Any Drone pilots/gurus here? I have a few questions...

[Blademaker]

Something KISS simple, I'd like to get one with a 4-5 mile range to scout out for blockages in my local creek that I kayak down.
A lot.
Also, one to run a fishing line out a couple hundred yards at the beach, drop a hunk of cut bait, and come back.

Any such things out there?

Laws I need to be aware of?

[Mike Mercury]

[the new me]

Isn't there a law against operating one of these devices when it's not in sight?

[DAB]

Tom Armstrong is the one to ask....

[lrobe22]

Originally Posted by Blademaker

Something KISS simple, I'd like to get one with a 4-5 mile range to scout out for blockages in my local creek that I kayak down.
A lot.
Also, one to run a fishing line out a couple hundred yards at the beach, drop a hunk of cut bait, and come back.

Any such things out there?

Laws I need to be aware of?

14 CFR

[KenHorse]

I have a DJI and the range is outrageous!

[DAB]

Originally Posted by DAB

Tom Armstrong is the one to ask....

he has posted in the past that he works at NIST and was working on some standards for drone operation.

i just can't remember his username presently....

[slewfoot]

Battery life

[ZipZap]

4 - 5 miles is commercial drone territory. That is no longer a toy. You will need not only an expensive drone, but a bunch of other licenses and permits to do so.

For fishing, I suggest an RC electric boat with a bait drop that you can rig with an extra servo. We used to have a competition every year at VIR where we had to actually catch the fish with a boat. Freaking riot.

[Blademaker]

Starting to sound like a major pain in the ass.....

[dvarapala]

Originally Posted by Blademaker

Something KISS simple, I'd like to get one with a 4-5 mile range to scout out for blockages in my local creek that I kayak down.

Laws I need to be aware of?

Law #1: It is illegal to operate a drone out of your visual line-of-sight.

[snide]

Originally Posted by DAB

he has posted in the past that he works at NIST and was working on some standards for drone operation.

i just can't remember his username presently....

@VatorMan

[JRD77VET]

Originally Posted by Blademaker

Starting to sound like a major pain in the ass.....

My late friend Mark purchased a drone for his photography side business and he literally had to get his pilot's license to operate the drone. Obviously that particular license did not allow him to actual fly a plane but you need to know and understand a lot of aviation procedures. It was done online.

The area up here is probably more populated but flying heights and how close to airports he could operate were considerations for his flight plans.

He got one with "automatic home" and he could also see video in real time to fly it.

[VatorMan]

Originally Posted by JRD77VET

My late friend Mark purchased a drone for his photography side business and he literally had to get his pilot's license to operate the drone. Obviously that particular license did not allow him to actual fly a plane but you need to know and understand a lot of aviation procedures. It was done online.

The area up here is probably more populated but flying heights and how close to airports he could operate were considerations for his flight plans.

He got one with "automatic home" and he could also see video in real time to fly it.

It’s Part 107 UAS license. Once you get that, you lose your harry homeowner “I didn’t know” excuse. But yes, you are supposed to have a set of eyes on the drone. Can be you or an observer. The drone is supposed to be registered with the FAA as well.

DJI is extremely user friendly. I don’t know or have used any that have a carry/trip function tho.

2 Apps you must have whether you are Part 107 or not. FAA B4UFly and UAV Forecast. Both are free and can keep you out of trouble.

Here’s my bird I fly at work. It’s a DJI Matrice 210 with FLIR XT2 IR camera and Zenmuse 24 MP camera

[DAB]

Fancy!

I knew you’d have the straight poop.

[the new me]

If you already have your pilot license you can get a drone license by passing a written test.

[MidLifeinMI]

As VM said, to fly a drone for ANYTHING other than personal hobby use, you need to get a FAA Part 107 license. You can't sell your services to realtors, farmers, or post any drone videos on YT without FAA 107. Anything that could be potentially classed as a commercial use; not allowed.

Good advice also about the companion apps. B4UFLY and Verifly are good at identifying restricted zones. I've had a DJI Mavic Air 2 for a couple of years, and have done some research on getting the 107, but haven't been motivated enough to do it.

[ZipZap]

Originally Posted by the new me

If you already have your pilot license you can get a drone license by passing a written test.

I thought you were grandfathered in to Part 107. When did that change?

[the new me]

Originally Posted by ZipZap

I thought you were grandfathered in to Part 107. When did that change?

I think that was for a brief period, but it's no longer the case. I remember feeling some pressure to apply and get the drone rating with no testing but I didn't care so I didn't do it.

[KenHorse]

Originally Posted by the new me

I think that was for a brief period, but it's no longer the case. I remember feeling some pressure to apply and get the drone rating with no testing but I didn't care so I didn't do it.

Yup. I'm twin engine piston, jet helicopter rated and 135 certified.

Didn't help me with the drone cert