Hi Bruce,

I was in the same boat as you before we bought the first drone, a DJI Spark and upgrade to a better drone if/and when this first drone crashes. Spark is entry level and small quadcopter with great camera for photos and video.

I took a class and then took the Part 107 test and received my FAA Part 107 certification before actually flying for surveying construction projects. It's nice to get an understanding of what the FAA wants you know regarding airspace, airplane, and sectional maps etc..

This is the class I took to prepare for the test: UMTC/Baystate Roads - UMTC



There are other online classes such as uavcoach.com


Best of luck!

Chester Cheng


On Thursday, July 25, 2019, 03:17:25 PM EDT, Bruce Willett <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


Hello NE GISsets,

I am getting a drone, starting on a cheap one to train with and test.
From there depending on how things work out upgrading to a better
model. I do a lot of cartography and small environmental projects.
Light weight is important as I make a lot of trekking maps so
transport via bike or foot. Overall my work is a mixed bag so in the
past a drone has not been needed much. I am looking mainly at the DJI
line of drones, but open to others.  Looking to spend $50 -400 for the
cheap version, then later spending more.

What is the recommendation on how to start out, training in person or
on-line?  Getting a license?  Looking for a 1-3 day short course
maybe?  In the northeast?

Thanks,

bruce


--
.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:..:*~*:._.:*~*:._
Bruce D. Willett
GIS Specialist GISP # 99211
Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG)
Punta Arenas, Chile
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"Life is Too Short for Bad Maps" - SIG Patagon
"La Vida es demasiado Corto para los Mapas Malos" - SIG Patagon

Disclaimer: Opinions stated herein are mine, mine,
mine, all mine and not those of anybody else!!!!
.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:._.:*~*:..:*~*:._.:*~*:._

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