Tag: flying

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The DJI Mini SE Drone Has Arrived

Now to begin the learning curve to fly safely and legally – with my TRUST Certificate in hand.

DJI Mini SE Drone Box

So the package arrived mid afternoon on the day before a predicted few inches of snow. Of course, the batteries wouldn’t be charged fully until after dark. LOL

I opened it immediately, checked all the parts, looked at the (basically) useless papers that came with it. I’m glad I had already downloaded the .PDF User Manual file, which is very useful. And, of course, I’ve been watching some training/familiarization videos on Youtube.

Meanwhile – yesterday I did study the online course for Recreational Flyers and received my “TRUST” Certificate so I can fly legally (when it stops snowing).

TRUST Certificate Obverse

And the info on the back of the certificate…

TRUST Certificate Reverse

Transcription of the Certificate Information…

For Recreational Flyers operating under the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft (Title 49 of the united States Code (49 U.S.C) S 44809), this document is evidence that the holder has passed the aeronautical knowledge and safety test as required by 49 U.S.C S 44809 (a)(7).

  • Register your drone if it weights more than 0.55 pounds.
  • Fly only for recreational purposes.
  • Operate in accordance with or within a Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s) safety guidelines
  • Always fly within visual line of sight.
  • Do not interfere and give way to any manned aircraft.
  • Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace.
  • Do not fly higher than 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace.

Recreational Flyers must make this certificate available to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Law Enforcement officials upon request. For more information visit faa.gov/uas.

I studied for the TRUST Certificate with the free course at the Pilot Institute. It was easy to understand and was not difficult at all to pass and obtain the certificate.

PART 107 Certificate

Once I obtain my Part 107 Certificate, which permits the drone pilot certificate holder to use a drone for commercial purposes. I will then be able to use the Drone as a camera platform, enabling me to add a new perspective to my landscape and seascape photography.

Let the Games Begin!

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Back in the Air – Finally

It’s been a long wait, but having the wings rebuilt on an antique airplane, like my 1946 Ercoupe, takes a long time. The shop that recovered the wings did an incredible job and I am confident the “new” wings are better than when they first flew – back on August 16, 1946. The original wings were not anti-corrosion coated – these now are. Modern fabric (Ceconite was used on this project) and coatings are better, because of technology, than they were waaaaay back then.

So, this morning, I was able to leave work (I’ve got an understanding boss when it comes to flying ;)) and head to the airport. The weather was not conducive to flying to a destination – cloudy, low ceilings and slightly “bumpy.” But the ceiling was high enough to safely fly in the local area and do a series of takeoffs and landings (TOLs).

The first flight after any reconstruction and an annual inspection (which was completed when the wings were done) is akin to being a test-pilot flight. So, a test pilot I was. First a thorough pre-flight inspection was in order – which we do EVERY TIME we fly. Then I did one lap around the pattern, flying for less than 10 minutes, and landed. That was followed by another thorough pre-flight inspection – checking for leaks, looseness in any fittings and anything out of the ordinary. Everything was perfect. Yayyy! So back up I went…and flew for about an hour. I did more TOLs and some local flying with basic maneuvers – all the while staying within “gliding distance” of the airport. I am confident the job was done correctly (I monitored the steps of the process) and the plane has been flight tested, so I am eagerly awaiting good flying weather to go chase that $100 hamburger.

Oh yes, not only do the wings look new, but I can tell a difference in the handling of the airplane. It responds better in slow flight – the technical reason being too involved for this post. (Now I need to find some pictures.