Only problem I’ve ever had with DJI drones, is their natural affinity with trees, railings and generally anything higher than 1m off the ground ![]()
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Nah seriously though, they are so easy to fly. I’d say go out, buy the Mini 4 Pro with the RC2 controller and within a few hours, you’ll be amazed at what it can do ( and I’ll be jealous as I have the Mini 3 Pro ) , Ooh before I forget, get the fly more kit with it, and buy a 30w ( minimum) usb c charger ![]()
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There is a certain amount of ‘drone anxiety’ that affects all new pilots, that actually, never disappears completely, but it is very much minimised by your pre-knowledge of the craft you are flying, by the level of trust it will earn from you once you see how easy it is to fly when everything is working fine, and once you are fully used to flying it regardless of its orientation…
Once you are gaining some solid experience in these areas, then the stress of flying becomes much less, and limited to monitoring the ever-changing environment and things that might be coming into it (wind / birds / other aerial traffic / ground hazards etc etc) and watching your various readouts to make sure you are flying within any applicable limits, and that nothing is amiss (or heading in that direction!), power and signal and GPS levels etc etc. That in itself, and maintaining an accurate idea of exactly where your craft is at distance, and what its orientation is can be quite worrisome, but again, it’s conquered by experience.
Lastly it is a LOT less stress to fly something sub-250g, because you know that even if everything goes wrong and it falls out of the sky out of your sight and lands on someone or some property, the amount of damage something that light is capable of during failure or while it’s crashing is quite limited. It won’t be smashing windows or knocking people unconscious, which would be a constant background worry if you went straight in with a much heavier UAV.
Alfiebyre, thank you for those encouraging words. I have been reading and trying to interpret all the legal requirements to stay within the law. I do agree YouTube would be a useful staring point.
Kind regards
Paul
Thanks. sound advice. Yes I once built a model airplane, over a period of 4 months. Destroyed it on its first landing. My wife keeps reminding me “here we go again”
stay safe
I think I will get one of my grandchildren to show me the ropes, as the only remote I have ever used is for the TV. Doing the research on where and where not to fly is a minefield, so a lot of research is needed. Thank you so much for your input.
Kind regards
To old for sports mode, snail mode will be perfect
It is useful when returning home to speed up the drone ![]()
Forgive me ( if it’s already mentioned ) but where abouts in the country do you live ? Many folks on here, organise meet ups ( usually weekends) A friendly bunch of people, many of whom would be more than willing to let you have a go with their drone. If there’s a meet up near you, I’d suggest you go along and introduce yourself as a GADC member. Someone’s going to offer you 5 or so minutes with their drone. Then you’ll see just how easy these are to fly. ![]()
Coventry South
Pinging @group-westmidlands ![]()
Ahh big area there where you can’t fly without permission ( Coventry Airport FRZ) Have a look on
It shows where you can fly and where you have to seek permission to fly.
At the end of this month there’s the Big Meet part 2 near Corby ( not that far from Coventry) Why not come along and have a look / go ?
Hi I’m 60 now and got the DJI mini 3 for my recent birthday beginning of August 24 and I havnt looked back I love it and it’s pretty straightforward to fly.
Regards
I live in South Coventry too …. I tend to fly early mornings, but have to get permission from Coventry ATC first as I am within the Coventry FRZ.
Feel free to DM me if you want to chat ![]()
Hi BudgieUK
Woodside Ave Coventry. I am committing to purchasing a Mini 4 Pro so if you don’t mind a 74 year old asking questions that would be great. Thanks for getting in touch.
I don’t mind at all … and that’s the drone I have, so happy to help ![]()
I occasionally ask Cov ATC for permission to fly at the Memorial Park. I go early mornings so not so many people about.
Just placed my order, so I will digest and get familiar with the controller and contact you if that’s okay, as I would not take off without someone there who knows how to fly.
Regards Paul
Check the above link I have just found
As long as I am free (I still work full time), I’d be happy to accompany you so you can feel comfortable.
Honestly, all you need is an open space, and you will be fine ![]()
I had seen that before, but I’m aware that Coventry have no by-laws relating to drones.
I have flown at quiet parks around the city, and not had any problem.
I suspect if it was mid day and the park was heaving, then that is a different matter.
If anyone in authority asked me to stop, I would, but it’s not happened yet.
I used to worry about that restriction, but it seems to be of minimal effect.