Skater67 Posted at 2015-8-23 09:15
I'm not surprised at the comments on this thread with everyone showing concerned for a fellow DJI pi ...

He got some mad distance and was so engrossed in flight he didn't realize how far he was. I am amazed at the distance with the stock setup. 13 k feet is way out there. I am sure he learned his lesson (the hard way, almost), and a ton of great tips on what to do if future problems pop up during flight.

So right Jim.  We call the term so engrossed in flight, "Pilot Error."

richardmartin Posted at 2015-8-23 07:41
spheasant1,

Flight logs that are recoded on the tablet.  

Very much appreciate this information from you and Jim!

richardmartin Posted at 2015-8-23 08:50
Successful flight tonight, no apparent damage apart from the props.  Dodged a bullet!

Very impressive recovery....looks like you are back in business and all is good.   Check one in the DJI column for their safety procedures.

Skater67 Posted at 2015-8-23 09:15
I'm not surprised at the comments on this thread with everyone showing concerned for a fellow DJI pi ...

I definitely learned a lessen, to not fly so far.  Seriously didn't realize just how far I was.  

I've read that you should stay within line of sight and keep an eye on the bird, but I don't see how that's possible more than a block or so away from where you're flying from.  Seriously, how can you have a range of a mile and expect to keep a visual on the aircraft?

I never mentioned anything about line of sight or keeping the DJI in sight.  
I'am glad you found your DJI.  
Let's call it what it really is, you violated one of the most sacred rules of flying, thou shall not run out of fuel/battery.  The facts set you free as Joe Friday use to say, "just the facts ma'am."  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Friday  Probably no one remembers poor Joe and he never had a DJI3P!

Skater67 Posted at 2015-8-23 11:14
I never mentioned anything about line of sight or keeping the DJI in sight.  
I'am glad you found yo ...

No, I've read that rule on the FAA regs, keep the aircraft in sight.  QUOTE FAA:  "Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times"

I agree about not overflying the battery, but DJI said "If the Intelligent Flight Battery is running low, or your Phantom 3 loses the connection with your remote controller for any reason, the aircraft will automatically return to the takeoff point and land safely."

Now, fortunately, I have the experience (aka: mistake) and know better!  But, it was fun going 2.5 miles (at least until my heart sank when I heard that dreaded message).

This is the best news I've heard all day!  After a pretty crappy day at work, I come home late and hop on here to relax!  I followed this thread and I'm so SUPER happy that everything turned out for you on a positive note!  

richardmartin Posted at 2015-8-22 21:14
Yes, and I should have known that since I had played with the controls while in an automatic landin ...

Super nice , congratulations. Must be a relief

If you have the track on the google map there must be a way to get the GPS lat & long without having the video with the caption turned on?