Everyone who flies a camera or does Post Production has lots of things they've learned from experience. My old flying instructor used to say, "Try to learn from the mistakes of others, you'll never live long enough to make them all yourself." I've collected lots of those tips from flying over the years, and I'm still learning more since I began flying drones/UAVs a couple of years ago. So, there are now two types of TIPS, ones for flying and not crashing and burning (or getting in trouble with authorities) . . . and another whole different kind of TIPS for getting super aerial photos and videos. I'm in the process of developing a course for both. . . An introductory 1/2 day course on building or flying any drone, regulations and flight safety etc . . and then another 1/2 day on the new Drone markets, photo/video equipment and creating amazing Photo/Videos. I learned a lot myself just from my own experience but some of the best ideas and practices I've learned from others who already fly or create aerials professionally, so my goal is to put the BEST of these tips together in two new courses I plan to offer soon. . . things like just walking behind your drone when you are maneuvering low level in tight spaces, (it isn't always about altitude) . .or how to adjust your gimbals setting to make really smooth professional transitions. Spacial awareness is key in all types of flying and especially so when flying and taking pictures at the same time. You certainly have to learn to fly safely, but planning and rehearsing the shot pays great dividends, flying "through the shot" or try keeping the subject hidden from view for the first few seconds of a shot. . . . and then . . . there is so much more you can do in Post Production. . . Anyway, have a look at this outline (link below) and let me know if you or your photography group would be willing to host a course and retain some of the proceeds. Leave me an email at david@inskyphoto.com and we can talk.
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I'm planning some travel . . Toronto Canada to the US . . with a Phantom4 and been researching US and Canadian rules & regs. For my part, I will only take my UAV with me as carry-on ( although you can check it as long as batteries are removed. Some UAV forum recommend putting blades in your checked baggage especially if they are carbon fiber since they "could be used as a weapon". Not long ago, I had a small Braun coffee grinder taken away from me by Toronto airport security "because it had blades" in it . . 2 rounded metal 1 inch blades in the bottom of a plastic cylinder. . . no sense arguing, but I'll put them in checked baggage, just to save the hassle. I'm still trying to find a good hard sided case that meets the dimensions spec. Size/weight limits are similar for most airlines (but not identical). This is what Canada and United Airlines say re: carry-on. Lithium Batteries - LiPo Both Air Canada and United Airlines allow multiple (2-3+) <100watt hr batteries but ONLY in carry-on. They must be separated from the device, labeled and terminals taped over. The P4 battery is 81.3w fully charged and they recommend <50% SoC ( State of Charge). volts x AmpHr = Watts. For Phantom 4 it's 15.2 x 5.35 (5350mAh) = 81.3W. It's all here on the dji website if the security guys want you to show them. The charging terminals should be taped over so they cannot touch anything metallic by accident. I recommend that Blue paint edging tape. It's an obvious colour and can be pulled off and reused without leaving sticky residue on the battery. Regulations say multiple spare batteries can only be for personal use ( ie as long as they are not for resale). I'm also putting my 2 spares in a fireproof safety bag ( get them at most hobby places). With a recommended safety label on the outside of the fireproof bag you have a much better chance there will be fewer questions (or ANY questions) as you go through security. if you look/act like a safety minded person and you get treated better I find. You can just copy/print this label below or make one yourself. The controller battery is not easily removable so I guess that just stays in the case. With a charged LiPo battery installed it's illegal to go in checked baggage. It says on the FAA website the "aircraft" needs to be registered. For US citizens it's an actual registration number like all piloted planes. You can do that on line if it is less than 55lbs. P4 is only 3 lbs .. . . but if you are a foreigner ( like Canadian) you still have to register as "proof of ownership". There are 2 wrinkles here for Canadians.
First, you can only register online from INSIDE the USA. The FAA website says they will refuse to allow you to the registration page if it sees a foreign IP address. . . it's true, I tried. Not sure how you do that unless you wait till you arrive and then register on line, so I haven't seen the questions or forms they ask for. And second, you cannot do any work with it in the US. If it's for commercial purposes then it must be registered and there is another whole layer of forms about work permits and VISAs. I'm just going for a holiday to visit family and do photos and videos, so that should be ok. I live just a couple of miles from the border in Canada so I went over to US Customs this morning to talk to a customs officer directly and I got a pretty senior looking officer who was very helpful. He told me basically "no problem" after we had discussed pretty much everything I just outlined here above. He did not know about the FAA rules specifically though. HAVE FUN . . . no working allowed! |
AuthorEx RCAF Flight Cmdr, Combat Flying Instructor and Flight Safety Officer, 25+yrs flying experience, Military and corporate flying in Canada US and NATO. Drone builder and pilot since 2014. Archives
November 2016
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