So my Lito X1 arrived yesterday so I charged it up, got it all set up and tried some of the simulated flights and tweaked some of the settings that I had seen suggested on various youtube videos. I tried taking off in my flat but with obstacle avoidance on bypass all I was able to do was yaw, but at least I got it off the ground! (and I was not keen on disabling obstacle avoidance in my flat!) I put it away and already had 2 places to take it in mind. The first place I thought was pretty in the middle of nowhere, it seemed to be on the map, but when I got to the end of a very long single track road, a load of gates with “private” on them, including my plant take off spot. A lot of residential properties close by as well.
I did not give up though, I went to a local park I knew of, I had been before but had never gone there with the eye of a drone pilot, and when I got there it would have been ideal if not for the row of houses on one side, now the plan was to keep to the other side of the park, but it is quite a small park. Now I am probably being way too cautious, but for my very first flight I just want somewhere in the middle of nowhere where there is zero risk of upsetting anyone, and when you live in the city that is very hard to do.
I guess I will have to do a bit of traveling and just fly from areas that other members have mentioned, but was hoping to find somewhere local. I am probably not going to get another chance to fly now for another week though.
With a lito and a supply of good manners chances of up setting someone are slim. just go to the park and fly, if someone complains, appologise explain what you are doing ( test flying my new toy) and put it way. If no one complains nothing lost. Some will say you shouldn’t have to appologise, but it doesn’t hurt when you are just starting out and want to gain some confidence.
Hi @Prototype, take you time, go at your pace and don’t think you need to rush it. My first flight I was terrified I would crash (and smash) it. After a few flights I got more relaxed, and since then each flight has felt smoother and I have been happier. I have done 67 flights which totals to 3 hours and 16 minutes, and I only bought it last month!
You have joined a great club, and the members care and want to help.
You’ve not got to overthink it or you’ll never get anywhere with this hobby!
There are several who’ve posted, expressing similar fears, but honestly, what are you afraid of? As long as you’re following the drone code and observing official NFZs, etc, you’re not doing anything illegal by flying a drone. Just get on with it! I’ve never had any negative interactions, and I’ve flown in cities and towns, as well as rural areas. Nada. Nothing. The most I’ve had is piqued curiosity and interested questions. So many seem to be terrified of ‘Karens’, but seriously, what are they going to do. Stay legal and the law is on your side.
I get being a bit nervous before your first flights. You don’t want to crash, so find a nice open space, a park, recreation ground or sports field and fly there. Take off from the pavement if you’re concerned about TOAL issues. Job done. When you get a couple of hours under your belt you’ll be flying like an old hand in no time
Incidentally, I see you’re SW, but where is local to you @Prototype?
Thanks for the comments, I guess I should just go for it huh? I am from Plymouth by the way, lots of flight restrictions in place where I live which narrows things down even more.
hey! I also got my new drone yesterday. I was also a little worried on my first fly, but I went to the park early this morning, and only found two people walking their dogs, who left me alone. I just ended being there for 20 minutes because of the strong wind!
It’s good that you’re being considerate; the confidence will come with time. The concept of guiding a physical object through the air in a public area feels a bit nerve-racking at first. I was the same, then before long I was taking my quads everywhere and flying them in major cities. As long as you check the regulations and have all your boxes ticked first, there’s no need to feel like you’re doing anything wrong… you’re not.
I go out of my way to avoid people generally. But on the few occasions where I have been ‘Karened’, the individual has seen the quad, made a conscious effort to come over and disturb me, then proceeded to clutch at straws to find a reason to be angry about what I’m doing. They usually also have a wealth of inaccurate drone knowledge and start the conversation with, “You’re not allowed to do that here,” which I can usually disassemble in about two seconds with accurate information. That normally just annoys them even more, tbh.
Don’t let those muppets put you off, though. Most people I’ve met have expressed a positive interest.
Jen and the guys pretty much nailed it.
Open space. Few people. Maybe take someone with you if thats an option. Thinking worst case and a karen approaches then your companion can keep them busy whilst you concentrate on landing safely
Don’t forget to attach your numerals to the drone. On a piece of paper in the battery compartment is legal.
