Has anyone attempted to use a drone while biking, like having the drone follow you (if it has that option). A special bracket would be required to hold the controller on the handlebar and it would not be very safe or practical to use a drone if there are people around, but out in the boonies or other unpopulated areas it seems like it could work. A drone like the DJI Mavic is foldable and easily fits in a backpack so transporting it would not be a problem. You would just need a drone with the "follow me" feature. The video you could get would be amazing I believe.
Drones
- Thread starter Delta
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TMH
Well-Known Member
Probably the best drone for this use is the Skydio 2, but be ready to spend some scratch.
It is designed to have the strongest 'follow me' programming, plus the most advanced and robust obstacle avoidance for autonomous flight.
Most other camera drones are meant to be flown by the pilot, with follow me as one feature and some level of obstacle avoidance. The Skydio drones are really meant to be launched, to be told what to follow, and then just let them fly on their own.
It is designed to have the strongest 'follow me' programming, plus the most advanced and robust obstacle avoidance for autonomous flight.
Most other camera drones are meant to be flown by the pilot, with follow me as one feature and some level of obstacle avoidance. The Skydio drones are really meant to be launched, to be told what to follow, and then just let them fly on their own.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
I've got my eye on a Mavik Pro 2 for bike photography. As you say, it folds neatly and can easily be carried in a backpack or pannier. I'm also intrigued by the idea of taking video while the drone follows me on the trail. I looked into the FAA regulations and found it is technically illegal to do so. You must have the drone in sight at all times and this is not possible to do safely while riding a bike. To stay within the regulations, you have to have someone else operate the drone for this type of operation. Many drone owners violate this rule though and manufacturers even sell "follow me" options for their products. It isn't clear why they are allowed to do so.
I live in a rural area and figured there would be nothing to stop me from flying a drone whenever I want. Not so. I live within 3 miles of a small mom & pop airport and unless I get a FAA Part 107 drone pilot license, I have to call the airport every time I want to fly in this restricted airspace. It isn't always obvious where these restricted areas are located. To help with this, there is a handy smartphone app called "Airmap" which gives you this information based on your location:
play.google.com
You might also want to check out the basic FAA regs to see how they affect you:
www.pcmag.com
The main reason I haven't pulled the trigger on a drone yet is I'm totally bogged down in these FAA regulations. Many of the places I want to use the drone are in restricted airspace. I know there are a great many owners out there who simply ignore the rules but I like to stay within the law whenever possible. The general public seems to be suspicious of drones and law enforcement is responding to numerous public complaints. If you get caught violating these regulations, you can expect a heavy fine and possible confiscation of you equipment.
I'm not trying to rain on you parade here. Flying a drone is a great hobby enjoyed by many. It's a good idea to at least know what the laws are though. whether you choose to ignore them or not is your decision.
I live in a rural area and figured there would be nothing to stop me from flying a drone whenever I want. Not so. I live within 3 miles of a small mom & pop airport and unless I get a FAA Part 107 drone pilot license, I have to call the airport every time I want to fly in this restricted airspace. It isn't always obvious where these restricted areas are located. To help with this, there is a handy smartphone app called "Airmap" which gives you this information based on your location:
AirMap for Drones - Apps on Google Play
AirMap is the the leading provider of aeronautical data & services to UAV's.
You might also want to check out the basic FAA regs to see how they affect you:
Drone Regulations: What You Need to Know
Want to fly a quadcopter? Here's what the FAA expects you to know.
The main reason I haven't pulled the trigger on a drone yet is I'm totally bogged down in these FAA regulations. Many of the places I want to use the drone are in restricted airspace. I know there are a great many owners out there who simply ignore the rules but I like to stay within the law whenever possible. The general public seems to be suspicious of drones and law enforcement is responding to numerous public complaints. If you get caught violating these regulations, you can expect a heavy fine and possible confiscation of you equipment.
I'm not trying to rain on you parade here. Flying a drone is a great hobby enjoyed by many. It's a good idea to at least know what the laws are though. whether you choose to ignore them or not is your decision.
TMH
Well-Known Member
I have been flying drones for a few years, and although I don't do any commercial work I chose to get my Part 107 certification. I figure the more you know, the better off you are in any endeavor.
The points made by 6zfshdb are all accurate and insightful. And, like so many other things, there are too many cowboys out there who misuse drones and fly in an unsafe manner. Sometimes this is just due to lack of knowledge, but other times it is due to that Western mentality of 'this is my drone and no one is going to tell me what I can or can't do with it.' Unfortunately this small minority of unsafe users give drones a bad name in the view of the general public.
Probably the biggest upcoming issue with all drones is the FAA's current proposal for 'remote identification' of any vehicle within controlled airspace. And 'controlled airspace' covers the country, not just the areas over and around airports. Depending on how the FAA's proposals are implemented, ALL current drones may become obsolete (and illegal to fly) within 2-3 years. New drones may have to include hardware which allows them to squawk an I.D. to air traffic controllers, as is currently mandatory on manned aircraft, and there may be a necessity for drone pilots to, in essence, file a sort of flight plan for all drone flights.
These new rules could kill recreational drone flying, and all but the most critical commercial drone operations.
For information on this big wet blanket, you can check out the FAA's press release here:
https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=24534
The points made by 6zfshdb are all accurate and insightful. And, like so many other things, there are too many cowboys out there who misuse drones and fly in an unsafe manner. Sometimes this is just due to lack of knowledge, but other times it is due to that Western mentality of 'this is my drone and no one is going to tell me what I can or can't do with it.' Unfortunately this small minority of unsafe users give drones a bad name in the view of the general public.
Probably the biggest upcoming issue with all drones is the FAA's current proposal for 'remote identification' of any vehicle within controlled airspace. And 'controlled airspace' covers the country, not just the areas over and around airports. Depending on how the FAA's proposals are implemented, ALL current drones may become obsolete (and illegal to fly) within 2-3 years. New drones may have to include hardware which allows them to squawk an I.D. to air traffic controllers, as is currently mandatory on manned aircraft, and there may be a necessity for drone pilots to, in essence, file a sort of flight plan for all drone flights.
These new rules could kill recreational drone flying, and all but the most critical commercial drone operations.
For information on this big wet blanket, you can check out the FAA's press release here:
https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=24534
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
Thanks for posting the link. I was aware of some of these new FAA proposals but thought they would be "softened" somewhat before being approved. Rendering all existing hobby UAV's obsolete and decimating the hobby drone industry is pretty drastic stuff! I suspect, but can't be sure, they will grandfather some equipment and / or come up with retrofit options.
It certainly is cause for concern though and I will definitely wait a while longer before making a purchase. Thanks again for posting.
Browneye
Well-Known Member
There are a lot of fans for them. I flew scale and acrobatic RC for a decade, but never got sucked into helicopters or drones.
A friend is quite talented with video editing and hauls his drone everywhere on his motorbike, on his backpack.
I was going to link a clip but seems he's either taken his content down or made it non-public.
If you want to see what good drone footage can be, check out CHIVE TV's drone channel. A company called AIRVUZ puts out just amazing stuff.
A friend is quite talented with video editing and hauls his drone everywhere on his motorbike, on his backpack.
I was going to link a clip but seems he's either taken his content down or made it non-public.
If you want to see what good drone footage can be, check out CHIVE TV's drone channel. A company called AIRVUZ puts out just amazing stuff.
Mr. Coffee
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- A Demented Corner of the North Cascades
This is a solved problem. My suggestion is to reach out to people who have experience flying a drone while cycling and take their advice.
My favorite how to lose a drone excerpt, or what not to do with a drone? If in a hurry, the drone losing starts at 4:00.
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" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="
Browneye
Well-Known Member
Nice vid.
I met the folks that run a sport fishing lodge there in Haida Gwaii. They sure wanted us to come up and spend money, take in the scenery and catch some fish.
TMH
Well-Known Member
This guy is a real entertaining character. Seems to lose or crash drones regularly, whether by airlines losing his baggage, flying into unseen high voltage wires, or just generally pushing the limits a bit too far.
Check out his YouTube site. Pretty entertaining videos from filming a vintage car rally in the ex-Soviet Republic of Georgia. And flights from some other pretty interesting places I know that I'll never get to.
Check out his YouTube site. Pretty entertaining videos from filming a vintage car rally in the ex-Soviet Republic of Georgia. And flights from some other pretty interesting places I know that I'll never get to.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
Nice vid.
I met the folks that run a sport fishing lodge there in Haida Gwaii. They sure wanted us to come up and spend money, take in the scenery and catch some fish.
Here's a way to combine both drone flying and fishing. Get your very own drone fishing chair:
AHicks
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Snow Bird - Summer S.E. Michigan, Winter Gulf Coast North Central Fl.
I'm a full scale small airplane pilot (Cessnas and Pipers), and have been flying radio control stuff since the 70's. One thought I have regarding the FAA rules (especially the new proposed "drone" rules which RC airplanes would also be flying under), is that the FAA has a history of proposing nonsense rules. While they are very good at establishing rules, they are NOT in the business of enforcing them. Not until something happens anyway. When it comes to this individual identification thing, I think they are just throwing some "stuff" at a wall to see if it sticks.
There is no way on God's green earth they would ever have the capability to monitor all of the hobby level flights. The ONLY ones that might come into play would be those near busy airports. THAT'S their concern. Some jack a$$ flying a "drone" in proximity to taking off and landing aircraft traffic. Those, and there are some guys flying remotely, WAY beyond "line of sight", that are of just as much interest for obvious security reasons. The problem there is, they don't know if the guy is inspecting crops and fence lines, or something more sinister. Lot's to think about.... -Al
There is no way on God's green earth they would ever have the capability to monitor all of the hobby level flights. The ONLY ones that might come into play would be those near busy airports. THAT'S their concern. Some jack a$$ flying a "drone" in proximity to taking off and landing aircraft traffic. Those, and there are some guys flying remotely, WAY beyond "line of sight", that are of just as much interest for obvious security reasons. The problem there is, they don't know if the guy is inspecting crops and fence lines, or something more sinister. Lot's to think about.... -Al
Thanks for all your replies. Very good information. I may still get a drone (I am looking at the Mavic 2 Pro) but maybe will not fly it while I am riding. I live in a rural area so at least I can take it somewhere while on my bike, and that may be the extent of my drone and bike combination.
steve marino
Active Member
Sure, you could try that. Some people use them to walk their dog. After checking out how that went on the video below, I'd say there might be a few minor problems though.
Mr. Coffee
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- A Demented Corner of the North Cascades
Two videos about the Skydio 2. It is actually pretty darned impressive:
ruffruff
Well-Known Member
I have a confession to make...I have a $900 homebuilt drone laying out in the middle of my swamp that I haven't found for 1 1/2 years!
You have no idea the pucker factor when you hear "Returning Home" and then you hear "Connection lost, Connection lost, Connection lost"
You have no idea the pucker factor when you hear "Returning Home" and then you hear "Connection lost, Connection lost, Connection lost"
ruffruff
Well-Known Member
Ha, hitting power lines no good!
Mine was a used DJI Phantom 1. I paid $50 for it. It was not working with a burnt out motor controller. I fixed it and it flew great for about a month...then...crash!
It blew up when it hit the ground but I could see where I cold soldered one of the motor control wires to the motor and it popped off!
dooooohhhh
Mine was a used DJI Phantom 1. I paid $50 for it. It was not working with a burnt out motor controller. I fixed it and it flew great for about a month...then...crash!
It blew up when it hit the ground but I could see where I cold soldered one of the motor control wires to the motor and it popped off!
dooooohhhh
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