Got given a DJI drone- what should I know/read/apps?
Got given a DJI drone- what should I know/read/apps?
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Original Poster:

1,925 posts

148 months

Sunday 10th May 2020
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My Dad has given me his DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone because he's recently upgraded. I've never owned a drone before and it looks an impressive bit of kit.

No manual with it, just the storage box, drone, controller with integrated screen, 3 batteries and a charger.

There is so much information out there on the web so please can you lot recommend me what websites I should visit, what apps I need so that I can check where I'm permitted to fly, any youtube beginnger videos I should watch etc. I'd really appreciate it, thanks.

...basically an idiots guide to drone ownership to get me started.

Gameface

16,565 posts

107 months

Sunday 10th May 2020
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Stay away from airports is the best advice I can give you. wink

thebraketester

15,826 posts

168 months

Sunday 10th May 2020
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You'll need a license to fly it legally.

eltawater

3,543 posts

209 months

Sunday 10th May 2020
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Go here first.

https://dronesafe.uk

Brush up on your drone code. Mostly don't fly above 400ft above surface level, don't fly over people you don't have control of, maintain minimum distances from people and property (varies if you're in a built up area) etc. Keep in visual line of sight and have a second person spot for you in case you need to gaze at the controls whilst learning.


You'll need to register at the CAA, pass tests and pay fees for the operator id and flyer id. Make sure the operator id is marked clearly on your drone.

Research where You can and can't fly your drone in your area. Most parks, forests etc are out of bounds due to local bye laws that are not always obvious.

Familiarise yourself with how much battery life equates to flight time and always allow for return flight time, especially in moderate winds which will slow you down. Try and stay away from potential rain showers, streams and open water as drones aren't waterproof.

Practice basic take off and landing first, it's not always as simple as you might think as not all landing areas are flat and solid! Don't forget that surface level for you may be more or less elevated than your drone's current altitude so it's possible to crash it if you're not paying attention!

Read up on battery care and storage, don't just let them drain themselves empty and don't overcharge. You'll need to keep on top of their condition and charge levels or you'll shorten their life and failures are not impossible.

Phunk

2,102 posts

201 months

Sunday 10th May 2020
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thebraketester said:
You'll need a license to fly it legally.
No you don’t, there isn’t such a thing.

If you want to fly for commercial purposes you need to have a PfCO from the CAA. But as a hobbiest sticking to the drone code, you don’t need one.

The only thing you need to do is register the drone with the CAA and fire a number on it.

thebraketester

15,826 posts

168 months

Sunday 10th May 2020
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Phunk said:
thebraketester said:
You'll need a license to fly it legally.
No you don’t, there isn’t such a thing.

If you want to fly for commercial purposes you need to have a PfCO from the CAA. But as a hobbiest sticking to the drone code, you don’t need one.

The only thing you need to do is register the drone with the CAA and fire a number on it.
Potato potaaaato...

https://www.caa.co.uk/Consumers/Unmanned-aircraft-...

CornishRob

266 posts

164 months

Monday 11th May 2020
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The P4P is a great little drone. They fly really nicely. All the manuals are available online.

As above, just make sure you stay legal in terms of what you’re doing with it. You won’t be able to fly in a congested area for example, and lots of parks have bylaws etc, so research where you plan to fly.

There are lots of apps you can download to help. Drone Assist for example.

And don’t do anything commercial

Lancerevo

176 posts

173 months

Thursday 14th May 2020
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Fab drone and easy to fly,