Avoiding airport surprises and more
If you are thinking about taking your drone with you when you travel, there is a lot to consider. Factors range from the obvious, such as deciding which type of carrying case you should use, to the more complex, such as knowing the rules for carrying lithium batteries onboard a commercial aircraft.
I was recently faced with these considerations when I took a trip from my home in San Diego, California, to visit my family near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Choosing a case for my new Mavic Air would turn out to be the easiest part of the trip preparation. And since I knew that both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airlines had specific rules for carrying lithium batteries onboard commercial aircraft, I researched those rules and familiarized myself with the process.
I also researched the area in advance to locate potential flying sites and to review any local drone regulations. With many public parks putting restrictions on operating drones, it is important to research the rules and regulations for your potential flying sites before arriving at your destination.
This article details my experience throughout this trip.
Type of Case to Buy
Just throwing your drone into any backpack or suitcase can easily result in damage, even if you are extra careful when packing. Drones are aircraft and have many delicate parts that may easily break if not handled properly. Buying a specific case for your drone is highly recommended and is especially important if you are planning a hiking trip or will be traveling to several destinations. A variety of cases meet the size limitations for carry-on luggage and will ensure the drone will arrive in working order.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Windracers Mail Delivery
With its partner Windracers Ltd., Royal Mail has become the first UK parcel carrier to deliver mail to a UK island in a 70-mile, beyond-line-of-sight, autonomous flight to the Scilly Isles. Tasked to better connect the islands’ remote communities, a consortium including Royal Mail, Windracers Ltd., DronePrep, University of Southampton, Excalibur Healthcare Services, and Consortiq Limited is funded by UK Research and Innovation.
Counting Penguins
Counting penguins is harder than it sounds. With freezing rain, snow, and chilling winds that limit the flight windows for the surveys, it takes scientists using three full days to map the location of 300,000 nesting pairs of Adélie penguins on Antarctica’s Cape Crozier.
A Drone Double Play
Beach cleanup and a historic bridge
Understanding Aviation Sectional Charts
Signs and symbols every remote pilot needs to know
10 TOP JOBS
Fields where drones are taking off!
AUTONOMOUS RESUPPLY IN A CONGESTED BATTLESPACE
Can autonomous drones deliver supplies to troops in an active firefight? DroneUp recently partnered with a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied Command Transformation (ACT) Joint Force Development (JFD) exercise to find out.
IMPROVE YOUR DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY
10 must-know Lightroom tips
UAS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT The Key to the Future of Drones
In 2012, Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act, which established a deadline for the agency: achieve full integration of drones into the airspace by 2015. As the calendar rolls over into 2021, this begs an obvious question: “Are we there yet?”
FLYING FOR A LIVING
A professional UAS operator on what it takes to be successful
ON THE WING
This bird-like drone is incredibly agile and efficient