Radio-controlled Whatever

Paul, I'd sure like to know which drones can get 15-20 minutes of flight time on one battery, because most of those pilots online get ecstatic if they can squeeze 5 minutes out of a flight.  Are you flying the long distance drones that are larger than 7-inches?

I'm serious, not diss-ing on you.  I first started thinking about 20- or 30-minute flights with a UAV and it still bugs me that I'll need to change batteries several times to fly that long.  It must be great.

- Kevin
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Hi Kevin

Many of the later model DJI and Skydio drones advertise 25-30 minutes of flight time, but you can anticipate using approximately 70% of that.  I am not sure Skydio continues to make recreational models, I heard they focus more on commercial models only.  Check the latest FAA regulation changes, I think they are going to force Remote ID rules soon.  Check FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id
Any commercial use requires an FAA 107 license, which is not that difficult to get but will cost you $175? to take the exam.  I got my 107 a year ago but didn't fly much lately.

Paul

I've got a skydio 2 and a hover x1.

I'm sorry SteveS doesn't kayak anymore, neither of your drones fit what I'm searching for right now.  As 123engineering is about to tell me (and what I already knew) is the skydio 2 will need to be registered with the FAA and a remote ID module installed.  Too bad, because that would be fun to fool around with.  The hover x1 is interesting, but I need to pilot a drone FPV if I'm going to learn anything that will help in the future.

I appreciate the offer, but I'm sorry, they don't fit.

SHUCKS

Check the latest FAA regulation changes, I think they are going to force Remote ID rules soon.  Check FAA website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id
Any commercial use requires an FAA 107 license, which is not that difficult to get but will cost you $175? to take the exam.  I got my 107 a year ago but didn't fly much lately.

Paul

I'm familiar with the FAA regulations, Paul.  It's rumored that the FAA might have announced a delay in timing and they may go into effect early next year, although the exact date is uncertain.  The biggest problem the FAA is creating is that no matter what UAV one owns. if it's heavier than 250 grams, you'll need to register it with the FAA and install a remote ID transponder which aren't built into the drone, and a newbie like me will have to solder something to the tiny circuit boards and OMG, that's not my forte.  I'd fry something critical, no doubt.

Just like me to show up a day after all the fun...

ADDENDUM: The Remote ID requirement went into effect on September 16th but the FAA wont rigidly enforce the rules until March 16th 2024 because of a lack of the technology required to comply.

https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/

Now I know...