iFlyMyDrone.com
lvl.4
Flight distance : 740548 ft
United States
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Thanks to everyone who replied. I now know what I am going to do to resolve this situation and I will be happy to share my rationale. Others may disagree, but I am comfortable that it is the right decision for me. I have decided to have the cracked shell replaced professionally. Here is my rationale:
- Local Repair: I am fortunate that there is an authorized DJI repair facility in my home town called Drone Nerds. I do not have to pack up my P3P and ship it from the east coast of the US to the west coast just to find out what the repair cost. I look forward to building a relationship with Drone Nerds and it is really cool to see the entire DJI product line in their showroom. I will definitely be getting back the same drone with the shell replaced. No refurb.
- Liability: God forbid, if my quadcopter is involved in an unexplained accident that results in damage to property or bodily injury, I feel that having the shell professionally replaced reduces my exposure to liability. Especially since I sometimes fly under Part 107. In the unfortunate event of an accident, my maintenance records would come under scrutiny. In this case, a visual inspection of my quad revealed the existence of stress cracks and I will have a paper documentation of the repair to manufacture's specifications. I think of it as due dilligence on my part.
- Speed and Convenience: Drone Nerds is currently working on a 5 day turnaround (and possibly quicker). I will be back in the air faster than if I ordered the shell and replaced it myself. All I have to do is to pick it up after it is ready. The cost to replace the shell is $200. They were able to tell me the price before I left their store. That is a bit more than twice what it would cost if I replaced the shell myself. But, since I earn money with my drone I consider it part of the cost of doing business.
- Resale Value: Eventually, I will upgrade the P3P. Perhaps I will get a P4P or perhaps I will wait for the next generation. When I do I will have no need to keep the P3P. No one in their right mind would buy a used P3P with visible stress cracks, or with the cracks patched with glue. Therefore, I consider the need for repair to be necessary. I can in good conscious sell my P3P with the shell replaced.
To each his own. This is how I have decided to resolve the issue. Think for yourself.
Best regards,
TC
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