few of the flight crew personally - regardless of which, the normal protocol would be complete a flight request proforma (quite detailed) then upon approval, phone ATC on take off and landing. They are pretty accommodating and clearly appreciate when a UAV pilot does things properly 
Aaah they have a standard request format then? That’s helpful.
Good to know!
I used to live in Basingstoke, so all to familiar with the chinooks antics!
Ah, you’ll know the base then! There were a list of questions they wanted answered, things like lat/long of TOAL point, heading, type of UAV etc - so I put an excel proforma together with all the info, added things like operater/user ID, A2CofC - basically all they could conceivably need! Tidied the comms up and looks a bit more professional 