DJI Phantom Quadcopter with FC40 Camera
$429.99
I don't know enough about this stuff, but thought this might (or might not) be interesting to some folks here.
That's a pretty good deal. They used to be $900 without a camera so that's a pretty good deal if you want to get your feet wet. When the Phantom 2 came out, they reduced the price of the original Phantom to $479 (and I'm not sure if that included the camera).
IMO, that's not really a drone, it's an RC helicopter. To me, the word "drone" implies it has an autopilot, which this does not. It has a GPS control that stabilizes it, even in wind, and holds it place. From what I've heard, they are very easy to fly.
One surveying use I can think of would be terrain recon on larger projects for control selection. Rather then driving around and getting stuck. Wonder if it logs its position too?
It is one of the cleaner looking quads I've seen.
Very nice, thanks Wendell.
From the FAA web site:
Model Aircraft
Recreational use of airspace by model aircraft is covered by FAA Advisory Circular 91-57, which generally limits operations to below 400 feet above ground level and away from airports and air traffic. In 2007, the FAA clarified that AC 91-57 only applies to modelers, and specifically excludes individuals or companies flying model aircraft for business purposes.
The FAA guidance is available at: http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/91-57.pdf
I've been doing extensive research on this subject; the FAA defines a UAS as any pilotless aircraft. As far as I have been able to see they do not differentiate between guided vs. preprogramed or fixed wing vs. rotary wing.
From Bryan Baker's article in the current issue of Professional Surveyor:
Regardless of whether the flight control system is manual or pre-programmed, the real distinction for the FAA is what the systems are used for. RC aircraft are currently designated by the FAA only for hobbyist and personal, research-type activities (i.e. flying for fun). Even then, there are rules for the safe operation of these aircraft, which the FAA has basically left to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Beyond flying RCs for fun, the FAA heavily regulates the use of aircraft and airspace for commercial operations.
I don't disagree with any of that. I was just pointing out that stock, this model can not fly a programmed route, which is what the word "drone" means to me. I think you can purchase programmable flight control boards, though, for the DJI.
BTW, I couldn't resist this deal. I ordered one today... I've been wanting something to experiment with as a hobby.
Guys, read the article in Professional Surveyor about the FAA and restrictions on using remote aircraft of any type for commercial purposes. It can hang you out to dry if you use a hobby craft for profit, or a commercial craft as a hobby. They covered all the bases.
JSW
