Chase Flynn | UAV Coach

Hi @Jayb8s, I wanted to provide you with you an update on my research on this topic. I was unable to find any official regulation that prevents unmanned aircraft from operating around the Waterview Loft at Port Detroit. In reviewing the sectional chart for that area, I also determined that there is no restricted zones listed within that region. It can be confusing to understand drone regulations because cities and states try pass drone regulations that in most cases preempt federal law. The Federal Aviation Administration has full jurisdiction of the National Airspace System within the United States. There is nothing stopping the Detroit Port Authority from asking you to not takeoff or land on their property which they have the right to do. However, they do not have any authority over the airspace surrounding their owned/managed properties. I would just recommend to always fly safe and follow the regulations. That section of airspace is relatively complex as it borders Canada and the Metro Detroit area has lots of airports and air traffic. If you have any additional questions please let me know! - Chase

Hi @Jimslaton, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum and congratulations on your purchase of a Spark! I fly a Phantom 4 Pro which is much larger than a spark and I still have a hard time seeing it sometimes when it is 300-400 feet up. I would recommend using a Lume Cube anti-collision light. They are very bright and should help increase the visibility of the drone even during the day. You can look here to see if this would be a good solution for you. I hope this helps! - Chase

Hi @Scott Anderson, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! It is great to hear that you are looking to integrate a drone into your real estate appraisal business. If you are interested in comparing drone models, feel free to check out our 'Top Professional Drones' guide. I hope this helps! - Chase

Hi @BillyG, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! Syma makes some great drones that are fun to fly, please let us know how you like the W1. If you have any questions feel free to ask, we are always here to help! Best, - Chase

Hi @BenF, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! How are you liking the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom so far? Sounds like you are in a great area for some great drone footage. Feel free to post any of your drone videos in our Filmmaking/Cinematography thread. Best, - Chase

Hi @BJH, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! When we create a 'Where to Fly' page we conduct an extensive amount of research regarding the state, local, and federal regulations and we were unable to find any regulations banning drones from city and county parks for this particular page. It is important to note that if there are any local laws regarding the use of unmanned aircraft, they are preempted by both Pennsylvania state law and federal law. Here is the official legislation on the power of a city, county, township, etc. in regards to unmanned aircraft operations in Pennsylvania: § 305. Local regulation of unmanned aircraft prohibited. (a) Preemption.--The provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. § 3505 (relating to unlawful use of unmanned aircraft) shall preempt and supersede any ordinance, resolution, rule or other enactment of a municipality regulating the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft. As of the effective date of this section, a municipality shall not regulate the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft unless expressly authorized by statute. (b) Municipal use.--Nothing under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3505 shall prohibit a municipality from using unmanned aircraft within the boundaries of the municipality for municipal purposes and regulating that use. (c) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "municipality" shall include a county, city, borough, incorporated town or township or home rule, optional plan or optional charter municipality, any other general purpose unit of government established by the General Assembly, a municipal authority and any entity formed pursuant to Ch. 23 Subch. A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation). (Oct. 12, 2018, P.L.516, No.78, eff. 90 days) 2018 Amendment. Act 78 added section 305. I hope this helps clarify any confusion about operating a drone in Pittsburgh and please feel free to ask any questions! Best, - Chase

Hi @jvalois, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum and congratulations on your purchase of the Mavic Mini! The latest information our team has researched on drone laws in the UAE, can be found here. I hope this helps! - Chase

Hi @Super Dave, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! The best drone is really dependent on what application you will be using the drone for. I personally have a Phantom 4 Pro which is a very popular drone because of its versatility. But the Mavic series is also a great line of drones that is also very versatile. There is nothing crazy about wanting to start a business with a drone, there are many successful drone service companies that make very good money. Like @Av8Chuck said, do not expect to just buy a drone and start making money. It is hard work (I am working on my own drone business and recently completed my first commercial job), but its just like any other business meaning that it requires hard work. Anyone can learn to fly a drone, but not everyone is good at editing pictures, videos, etc. You have to put in the work. I have watched other drone service companies who are very successful and you can tell that they work hard. Flying the drone is just one small part of it, you will spend more time editing and doing stuff to grow the business than anything else. The Phantom 3 is a great drone but it is becoming an older model and the new models on the market have better cameras. It is perfectly normal to be uncomfortable when you first start flying a drone, just continue to practice and you will become more comfortable with the drone. Practice in big open areas and then gradually introduce more challenging environments. I hope this helps! - Chase

Hi @AZBrandon, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! It sounds like you have an awesome fleet of drones, I fly a Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian myself. Like you have stated, it is one of the best drones out there and it never disappoints. Really hoping that DJI will start producing the Phantom line again, it is simply the best. Did you get the Mavic Enterprise Dual or the Zoom? Best, - Chase

Hi @Gary Davis. Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum and congratulations on getting your first client! Real estate is defiantly a popular application. Feel free to check out our 'Property / Real Estate Marketing' thread. Please feel free to ask any questions! Best, - Chase

Hi @SeanMichaels, I recommend checking out our 'Drone Jobs Guide', please let me know if you have any questions! Best, - Chase

Hi @Ty Nelson, What current methods have you tried so far to get new clients; emails, calling, advertising? Is there a particular application you prefer or are you open to different applications outside of what you are doing now? Looking forward to your response! Best, - Chase

Hi @Phizzgig, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! I was the same way, the first time I saw a video being filmed from a drone on Youtube years ago, I knew I had to buy one. The one thing you will learn with drones is there is always something to learn. After every flight, photo edit, video edit, you will learn something new and get better at it. Before I recommend a second drone, what do you think would be your primary application with that drone if you were to start a business? Best, - Chase

Hi @SeanMichaels, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum and congratulations on your new career path! There are so many opportunities in this industry which continues to rapidly evolve everyday. Do you have an area of interests? Looking forward to your response. Best, - Chase

Hi @Ty Nelson, Welcome to the UAV Coach Community Forum! It is great to see that you are using your drone for firefighting operations. There are so many applications and using drones as another tool for fighting fires is becoming increasingly popular. Like I said, there are a lot of applications which does make it difficult to figure out which route you want to go. To help get you started, feel free to check out out 'UAV Jobs' Guide. Best, - Chase