Multirotor, multicopter and quadcopter discussion - The Drone thread
- Thread starter RomanNose
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There was a video posted months ago of people standing in a field racing drones while wearing VR-style headsets. There were going in and out of a derelict building and zooming through trees and stuff. Really impressive. I've searched for it but can't find it, can anyone hook me up please?
I'm trying to show a friend what these things can do.
I'm trying to show a friend what these things can do.
Churpu, search for him on youtube, his is a really good fast, aero close proximity flyer
I'm not sure I agree about the comments re DJIs chosen flight paths. Of anyone, I'm sure they comply, where local regulations require it. I'm shooting a friends wedding next year and have chosen to take both the P3 and Inspire. The lenghts I've had to go through to ensure I cover all aspects of safety pertaining to Euro USC and CAA is really, a joke. Having said that, it can only help to ensure the right regulations are in place. However, I would hate to see the hobbyist get limited due to regulations that are not proportionate to the type of craft...
Sadly not. They might do one, but I think the whole ethos of the P3 is aerial videography, much like the Inspire.
They might do a P2++ which is all the benefits of the P3 (lightbridge, FPV, etc) but without the camera, but I'm not really sure.
The camera on the Inspire and the P3 is comparable to, and in some ways better than a GP4 too. It really is very very good.
So your CAA licensed?
About to be. Just had my Ops manual reviewed with a fair few comments 
B-NUCs passed theory but practical coming up in July.
The OPs manual will be interesting as the power output of the Inspire is higher than the allowed limit in the CAA guidelines. This is why I think there needs to be an overhaul of the process. Up until about a month ago too, you would have been limited to aircraft model, rather than type (say up to 5kg) but that has changed now, so you can fly an Inspire or P2/P3 under the same licence.
Given the information that has to be put to the CAA and the requirement of the build, I can't see many home builds being signed off even if the requirement has changed to "type" rather than "model"
B-NUCs passed theory but practical coming up in July. The OPs manual will be interesting as the power output of the Inspire is higher than the allowed limit in the CAA guidelines. This is why I think there needs to be an overhaul of the process. Up until about a month ago too, you would have been limited to aircraft model, rather than type (say up to 5kg) but that has changed now, so you can fly an Inspire or P2/P3 under the same licence.
Given the information that has to be put to the CAA and the requirement of the build, I can't see many home builds being signed off even if the requirement has changed to "type" rather than "model"
About to be. Just had my Ops manual reviewed with a fair few comments
The OPs manual will be interesting as the power output of the Inspire is higher than the allowed limit in the CAA guidelines. This is why I think there needs to be an overhaul of the process. Up until about a month ago too, you would have been limited to aircraft model, rather than type (say up to 5kg) but that has changed now, so you can fly an Inspire or P2/P3 under the same licence.
Given the information that has to be put to the CAA and the requirement of the build, I can't see many home builds being signed off even if the requirement has changed to "type" rather than "model"
The optimist in me hopes that the rise in popularity of drones means that the CAA, etc will streamline and simplify the licensing.
The pesimist in me thinks its only a matter of time until they get banned
.The problem with the DJI videos is while they are probably perfectly licensed and covered to have filmed them, it encorages anyone who buys one to do the same, with no explanation of the licensing required. I guarantee that most people who own a Phantom have zero idea at all that CAA licensing even exists, let alone that its required for the type of flights the do.
All true. There's a CAA case at the mo on the guy with the Phantom who lived near Anfield and was regularly flying over to film the games. They went to town on him.
Similarly though, there are far more cases where a report has gone in to the CAA, and their response was, "was anyone hurt? No. Then there's no point in continuing"
The major shift will come when the drones (DJI / Home build) are used to carry payloads that enable them as weapons. I can't be the only person that thinks it won't be long until a drone is used in a terrorist attack on a major target.
Similarly though, there are far more cases where a report has gone in to the CAA, and their response was, "was anyone hurt? No. Then there's no point in continuing"
The major shift will come when the drones (DJI / Home build) are used to carry payloads that enable them as weapons. I can't be the only person that thinks it won't be long until a drone is used in a terrorist attack on a major target.
I keep thinking about getting the certification, but cost is the problem at the moment.
Sorted out Public liability insurance through FPV UK though.
If any thing, insurance should be considered i think. Would make a bit of mess being hit by a S900 or even hex from a great height.Imagine an FPV 250 quad hitting someone at full pelt. This is my main worry about the hobby/sport/business.
Sorted out Public liability insurance through FPV UK though.
If any thing, insurance should be considered i think. Would make a bit of mess being hit by a S900 or even hex from a great height.Imagine an FPV 250 quad hitting someone at full pelt. This is my main worry about the hobby/sport/business.
You have to have insurance in place before you can sit the practical flight test. You then have to wait two months for your permit to be issued....Insurance isn't that expensive though, in the grand scheme of things. Dropping £1k or £2k on a drone and then dropping a small amount on annual insurance, which insures loss as well, is only the sensible thing. FPV UK is only consumer insurance though, it won't cover you as a certified / recognised flight operator. My quote was around £700 a year to £5m PL, accidental / crash damage for 3 craft.
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I have the FPV insurance. I do wander how much it's worth though. Using your example if you hit someone at full pelt with a 250, they could argue you shouldn't be flying within 50 meters of anyone to start with and deem the claim void?
I wonder if some sort of mandatory, but easily obtainable license could work?
I.e. to fly RC aircraft as a hobbyist you need to have an "RC Hobbyist License". This is free, and all you need to do is apply and you get one. However, its an offence to fly without one and if you fly irresponsibly you get your license taken away which stops you flying? It doesn't penalise/punish/inconvenience most hobbyists who fly sensibly, but provides a method of banning those who do fly like fools.
I.e. to fly RC aircraft as a hobbyist you need to have an "RC Hobbyist License". This is free, and all you need to do is apply and you get one. However, its an offence to fly without one and if you fly irresponsibly you get your license taken away which stops you flying? It doesn't penalise/punish/inconvenience most hobbyists who fly sensibly, but provides a method of banning those who do fly like fools.
I'm moderately gutted today. Had a lovely lunchtime fly lined up and the blimin accountant wanted to come in for a chat and has trampled all over my afternoon fun. Grrr. Hopefully won't be anyone of the field I walk past on my way home!
Been trying PID candidate 2 (luxfloat) of late and I think it's ok. Quite twitchy compared to Harakiri but more precise I think. Also much more prone to oscillations, much lower PID's required. Still not quite there yet but should have it nailed this weekend and will post them up for people!
Been trying PID candidate 2 (luxfloat) of late and I think it's ok. Quite twitchy compared to Harakiri but more precise I think. Also much more prone to oscillations, much lower PID's required. Still not quite there yet but should have it nailed this weekend and will post them up for people!
Just stuck two batteries through the 250. Finished of the diatone props. 3 broken easily, stuck gemfans on there they are better for sure. Instead of shattering easily they chip and bend, only break when you hit it hard like say erm a rugby post 
getting better at turning quicker and some loops rolls. But still only feel a little comfortable in horizon mod
I should have some footage later. Found a large open empty rugby and football fields.
Still learning though I'm afraid, need to keep practising turns and fast twists. Flew through some rugby posts and football posts were useful for testing my forward flying through then turn quick come back and go back through
getting better at turning quicker and some loops rolls. But still only feel a little comfortable in horizon modI should have some footage later. Found a large open empty rugby and football fields.
Still learning though I'm afraid, need to keep practising turns and fast twists. Flew through some rugby posts and football posts were useful for testing my forward flying through then turn quick come back and go back through