Hi, I’m based in Camden and have a DJI Mini 3 Pro with the DJI RC controller. I’m a complete beginner and haven’t had much chance to fly it yet, so I’d like to meet someone more experienced who could help me get started and show me the basics, including the controls, take-off and landing, Return to Home and the main safety settings.
I don’t drive, so somewhere in London that’s easy to reach by public transport would be ideal. Afternoons are usually best for me, although I’m fairly flexible. I haven’t chosen a flying location yet, so I’d also appreciate suggestions for somewhere suitable and legal to practise.
It would be nice to meet other people who enjoy flying drones too, so I’d be interested in meeting up for future flights once I’ve got the hang of it.
Is anyone interested in meeting up for a flight sometime?
Hi @Nicola1 and welcome to GADC.
I am a few hundred miles from you, so sadly won’t be able to meet up for a flight.
Since you are a complete beginner, have you obtained your Operator & Flyer ID yet?
Also, I personally love the Flight Sim that comes with the DJI controllers. Are you aware of it and used it? I found it very helpful in learning how to fly and mauver in a safe environment that won’t cost you anything if you crash!
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Looking for recommendations of places to fly? Check out our interactive map on Drone Scene and please feel free to add locations of your own too
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Hi Nicola.
Central london is a bit tricky to get something up in the air, but there are a few places, the closest suitable open space to you would probably be the flying field in the North part of Wormwood scrubs park, it’s a few minutes walk away from the North Acton tube stop on the central line just past Shepherd’s Bush. I would offer to come and help you out right away but I’m in Malta all this week. If you do decide to take the plunge and go practice do be aware that the park is right next to Wormwood Scrubs prison which has it’s own Flight Restriction Zone that we’re not allowed to send the drone into at all.
Welcome Nicola! As others have already mentioned make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row when flying in London. There’s lots of restricted air space due to government facilities, embassies, prisons, air space, crowds etc.
Well worth getting an app like drone assist if you haven’t already done so to give you a good initial idea of clearance to fly. You can get permission to fly in restricted air space but it’s not just a case of making a quick phone call or writing a quick email.
Obviously with your sub 250g drone it gives you the biggest flexibility but it’s still not carte Blanche to fly anywhere you like.
If you’re ever flying up north of the M25 I’d be happy to come and fly with you - schedule permitting as I’m new to the hobby to and it would be good to have someone to make mistakes with that can point them out as and when I do!
Lol, there’s also no sign on it either. Most countries have some lavish palacial mansion as theirs, with round the clock security patrols and large locked gates. Not our NK friends, a semi-detached house in Acton.
There are a lot of restrictions in various areas of London which can be confusing for everyone. When you upgrade to Gold or Silver you will find Drone Scene an excellent tool for planniong flights and avoiding problems.
I’m on the south coast (1 hour 20 from Waterloo ) so can’t offer practical help but, as with all of us on here, advice and support is freely offered.
While you are waiting for someone local to contact you dive into the excellent videos produced by @ianinlondon (who has now moved to Sussex!). Very knowlegable and easily understood.
) so can’t offer practical help but, as with all of us on here, advice and support is freely offered.