Phantom 3 Drone Photos

[mas1992bc]

OK, I know this category is for webcams, but I figured this was close enough. Had a lot of fun with our new toy this weekend (Phantom 3 drone). Grabbed some amazing photos. Thought I would share here.

First and second one is 200 feet above Smith's cove in Moultonborough. That's our boat in the second one. Third one is our house from 150 feet.

The message board reduced the size of the photos drastically. The higher resolution ones are even better. Enjoy.

[Winopt]

Thanks for sharing. I'll bet you get some awesome photos during the foliage season!

[thinkxingu]

Was just thinking how nice it would be to have a picture like this of our cove--if you, or someone else with a drone, is interested in doing it for a case of beer or something, please PM me!

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[Winnisquamer]

Awesome shots! Were these taken with the camera they option on the Phantom or a Gopro/other camera mounted on the gimbal?

[Pineedles]

Wow, you guys have a lot of rocks to navigate around. Drone photos really bring out the underwater layout. Nice.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

When the less humid, clearer weather arrives, you should put on your hiking boots and come visit me on Rattlesnake Island. I'll take you to the top where you can take some high, unobstructed pictures of the Lakes Region. Guessing it shouldn't be a windy day.

[znh]

Leaving Paugus Bay on Saturday around 2:30 we had a white drone following our boat, it was pretty impressive how well they were able to keep up and follow the boat, they stayed with us for a good minute or so. Would love to see the footage they got of us!!!

[Gatto Nero]

My cousin dropped by back in June and brought his drone. Here are a couple of the Mt when it came by.

[mas1992bc]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamer

Awesome shots! Were these taken with the camera they option on the Phantom or a Gopro/other camera mounted on the gimbal?

Thanks! They were taken by the STANDARD Phantom 3 camera which is amazing. Shoots 2k video and very high res pictures.

[mas1992bc]

https://youtu.be/Fa9BwYqxK-Q

Used the drone in GPS "follow me" mode during a boat ride today. Thought I would share the resulting video here. Awesome.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

https://youtu.be/Fa9BwYqxK-Q

Used the drone in GPS "follow me" mode during a boat ride today. Thought I would share the resulting video here. Awesome.

Incredible footage!

Just curious, how fast can you go approximately in the boat when in the follow me mode??

Thanks!!

dan

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

Thanks! They were taken by the STANDARD Phantom 3 camera which is amazing. Shoots 2k video and very high res pictures.

Is the Phantom 3 a go pro company. I can't understand why the go pro stock is down 60% when they produce such a great product.

[mas1992bc]

DJI (who creates the Phantom) and GoPro are different companies. DJI's Phantoms comes with built in cameras - or you can attach your own GoPro camera to some of them as well

Originally Posted by Sunbeam lodge

Is the Phantom 3 a go pro company. I can't understand why the go pro stock is down 60% when they produce such a great product.

[mas1992bc]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Was just thinking how nice it would be to have a picture like this of our cove--if you, or someone else with a drone, is interested in doing it for a case of beer or something, please PM me!

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Hanson Cove and surrounding area, Here you go. Enjoy!

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

Hanson Cove and surrounding area, Here you go. Enjoy!

These are GREAT! Heading to a campfire right now and will be sure to share with my fellow Arcadians.

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[Aguamenti]

That was really cool, and you picked one of my all time favorite songs, all time favorite version! Thank you for sharing. Makes me homesick for the lake!

[Airedale1]

Gotta love the drone images, they are spectacular!

[fatlazyless]

So, what's the elevation of the drone-camera for the last photos......is there a standard flying elevation for flying a drone like this over the lake.....and does the operator need to keep a line-of-sight with the drone....or can it be flown remotely from, say for example, one mile away?

[Ryan]

Here's a photo of Varney Point I took over Labor Day weekend.




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[webmaster]

Speaking of drones, here's some nice video of Wolfeboro:

[trfour]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Speaking of drones, here's some nice video of Wolfeboro:

For sharing this Wonderful video!! I even loved the music!!

[SIKSUKR]

What a fabulous and peacefull video.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Speaking of drones, here's some nice video of Wolfeboro:

Awesome video Don!! Loved the music too!!

Thanks for sharing that!!

Dan

[mas1992bc]

Hi Dan. Only about 15 mph before it starts getting behind. Plus I was very careful. Didn't want it to end up in the lake!


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[mas1992bc]

The maximum elevation allowed by the FAA is 400 feet. I was about 175 feet up for these photos. It is always highly recommend to keep a line of sight with the drone for safety. However, it can be flown up to 1 mile away. I have a live view of the camera on my tablet and GPS coordinates and a map of where it is. Pilot just needs to be sure it is high enough to avoid obstacles like trees or buildings. Also, if it loses contact with the remote, it automatically returns to the point where you took off, at a predetermined height that you can configure.


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[tis]

I was sitting in Cate Park watching the band that night when you filmed that with your drone. I think you hovered over a patrol boat for quite a while. I wondered if they would be unhappy about that??? It was fun to watch. I took pictures of your drone.

[mas1992bc]

That wasn't me who posted the Wolfeboro video lol. I'm not experienced enough to try it that close to people yet


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[tis]

Oh sorry, I thought you meant it was you. I did see the guy go after it at one point and he didn't look like you but thought maybe he was helping you out.

[mas1992bc]

So... I did post all the pictures and the boating video above - from my drone. I didn't do the sophisticated Wolfeboro one. Credit goes to webmaster for that one I think.

[codeman671]

I am looking to get a drone, first timer. What do you suggest?

It looks like the Phantom 3's have a few different camera options.

[mas1992bc]

Originally Posted by codeman671

I am looking to get a drone, first timer. What do you suggest?

It looks like the Phantom 3's have a few different camera options.

I have the Phantom 3 Standard, which is their entry-level model. It comes with absolutely everything you need (camera with 2K video, etc), and they just dropped the price from $799 to $699.

The Phantom 3 Advanced sells from $999, has a better remote control and about double the range (1.5 miles or so instead of 0.75 miles or so). The remote control also has some nicer features on it.

It's a tough call. I paid $800 for the standard, but if I had to do it again, I would have gotten the advanced for the extra $200. But now the Standard is only $700 so.... I would get the Standard for $700. If you love it and want to step up - you can always sell it and upgrade.

The nice thing is they both have all the same features and same video/photo resolution for the most part. The biggest difference is the range/distance - and some bells and whistles on the remote. Hope this helps. DJI's website has some great videos and descriptions of the differences.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

Credit goes to webmaster for that one I think.

I can't take credit. Someone named "Waterfront Agent" posted that video on Vimeo. I just embedded it in my post.

[mas1992bc]

Some nice leaf-peeping photos this past weekend.


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[Pine Island Guy]

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

Some nice leaf-peeping photos this past weekend.

That just looks like too much fun, soooo jealous!!

Please Santa, bring me one for Christmas!!!

(but until then still enjoying this beautiful weather at the lake) -PIG

[ishoot308]

Thanks to mas1992bc and the beautiful photos and videos he took with his Phantom drone, I just had to go out and get myself one!!

They are definitely a lot of fun and once you get by the learning curve and all the techy "updating firmware" downloads, etc, etc, you can certainly take some beautiful videos!! I am still learning all the features of the Phantom 3 as I am a slow learner when it comes to this stuff!!

Dan

[Phantom]

MAS1992bc ........ my wife begs you -PLEASE stop posting those awesome shots ....

Every time you post, Phantom raises a drone higher up on his list of "Toys needed to play with" !!



Love the shots .......... is it as easy to operate as all the you tubes indicate?

.

[mas1992bc]

Haha! Yes, they are super easy to operate. However, I highly recommend you watch all the instructional videos if you decide to get one. You will want to know how to use all the features properly, and follow the proper safety guidelines. Also, there are lots of FAA regulations - like you can't fly within 5 miles of a major airport, etc. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. We can have a Phantom flying party at the lake!

Mike

Originally Posted by Phantom

MAS1992bc ........ my wife begs you -PLEASE stop posting those awesome shots ....

Every time you post, Phantom raises a drone higher up on his list of "Toys needed to play with" !!



Love the shots .......... is it as easy to operate as all the you tubes indicate?

.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

We can have a Phantom flying party at the lake!

I'm up for that!!

Dan

[feb]

I believe GoPro stock is down because their newest release of their camera is not selling well and they dropped the price by $100 already. Also read that their traditional market of young enthusiasts is somewhat saturated and they are having issues selling beyond that demographic.

[Phantom]

Originally Posted by mas1992bc

Haha! Yes, they are super easy to operate. However, I highly recommend you watch all the instructional videos if you decide to get one. You will want to know how to use all the features properly, and follow the proper safety guidelines. Also, there are lots of FAA regulations - like you can't fly within 5 miles of a major airport, etc. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. We can have a Phantom flying party at the lake!

Mike

Rot Roh ...... I knew there was height regulations but now you just splashed COLD water on my hopes (Phantom will DEFINATELY not show this post to the wife) as our Condo is essentially in the shadows of Laconia Regional Airport !

Is there a website with all the rules & regulations or do you have to hunt around and get the info piece meal ?


.

[mas1992bc]

Well, the FAA regulations are very old, and congress has actually given the FAA a deadline of September 2015 to finalize their new guidelines (a deadline which they have already missed). The FAA needs to act VERY quickly.

http://qz.com/516790/the-faa-expects...egal-they-are/

The new guidelines are much better for the consumer but not in effect yet. There is a LOT of confusion and controversy around this topic. Take a look at these 2 pubications/articles. Remember you could just drive a few miles away from your condo so you are safely away from the airport. Also, I'm not sure Laconia regional would qualify as a "no-fly" zone. Here is a link to the "current" guidelines, but you'll find lots of "interpretations" of their legal authority if you search for opinion articles.

https://www.faa.gov/uas/model_aircraft/

I usually look for the top of a hill with a good view over the lake and launch from there. The DJI Phantoms are programmed to not go higher than 400 feet from where you launch in the US. But of course you can launch from the top of a 400 foot hill and then fly over the lake - and then you are 800 feet up :-).

Originally Posted by Phantom

Rot Roh ...... I knew there was height regulations but now you just splashed COLD water on my hopes (Phantom will DEFINATELY not show this post to the wife) as our Condo is essentially in the shadows of Laconia Regional Airport !

Is there a website with all the rules & regulations or do you have to hunt around and get the info piece meal ?


.

[Merrymeeting]

So, the lake lover in me loves these pictures and unique new perspectives on the area I live in and love. The engineer/geek in me loves the technical aspects and would really like to play with one of these for awhile. But the private individual in me worries about where all this is going.

We had some renters in a house down the shore from us this summer. They had a drone. I have to admit that I found it quite disconcerting and invasive when it came hovering over our dock area and "watched" us for awhile (twice!). I'm sure it was innocent but it felt weird and violating all the same.

I don't have an answer to what to do about it, but I do believe that some new type of regulations will need to be developed as to who, how, and when these things can be used.

Sorry if this hijacks a a thread to be just about pictures and fun. Please feel free to move and start a new thread if needed.

[Winnisquamer]

The new gopro model is garbage in my opinion. I have owned most of them from the Hero original to this new Hero Session. The session is for people who "need" it to be that small. The video quality is subpar in compared to the Hero 3, 4 silver or black.

I want to get into drones badly however I bought a cheap one $89.99 to play with and now there is one hanging about 85 feet in a tree behind my house. I'm sure you can guess how it got there. I did hear the phantoms are much easier to fly and you can actually take your hands off the control and it will just hover right?

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamer

The new gopro model is garbage in my opinion. I have owned most of them from the Hero original to this new Hero Session. The session is for people who "need" it to be that small. The video quality is subpar in compared to the Hero 3, 4 silver or black.

I want to get into drones badly however I bought a cheap one $89.99 to play with and now there is one hanging about 85 feet in a tree behind my house. I'm sure you can guess how it got there. I did hear the phantoms are much easier to fly and you can actually take your hands off the control and it will just hover right?

That is correct. You center the controls and it will hover in place (in GPS mode). The professional comes with lightbridge - which sends video back to a phone or tablet running the software with little to no lag - so you can watch your flightpath/images directly on the screen mounted to the controller. Pretty cool technology.

[mas1992bc]

The P3 Advanced ($999) also comes with Lightbridge for extended range (2+ miles). Worth it to pay the extra $300 over the standard ("only" half mile range) if you are going to get into the hobby seriously. That being said, the P3 standard at $699 is a fantastic deal.

Originally Posted by Ryan

That is correct. You center the controls and it will hover in place (in GPS mode). The professional comes with lightbridge - which sends video back to a phone or tablet running the software with little to no lag - so you can watch your flightpath/images directly on the screen mounted to the controller. Pretty cool technology.

[mas1992bc]

Merrymeeting,

You are absolutely right, and that's how lots of people feel. Because I really love the hobby and the photography, I go out of my way to explain how it works to people, and I also go out of my way to be respectful of people's privacy. I don't want a few irresponsible people out there to ruin the hobby for the rest of us who are trying to follow the rules.

For example, I wanted to so some pictures/filming at a local golf course. Instead of just flying, I first went into the club house and got permission and showed them what I would be doing (and offered to share the media). They REALLY appreciated me checking with them first, and allowed me to take whatever pictures and video I wanted to take.

As for neighbors, I try to alert my neighbors as well, and show them and explain my purpose (NOT to spy on people). A lot of people don't realize that once you get 100 feet up, since these cameras (at least my camera) do NOT have zoom capabilities, so you can't see anything meaningful that high anyways (unless you are buzzing 20 feet away from someone's face - which is obviously not cool).

It will be VERY interesting to see how this technology unfolds. Until then, I will continue to post pictures and videos here - and I hope you all continue to enjoy them!

Thanks for the thoughtful post!

Mike

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

So, the lake lover in me loves these pictures and unique new perspectives on the area I live in and love. The engineer/geek in me loves the technical aspects and would really like to play with one of these for awhile. But the private individual in me worries about where all this is going.

We had some renters in a house down the shore from us this summer. They had a drone. I have to admit that I found it quite disconcerting and invasive when it came hovering over our dock area and "watched" us for awhile (twice!). I'm sure it was innocent but it felt weird and violating all the same.

I don't have an answer to what to do about it, but I do believe that some new type of regulations will need to be developed as to who, how, and when these things can be used.

Sorry if this hijacks a a thread to be just about pictures and fun. Please feel free to move and start a new thread if needed.

[mas1992bc]

Sorry for all the posts, but after all the "drone" discussion, I felt compelled to share one of my favorite pictures I got of my kids and friends on the waverunner.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

So, the lake lover in me loves these pictures and unique new perspectives on the area I live in and love. The engineer/geek in me loves the technical aspects and would really like to play with one of these for awhile. But the private individual in me worries about where all this is going.

We had some renters in a house down the shore from us this summer. They had a drone. I have to admit that I found it quite disconcerting and invasive when it came hovering over our dock area and "watched" us for awhile (twice!). I'm sure it was innocent but it felt weird and violating all the same.

I don't have an answer to what to do about it, but I do believe that some new type of regulations will need to be developed as to who, how, and when these things can be used.

Sorry if this hijacks a a thread to be just about pictures and fun. Please feel free to move and start a new thread if needed.

Very neat. However, these are inexpensive so what happens when there are 20 of them flying around Wolfeboro Bay, or a similar venue, on a hot summer night? It will be interesting to watch this unfold.

[wifi]

For those concerned with privacy and security:

http://www.alloutdoor.com/2015/10/16...ingle-bullet/#

[HellRaZoR004]

Originally Posted by wifi

For those concerned with privacy and security:

http://www.alloutdoor.com/2015/10/16...ingle-bullet/#

And you will find yourself in a lot of trouble with the FCC.

Jamming devices are radio frequency transmitters that intentionally block, jam, or interfere with lawful communications, such as cell phone calls, text messages, GPS systems, and Wi-Fi networks.

Jammers are illegal to market, sell, or use in the United States.
A single violation of the jamming prohibition can result in tens of thousands of dollars in monetary penalties, seizure of the illegal device, and imprisonment.

Source: http://www.gps.gov/spectrum/jamming/

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004

And you will find yourself in a lot of trouble with the FCC.

Jamming devices are radio frequency transmitters that intentionally block, jam, or interfere with lawful communications, such as cell phone calls, text messages, GPS systems, and Wi-Fi networks.

Jammers are illegal to market, sell, or use in the United States.
A single violation of the jamming prohibition can result in tens of thousands of dollars in monetary penalties, seizure of the illegal device, and imprisonment.

Source: http://www.gps.gov/spectrum/jamming/

And an out of control drone would be a physical danger to all within it's flight range.

[wifi]

First I want to thank the OP for many beautiful videos. Yes, these drones have good purposes. I have several large tracts of land that are hard to get to, especially in the winter. These would be great for areal surveillance to see if something is wrong, or somebody in squatting where they shouldn't be, etc.

I can also see the bad side, where stalkers (yes, they do exist) can have their way, and there is little one can do about it. The purpose of the link on the jammer was to show that there is technology out there that could be used for to handle a bad situation, other than, say birdshot.


Peace, and tranquility, it is the will of Landru...

[SAB1]

All I can say is the day someone hovers one of those around my yard for more than it minute it ain't gonna be pretty.

[mas1992bc]

Originally Posted by SAB1

All I can say is the day someone hovers one of those around my yard for more than it minute it ain't gonna be pretty.

I started this thread to share some beautiful pictures of the lake we all love. To assume all drone operators are stalkers is offensive and irresponsible. And, to suggest people start shooting them down is even worse. Like any technology and/or any hobby, people need to do it responsibly, and follow the rules and laws. But please don't group me into a stereotype because of a piece of technology I own. Like it or not, this technology is growing for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists and it is not going away any time soon. If a person is using them to fly near airports, or near the White House, or to peep in someone's windows, then they should be arrested just like any other crime is treated. How is it any different than people using a full zoom camera on the ground inappropriately? Because it happens to be able to fly? The bottom line is - as technology changes and improves, people need to learn how to use it responsibly, and we need to create new laws and rules to make sure those who don't are controlled and dealt with accordingly. I can assure you that "shooting them out of the sky" is not a solution, and if one happens to be flying 400 feet over your property, it is no different than a plane or glider flying 400 feet over your property. Would you shoot that down too?

Come on folks. Please be reasonable. "We" are not stalkers. We just like taking breathtaking pictures.

Mike


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[codeman671]

Originally Posted by wifi

The purpose of the link on the jammer was to show that there is technology out there that could be used for to handle a bad situation, other than, say birdshot.


Peace, and tranquility, it is the will of Landru...

Add on one of these and birdshot will work just fine



https://silencerco.com/products/salvo-12/

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Phantom

Rot Roh ...... I knew there was height regulations but now you just splashed COLD water on my hopes (Phantom will DEFINATELY not show this post to the wife) as our Condo is essentially in the shadows of Laconia Regional Airport !

Is there a website with all the rules & regulations or do you have to hunt around and get the info piece meal ?


.

Laconia is not a towered airport. The software you use restricts 'blacked out' areas around airports. Laconia does not have that restriction on the app (due to reason above) and works fine in that area. There are plenty of low flying craft in that area, so you need to be careful and always fly line of sight.

I got the Phantom 3 professional after I saw a renter with a DJI Inspire 1 (same company, different drones, different price points). My wife (read: accounts payable dept) saw it and immediately green lighted the purchase. It's a cool toy that combines many hobbies - R/C aircraft and photography/videography.

As far as the intrusive nature of the drones - they do NOT have zoom on the cameras. I'd have to be flying directly overhead and close to get 'improper' footage (disclaimer: not why I bought a drone) and you'll certainly hear my drone before you even see it.

[Phantom]

Originally Posted by Phantom

MAS1992bc ........ my wife begs you -PLEASE stop posting those awesome shots ....

Every time you post, Phantom raises a drone higher up on his list of "Toys needed to play with" !!



Love the shots .......... is it as easy to operate as all the you tubes indicate?

.

Okay --

Well it FINALLY happened !

I am now the owner of a Phantom 3 Standard !!

What amazes me is the lack of "Instructions" ---- not saying it's difficult, but all of the initial set up protocols I have learnt from "You Tubes" .... there is absolutely nothing printed anywhere.

Still haven't taken off for the Inaugural fight yet .... still making sure I understand it before getting underway.

My dilemma is that I have to find a location to fly it as I literally live in the shadows of Laconia's runway.




.

[Rich]

Congrats on getting your drone.

I suggest you don't try to even turn it on with the propellers on inside at all. Also, do not try to fly this near the glideslope of any airport at all.

Go find a large open field, that is not under the glideslope of the airport at all, and keep all test flights low. Don't attempt to go too high, it's easy to get disoriented.

When you are operating it, keep the front (nose) of it away from you at all times, because when it is facing you, the controls will seem reversed and you will crash it.

I could go on and on, but I suggest you find a drone or RC specific web site for help

Good luck, have fun, be safe!

[Phantom]

A couple of "tech" questions for those experienced Phantom 3 Std users.

(Things I'd like to know before I try)


(1) With my FTH (fly to home) set to 100ft, if I manually fly the drone back to the approx. initial take off/landing area hover at say 10' and then hit FTH to allow the drone to automatically land ------ will it first climb to the preset 100' and then land ? or simply descend from the 10' hovering height? (me thinks it will go up - which is a potential problem if I were under tree branches)

(2) What are your experiences with battery life

(3) Follow me mode -- this one I think I have a clear answer but will ask anyway -- If I put the drone in follow me mode, let it chase me for a bit, then hit FTH -- I am presuming the drone will fly home/ land in the spot that it initialized (took off from) not the relative proximity of the joystick/ controller..............

Which, in the case of a boat launch, would send the drone back to some unknown spot in the water for a swim


First short test flight accomplished --- and it is STILL in one piece -- but I must admit it came in with a "Hard Landing" ..........as nothing was broke (props), I gave up while I was ahead !! ........ there's gotta be some trick to shutting those engines off .... be great if there was a simple "red" button somewhere


.

[Rich]

Questions like yours are why I said to go to a drone specific forum, you'll get much better answers.

Don't ever take off under a tree, or any other obstruction, be sure to have a clear area, and around the area, as the RTH function needs some fudge factor.

I don't have a P3, so I can't tell you specifics, but you can test your questions easily, but be ready to go into manual mode if you need to take over any automatic functions. Because of this, it's very important to do a lot of practice to be capable of flying in a manual mode, in case it ever screws up and starts doing something you don't want it to when in an auto mode.

Yes, flying from a boat has many unique problems to think about! RTH is one of them. Even if you set the home location when you are anchored, what if the boat drifted on the anchor? At least it will come close to where you are. Also, if things go wrong, it will end up in the water, at least on Winni that is fresh water, but drones don't float! Also, those propellers can cause damage to people, isinglass and perhaps canvas, plan and be safe!

Follow me mode hopefully will do that (follow you), but what if something goes wrong, it probably will go to your home location, but if a drone was designed properly, when in follow me mode, you may want the drone to come back to a place where you were recently, OR you may want it to go home (every flight could be different). You also may want it to do a "hover and wait" on RTH, so if you have to get your boat into position before it lands in the water before you land manually.

I've been flying a drone for a while, but not a P3. Good luck!

[Ryan]

Still no visible ice on Sunday....


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[SIKSUKR]

That photo has me thinking that we dont really need the services of Emerson for calling ice out.

[Just Sold]

Heard today that the insurance industry is looking into liabilaty issues with dromes and insuring them.
http://www.nhbr.com/February-5-2016/...w+News+Browser
http://www.riskandinsurance.com/rise-drones/

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

That photo has me thinking that we dont really need the services of Emerson for calling ice out.

Sure, you could have 500 drone owners arguing over the exact day and time of ice out!

Dave Emerson is fair, objective, and responsible and has always done a good job. I think it works just fine the way it is!

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Sure, you could have 500 drone owners arguing over the exact day and time of ice out!

Dave Emerson is fair, objective, and responsible and has always done a good job. I think it works just fine the way it is!

Did you not notice my smiley?It was a joke.

[JerseyGuy]

Here's a video I took mid summer when I first got the Phantom 3 Professional. It starts out looking across Wentworth Cove at Governors Island with Saunders Bay on the right. I then rotated it 180 degrees CCW viewing The Governor's Island bridge along the way. Then I brought it back and landed it on our deck. My biggest fear was that I was going to put it into the lake but it was actually fairly easy to fly. Every time I view it it reminds me of those wonderfully warm, still mornings on our beautiful Lake.

I posted it here on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4OatXZklNU

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by JerseyGuy

Here's a video I took mid summer when I first got the Phantom 3 Professional. It starts out looking across Wentworth Cove at Governors Island with Saunders Bay on the right. I then rotated it 180 degrees CCW viewing The Governor's Island bridge along the way. Then I brought it back and landed it on our deck. My biggest fear was that I was going to put it into the lake but it was actually fairly easy to fly. Every time I view it it reminds me of those wonderfully warm, still mornings on our beautiful Lake.

I posted it here on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4OatXZklNU

I'm so impressed by how stable that video is--thanks for sharing!

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

I'm so impressed by how stable that video is--thanks for sharing!

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

The gimbles that the Phantoms use to hold the camera are a work of art! I was very impressed with how well they work to keep the camera steady!

Dan

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by JerseyGuy

Here's a video I took mid summer when I first got the Phantom 3 Professional...I posted it here on Youtube:

Just a caution based on a lot of research I did about using a drone to shoot some videos for this site. My understanding is that you may use a drone for personal use if you register with the FAA ($5 fee) and stay within the restrictions. However, ANY monetization of those videos requires that you have a FAA commercial license. That includes adding ads to your Youtube video.

Since I run ads on my site I can not post drone videos that I made without being commercially licensed by the FAA. If this is wrong please correct me but it came from several good sources.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Just a caution based on a lot of research I did about using a drone to shoot some videos for this site. My understanding is that you may use a drone for personal use if you register with the FAA ($5 fee) and stay within the restrictions. However, ANY monetization of those videos requires that you have a FAA commercial license. That includes adding ads to your Youtube video.

Since I run ads on my site I can not post drone videos that I made without being commercially licensed by the FAA. If this is wrong please correct me but it came from several good sources.

I believe that is correct.

However, if you had somebody else come shoot the video and they happened to charge you an 'editing' or 'transfer fee' it might be a way around that?

[Phantom]

I am Soooooo jealous .......

Due to my proximity to the Laconia airport I don't dare get one

Also, loved the shadow of the Phantom3 on the grass & deck as you were landing.



.

[JerseyGuy]

I recently registered my drone. $5 for a 3 year registration. Here's the rules cut and pasted off of my registration form:

For U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain non-citizen U.S. corporations, this document constitutes a Certificate of Registration. For all others, this document represents a recognition of ownership.
For all holders, for all operations other than as a model aircraft under sec. 336 of Pub. L. 112-95, additional safety authority from FAA and economic authority from DOT may be required.
Safety guidelines for flying your unmanned aircraft:
• Fly below 400 feet
• Never fly near other aircraft
• Keep your UAS within visual line of sight
• Keep away from emergency responders
• Never fly over stadiums, sports events or groups of people
• Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Never fly within 5 miles of an airport without first contacting air traffic control and airport authorities

[Phantom]

Originally Posted by JerseyGuy

I recently registered my drone. $5 for a 3 year registration. Here's the rules cut and pasted off of my registration form:

For U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain non-citizen U.S. corporations, this document constitutes a Certificate of Registration. For all others, this document represents a recognition of ownership.
For all holders, for all operations other than as a model aircraft under sec. 336 of Pub. L. 112-95, additional safety authority from FAA and economic authority from DOT may be required.
Safety guidelines for flying your unmanned aircraft:
• Fly below 400 feet
• Never fly near other aircraft
• Keep your UAS within visual line of sight
• Keep away from emergency responders
• Never fly over stadiums, sports events or groups of people
• Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Never fly within 5 miles of an airport without first contacting air traffic control and airport authorities

This one is the rub for me !

I am about 500 FEET (or so it seems some days) from the runway


.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by JerseyGuy

I recently registered my drone. $5 for a 3 year registration. Here's the rules cut and pasted off of my registration form:

For U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain non-citizen U.S. corporations, this document constitutes a Certificate of Registration. For all others, this document represents a recognition of ownership.
For all holders, for all operations other than as a model aircraft under sec. 336 of Pub. L. 112-95, additional safety authority from FAA and economic authority from DOT may be required.
Safety guidelines for flying your unmanned aircraft:
• Fly below 400 feet
• Never fly near other aircraft
• Keep your UAS within visual line of sight
• Keep away from emergency responders
• Never fly over stadiums, sports events or groups of people
• Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Never fly within 5 miles of an airport without first contacting air traffic control and airport authorities

The last guideline should really be clarified and say major airport as that is the law. For example, there is no air traffic control nor is there even a tower or anyone for that matter to direct planes landing and taking off at the Laconia airport. Planes come and go simply by self radio alert and nothing else. You can in fact fly a drone within 5 miles of the Laconia airport legally...

Dan

[ishoot308]

Here a good no fly reference chart for drones...

https://www.mapbox.com/drone/no-fly/

Dan

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Here a good no fly reference chart for drones...

https://www.mapbox.com/drone/no-fly/

Dan

Great reference. I was worried I may be to close to Pease, but I am in the clear

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

The last guideline should really be clarified and say major airport as that is the law. For example, there is no air traffic control nor is there even a tower or anyone for that matter to direct planes landing and taking off at the Laconia airport. Planes come and go simply by self radio alert and nothing else. You can in fact fly a drone within 5 miles of the Laconia airport legally...

Dan

Actually, while there is no control tower at LCI, there is Air Traffic Service provided into and from LCI by Boston Approach Control. I wouldn't want to hang my hat on no tower, therefore no problem (hopefully )

the map referenced in a second post seems to be not from an official cite, and it says you can add other locations that aren't on the map.

Also, a call to Laconia Airport Authority could also provide and answer, but not sure how helpful they would be.

[Denis D]

Actually, the FAA does not appear to distinguish between large and small airports. They require you to get permission from the airport operator or control tower before flying within 5 miles of any airport. This seems to make sense since I can't imagine it is OK to endanger aircraft flying out of a small airport but not a large airport. The passage below is from the FAAs webpage on the special model aircraft operating rules:

According to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 as (1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use; (2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization; (3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization; (4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; (5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower…with prior notice of the operation; and (6) the aircraft is flown within visual line sight of the operator.

Denis D

[Sal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/st...&nlid=37662218

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Denis D

Actually, the FAA does not appear to distinguish between large and small airports. They require you to get permission from the airport operator or control tower before flying within 5 miles of any airport. This seems to make sense since I can't imagine it is OK to endanger aircraft flying out of a small airport but not a large airport. The passage below is from the FAAs webpage on the special model aircraft operating rules:

According to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 as (1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use; (2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization; (3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization; (4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; (5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower…with prior notice of the operation; and (6) the aircraft is flown within visual line sight of the operator.

Denis D

Actually Dennis they do. What you have quoted is a very broad overview of the actual law. The words that are missing are "where applicable" And "if the airport has a tower". If an airport does not have a tower to contact the rule is not applicable.

If the rule meant every airport there would be no place to fly a drone or any model / hobby airplane. Heck even Alton Bay would be off limits. That simply is just not the case.

Dan

[Denis D]

Being a very long time R/C modeler having flown aerobatic competition for many years, and being a very long time full scale pilot and aircraft owner, I have dogs in both sides of this fight.

I wanted to get the definitive answer to this issue so that if I am wrong, I will have the correct information and if I am right we can correct any misinformation and help people avoid any potential problems.

As many of you may know, The Academy of Aeronautics (AMA) is the governing body in the U.S. for Model Aviation and has been intimately involved with the FAA in these matters. So I contacted my long time acquaintance, Dave Mathewson who is the Executive Director of the AMA and asked him to provide a definitive answer to this question. I have posted his reply below:

So below is the exact language in 336 relative to notification requirements when operating within 5 miles of an airport. The requirement is that you notify both the airport operator AND the tower IF the airport is a towered facility. If there is not tower you still have to notify the airport authority. We were involved in drafting the language in 336 so I know that this was the intent.

(5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic
control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport)).


The new reauth bill is being introduced in Congress probably in the next 2 to 3 weeks and we hope to clarify this a bit with some minor language edits.

Hope this helps.
Dave


Dave Mathewson
Executive Director
Academy of Model Aeronautics

I hope this helps clarify the issue. Happy flying

Denis D

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Denis D

Being a very long time R/C modeler having flown aerobatic competition for many years, and being a very long time full scale pilot and aircraft owner, I have dogs in both sides of this fight.

I wanted to get the definitive answer to this issue so that if I am wrong, I will have the correct information and if I am right we can correct any misinformation and help people avoid any potential problems.

As many of you may know, The Academy of Aeronautics (AMA) is the governing body in the U.S. for Model Aviation and has been intimately involved with the FAA in these matters. So I contacted my long time acquaintance, Dave Mathewson who is the Executive Director of the AMA and asked him to provide a definitive answer to this question. I have posted his reply below:

So below is the exact language in 336 relative to notification requirements when operating within 5 miles of an airport. The requirement is that you notify both the airport operator AND the tower IF the airport is a towered facility. If there is not tower you still have to notify the airport authority. We were involved in drafting the language in 336 so I know that this was the intent.

(5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic
control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport)).


The new reauth bill is being introduced in Congress probably in the next 2 to 3 weeks and we hope to clarify this a bit with some minor language edits.

Hope this helps.
Dave


Dave Mathewson
Executive Director
Academy of Model Aeronautics

I hope this helps clarify the issue. Happy flying

Denis D

Thanks for the somewhat clarification....however just out of curiosity why doesn't the rule (5) state what you say above in your personal statement above that??...What you quoted in section (5) is exactly what I have read and as stated... "When an air traffic facility is located at the airport". Why doesn't it say if no air traffic facility is located at the airport you must somehow contact the airport manager even though there is no phone number to the airport tower or a tower for that matter no matter what! It doesn't say that and anyone who reads this would never comprehend it that way.

So can you fly a drone near Alton Bay?? It is considered an airport even if seasonal? The guideline does not distinguish between seasonal and non seasonal airports?? So what's the deal there? Confusing or what??

As far as I am concerned until section (5) is clarified there is no legal issue at least not one that would ever hold up in court, with using common sense and flying your model airplane / drone / whatever at reasonable heights for personal fun / enjoyment 4 miles away from Laconia or Alton Bay.

Sheesh, how come you can parasail in Paugus Bay, fly ultralights all within 1/2 mile from the airport but heaven forbid you fly a drone 4 miles away....ridiculous! Trust me when I tell you that local ultralight users do NOT contact Laconia airport for permission to fly. I know a couple of them and they take off and fly when they want! They are well below any height that would ever affect any plane coming or going.

Thanks for the info and please share any further clarifying guidelines.

Dan

[DUSTOFF]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Actually Dennis they do. What you have quoted is a very broad overview of the actual law. The words that are missing are "where applicable" And "if the airport has a tower". If an airport does not have a tower to contact the rule is not applicable.

If the rule meant every airport there would be no place to fly a drone or any model / hobby airplane. Heck even Alton Bay would be off limits. That simply is just not the case.

Dan

I normally fly into Laconia at least once, if not several times a week. They may not have a tower, but they do have an airport operator.

I think (and hope) the FAA's intent is to require notification to fly drones within 5 miles of both towered and non-towered airports.


I also fly what the FAA considers "drones" and while phantom, myself and many others may have the maturity and judgement to keep our drones clear of actual aircraft - there are probably others who do not.