My mini pro 4 arrives tomorrow and I was really excited at first. But now, after reading about all the federal and local laws, I feel discouraged. The restrictions on where I can fly are really strict, and it seems like there are barely any legal places left. I’m an e-biker close to retirement and had planned to use my drone recreationally while biking through state parks. After checking the local rules, though, it feels impossible to use it as I wanted. Has anyone else thought about returning their drone because of these issues?
Added:
I’m 99% sure I’ll keep it despite the restrictions. I’m in my 60s, and I’ve always been fascinated by technology. I also love photography, so I see this as a hobby I can enjoy during retirement.
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One last thing. While I appreciate everyone’s input, simply flying it and hoping authorities will be understanding isn’t an option for me. As a person of color who has experienced racial profiling and unfair treatment in the legal system, I’ve learned the hard way that following the law exactly is crucial. It might sound overly cautious, but in the U.S., the stakes can be incredibly high in certain situations.
For me, it’s not really buyer’s remorse but more of a fear that the drone won’t meet my needs. Plus, the market is so crowded that making money with a drone seems tough. I just took my Air 3 for its first flight today.
I bought mine at Best Buy, which offers a plan where you can return it within 60 days if you change your mind. They’ll also refund the full price if it crashes and can’t be repaired within the next two years.
As for the rules, I’m trying to figure out if I can fly into Class E airspace at 700 feet when my target is up to 926 feet. Do I need extra authorization to go beyond 700 feet?
Wei said: @Noor
I almost bought mine from Best Buy, but I thought they charged a restocking fee. Maybe I misunderstood?
Their protection plan is $180 a year with a $100 claim fee. So if it crashes, you’re out $280 but you’ll still get over a grand back. It’s not a bad deal.
I didn’t realize the $180 renews annually, but it lets you extend the warranty when the initial one ends.
@Noor
You’re capped at 400 feet AGL unless you have a Part 107 license. With that, you can go 400 feet above a structure, as long as you stay within 400 lateral feet of it. For example, if there’s a 500-foot-tall building, you could fly up to 900 feet AGL near it, but only with a Part 107 license. If you’re planning to make money with your drone, you’ll need that license anyway.
@Micah
Unlike the original poster, I read up on Part 107, got my certificate, and even lined up an employer before buying my drone. My question is about Class E airspace at 700 feet AGL. My target is inside Class E and goes up to 926 feet. Since LAANC only handles up to 400 feet, I’m confused about what to do for higher flights.
Micah said: @Noor
You might want to contact the air traffic control tower or airport managing that airspace for clarification.
I emailed the FAA through Drone Zone. I’d rather not bother airports with questions like this. Maybe I should also let DHS know I’ll be flying that high, especially since there’s a secure facility about 20 miles away.
Gregory2 said: @Noor
If your flight requires special coordination, you’ll need to submit a waiver to the FAA and wait for approval. There’s no other way.
I’m not sure this situation even requires a waiver, though.
When I bought my Air 3, I did feel some hesitation. It wasn’t just the cost; the rules were intimidating too. But I’ve come to enjoy the challenge of working within the restrictions. Showing law enforcement and others that drone pilots can be responsible has also been rewarding. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to me.
@Flint
Thanks. I live in a dense urban area surrounded by a lot of parks, and that’s where I hoped to fly. The limited options in those parks have been disappointing.
Wei said: @Flint
Thanks. I live in a dense urban area surrounded by a lot of parks, and that’s where I hoped to fly. The limited options in those parks have been disappointing.
If you’re in the U.S., are the parks national or state ones? National parks usually ban drones, but some state parks allow them with permits during certain times of the year. Which state are you in? Maybe I can help look up more details.
Wei said: @Flint
I’ve been reading about the Ohio Metroparks system. It’s not completely banned, but there are a lot of limitations.
Ohio’s drone rules aren’t terrible. According to the Drone Institute, you need written permission to fly in certain parks. From the Metroparks website, it seems like recreational flying is generally allowed during park hours, except in state nature preserves, as long as you follow FAA rules. You might need to coordinate with park rangers. Have you tried talking to them?