Another day another hobby

[Cyclops-72]

I am in the process of trying to learn the ins and outs of this new to me hobby. My background is I am 67 and retired for 5 years. I keep finding new ways to keep occupied and drones seem to be grabbing my interest right now. I must profess some innocence with using the controller as I’ve never even used a toy or gameboy type product with a remote.
The first drone I bought is a Holy Stone HS440 as I was able to get a new one for less than $50. I figured if I trash, destroy or otherwise wreck it then no big deal. The first time I tested it I only managed to crash it 3x. First time I flew it right into an arborvitae bush, 2nd was into the side of my house and the 3rd time I flew it right into me. Except for me batting it down, I didn’t suffer any damage to me or the drone. My initial thought was I wonder how many times a noob like me crashed before they figured it out. I’m pretty sure that I will likely have another, but hopefully I have gotten this figured out, as the rest of the flights were getting better as I figure out the controller.
I have also gotten the next step up by purchasing a Potensic Atom SE. I am still waiting for delivery on this one and will continue to gain confidence and ability with the controller and flight characteristics. I truly expect the Atom to be a much better and hopefully more stable and exciting experience.
Happy flying!

 

[LoudThunder]

I am in the process of trying to learn the ins and outs of this new to me hobby.

Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA.

I grew up in the Adirondack Mountains, joined the Air Force, was assigned to Griffiss AFB, Rome, NY (it’s now closed…), went back 30-years later after retirement, but could not find "Home…"

As a New Drone Pilot, there are a couple of Legal Things you may need to do…

If you have not already done so, you will need to get your TRUST Certificate. You can get that at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…). Your Potensic Atom SE Drone weighs less than 250-grams (0.55 pounds), and while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are not required to register your Drone.

This link will help you get stated…

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

Link to the TRUST Certificate at the Pilot Institute Web Site (FREE…)

FAA TRUST Online Portal for Recreational Drone Operators - Pilot Institute

Get your FAA TRUST Certificate of Completion to legally fly drones for recreational reasons in the United States.

trust.pilotinstitute.com

Since you live in New York, there are specific laws and rules for you to follow, please check the link below for all the Rules and Laws that are in effect in your neck of the woods and it also links you to some of the Best Places to Fly in your area… Also, if you travel on vacation, visit friends, and relatives in other parts of the country, check back here so you do not run afoul of the law.

Federal Drone Laws in the United States (FAA) - Pilot Institute

44809 is an exemption from Part 107 drone laws. This means that drone pilots fly under Part 107 drone rules by default unless they meet all 9 of the requirements to fly under 44809, the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft. You can read more about these requirements...

pilotinstitute.com

Even if you have flown Drones before, here is some Good Old Fashion Advice…

You paid a lot of money for that Drone, put your phone number on it. If your drone gets lost or stuck in a tree and it finally comes down when you are not around, give the finders an opportunity to contact you so it can be returned.

Now, for the Fun Part, But do not let the excitement of the moment get the best of you. When you are going out to fly, do it slowly and deliberately. Get used to a set procedure and even practice it.

There are so many things I could write but these are the highlights that I feel need mentioning.

Plug in your phone/tablet into your controller; turn on the Controller and DJI Fly App (if it does not start on its own…). On the Drone, open the front legs, then open the back legs, then remove the Gimbal Cover.

The Gimbal is the most delicate item on the Drone and banging or bumping can damage it. I also fastened a short "Remove Before Flight" ribbon to the cover so it's more noticeable and I do not forget to remove it…

Turn on the drone and watch it come to "life." Watching the Gimbal go through its self-check is almost like watching a puppy or kitten opening its eyes for the first time…

Place the drone down (preferably on a Landing Pad) while it finishes its self-test (collecting satellites, etc…).

Check your battery status (Phone, Drone, and Controller), check the Signal Strength, by now the Controller should have reported it updated the Home Point.

Lift off, 6- feet (2-meters) or so, hover a bit, check the controls (move the drone a bit forward, back, left, right, yaw left and right). By now, your Controller will probably report again, Home point Updated.

If you go out in a rush and race thru your start up and take off before the drone has finished it prep, it may update its Home Point over that pond or that old tree you are flying over and in your excitement, you'll fly the drone long past it Low Battery point and when it engages Return to Home and lands in the pond or in a tree; it will be all on you…

Now go have fun, learn to fly the drone by sight before you try to fly it out a distance depending on the video feed, FPV.

I would also advise you to use YouTube and watch a lot of the Videos on flying and setting up the Drone. When it is too dark, too cold, or too wet, you can "fly it vicariously" through YouTube. Also watch some of the Blooper Drone Videos and learn how not to fly your "New Baby."

You need some flying lessons; here is a free Video of the basic techniques you need to master to stop crashing your new baby…

Fly On and Fly Safe…

 

[GFields]

Greetings from Birmingham Alabama USA, welcome to the forum! We look forward to hearing from you!

 

[I own a neo]

Welcome to the forum @Cyclops-72!