Please be patient, this is my inaugural post here, and will most likely constitute my lengthiest post online.
I am not fluent in the vernacular, am unlearned of rule, and lack knowledge [and/or use] Of terminology surrounding this topic and many others.
Almost 2 years ago I acquired a Mavic Pro from the finest of purveyors in a park late at night after drinking at a friend’s cottage in a galaxy far far away.
I have repaired/replaced the gimbal ribbon, as well as replaced the 5d stick and left antennae on the controller - these comprise the issues that were visible to me. I have charged the battery and the controller battery.
I have downloaded many apps and firmwares in this time rabbit holing after remembering the drone in a stupor on the aribtrary occasions I would find myself intoxicated once again.
So… What do I do now? I did have a gander at some other first time posts, but, they have already skipped over the ignition sequence etc. I’d be much appreciative of guidance and any helpful advice.
Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA.
i am going to guess that YOUR Galaxy is withing the sovereign USA, and if so, then 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 Drone weighs more than 250-grams (0.55 pounds), and even while you are flying under The Exception for Recreational Flyers, you are required to register your Drone.
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 trust.pilotinstitute.com
Link to the FAADroneZone (Optional Registration for Drones under 250-Grams…)
https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/
If you are considering acquiring your Part 107 License, here is a link to get you going…
Since you live in Somewhere in Time, 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.
I am going to list some Good Old Fashion Advice, but I would also strongly advise you to go to YouTube and search basic flight setup for your Mavic Pro and watch a bunch of videos…
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.”
Below is the link to all of the downloads offered by DJI for the Mavic Pro, including the User Manual.
After you read the Manual, read it again, you will be surprised what you missed the first time and you will be better prepared for that first “scary moment…”
Fly On and Fly Safe…
The discharge of negative ions (which are good) refreshing the air are surely the heralds of Loud Thunder. Much appreciated!
Once upon a time in the vigour of youth, I did reside in a few of your United States after being scouted for my [perceived] rugby prowess. I will always remember it fondly and barely recall the myriad adversities encountered when in a place so familiar yet so foreign.
I have since been recalled to that Great North known as Canada and redressed in the plaid flannel and customary beard of my people.
Even so I am going to familiarise myself with the regulations provided on the sites you’ve listed, as much of our aeronautical legislation is either derived from or shared with that of our southern counterparts. I have aleady downloaded the manual.
I really appreciate the heads up regarding the preparations one should wisely implement, and the advisement in the creation of a routine to ensure there are subsequent flights after getting the drone in the air. I will most likely have more questions for you and anyone else here versed in the intricacies of drone flight that is willing to help.
Until then thank you so much!
OK, I missed your Galaxy by a slim margin, our shared northern border… so here is some more reading for you and more specific to your Northern Exposure… Transport Canada…
You might also want to join another Web Site that is dedicated to DJI Drones…
This site gets a lot of traffic and I am also active there…
See Ya There?