I first want to thank everyone who commented on my post and helped me work thru my decision to start this new hobby that I am so looking forward to. With the help of all your suggestions I have registered with the FAA, emailed my local ATC at the Albany International Airport and received confirmation that my request to fly about 250 above our church (2 miles away from the AP) and that my request has been forwarded to the Tower Chief of the FAA Control Tower and I should hear something next week.
I have also extensively looked into building my own, the DJI phantom 3 and 4 and as one of you suggested looking at the Yuneec Typhoon Q500 and I have talked with both companies. In general it sounds like Yuneec has better customer support which is always important. When I talked with them they said the phantom 4 and Q500 are not really comparable, both have their advantages and disadvantages (not many). From what I have read and heard, it looks like the Q500 is a little easier for a newbie like me.
Another feature I like is that while both have a safe fly zone shutdown feature, DJI requires prior ATC approval and then give you a code with a limited window of operation (understandable). Yuneec requires ATC approval also but it is a simpler process.
Yuneec comes with 2 batteries, a case and a remote with a monitor so no need to purchase an iPad so that is the road I took.
Your suggestions to build my own have also intrigued me so that is not out of the question in my future.
Bottom line, I thank this web site and all that helped me work thru my first purchase and getting into what I think will be such a great and fun hobby.
Bob
I have also extensively looked into building my own, the DJI phantom 3 and 4 and as one of you suggested looking at the Yuneec Typhoon Q500 and I have talked with both companies. In general it sounds like Yuneec has better customer support which is always important. When I talked with them they said the phantom 4 and Q500 are not really comparable, both have their advantages and disadvantages (not many). From what I have read and heard, it looks like the Q500 is a little easier for a newbie like me.
Another feature I like is that while both have a safe fly zone shutdown feature, DJI requires prior ATC approval and then give you a code with a limited window of operation (understandable). Yuneec requires ATC approval also but it is a simpler process.
Yuneec comes with 2 batteries, a case and a remote with a monitor so no need to purchase an iPad so that is the road I took.
Your suggestions to build my own have also intrigued me so that is not out of the question in my future.
Bottom line, I thank this web site and all that helped me work thru my first purchase and getting into what I think will be such a great and fun hobby.
Bob
