A. Understand Drone Operations

If you plan on flying a drone, you need to follow all the regulations in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

For starters, if your drone weighs 250 grams to 25 kg, you must hold a valid pilot certificate whether it is for basic or advanced operations.

For Basic operations, you must:

• Not flying in controlled spaces, around airports,
  government   buildings or military bases.
• Be over 14 years old
• Register your drone before you fly it
• Register and pass the Small Basic Exam
• Have a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations

As for advanced operations, you must:

1. be over 16 years old
2. Take and pass the Small Advanced Exam
3. Pass the in-person flight review before you can qualify to
   apply for a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations
4. Pay a $25 fee
5. Submit the results to Transport Canada. They will confirm that you meet all these qualifications, and will
   issue the Pilot certificate for advanced operations to you.
6. Fly a drone marked with a unique identification number or
   registration code provided by Transport Canada.

B. While Flying a Drone

You must have a pilot certificate while flying a drone and meet all the set regulations.
Failure to which you attract fines or penalties.
For instance, if you fly a drone without having a pilot certificate, yet it has a maximum takeoff weight of 250g to 25 kg, you will attract fines as shown in the table below.

Also, you should take time to understand all the features your drone comes with.

Most drones for example have a Return-to-Home (RTH) feature, that ensures that the drone returns to its starting point if the battery gets low or loses connection with the operator.

Other features include

1. Geofencing. It prevents your drone from flying into restricted areas.
2. GPS module. Shows the exact positioning data that the drone uses for RTH and geofencing
3. Cameras. They capture all the pictures and videos from an aerial point of view. Cameras are one of the most important and must-have features of a drone, So while flying your drone, ensure that the camera is working perfectly and if you can you can attach more with a high resolution.
4. Collision avoidance sensors. They assist in detecting any obstacles in the flight path and adjusting the drone to avoid crashes.

C. General Safety Rules

Other than flying with a pilot certificate, you must respect other people’s privacy when you fly.

Also, you must adhere to these drone safety regulations:

• Always survey the area you intend to fly to. This allows you to detect any obstacles, analyze any tricky terrain that may interfere with landing or takeoff, and confirm that there are no regulations or limits.
• If you plan to fly your drone at night, ensure you install lights on it so that you can see it well
• Fly your drone away from bystanders, emergency operations, forest fires, airports and outside controlled airspace
• Always keep your drone in sight ( Visual-line-of-sight or VLOS), less than 400 feet in the air.
• Never engage in reckless behaviour that might hurt people, animals, and other aircraft.
• Keep up with the latest regulations, as they are subject to change.

Enroll in a Comprehensive Drone Pilot Training Course

To better understand the basics of drone regulations and pass the online exams easily so that you can become a drone pilot, you need to enroll in a drone pilot training course with us.

At Coastal Drone, we understand that flying a drone requires a firm grasp of the subject matter.

So, we ensure that you receive hands-on training from experienced instructors who have the practical knowledge to guide you effectively.

And to avoid leaving you out in the cold after you finish the drone pilot training course, we also offer ongoing support or resources after the completion of the course.

Contact us today to book a slot in our drone pilot training course to take your first step in being part of the incredible world of drone flying.

I. Not Adhering to Local Regulations and Airspace Restrictions

Flying a drone brings along several issues like compromising safety and personal privacy. 

The consequences of this mistake are dire as your drone can be confiscated and it can take a long time before you can get it back. Also, in some extreme circumstances like flying near an airport that has the potential to interfere with aircraft operations, possibly causing a crash can lead to hefty fines or even jail time.

For example, the table below shows some of the fines you could face if you do not follow Canadian drone flying rules and regulations.

Solutions

1.During your pre-flight and terrain checks, research the local restrictions and rules online—Transport Canada or from the local aviation authority. These include checking whether there are no-fly zones like:

• Airports
• Heliports
• Military bases
• Prisons

2.Check for any altitude restrictions.

For example, in Canada, you cannot fly a drone above  400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace.

Also, as a drone operator, you must fly away from bystanders, forest fires, and outdoor concerts (unless you have permission).

II. Inadequate Flying Safety Procedures

Just like flying an airplane, operating a drone requires you to prioritize your safety and the environment around you.
Failure to observe drone flying safety procedures leads to losing control of the drone and potentially injuring other people or colliding with objects and trees. This causes injuries, property damage, or even death.

Solutions

1. Maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with your drone if you do not have a visual observer and ensure you do not hit or harm other people, animals, trees, buildings, cars and airplanes.
2. Get permission from Transport Canada to use a drone in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight). BVLOS allows you to fly your drone while it is not in your line of sight and there is no visual observer.
3. Read the drone manual before you start using it to learn about all its flight modes and safety features and measures. Also, always refer to the manual before you become an experienced drone operator as this will provide some knowledge required to fly the drone safely.
4. Stay updated with drone flying safety procedures by subscribing to well-known manufacturers, and operators or joining relevant online communities.
5. Carry out pre-flight checklists and inspections. These include:

• Check you have charged the batteries properly
• Inspect the drone for any physical damage or loose parts
• Ensure the Return-to-Home (RTH) function works accurately by performing a pre-flight test flight. RTH is a feature in most drones that ensures that the drone returns to the designated coordinate you save as home ( in most cases the starting point) safely.

Enroll in Comprehensive Drone Pilot Training Programs

You need to get drone pilot training from expert trainers to avoid making these mistakes like not adhering to local regulations, neglecting re-flight checklists and flying safety practices.

The drone pilot training program also needs to be comprehensive in order to offer value.

Therefore, you need to ensure that you enroll in a program run and instructed by professionals like Coastal Drone, with years of experience and who understand the industry’s dos and don’ts.

Also, through our training, we explain how we overcome the mistakes we made when we were starting our drone flying journey. 

Therefore, we are able to provide tips and tricks to help you avoid these common mistakes through our firsthand personal experiences.

Contact us today to enroll in our comprehensive training program to learn the necessary skills and gain confidence as you become a competent drone operator who does not make mistakes.

1. Planning and Surveying

While flying a drone, you need to understand your terrain. You need to know where the slopes, water bodies, cliffs, and dense trees are. You also need to understand any elevation changes as these may affect how you operate your drone.

Also, as a surveyor or project manager, it makes it easy for you to identify potential hazards or other existing obstacles like water bodies that you need to consider in the planning process.

For instance, if the detailed drone map shows that the house or road you want to build lies in an area that needs levelling or stabilizing, you can allocate the needed resources. Similarly, you can be able to map out your route while drone flying to avoid any obstacles like trees or buildings.

Therefore, this data helps interested parties devise a feasible plan taking into consideration any challenges they may encounter.

2. Improved Decision-making

Running a project in whichever kind of industry requires making informed decisions, and so does operating a drone. But it is hard to make these decisions in a timely manner if the data you are using is not accurate or lacks some of the crucial aspects like steep inclines, presence of trees, restricted zones or waterbodies.

Also, you are able to visualize your project in better detail as the drone maps are usually from an aerial view. This way, you can see angles you may have missed during any planning that lets you come up with a better or improved infrastructure.

For example, if you want to build a hotel on the beach, you need to use a drone map since it’s always in aerial view, allowing you to see all the minute details you might have otherwise missed from information gathered from other viewpoints.

So, knowing where to put the rooms is crucial when working with your contractors and architects to design the best building plan because this is the selling point for your hotel.

On the other hand, operating a drone without an extensive map is like flying blind and you run the risk of failing to reach your objective because you can’t account for all the risks.

3. Contribute to Environmental Conservation

Here is how a detailed drone map may contribute to environmental conservation as shown in the table below.

Learn to Use a Detailed Drone Map like an Expert

Having a drone map is better than having none, but knowing what to look for in a detailed map is something else.

You need to know how to read the elevation data, contours, and slope analysis, including the challenging terrains found in Canada.

Then, you should use this information to adjust your drone the next time you fly it.

However, you will not be able to learn this unless you attend a drone pilot training institution such as Coastal Drone, which has expert instructors.

To enroll in our drone pilot training ,contact us today and be well-equipped to adjust your drone flights by effectively utilizing detailed drone maps.

Design and Build Quality

Mavic 3E and Phantom 4 RTK have a sleek aerodynamic design that makes it easy to fly and maneuver.

However, Mavic 3E is portable. This makes it easy to transport as you can carry the drone in one hand and deploy it when needed. It is also lighter, weighing 1050g, while the Phantom 4 RTK weighs 1391 g at takeoff.

On the other hand, the Phantom 4 RTK is not foldable, so it is more bulky.

Therefore it takes more space, and if you are planning on travelling a lot while using the drone, Mavic 3E is the better choice.

Camera and Gimbal

Despite both drones having 20MP resolution, the Mavic 3E still takes the crown for camera performance, as it has better image quality even in low light.

And the table below demonstrates how different these two drone cameras are.

Performance

Both drones have impressive flight capabilities, but Mavic 3E has a longer battery life of 45 minutes compared to the Phantom 4 RTK, with 30 minutes.

Also, Mavic 3E has a better orthophoto efficiency covering 2.25 square kilometres with 5cm GSD while Phantom 4 RTK has a 2.74cm.

Additionally, Mavic 3E is three times better than Phantom 4 RTK as it has the Smart Oblique Capture. This feature enables Mavic 3E’s gimbal to automatically rotate in front, middle and back, which enables the drone to take perfect 3D images.

Still, both drones have a mechanical shutter that prevents motion blur while capturing images. A mechanical shutter allows for more precision control over exposure and reduces motion blur when capturing fast-moving subjects.

Price

DJI Mavic 3E costs $3,659 on Amazon, while Phantom 4 RTK costs $6,600 in most online shops.

Even though Mavic 3E is more advanced than Phantom 4 RTK, the low price point should not excite you, yet. This is because you need to add more hardware and software to the Mavic 3E before you can enjoy its advanced features.

For example, you need the following:

• RTK module. It allows for extreme precise positioning and navigation of a drone which is useful in surveying, mapping and inspection.
• Battery kit. It has a set of additional batteries and a charger which comes in handy if you anticipate using the Mavic 3E for more than 45 minutes.
• Tripod. It helps stabilize the drone during takeoff and landing and keeps it steady during filming or photography while not in an aerial view.
• Drone case. This is a protective case used to store and transport a drone and its accessories, thus guaranteeing its safety.

However, the Phantom 4 RTK has the RTK module built-in, so you do not need to attach it later.

Become a Certified Drone Pilot

To enjoy piloting these advanced drones, you must undergo training by professionals.

During your training session with us, you will thoroughly understand how to fly the Mavic 3E and Phantom 4 RTK to achieve the best results.

You also understand the rules and regulations, including the licenses you should have to pilot these drones without breaking the law.

Additionally, we provide flight simulations and hands-on training sessions to help you master the skills to perfection. And after you complete your training course, you will receive a professional certificate to demonstrate that you are proficient in drone piloting.

But that’s not all.

At Coastal Drone we are professional drone pilots known for our skills, we share tips and tricks that have worked for us over the years to ensure that your work may be photos or videos that stand out from the crowd.

And, because we live in an era with so many possibilities for using a drone, contact us today to enroll in our drone piloting course and become the creme de la creme of the drone piloting world.

Resources:

1. https://coptrz.com/blog/dji-mavic-3-enterprise-v-dji-phantom-4-rtk/https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/dji-mavic-3-enterprise-vs-dji-phantom-4-rtk
2. https://www.syndico.net/introducing-the-dji-mavic-3-enterprise-the-replacement-for-phantom-4-rtk/#:~:text=Drones%20are%20one%20of%20the%20newest%20and%20most%20popular%20innovations%20for%20surveyors.
3. https://www.aerotas.com/blog/dji-mavic-3-enterprise-rtk-review#:~:text=The%20RTK%20specifications%20of%20the,to%20the%20Phantom%204%20RTK.
4. https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/dji-mavic-3-enterprise-vs-dji-phantom-4-rtk
5. https://www.dji.com/nl/mavic-3-enterprise
6. https://www.dji.com/nl/phantom-4-rtk
7. https://www.amazon.ca/DJI-Mavic-More-Combo-Omnidirectional/dp/B09HH9BG5M/

1. Camera Quality

DJI Mavic 3T has a high-quality camera perfect for mapping as it has the following specification shown in the table below:

2. Flight Time

While mapping, the last thing you need is your drone running out of juice mid-flight.

Luckily DJI Mavic 3T boosts an impressive battery life of 45 minutes which is better compared to the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom at 31 minutes. Therefore you can spend half an hour capturing stunning, accurate, and detailed footage that you can use for mapping.

You can also get a perfect shot by using a range of intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack, Point of Interest, Waypoints, and Follow Me. These intelligent modes allow you to fly your drone autonomously along a predetermined path.

3. Safety, Stability, and Precision

Mapping relies heavily on safety, stability, and precision due to the accuracy and quality of data collected, and all of these features are features that DJI Mavic 3T delivers on all fronts.

On safety, the DJI Mavic 3T features the following:

• Emergency stop button that halts all motors bringing the drone to a standstill to avoid a collision.
• Low battery protection. It brings the drone back to its starting position (takeoff) when the battery starts running low.
• Automatic return-to-home. This is just like low-battery protection but instead low connection activates this feature.

Then on stability, DJI Mavic 3T has advanced sensors to keep it stable even in the harshest conditions like wind, ensuring the data you capture is not blurred.

Finally, the DJI Mavic 3T advanced camera features ensures that you collect accurate data, which is crucial in mapping.

4. Software

There are different software available that help you create accurate and detailed maps.

So when purchasing a drone for mapping you need to ensure that it is compatible with user-friendly software that even a novice can use to capture accurate and detailed footage.
And the DJI Mavic 3T does not fail in this sector.

For example, if you want to create a 3D model of a terrain, you can use DJI Terra, Pix4D, or DroneDeploy which are photogrammetry software.

Enroll in a Drone Pilot Course

Owning a DJI Mavic 3T means you need to have a drone pilot Certificate.
It a legal requirement to obtain a drone pilot license from Transport Canada. Learning from a reputable company like Coastal Drone opens up a world of opportunities for mapping projects as it shows you have the expertise to pilot this beast.

Also, you get to experience compressive hands-on training, as our experts cover all aspects of drone piloting. From basic to advanced techniques, we got you covered.

Additionally, we help you stay up to date with the latest drone technologies and regulations that may help you carry out successful mapping.

Enroll in our drone pilot training program and let us help you soar to new heights in the exciting world of drone mapping.

1. Start With a Beginner Drone

The thrill of flying a drone may entice you to jump into the big leagues of using a fancy high-tech drone.

But, while still learning to improve your skills, you should use a beginner-friendly model.

A beginner-friendly model will have the below features:

2. Join a Drone Racing or Freestyle Community 

Joining a community like MultiGP Drone Racing might help you improve your skills.

But why a community, you might ask?

For starters, you will have a chance to network with other pilots who may be more experienced and familiar with more flying techniques so that you can learn from them.

Also, some communities organize regular flying events.

These events help keep you motivated and engaged while providing constructive feedback. In return, you can improve and refine your flying skills over time.

3. Watch Training Videos Online

Youtube, DJI Academy, and our site provide drone training videos that you can watch and help you improve your skills.

Watching training videos online offers interactive features like tests, quizzes, and discussion forums. These features give you the opportunity to improve your skills while interacting with other students.

Additionally, you can return to any training material whenever you want, as you can access past training materials.

4. Keep Your Drone in Sight and Learn the Controls

When you fly your drone while it’s in sight, you can see its movement and understand its behaviour.

So you can anticipate its movements and adjust your controls accordingly.

However, you cannot do this if you don’t understand how the drone’s controls work.

Drone controls include moving the drone in any direction, rotating, landing, and turning Return to Home on.

Therefore, knowing how to control your drone smoothly depends on precision and confidence.

So the better you understand your drone, the easier it will be for you to master operating it effectively.

5. Have Fun

Time flies when you’re having fun, so if you are having trouble concentrating while training to fly a drone, you should learn how to enjoy it.

Not only will you yearn to hold the remote control to have a joyful ride capturing amazing landscapes or sunsets, but you will also improve with time.

Also, you will get to be creative and practice or come up with unique ways of flying your drone in order to achieve your goal. 

For example, if you want to use your drone for photography, you can experiment with shooting images in any resolution until you get the one you prefer.

Plus, when you’re having fun, you will not feel like giving up, which means you will get more practice and improve while at it. 

Enroll in Drone Pilot Training

You must understand the regulations and safety practices to fly your drone better. You can learn all this if you invest in drone pilot training. 

You will also understand flight dynamics. Drone stability? Aced. Control of the drone? Mastered.

Mastering these skills will help you save time and reduce battery consumption as you easily cover larger areas.

Additionally, you will interact with professionals who will share tips and tricks for flying the drone in different weather conditions without crushing it.

Call us today to enroll in our drone piloting classes to help you become a more efficient and skilled drone pilot.

Resources:

• https://turntechs.ca/5-tips-to-become-a-better-drone-pilot-through-practice/
• https://www.droneblog.com/11-tips-for-improving-your-drone-flying-skills/
• https://geoinfotech.ng/7-tips-to-increase-your-drone-flying-skills/
• https://www.multigp.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVzQnLZ_ldw
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG2tXoq0nVw