So glad I came across this page.
Hey guys. First post..
Apologies.. I'm a bit of a fraud.. I'm not strictly a Mavic owner.. I bought a Spark. Go easy on me
Hope that's OK.
So I live in Sherman Oaks and am trying to get my head around everything. For information, this is the first drone I have ever owned and flown. Wow.
I think I've also broken the rules inadvertently a few times without realising. They don't really make it easy.
First time I flew my drone was the day I got it earlier this week. I just went up in the sky about 250 feet above my apartment. I felt terrified! Like I was doing something wrong and was about to have the feds at the door. Lol. I since then learned that I need to contact Van Nuys airport to inform them. So far so good.
I then just did a couple of low key flights after calling VN ATC. Nobody was answering the phone - either main number or the tower - so I left a voicemail message with my details and plans. I figured since this is just about notifying them, technically, I've done that. Again, just went up a little bit into the air but didn't realise helicopter pads also count. We have a few here including at the hospital but I have no idea who I contact or how (the hospital should be the easier of the three but the others look pretty vague on the various apps.) Has anybody else had any luck?
Yesterday, I took her up to Malibu and got some beautiful footage over Leo Carillo State Beach and then on the way home over the mountains in Calabasas in Topanga State Park. I now realise that I may have done something wrong because the Santa Monica Mountains is a national park but when it says you can fly them in State Parks, that's confusing.. (Topanga State Park and LC State Beach are in the SM Mountains.. so they kind of seem to fall under both categories.)
I feel very nervous using my drone.. I've read stories online of people having police helicopters circle their drones, squad cars, arrests, confiscations, arraignments and huge fines. I don't want to be that guy.
I've heard about the RC Club at Balboa. In fact, I used to go running there and wondered what all that noise was above me. I'm contemplating it but wonder if I have to be a member, if I take off and land there but can then move the drone around over the skies, or do I have to stay within a fixed location above me. Also, do I have to notify VN ATC and all the heliports too when there? It sounds like the RC Club may not be that nice an atmosphere either. Not so welcoming.
Has anyone here in Sherman Oaks navigated the complex world of where they can fly and if so, could you please give me your advice? I would so love to get some beautiful shots of this area. For reference, I'm up by where Ventura Blvd meets VN Blvd (by the Crave Cafe).
I'm currently loving my drone but also rather scared to use it. Every plane i see feels like it could be only 400 feet away but I'm sure it's not. Same with helicopters..
Thanks in advance