Hi all, I've been mulling over purchasing a drone for a couple of years now, and am considering getting the DJI3 standard - mostly just to fly around, and also plan on doing some photography/video with it here and there.  

Kinda dumb question but I wanted to get an idea: Only issue I have with getting a drone is that I live within two miles of an airport. Does anyone have a similar situation and are you still able to fly without much issue?  I've been holding off partly because of this reason.  

My state's law says any time you fly within 5 miles of an airport you have to notify the airport.  I'd hate to have to call the airport every single time I go out flying, especially if I'm not flying a couple hundred feet high.  

Also, where do you guys tend to go to fly?  I don't have a TON of wide open spaces around but would still like to fly.

Talk to them. Many airports have a form on their website u can fill out, and they do not mind as long as there's a record. You may also ask them what the safe altitude is that close... I would not go much above 1200, but that's me, it also depends if you are in the approach or departure path...  Call the main number, tell them what your situation is, and ask for advice....

Phantomski Posted at 2016-9-20 23:33
Talk to them. Many airports have a form on their website u can fill out, and they do not mind as lon ...

Thank you for your help.  I probably wouldn't go more than 200 in my area, let alone 1200 but I will contact them and see.

The DJI Phantom is a terrific aircraft line. Here's a link to the GEO page where you can unlock most NFZ's by self authorizing. http://www.dji.com/flysafe/geo-system/unlock

im very happy with my standard  and i live in Los Angeles and yeah have to travel  to fly but worth it

DJI-Ken Posted at 2016-9-20 23:40
The DJI Phantom is a terrific aircraft line. Here's a link to the GEO page where you can unlock most ...

Oh, that's helpful, thanks!  I didn't know about that.  Turns out I'm about two blocks outside of the authorization zone, so it looks like I'm good.  I emailed the drone coordinator of my local airport to ask him some specifics.

Eazy123 Posted at 2016-9-20 23:47
Oh, that's helpful, thanks!  I didn't know about that.  Turns out I'm about two blocks outside of  ...

Sounds good and enjoy. You can download the GO app and look in the Academy section and start reading the manual and watching the tutorial videos.
From the home page, top right icon (graduation hat) will take you there.

Thanks!  Do you guys have to get an AMA card or anything to fly?  Or just register with the FAA?

You really suppose to register with FAA in the US, as for AMA, many peoiple do as it carries some insurance and other such things, but is not legally required as is FAA registration. Do not fall for any FAA registration clones, go directly to faa website....

Phantomski Posted at 2016-9-21 12:48
You really suppose to register with FAA in the US, as for AMA, many peoiple dop as it carries some i ...

Thank you for all the info, everyone.  I may have to hold off   I called the airport near me and the ATC as well and they said no, I cannot fly a drone at all near where I live even if I notify them, as I live directly under the path for arrivals.  There are quite a few airports near me too, so I need to figure out where the heck I could fly it before I purchase one.  I'd really like to own one but if I can barely ever use it, it won't be worth it.

U did look up your location here?
http://www.dji.com/flysafe/no-fly

I find DJI site lacking a bit.. like I do not see "green zones" in here, which are still restricted, but require caution... maybe I am using it wrong.. I sure see more stuff on my dji go app.....

There are bunch of other sites on the net that have such info.....

This may help you to find where to fly, as well as give you ammo to deal with the airport, where based on this map you actually CAN fly, within certain restrictions....

If you feel comfortable giving us your location here, maybe some other people who fly near airports could look at what's around you, and make suggestions on how to approach things?

Eazy123 Posted at 2016-9-21 22:44
Thank you for all the info, everyone.  I may have to hold off   I called the airport near me and  ...

I'm sorry you live right under the approach path and it is much safer for you not to fly while at your home.
Flying at home can get boring anyways, these aircraft have amazing cameras, buy one and take it out to cool flying sites and get photos/videos or great scenery.

Phantomski Posted at 2016-9-22 02:59
U did look up your location here?
http://www.dji.com/flysafe/no-fly

I must have been looking under the map for the Phamtom 2 - that gave the green circles and everything.  I know the drone coordinator told me anything within 5 miles needs a notification and he said "I can tell you right now they will say no as you're directly under the approach path and could cause problems".

Location would be Foxboro Drive, Wheeling, IL.

It's just kinda nuts that I can stand on the top of my apartment building to check the meters (and have a plane damn near take my head off) but I can't fly a drone at any height.  

You weren't lying when you said that you live right under the approach path.  I work only a few miles from you but I live way out west so I do not have your issues.  I just bought a P4 2 weeks ago and have only made 2 flights on it.  Though it is fun to take pics and video of where you live, you can only do that for so long before you are looking to find better scenery.  So I wouldn't let your location hold you back.  I have really enjoyed learning about the aircraft and it's capabilities, and I am chomping at the bit to find more time behind the sticks.  I am constantly thinking of places that I want to go check out and get some video of.

3LKdmyveFTRA Posted at 2016-9-22 04:35
You weren't lying when you said that you live right under the approach path.  I work only a few mile ...

Lol I wouldn't kid.  That's cool someone else who knows the area is on here!  Yeah out west around Johnsburg, Lake In The Hills...I'm sure there's plenty of spots to fly out there.  

So you don't regret your purchase then?  I noticed there's a drone club meeting this Saturday in the area.  Unfortunately you must have an AMA card and that's $75 right there.