Browsing through the introductions I noticed one that was headed Late Starter, and they were only 61! Well my name is Brian and after a long career in the Army (27 years) followed by 24 years in the Civil Service I am no retired and live in the bottom of Lincolnshire near the border with Rutland. And I turn 75 in April.
A lifelong photography enthusiast in film and digital I somehow seem to have regarded drones as the b roll tools of YouTubers until recently, when I took a closer interest. Having flown helicopters and having a son who is currently a Royal Navy helicopter pilot, I can’t understand why drones have been off my radar for so long. I suppose I initially thought of them as toys (forgive me) but I seem to have been bitten and just taken delivery of a shiny new Mini 3 Pro. Literally just, as all I have done in the 24 hours I’ve owned it is register it with the CAA, charge up the drone and the RC, update the software, calibrate it and browse this forum.
So, and apologies for this rambling into, expect all the usual novice questions, although I’ll try and search for the answers first mods. and I look forward to meeting some of you, if not in person, within these pages.
Have you seen our members map? (Click the burger-menu in the top right) You may find some pilots living near you. Feel free to add yourself to the members map too
We’re a well established club with many knowledgeable members so it’s very likely that any issues you come across will have been discussed here before. Our discussion forum has very powerful search features which should help you find what you need but if you get stuck you can post a new question in the #questions-and-answers category.
Looking for recommendations of places to fly? Check out our interactive map on Drone Scene - be sure to log in to gain access to the full suite of features and map layers:
And please feel free to add locations of your own too.
Please also take a moment to look at the Membership Levels section on our FAQ as we’re quite different to other clubs and you’ll be eligible for some rather exclusive club discounts as your membership level increases
75! A mere child!
My first drone was an 80th birthday present to myself.
I try to fly every few days but where I live is a regular training area for helicopters from RAF Shawbury. I am not in one of the restricted zones but they use a wind turbine about 300mts away as a way marker and often approach it below 150 ft and at speed. This all means when I know they are about I leave the bird in its box. Not sure my insurance company would cover a new helicopter. I am loathe to complain as I fear they will just extend the no-fly zone.
Flying Shroppie
Hi, Late Starter. Age is how you feel and that can vary day to day - by decades! Like you I treated myself to a Mini3 pro this christmas (2022) and I am gradually getting to grips with the aircraft having watched many YouTube tutorials on the subject. I am making all the usual mistakes of a beginner - being impatient, rushing at it, trying to run before learning to walk, leaving the gimab cover on (naughty) and trying to do too many things at once. I am recording all these mistakes with a view to oublishing the video clips on my YouTube channel as a warning to others. Fortunately, I have not caused any damage to myself, the dorne or the suroundings - yet.
Oh, I forgot to mention I will be 84 in April.
Well, what a great welcome. Thank you everyone, and especially from the three octogenarians. Just goes to prove that age is nothing more than a number and its what’s between the ears that counts (even though the rest is falling to bits!)
