Geofencig will prevent take-offs in areas inside the “no-fly zone”.
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This is the Atlanta metro area.
Looks like this may be a pain in the ass at times.
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It’s not even airports. Anything that relates to security such as law enforcement; departments, jails, detention facilities… etc. When I first got my drone, I took over to my dad’s house just to show it to him. When I started it up, red warning lights saying it was close to a restricted flying area. GPS indicated the county jail was in the area, 3/4 of mile as a crow flies, 3 plus driving to it.
I took it up anyway knowing that I was just going up 45’ or so to shoot his roof. Had no problems doing so, but it does freak you a bit when the warning lights go off.
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In most faa controlled space it’s pretty easy to get automatic authorization through the laanc system. But you then have to get a “license “ from DJI to make the flight. Which can not be done via the app. You have to use an actual computer.
Worse than that we were inspecting a roof in one such area, got permission from FFA and drove over to the sight. We couldn’t take off with the Mavic Pro but after answering all the I’ll take responsibility questions I was allowed to take the Mini off. Started doing a bit of a grid inspection on the roof then the software wouldn’t let me return to the take off point. It would only allow me to fly further away. Thought o might actually loose the drone into a neighboring yard.
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For individual flights or is this a one time thing?
Sounds like some planning is needed, maybe even for routine inspections.
Every flight in controlled airspace. Doesn’t cost anything it’s just a pita
If you down load B4UFLY you can see ahead of time what restrictions are in the area you’re going to be operating in.
In our area we are dealing with Salt Lake International, Ogden, Hill AFB and a plethora of small strips, prison zones and a few stadiums, etc.
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Thank you and others that have contributed thus far! Good stuff.
I had that happen at a lake house. I was standing on the dock and getting some pretty shots off the house and water and my mini would not return to me and I fought the controller for 20 minutes trying to get the drone to come back my way but I could only helplessly watch it, just 40 ft away, ignoring me until the battery died and it took a swim. Very frustrating.
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So which one do you have? Will it let you take off anywhere?
I have the dji Mavic air, and occasionally can’t take off
I have the Mavic Pro. The only issues I have had with it not taking off is when it senses an obstacle being too close. I live in a fairly rural area that doesn’t have much restricted air space, so I’m sure if I was too close to an airport etc. it would probably restrict takeoffs.
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So does anyone know of a good drone that doesnt have to use satellites? Ive only had it happen a couple times where I could not take off, and also could not get on the roof, but luckily they HOA-responsible roofs.
Or a way to disable the tracking? I know someone implied that previously
DJI is a Chinese company blacklisted by the US Govt.
It’s not as bad as it looks. You can fly most anywhere, as long as you keep your altitude under 400 feet and it’s clearly Class G airspace. The airspace for airport restrictions is what they call an “upside-down wedding cake”. They teach you to read the charts so you can figure out your restrictions. You can even go online on LAANC to get spot approvals to fly.
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I agree. I have yet to experience my Mavic Mini prevent me from flying. I have occasionally gotten warnings and you have to select that you agree to accept all liability in flying in the area. I am usually in the air for less than 10 minutes and never go much over 10’ above the roofline. Usually I don’t even need it for the whole roof. Just some parts I couldn’t get to or to get a look at the crown of a chimney.
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Check out this Exo Pro Blackhawk. US company, about the same price, more flight time.
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I am going to warn all my clients that I did shots of their roofs that the Chinese Gov. may have access to seeing it. Got to CYA ya know. Starting my emails now.
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U.S. sellers. Not a U.S made drone.
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Hong Kong is better than Mainland China, there is a difference.
I think you get a lot farther, in a lot more situations, with an extended selfie stick (camera on a pole). It’s less fiddly. Less expensive. More durable. Longer lasting. More stable for the photo, easier to get in the right position for the level of detail needed.
Drones are great for dramatic real estate shots for sales videos.
(Edit: On topic forum post Roof Inspection Camera with Pole - #5 by nmuzekari )
I’ll agree on the less fiddly and less expensive. But my drone gets me great pictures in the right position way quicker and with less effort than the selfie stick or Doca Pole.
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