DJI Phantom Quadcopter First Flight -- Fail

[Mac McGillivray]

Agreed!

Digitally,
Mac

Originally Posted by Jody Arnott

My point is that you really can't just pick up one of these things and expect to be able to fly it. It's definitely a skill, it takes a lot of practise, and the cheapest way to achieve that is by using a simulator.

[Damian Heffernan]

Originally Posted by Shaun Roemich

Addendum: and ALL that above (the video game stuff...) is emulating SITTING INSIDE the blasted thing! Trying to keep track of pitch and yaw from the ground?

I think surgeons have an easier time... <tongue planted firmly in cheek>

Back then (and even now) you didn't have autopilot and gps stabilisation technology for your copter. Flying these quads, octocopters etc has been made far easier by these technologies. A bit of practice, read the instructions, watch lots of youtube examples and learn the capabilities of your vehicle and you're up and flying.

[George Cummings]

Looking forward to a forum where input of do's and don'ts, sharing can really #1 keep everyone safe, continually improve quality of aerial projects and eventually do our part to inform FAA with suggestions that will jump start the US aerial industry which has a potential for 100s if not 1,000s of good payinng jobs. I see a future of aircraft with IDents same as real aircraft, required ground or R/C pilot school, insurance, ... I'm hopefull that everyone on this forum agrees we want to promote the benefits of aerial aircraft before the fears of misuse of aerial shooting kills this emerging industry.

Originally Posted by Craig Chartier

Its one thing to just buy a cool RC and go play around with it, flying over the trees, flying over the car, chasing the cat,,,

One of the great things about this new forum is that its about guys discussing getting the shot. Its much harder to fly point to point and do it over and over for the producer until you hit the open window on the 2nd floor just right.

When, and not IF, the FAA finally gets the rules up and going, it will be the guys that spent hours getting their RC out of the trees that will be first to the bank with a check for services.

The Phantom is a great trainer. and will help you get up to the next level.

The earlier post about simulators will also help get your stick fingers in shape. You can always hit the reset and it wont cost you any more money.