Part of my preflight checklist is putting my phone into airplane mode. There is no reason to have it on during my flight and it's just another source of potential interference gone.
Learn to fly in manual mode. That way if something does go wrong you can bring it back or at least do a controlled crash, instead of watching in horror as it flies away.
corisco tupi Absolutely true!... Full of vids from guys traveling long distances downwind. Minutes later, sweating, begging and praying for batt life during an upwind RTH at half the previous speed.
Great explanation and it sounds exactly what happened to me. Was flying around and all of the sudden, quad started going in a an unwanted direction and I watched it go out of sight, very sad! I have a comment, what do you think about this? Along with what you have suggested, what do you think about just after take off, hitting RTH and verify that it truly does RTH. If the gps spot is incorrect and it started heading in a different direction, at least you will only be a few feet off the ground and the quad will run into something instead of flying away above the treeline.
AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE Effective January 1, 2011 A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific to the flying site. 1. Model aircraft will not be flown: (a) In a careless or reckless manner. (b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited. 2. Model aircraft pilots will: (a) Yield the right of way to all man carrying aircraft. (b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid Guidance.) (c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level within three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying the airport operator. (d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use agreement. (e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Aircraft program. (AMA Document 520-A) (f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or AMA number of the owner on the inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors). (g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated under the provisions of AMA Document #555. (h) Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug which could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model. (i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property. Exceptions: • Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight. • Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be used provided they remain attached to the model during flight. Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from model aircraft. • Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and practices as defined within the Team AMA Program Document (AMA Document #718). (j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A). 3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned events, air shows or model demonstrations unless: (a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the specific event. (b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot. 4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or comply with comparable standards. B. RADIO CONTROL (RC) 1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others. 2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft. 3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which all flying takes place (AMA Document #706-Recommended Field Layout): (a) Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line. (b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must be established. (c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for spectators. (d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited. 4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies. 5. RC model aircraft will not operate within three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying site without a frequency-management agreement (AMA Documents #922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Frequency Management Agreement) 6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the flight line. 7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual. This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors. 8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times. 9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall: (a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the pilot. (b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View (FPV) only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #550. Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines for proper, safe operation of your model aircraft.
This is a really helpful video. I have been flying for a few months and observe almost all of these tips. However, I hadn't thought of the solar flare thing... Thanks for publishing such an expert video...
Best DJI tips video I have seen. I am on my second DJI Phantom, as I lost my first one into the ocean due to a flyaway. I just had a similar incident, but managed to regain control because luckily enough I had the altitude to do it. I was flying it at a port around tall light towers and a lot of wireless signals around.
Thanks for the tips. The one that I would say is missing is this one... "Don't be an ass". There have been way too many news stories lately of people just flying unsafe. The more people flying that are just out to be jerks... the more regulations we can expect as hobbyist... Please fly safe.
That was an awesome video. Thank u. I wish i watched this before my first flight. Would have saved $100 in parts i had to buy to fix from crash! I kind of wish hobby Shops forced you to watch something like this before you spent $500+ on a quad. Would save a lot of crashes and money. Thanks again, great advice!
Great Information, I am a newbie pilot and had my first flyaway this afternoon.. Thank god there was no Damage done. I wish i would have seen this video prior. Thank you so much for such helpful information. I love this industry and the more education I get the better off I am. Thank you I am now a subscriber to your channel.
One of the most frequent events, I hear of, is the lack of setting an appropriate "Return To Home" altitude, prior to flight. This scenario has produced some of the most entertaining footage. Myriad of victims...trees mostly, buildings, water tanks, chimneys, waterfall, rock cliff and even a satellite dish.
Great tips Justin. I really think you missed one good one. Write your phone number on your Drone. This has saved me twice. And the word REWARD doesn't hurt either. I have paid it once as I was sick when I lost if my first time. Thanks.
Ruudy, you sound like one of the "tool" people in life. There are responsible people that do that right things. Pay their taxes, work hard to get ahead, raise there children to be productive folks of society. Your sound like you are not one of those people. When I fly I'm in total control of my aircraft. At least os what the manufacture has given me. You sound like a tool, a weasily person who if in a fit of showmanship, crashed you quad, and you would run away. This is exactly what is wrong. You ar giving us noble peaople abad name. I suggest you keep living in your parents basement, play video games, live off the Public Dime and shut up! What you say? Loser!!!
God video. I have also a New Dji Phantom 2 vision+. Bought Phantom to cristmas and I have be on 3 tour With it. I live In Norway and Its Winter here but some days is fine fore Phantom. Last tour I had 13 Gps. Its fantastic to fly With. I have a questions about sender CE or FCC. Can I change this in Phantom RC Assistant? Or I need to use flathead screwdriver back on sender?. Maby I have to do bouth sender and In software?. CE range 400 meter but FCC give me 800 meter range.Thanks fore video you give many god tips about ouer Phantom!
special warning, Care needed to avoid losing line of sight with drone as it will lose signal and go into fly back home mode. If the obstruction is a building or hill of over 25 feet your phantom will attempt to fly back you through it...it happened to me
Many thanks,all excellent good practice,I am still learning,and fly very conservatively,all tips always welcome. I suppose next tip don't be an idiot on day one.
I learned to fly on a Cheerson CX-20. I crashed it so many times I finally had to transfer all the electronics to a 450 Flamewheel. Had trouble with the GPS, failing, acting eratic etc, etc...On its last flight. it shot up and I lost it in the sun. By the time I dealt with the sun it was gone. My buddy that was with me saw it and said it was just a spec. I never saw it again. Since then, I got a great deal on a Phantom 2 but I'm scared to fly it over 75-100 feet or so. Fear is not a good emotion while flying a quad, lol...I keep telling myself it's a hobby grade toy, just have fun with it...still a bit nervous when I put it in the air. It flys great and responds better on its worst day than the CX-20 on its best. Any sugestions ? I always make sure I have 7 or more satalites too !Thnkin about trading it in for a RC car or a Boat..lol...Flying is so much more fun tho. Maybe I'll get over the fear, I certainly hope so Thanks
Hi Jeffery. Some friendly advice is this. They all can have issues. No matter if they are on the ground or in the air. The best thing about flying is the challenge of getting in back in one piece. That to me is the fun part. Calibrate your compass each time you go out to fly. That will help the GPS get a good idea of where you are and the copter will fly better. Phantoms are reliable to a point. Some people have them for years. Others days. Just depends on the pilot and sometimes the equipment. Like a car. Some are good. Some are lemons. I never know with an RC anything if I got a lemon or not until about the 50th flight. Even then things can break. Sorry about your fly away. It's happened to me too. Some advice... put your name and phone number and reward if found on it. Someone nice might call you and give it back. I would keep flying and growing to learn the drone and fix it when it crashes. Soon you'll love flying... And being scared is a good thing. Keep it close in and learn to fly it without relying on GPS. You'll be a better pilot. - Kindly, JD.
Thanks J.D. The first thing I did was put my name, Ph# and the word "reward" but not an amount. I also put my FAA reistration info as required...thanks for your videos, I've gotten alot of good insight from them, I will continue to watch. I'm 63 on the 16th of this month, My beautiful wife, guitars and drones are all I have at this point of my life. (in that order) Soooo, thats it. Only been fling less than a year, but I get better every time out. Thanks again ! P.S, I fly a mini quad every spare lunch and break time at work, it's helping alot with control.
Does anyone out there know if the "FlySky FS - TH9X 2.4G 9 Channel Transmitter / Receiver will work as an upgraded transmitter for my Dji Phantom 2 (it's the one with the re-chargable transmitter., battery level lights,.. "MODEL #NDJ6"... Eventually I want to add...1.) 3 axis gimbal 2.) retractable gear, 3.) Telemetry 4.) FPV. Already have FPV gear and Retractable gear so they will be first. Any clues would be good, Lately, I don't have a clue, lol
Tip 1: Buy stickers showing directions, labels of commands and stick them on the controller. Tip 2: Turn your phone off. Calibrate. Turn phone on.. Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth if not needed. This applies to others near you. Tip 3: Use prop guards..Use a sharpie and put your name and number underneath the guards.
Some good pointers there which I will take on board as a new pilot. Two quick things. Just letting you know I am using the Go Pro Hero 4 on the gimble of my Phantom 2 Version 2 and it works fine. Same size as the Hero 3 but a little lighter. Secondly....can you tell me when I fly in Naza mode does it still have all the fail safes as in Phantom mode? I found in Naza Mode it took longer to acquire the GPS mode. Then after some research I understood the red flashing lights and Green light set up.
Hi thanks for video. While flying a few times I got this red warning message on the screen 'poor battery connection" and then battery level flashes red. This could be 2-3 mins into a flight with 100 percent battery life. I then panic but thankfully it stops flashing and returns to normal. Any ideas why this happens? It's a vision plus V3. Thanks
recently bought phantom vision 2 plus, while flying cut off controller and chopper came back like it should. when I tried to launch it again, took about 5-10 min before I could get going again, it did that twice. don't know if I was not doing something right. can u help. thanks
Best bet, start with a toy drone, buy a couple, learn to fly, then upgrade to this way more expensive model, you can grab cheap camera toy quads for around 60 U.S. dollars and learn to fly on those before ever paying 1000 plus dollars on these quads. If you care about your investment. learn what you are doing before putting one of these multirotors in the air. Last piece of advice read the manual, it will give you the basics of safe flights and of course research the quad or other multirotor you intend to use in the field, make sure you know what to expect from its performance before you ever plug the battery in and get ready to fly.
I've asked this question on a forum but got no answer, if you check-out you tube "marston solar panel farm" when I took this vid the farm was still being set up not in commission for another week, my question is if I fly close to the farm when it's working will it affect my phantom v 1.1.1
having problem with my Phantom after install 5.8 mhz video system and gimbal. in the ground phantom response to controler up to 10 ft or so, and them got disconected and phantom land. what could be the problem? any advise?
I have a phantom 2 vision plus V3. Will failsafe home still activate if you are in atti mode? Or is the only way to disable gps is if you are in true manual mode? I know there are settings in the software but I was wondering if I don't want to have position 3 on the S1 switch set to manual and if I get a flyaway can I switch it to atti and regain control? The owner's manual doesn't get into a lot of detail on anything.
As an average person that flys a Phantom 2 very often, you do not need to calibrate your compass every time you fly. I have noticed some strange behavior without calibrating over the course of several weeks but it's nothing major. If you notice youre copter isn't as smooth as it once was then go ahead and do the compass calibration dance. If not then just fly as normal.
I had a fly away but it probably was my fault. I found the thing in a small tree unhurt because the battery still had power and was sending out its location. So my question is if your phantom does go down how long will the battery run if its not running the motors. Lets say it goes down with 30% battery. I have a vision 2 so as long as it is still powered up its like sending out a beacon that you can follow.
as a beginer i would find it very usefull knowing what i have to get next to be able to use and see my gopro three as i use my phantom 2 spirit of flight. in all i have seen so much differing equipment i know i have to get some equipment to enable the use of my gopro 3 and i own a ipad .......i suppose im just saying im not sure but i do love my phantom and will be using it for photo and video capture when i know how, regards phill.
I use an sjcam 5000 with a phantom 2 drone. Due to the frequency conflict I can't use the wifi. Is there another way to see the camera view on a smart phone or tablet on the ground?
As a new pilot I’m a bit confused about the tip of moving your cell phone away during calibration? I used the info on the app to let me know that the calibration was successful, what am I missing here?.
Just got mine and I live on a college campus. Is it safe to fly here on the athletic fields? The University wifi is pretty much everywhere on campus not sure if that would be an issue or not!
Hi Justin: Just watched video above. Re: item # 5 - connection improvement - chatted with a sales rep at Spectrum about the use of the DX-9 transmitter for a phantom 3standard - he was of the opinion that this was impossible. Ideas on that?
FlyCam805 I can't find the original message on my phone but I assume it's about the antenna. This one looks promising th-cam.com/video/OO-_btIbYtA/w-d-xo.html but any way you go you gotta take it apart. Some crazy things people do to increase range.
Thanks for the great video! One question about cell phone proximity during compass calibration: Is it the cell signal/frequency that interferes with the compass calibration? If so, would'nt having it in airplane mode prevent this? AND, what if you are using a tablet that does NOT have cell service, but only wifi to connect to the Phantom? Thanks again!
You should be fine with a tablet with no cell service. Having the phone away from the Phantom 2 is just something DJI had us doing since the beginning. Just so there is no chance for error.
How far away from a radio tower is recommended? I'm going to be doing research on a small island that's about 1 square kilometer and has a radio tower basically right in the middle of it.
Regarding the SAM app. Could you expand on what the app is showing. How many different colors / messages are for each field, Solar X-Rays and Geomagnetic field. Currently mine shows M Class Flare?? and Unsettled, both in yellow. Without knowing the complete range of colors and messages I'm not sure how to use this app. Thanks for your time.
I just bought my first good drone. It is a used phantom 2 with a gimbal. But what do I use to check satalites on my phone since there is no dji go for the 2
Hi this is Troy Very Good Practical Video you should do a Demo on your comments as to why you think the Phone is a problem near the Drone and show a Demo what happens cheers troypointerphotography
Hi. Excellent, thank you. I am consideriing an application on a very remote island where there is no WiFi. Could the system you have here be used to map coral configurations in such a WiFi free zone? Thanks.
Can I use the home base feature to fly back each flight? We will be using these in a high school course and I'm trying to figure out the easiest way for our students. Thanks - great video.
Tate Cummins we would suggest flying back to home yourself. A fly to home operation can have it land in a 30ft radius of where it took off from. Just to be safe. Let us know if you need any Phantoms!
I live near a ton of electrical grid towers (the ones that feed electricity to homes shown in your first image) what's the safest distance I can fly away from these things.
When start up procedure has been followed correctly, should the green light be on the whole time or flashing? Also once the drone is started should the red lights at the front end be on static?
Very very helpful video. Thanks. Do you have any video on what we have to do when up in the air, something goes wrong, lost control of the drone? I think it is also important as we'll experience it somehow. Another question is, how close is 'too close' to steel structure, antennas, radio station, power lines? The maximum proximity?
Great tips.. Looking forward to flying my new Phantom 2 plus as soon as the weather changes here in the UK. I wouldn't recommend flying in any sort of rain & also flying into low cloud as it would affect the electronics & probably either drop out of the sky or do a runner... Cheers
Drone Camps RC I'm looking to upgrade my transmitter, I've already done a few mods and now I'm wanting to get a more powerful controller. The phantom is at 5.8 ghz bandwidth correct? But the two transmitters you suggested are 2.4 ghz. Help please.
I'm just starting to look at buying a drone. Where can I go to try these out before buying? I just can't see dropping up to $3000 on a drone without a test drive. I'd hate to get something that doesn't live up to the hype or even to buy something that doesn't meet my needs when I needed a different model.
Dude that’s awesome great video !! Now I’ve been flying helicopters for a long time and I own a handful from electric to Nitro heli’s I own a spectrum Dx6 and right from the start I’ve never liked the DJI Radio felt cheap .. I would love to know more about the Bind setup with the DJI is this something I have to buy or can I install one of my 8ch receivers in the phantom .. I’ve never took the thing apart before ..
Thank You for the info, I am a new flyer and I learned a lot from this video. I have a question I have two drones, I have the DJI FC40 and the DJI Vision 2 plus. (My wife bought the fc40 for Christmas and did not know I had ordered the vision2) Can I fly both at the same time or will they interfere with each other
Hi! J.D.. Had my first efin fly away yesterday... 100% my fault !! Lost it! Took it off with no HL it automatic went in atti mode couldn't control wind was to strong!! What would you have done in that scenario? Thx by the way I need a pv2 + just the bird , any suggestions?
I'm new with DJI Phanton-2. Just got it 2 days ago. I've been reading the manual. How do you know how many satellites your DJI picks up? You said you need at least 7 to mark your home point. How do you know how many satellites it sees?
Have the Phantom II Vision. After my first flight and battery charge, I went to it fly again. This time when it connected I had no video on the DJI Vision app. I tried resetting the range extender RE500 and then did a rebind. After I scanned the bar code, I pressed the blue arrow button. When I did that it went right to the main screen. Watching other videos on binding, it was brought up that if it did a successful bind that you would get a message that it was successful. I didn't. Any ideas what to do next? Thanks.
Don Cook I have the same problem with two of my batteries I have four in total but two of them just recently got to where I had no video but everything else works great just no video anybody out there got any ideas on what happened to the batteries
Amusing your channel for homework cuz I'm a new flyer but I want to get really seriously into it and as I mentioned before I want to get a Airfield going on here in Massachusetts.
Great information that I really never thought about. I am really new to flying drones...bought a Phantom 2 with Zenmuse V2.0 bundle. So far I've had a blast. I've taken it far over the ocean and it's sketchy when it's a tiny dot. Might keep it a bit closer now. I don't have a FPV yet so I guess that's a good thing learning to really "fly" the drone rather than use the monitor. The battery going below 30% was EXTREMELY helpful. I've had the drone return to home twice. The second time it almost landed 15 feet from where it took off(not a good thing at all). So, make sure you have a 30' foot clear take off radius with no trees around or buildings. Thanks again great video!
Flew about 5-6 hours on the Heli-X Simulator plus some more indoor flying with a micro copter. Grabbed the Phantom 2 v2.0 for my first flight. Phantom Mode, no wind, practice take off and basic left right movements. It's super easy to fly in phantom mode. Great for the camera work we will be doing with it. We also removed the camera for until we get a few more flights. Thank you for the tips and info.
![DJI PHANTOM 2 Review - [Flight Test - Vision+ Version]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/t3sD80Robh8/mqdefault.jpg)
Part of my preflight checklist is putting my phone into airplane mode. There is no reason to have it on during my flight and it's just another source of potential interference gone.
JFV1134 very good idea. Esp if you get a phone call while flying!
JFV1134 If your phone is in airplane mode, how does it connect with wireless? Can you still connect your phone to your drone?
I don't use the phone for my drone. I have a gopro and a separate video transmitter with a black pearl receiver/screen.
Learn to fly in manual mode. That way if something does go wrong you can bring it back or at least do a controlled crash, instead of watching in horror as it flies away.
Indeed.
great point with the Solar Activity Monitor and using Home lock.
CelebrationsTampaBay thanks we use SAM a lot before we fly.
Variation on tip#13: Whenever possible, fly upwind from you. It will always be easier to come back home with a tailwind on the return leg.
corisco tupi That is a sensible tip. Thank you.
corisco tupi Great tip, Thank You!!
corisco tupi Absolutely true!... Full of vids from guys traveling long distances downwind. Minutes later, sweating, begging and praying for batt life during an upwind RTH at half the previous speed.
To avoid flyaway, don´t fly - like chicken. Dem chicken always stay in backyard, dem never fly away.
Great explanation and it sounds exactly what happened to me. Was flying around and all of the sudden, quad started going in a an unwanted direction and I watched it go out of sight, very sad! I have a comment, what do you think about this? Along with what you have suggested, what do you think about just after take off, hitting RTH and verify that it truly does RTH. If the gps spot is incorrect and it started heading in a different direction, at least you will only be a few feet off the ground and the quad will run into something instead of flying away above the treeline.
AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE
Effective January 1, 2011
A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft
capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed
limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport,
recreation and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted
in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific
to the flying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be flown:
(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.
2. Model aircraft pilots will:
(a) Yield the right of way to all man carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used
when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid
Guidance.)
(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground
level within three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying
the airport operator.
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any
airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a
mixed use agreement.
(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds
unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Aircraft
program. (AMA Document 520-A)
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address
or AMA number of the owner on the inside or affixed to the
outside of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model
aircraft flown indoors).
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with
gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated under the
provisions of AMA Document #555.
(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of
alcohol or while using any drug which could adversely affect
the pilot’s ability to safely control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices
which explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile
or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons
or property.
Exceptions:
• Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing
smoke and are securely attached to the model
aircraft during flight.
• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a
G-series size may be used provided they remain
attached to the model during flight. Model rockets
may be flown in accordance with the National Model
Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from
model aircraft.
• Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are
authorized to use devices and practices as defined
within the Team AMA Program Document (AMA
Document #718).
(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance
with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A).
3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned events, air shows
or model demonstrations unless:
(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully
demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to
the specific event.
(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot.
4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn
and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE
approved or comply with comparable standards.
B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)
1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels,
vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and
property of others.
2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance
with manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the
first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which
all flying takes place (AMA Document #706-Recommended Field
Layout):
(a) Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are
allowed at or in front of the safety line.
(b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must be
established.
(c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for
spectators.
(d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited.
4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently
allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only
individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.
5. RC model aircraft will not operate within three (3) miles of any
pre-existing flying site without a frequency-management agreement
(AMA Documents #922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Frequency
Management Agreement)
6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition
Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may
be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for
the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the flight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model
aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from
striking an individual. This does not apply to model aircraft flown
indoors.
8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a
clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual
contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses
prescribed for the pilot.
(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View
(FPV) only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA
Document #550.
Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines
for proper, safe operation of your model aircraft.
This is a really helpful video. I have been flying for a few months and observe almost all of these tips. However, I hadn't thought of the solar flare thing... Thanks for publishing such an expert video...
Best DJI tips video I have seen.
I am on my second DJI Phantom, as I lost my first one into the ocean due to a flyaway.
I just had a similar incident, but managed to regain control because luckily enough I had the altitude to do it.
I was flying it at a port around tall light towers and a lot of wireless signals around.
Thanks for the tips. The one that I would say is missing is this one... "Don't be an ass". There have been way too many news stories lately of people just flying unsafe. The more people flying that are just out to be jerks... the more regulations we can expect as hobbyist... Please fly safe.
Thanks, very interesting tips. Will be flying mine very soon and will keep in mind your informative vid/tip's. Cheers.
That was an awesome video. Thank u. I wish i watched this before my first flight. Would have saved $100 in parts i had to buy to fix from crash! I kind of wish hobby Shops forced you to watch something like this before you spent $500+ on a quad. Would save a lot of crashes and money. Thanks again, great advice!
Great Information, I am a newbie pilot and had my first flyaway this afternoon.. Thank god there was no Damage done. I wish i would have seen this video prior. Thank you so much for such helpful information. I love this industry and the more education I get the better off I am. Thank you I am now a subscriber to your channel.
One of the most frequent events, I hear of, is the lack of setting an appropriate "Return To Home" altitude, prior to flight. This scenario has produced some of the most entertaining footage. Myriad of victims...trees mostly, buildings, water tanks, chimneys, waterfall, rock cliff and even a satellite dish.
Very useful information for a new Quad Copter owner.
Great tips Justin. I really think you missed one good one. Write your phone number on your Drone. This has saved me twice. And the word REWARD doesn't hurt either. I have paid it once as I was sick when I lost if my first time. Thanks.
John McNamara indeed. Your name and phone number should be on every RC aircraft. Reward if found!
You must mot be very confident in your flying then Ruudy. Sounds like maybe you should leave
your number off yours.
Ruudy, you sound like one of the "tool" people in life. There are responsible people that do that right things. Pay their taxes, work hard to get ahead, raise there children to be productive folks of society. Your sound like you are not one of those people. When I fly I'm in total control of my aircraft. At least os what the manufacture has given me. You sound like a tool, a weasily person who if in a fit of showmanship, crashed you quad, and you would run away. This is exactly what is wrong. You ar giving us noble peaople abad name.
I suggest you keep living in your parents basement, play video games, live off the Public Dime and shut up! What you say? Loser!!!
God video. I have also a New Dji Phantom 2 vision+. Bought Phantom to cristmas and I have be on 3 tour With it. I live In Norway and Its Winter here but some days is fine fore Phantom. Last tour I had 13 Gps. Its fantastic to fly With. I have a questions about sender CE or FCC. Can I change this in Phantom RC Assistant? Or I need to use flathead screwdriver back on sender?. Maby I have to do bouth sender and In software?. CE range 400 meter but FCC give me 800 meter range.Thanks fore video you give many god tips about ouer Phantom!
special warning, Care needed to avoid losing line of sight with drone as it will lose signal and go into fly back home mode. If the obstruction is a building or hill of over 25 feet your phantom will attempt to fly back you through it...it happened to me
Many thanks,all excellent good practice,I am still learning,and fly very conservatively,all tips always welcome.
I suppose next tip don't be an idiot on day one.
I learned to fly on a Cheerson CX-20. I crashed it so many times I finally had to transfer all the electronics to a 450 Flamewheel. Had trouble with the GPS, failing, acting eratic etc, etc...On its last flight. it shot up and I lost it in the sun. By the time I dealt with the sun it was gone. My buddy that was with me saw it and said it was just a spec. I never saw it again. Since then, I got a great deal on a Phantom 2 but I'm scared to fly it over 75-100 feet or so. Fear is not a good emotion while flying a quad, lol...I keep telling myself it's a hobby grade toy, just have fun with it...still a bit nervous when I put it in the air. It flys great and responds better on its worst day than the CX-20 on its best. Any sugestions ? I always make sure I have 7 or more satalites too !Thnkin about trading it in for a RC car or a Boat..lol...Flying is so much more fun tho. Maybe I'll get over the fear, I certainly hope so
Thanks
Hi Jeffery. Some friendly advice is this. They all can have issues. No matter if they are on the ground or in the air. The best thing about flying is the challenge of getting in back in one piece. That to me is the fun part. Calibrate your compass each time you go out to fly. That will help the GPS get a good idea of where you are and the copter will fly better. Phantoms are reliable to a point. Some people have them for years. Others days. Just depends on the pilot and sometimes the equipment. Like a car. Some are good. Some are lemons. I never know with an RC anything if I got a lemon or not until about the 50th flight. Even then things can break. Sorry about your fly away. It's happened to me too. Some advice... put your name and phone number and reward if found on it. Someone nice might call you and give it back. I would keep flying and growing to learn the drone and fix it when it crashes. Soon you'll love flying... And being scared is a good thing. Keep it close in and learn to fly it without relying on GPS. You'll be a better pilot. - Kindly, JD.
Thanks J.D.
The first thing I did was put my name, Ph# and the word "reward" but not an amount.
I also put my FAA reistration info as required...thanks for your videos, I've gotten alot of good insight
from them, I will continue to watch. I'm 63 on the 16th of this month, My beautiful wife, guitars and drones are all I have at this point of my life. (in that order) Soooo, thats it. Only been fling less than a year, but I get better every time out.
Thanks again !
P.S, I fly a mini quad every spare lunch and break time at work, it's helping alot with control.
Best channel for drone tips :D
Does anyone out there know if the "FlySky FS - TH9X 2.4G 9 Channel Transmitter / Receiver
will work as an upgraded transmitter for my Dji Phantom 2 (it's the one with the re-chargable transmitter.,
battery level lights,.. "MODEL #NDJ6"... Eventually I want to add...1.) 3 axis gimbal 2.) retractable gear,
3.) Telemetry 4.) FPV. Already have FPV gear and Retractable gear so they will be first.
Any clues would be good, Lately, I don't have a clue, lol
Tip 1: Buy stickers showing directions, labels of commands and stick them on the controller. Tip 2: Turn your phone off. Calibrate. Turn phone on.. Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth if not needed. This applies to others near you. Tip 3: Use prop guards..Use a sharpie and put your name and number underneath the guards.
Some good pointers there which I will take on board as a new pilot. Two quick things. Just letting you know I am using the Go Pro Hero 4 on the gimble of my Phantom 2 Version 2 and it works fine. Same size as the Hero 3 but a little lighter. Secondly....can you tell me when I fly in Naza mode does it still have all the fail safes as in Phantom mode? I found in Naza Mode it took longer to acquire the GPS mode. Then after some research I understood the red flashing lights and Green light set up.
Hi thanks for video. While flying a few times I got this red warning message on the screen 'poor battery connection" and then battery level flashes red. This could be 2-3 mins into a flight with 100 percent battery life. I then panic but thankfully it stops flashing and returns to normal. Any ideas why this happens? It's a vision plus V3. Thanks
recently bought phantom vision 2 plus, while flying cut off controller and chopper came back like it should. when I tried to launch it again, took about 5-10 min before I could get going again, it did that twice. don't know if I was not doing something right. can u help.
thanks
Best bet, start with a toy drone, buy a couple, learn to fly, then upgrade to this way more expensive model, you can grab cheap camera toy quads for around 60 U.S. dollars and learn to fly on those before ever paying 1000 plus dollars on these quads. If you care about your investment. learn what you are doing before putting one of these multirotors in the air. Last piece of advice read the manual, it will give you the basics of safe flights and of course research the quad or other multirotor you intend to use in the field, make sure you know what to expect from its performance before you ever plug the battery in and get ready to fly.
I've asked this question on a forum but got no answer, if you check-out you tube "marston solar panel farm" when I took this vid the farm was still being set up not in commission for another week, my question is if I fly close to the farm when it's working will it affect my phantom v 1.1.1
having problem with my Phantom after install 5.8 mhz video system and gimbal. in the ground phantom response to controler up to 10 ft or so, and them got disconected and phantom land. what could be the problem? any advise?
Thanks for this, Great tips. I see what you mean by getting used to look at the aircraft more often rather than the FPV screen.
I have a phantom 2 vision plus V3. Will failsafe home still activate if you are in atti mode? Or is the only way to disable gps is if you are in true manual mode? I know there are settings in the software but I was wondering if I don't want to have position 3 on the S1 switch set to manual and if I get a flyaway can I switch it to atti and regain control? The owner's manual doesn't get into a lot of detail on anything.
As an average person that flys a Phantom 2 very often, you do not need to calibrate your compass every time you fly. I have noticed some strange behavior without calibrating over the course of several weeks but it's nothing major. If you notice youre copter isn't as smooth as it once was then go ahead and do the compass calibration dance. If not then just fly as normal.
I had a fly away but it probably was my fault. I found the thing in a small tree unhurt because the battery still had power and was sending out its location. So my question is if your phantom does go down how long will the battery run if its not running the motors. Lets say it goes down with 30% battery. I have a vision 2 so as long as it is still powered up its like sending out a beacon that you can follow.
as a beginer i would find it very usefull knowing what i have to get next to be able to use and see my gopro three as i use my phantom 2 spirit of flight. in all i have seen so much differing equipment i know i have to get some equipment to enable the use of my gopro 3 and i own a ipad .......i suppose im just saying im not sure but i do love my phantom and will be using it for photo and video capture when i know how, regards phill.
Just ordered my phantom 2, great video brought up some things I never considered
I use an sjcam 5000 with a phantom 2 drone. Due to the frequency conflict I can't use the wifi. Is there another way to see the camera view on a smart phone or tablet on the ground?
As a new pilot I’m a bit confused about the tip of moving your cell phone away during calibration? I used the info on the app to let me know that the calibration was successful, what am I missing here?.
Just got mine and I live on a college campus. Is it safe to fly here on the athletic fields? The University wifi is pretty much everywhere on campus not sure if that would be an issue or not!
Hi Justin:
Just watched video above. Re: item # 5 - connection improvement - chatted with a sales rep at Spectrum about the use of the DX-9 transmitter for a phantom 3standard - he was of the opinion that this was impossible. Ideas on that?
+Jan Mueller he is right.
FlyCam805 I can't find the original message on my phone but I assume it's about the antenna. This one looks promising th-cam.com/video/OO-_btIbYtA/w-d-xo.html but any way you go you gotta take it apart. Some crazy things people do to increase range.
Thanks for the great video!
One question about cell phone proximity during compass calibration:
Is it the cell signal/frequency that interferes with the compass calibration? If so, would'nt having it in airplane mode prevent this? AND, what if you are using a tablet that does NOT have cell service, but only wifi to connect to the Phantom?
Thanks again!
mddrudge normally I suggest having your phone well away from the Phantom when it is loading the GPS before take off.
Great question, MD. Answers?
You should be fine with a tablet with no cell service. Having the phone away from the Phantom 2 is just something DJI had us doing since the beginning. Just so there is no chance for error.
How far away from a radio tower is recommended? I'm going to be doing research on a small island that's about 1 square kilometer and has a radio tower basically right in the middle of it.
Regarding the SAM app. Could you expand on what the app is showing. How many different colors / messages are for each field, Solar X-Rays and Geomagnetic field. Currently mine shows M Class Flare?? and Unsettled, both in yellow. Without knowing the complete range of colors and messages I'm not sure how to use this app. Thanks for your time.
Norman Porst There is an explanation about solar storm activity on MikroKopter Wiki.
wiki.mikrokopter.de/en/SunStorm
I just bought my first good drone. It is a used phantom 2 with a gimbal. But what do I use to check satalites on my phone since there is no dji go for the 2
Hi this is Troy Very Good Practical Video you should do a Demo on your comments as to why you think the Phone is a problem near the Drone and show a Demo what happens cheers troypointerphotography
Hi. Excellent, thank you. I am consideriing an application on a very remote island where there is no WiFi. Could the system you have here be used to map coral configurations in such a WiFi free zone? Thanks.
+Charley Waters yes the copter uses onboard wifi. No need for cell service. Fly and map anywhere
Can I use the home base feature to fly back each flight? We will be using these in a high school course and I'm trying to figure out the easiest way for our students. Thanks - great video.
Tate Cummins we would suggest flying back to home yourself. A fly to home operation can have it land in a 30ft radius of where it took off from. Just to be safe. Let us know if you need any Phantoms!
I dont know anything about this ??Just a good video!
I live near a ton of electrical grid towers (the ones that feed electricity to homes shown in your first image) what's the safest distance I can fly away from these things.
When start up procedure has been followed correctly, should the green light be on the whole time or flashing? Also once the drone is started should the red lights at the front end be on static?
If you do find yourself flying in some wind, its always a good idea to keep your craft upwind rather than downwind.
great tips dude. than you very much
Very very helpful video. Thanks.
Do you have any video on what we have to do when up in the air, something goes wrong, lost control of the drone? I think it is also important as we'll experience it somehow.
Another question is, how close is 'too close' to steel structure, antennas, radio station, power lines? The maximum proximity?
Fadil Aziz you are most welcome !
When you say don't fly near cell phone towers, what kind of distance are you recommending to keep?
Great tips.. Looking forward to flying my new Phantom 2 plus as soon as the weather changes here in the UK. I wouldn't recommend flying in any sort of rain & also flying into low cloud as it would affect the electronics & probably either drop out of the sky or do a runner... Cheers
Roby babe thanks!
Thanks Justin for the great advise.
Really good tips, I will put into practice!
I bought a phantom 2 vision plus, is there an app that will work on this Quad
Thanks for the video very interesting and constructive.
I do have a Pahnthom 3 Adv. this did help>>>>>
Thank You, it is really helpful for me and other DJI owners :)
Anyone know if these older drones are compatible with the newer go pros like the go pro hero 7 Black?
Thx for the tips.!! feel safer with all the know how.
Someone crashed one of these on the White House lawn yesterday. Guess he lost orientation :)
Great video. Thanks!
Justin
How many hours do you need to charge the battery for it overcharge?
Excellent presentation. Thanks for the battery info. Have a great day.
Bill Aylard hey you are most welcome. Thanks for watching Bill! - Justin
Thank you sir. A lot of very usefull information
G O'Dell thanks for watching your very welcome.
Drone Camps RC I'm looking to upgrade my transmitter, I've already done a few mods and now I'm wanting to get a more powerful controller. The phantom is at 5.8 ghz bandwidth correct? But the two transmitters you suggested are 2.4 ghz. Help please.
Justin can I upgrade the transmitter on the phantom 3 standard? great tips thanks
I'm just starting to look at buying a drone. Where can I go to try these out before buying? I just can't see dropping up to $3000 on a drone without a test drive. I'd hate to get something that doesn't live up to the hype or even to buy something that doesn't meet my needs when I needed a different model.
Just buy a cheap one first - like a hubsan x4
Dude that’s awesome great video !! Now I’ve been flying helicopters for a long time and I own a handful from electric to Nitro heli’s I own a spectrum Dx6 and right from the start I’ve never liked the DJI Radio felt cheap .. I would love to know more about the Bind setup with the DJI is this something I have to buy or can I install one of my 8ch receivers in the phantom .. I’ve never took the thing apart before ..
Thank You for the info, I am a new flyer and I learned a lot from this video. I have a question I have two drones, I have the DJI FC40 and the DJI Vision 2 plus. (My wife bought the fc40 for Christmas and did not know I had ordered the vision2) Can I fly both at the same time or will they interfere with each other
jhodges405 you can fly them at the same time.
Drone Camps RC Thank you the wife is getting into flying to this is turning in to something more then just a hobby LOL
How much for one in your store?
Are you able to make a video on buying a iPod and watch it from the air.
How do i land from high in the air to avoid prop wash? I'm a new pilot :)
why is home lock better than just switching off the controller and letting it come back on it's own? geek minds wanna know....
Maximilian Imaging just so you don't learn to reply on RTH on a regular basis.
2014 was a bad year for drones , and a Good year for a HAM operator.
Thanks alot do you have a video on where and where not legal to fly
Great advice advice for any brand of multi rotor, Thank you
John VanDalen You are very welcome!
has anyone got a solar activity app for ios that works well?
Great tips. Should make for some safe flying for all.
Rob Nielsen thank you!
Great Video, Thanks. Not an owner yet but soon.
John Bettua we are here when you need us sir.
Unfortunately Flyaway still happen...
Hi! J.D.. Had my first efin fly away yesterday... 100% my fault !! Lost it! Took it off with no HL it automatic went in atti mode couldn't control wind was to strong!! What would you have done in that scenario? Thx by the way I need a pv2 + just the bird , any suggestions?
Rcdznm we do sell just the pv2+ unit. Give us a call 844-DRONE-RC
I'm new with DJI Phanton-2. Just got it 2 days ago. I've been reading the manual. How do you know how many satellites your DJI picks up? You said you need at least 7 to mark your home point. How do you know how many satellites it sees?
It says it on the app in the upper right corner.
thx - #10 just set your phone in flight mode :)
Oscar Majoros very wise advice.
Have the Phantom II Vision. After my first flight and battery charge, I went to it fly again. This time when it connected I had no video on the DJI Vision app. I tried resetting the range extender RE500 and then did a rebind. After I scanned the bar code, I pressed the blue arrow button. When I did that it went right to the main screen. Watching other videos on binding, it was brought up that if it did a successful bind that you would get a message that it was successful. I didn't. Any ideas what to do next? Thanks.
Don Cook I have the same problem with two of my batteries I have four in total but two of them just recently got to where I had no video but everything else works great just no video anybody out there got any ideas on what happened to the batteries
cool
Great tip Justin :-)
Tnks for the tips!
Do you know why DJI changed the low battery level setting from 30% to a fixed 20% in the latest software update?
Roy Reiner we're not sure why they changed it.
Amusing your channel for homework cuz I'm a new flyer but I want to get really seriously into it and as I mentioned before I want to get a Airfield going on here in Massachusetts.
Brian Marcou you should learn how to form sentences first
how do you know if you have 7 satellites? does it say or do you need the FPV and mini osd ?
One rear green light flash per second means 7 or more satellites.
Hi Justin,
I have the latest Djibouti version and I can set way point is this mean it already on NAza?
Please help
Thanks
Matt Vu if you can set waypoints it does not mean your in Naza M. Use Phantom Assistant software to change from Phantom mode to Naza M.
Great information that I really never thought about. I am really new to flying drones...bought a Phantom 2 with Zenmuse V2.0 bundle. So far I've had a blast. I've taken it far over the ocean and it's sketchy when it's a tiny dot. Might keep it a bit closer now. I don't have a FPV yet so I guess that's a good thing learning to really "fly" the drone rather than use the monitor. The battery going below 30% was EXTREMELY helpful. I've had the drone return to home twice. The second time it almost landed 15 feet from where it took off(not a good thing at all). So, make sure you have a 30' foot clear take off radius with no trees around or buildings. Thanks again great video!
Flew about 5-6 hours on the Heli-X Simulator plus some more indoor flying with a micro copter. Grabbed the Phantom 2 v2.0 for my first flight. Phantom Mode, no wind, practice take off and basic left right movements. It's super easy to fly in phantom mode. Great for the camera work we will be doing with it. We also removed the camera for until we get a few more flights. Thank you for the tips and info.
lol coffee and drones in the morning...hell yeah
+Tomi damn straight! :)
Where I can purchase the Drone Camp T/s
Angel NMN coming to the site by the first week on Feb 2015.
Very good common sense tips, I glad I found this since I'm considering buying a quad. thanks
As usual with humans, a few yahoos ruin it for the majority
If it goes on sale how much can it cost