Can you FLY a DRONE in Los Angeles?

[@craigwflys]

Lived in LA my entire life and just got a Mavic Mini a couple months ago. I live in the SF Valley so I've been to the Airfield in Woodley Park a bunch of times (has a blue Authorization zone) that you must unlock. Flown at a couple of parks locally and haven't had any issues. This is what I love about the Mini it's so small and quiet that people really don't notice or find it imposing at all which might be why I haven't got any complaints. As for going to the beach or tourist areas that's probably going to be an issue.

[@johnathancabrera.]

Be sure to join my discord where I am actively working sometimes. Come ask questions, and get some work done. discord.gg/wyStvjjrmm

[@TofferKim]

Thanks on taking the time to do this :)

[@nes.torfernandez]

I fly FPV so is impossible for me to freak out flying my Mavic 2 pro 🤣

[@johnathancabrera.]

You are right, in that case I would be scared lol

[@5150B9]

I am born and raised in southern California and just got my first drone 2 days ago, some cheap $250 holy stone one, not bad for the price actually pretty good, but then read up on the DJI mini 3 pro.... So i'm on day 3 and just flew my Mini 3 pro for the first time an hour ago lmao. This thing is half the size of my first one and 20 times better in every category lol.

[@johnathancabrera.]

That’s so exciting. I really want to try out some of the newer drones but haven’t had a chance. If you do start posting I would love to see some footage!

[@5150B9]

@@johnathancabrera. it is, I used to fly rc helicopters back in my mid to high school days but this is much more fun combining that with actual high level photography/ videography. If you haven't seen footage from the mini 3 pro you'd be amazed honestly. Even the most basic moves come out looking like a professional TV series lol. Once I get my new SD card tomorrow I'll record some footage to post so you can see what I mean.

[@5150B9]

@@johnathancabrera. Just posted a couple clips I got from the new Mini Pro 3 if you want to check it out.

[@5150B9]

@@johnathancabrera. trust when I say the only new drone you need to get is the Mini pro 3. Out of all the ones I researched at least for 1k or less the mini pro 3 has no competition. Highly suggest checking it out brutha.

[@BryantAvant]

Not trying to be negative but this video didn't answer my questions and it was pretty condescending. Not sure who or what it's for.

[@johnathancabrera.]

What were your questions?

[@2Bluzin]

It's actually illegal to fly a drone from ALL LA city parks, not just Griffith. There's an old law on the books they use to arrest people. So parks are out even though I have seen several drone blogs say McArther and Silver Lake, Lake Hollywood, those blogs are wrong. They are not, legal, they just copied each other without checking. City of LA regulation SEC. 63.44. (B) (8) states: "No person shall land, release, take off or fly any balloon, helicopter, parakite, hang glider, aircraft or powered models thereof, except in areas specifically set aside therefor." The key word is AIRCRAFT. FAA considers drones to be aircraft. This is the law that they use if you were to try to fly by the Hollywood sign or Griffith Observatory.

[@johnathancabrera.]

Thank you for the info !!

[@speedbird7976]

I disagree with this as they do not own the airspace above the park (unless the FAA doesn’t allow). They are correct in saying you can’t takeoff or land from within the park however nothing can stop me from taking off from a location other than the park and fly over it at that point the FAA owns that airspace and as long as you are complying with their rules you are good. LA country may try to flex their muscle but they are in the wrong. I am an airline pilot so I always play by the FAA rules as I can loose my pilot certificate if I don’t operate my drone within the rules.

[@kevinkolodinsky4805]

This was great thanks! It was perfect for my exact scenario; finding info on whether I can fly at my own house because I’m right south of lax. Didn’t know there was this kind of zoned map on dji. And as for JJ... supposedly if you get an FPV drone and loose signal no sensor will stop it from falling out of the sky and hitting a building...

[@deanbush]

Johnathan, I'm glad to see your video! From where did you take these video clips? I'll be in L.A. for two days in September 2022 and plan to take a drone with me to fly. I've been flying drones for 8 years, but I never even know of the dji map you told about. I've always just used the FAA sectional maps. DJI is good to know about for the Geo blocking they do.

[@johnathancabrera.]

Thank you so much for watching and I’m so sorry I’m late to respond. I actually took this a little bit outside the city. I like to find little neighborhoods that are quiet and I quickly launch up my drone making sure I don’t bother anyone.

[@adrianwong4655]

Yo, this super helps. I see tons of people flying a drone near InterContinental Hotels on instagram.

[@johnathancabrera.]

it's crazy if they are. I always try to go to a secluded area.

[@erickgee8381]

DONT REGISTER DRONE IF YOURE SPYING

[@johnathancabrera.]

Facts. Nobody needs to spy.

[@pablojunior323]

Help Im a new drone flyer I recently purchased a Mavic 2 Pro and from Elmonte California any spots I can practice and get comfortable with drone flying Im a hobbyist not a commercial or bussiness just recreational

[@johnathancabrera.]

I would just recommend places that are not crowded, don't go to beaches or national parks.

[@tunabuildsstuff]

Try hitting up Whittier Narrows since it's right there down the street. I think there's a park near the 60 too where guys will literally bring out RC helicopters and planes.

[@pablojunior323]

Jackson Nguyen Whittier Narrows is big my kids love the lake they miss it

[@TheUndergroundhazard]

@@pablojunior323 El Monte is very crowded. Did you find any good areas to fly?

[@LuchoRandazzo]

I have a Mavic Pro Platinum, I moved to LA almost 2 months ago and I never few yet because I find it dangerous in some point trying to record Santa Monica Pier for example. Helicopters flying low, seagulls, distraction... 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@johnathancabrera.]

How experienced are you?

[@LuchoRandazzo]

@@johnathancabrera. not much yet. My idea is to take a flight course to feel more confident. I only have shorts flight to take a picture or short movies.

[@johnathancabrera.]

@@LuchoRandazzo you’ll get there in no time.

[@kevsster8728]

Call me a pervert find my drone over the beach

[@johnathancabrera.]

I would never call you that! Lol

[@aylinluna8460]

Takes one to know one... perv! Haha Very helpful links!!

[@ericum2340]

Hello I'm planning to travel to LA. I have dji mavic air 2. I check seem LA have a lot restricted area such as Griffin park Hollywood sign. May be it's not good idea to fly for most place in LA. Can you tell me more about which place can fly and how to recognize the zone that is allow to fly or not allow to fly? Before we start to fly.

[@johnathancabrera.]

i would def check the dji map and pick an area that might be a little further of the restricted zone. Also If it looks like it's allowed at a beach or something, fly super early so you don't disturb any people.

[@xavierrose8699]

Hey what's good bro , loved the video. Im traveling to LA for the first time this weekend for a UCLA college tour. Im staying near everything so I wanted to get some shots of the Hollywood sign and maybe the staples center if that's not bad to do. I looked into the DJI app and I did my research on the GEO zones. I just wanted to be EXTRA careful. This is my first time in LA and I've always been a huge fan of the city. Other than those two places I wanted to get some shots on Vince beach, Santa Monica pier, and UCLA after im done touring the campus. if you could tell me if im good or not flying over those sites that would be great! ( I know not to fly over people). I also have my part 107 license so im not sure if that would help or hurt in certain flying situations maybe? Have a good one!

[@ErikWerlin]

So I live in Los Angeles and Venice Beach you can fly but you must stay under 200 feet due to the distance to the airport and there's only a small section of Venice Beach that you can fly in. Santa Monica i'm not sure on but I believe you need prior FAA Authorization. The Hollywood Sign is a big NO! It is located within the Griffith Park area and Across the United States flying in Nation Parks of any kind is 100% Illegal. I'm not sure on the staples center though, I would do some more research on that. Be smart and fly safe and remember to always follow the rules because anyone who breaks them makes things more difficult for the rest of the drone community. (not saying you'll break the rules but just a reminder)

[@johnathancabrera.]

Thank you for answering erik, i appreciate it.

[@ryderjay0724]

Hello thanks for the advice quick question On the uav coach it says under the place names Controlled uncontrolled that mean?

[@johnathancabrera.]

Controlled airspace is airspace of defined dimensions within which ATC services are provided. The level of control varies with different classes of airspace. Controlled airspace usually imposes higher weather minimums than are applicable in uncontrolled airspace. It is the opposite of uncontrolled airspace.

[@JJ-nj3pd]

Your scenarios are a bit off. Most drones worthy of being registered have all kinds of sensors that really won’t make them crash into a building.. and you just said basically 2 rules.. all the rest was filling in the gaps and really nonsense bs. Sorry dude, work it up.

[@johnathancabrera.]

Ooof. Thanks for the feedback. It’s a learning process.

[@JJ-nj3pd]

Johnathan Cabrera thank you very much for your work tho, you’re making the work others aren’t so we just have to comment. Just do a bit more research, so you don’t lose credibility. Fuck, kindness always (mostly) wins. Keep it up 👍

[@deanbush]

You can't always rely on sensors! People have still crashed drones with six-direction signals, especially if you are flying Sport mode.🤔 The FAA regulation too is that you must stay away from infrastructure and building by 400 feet radius or above.

[@JodyCortes]

do you have to register a toy drone like a Tello just if you be videoing yourself or a selfie ?

[@johnathancabrera.]

No you don’t. It’s to small and doesn’t make weight

[@JodyCortes]

@@johnathancabrera. also any suggestion on other Tello Apps? I see there is a bunch you can add to your Phone .. I am just looking for the drone to do a quick video of me while doing photography and to do selfies when i am in remote places by myself .. love the channel btw

[@johnathancabrera.]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the support. Honestly I would just stick with the DJI app for flying or the tello app if that’s what they use. I haven’t actually used that drone before

[@jordanjohnson9866]

The answer to that question is yes. /

[@johnathancabrera.]

Yes indeed.

[@jonathantse716]

Hey Johnathan, thank you for the video. Do you know if you can fly at places like Santa Monica, Venice beach, Hollywood signs? My girlfriend and I are planning a trip down there from Vancouver, BC next week and would love your input before bringing my Spark down there.

[@jonathantse716]

DJI map seems to be clear but other sites like knowbeforeyoufly.org or airmaps seems to show that you need to ask for permission? Kind of getting confused by the cluster of info on the internet!

[@johnathancabrera.]

I haven’t flown my drone around those areas YET. So it might be a gamble. Make sure you have your permit and any other paper work. Just make sure you don’t fly in any no fly zones. If you do decide to fly it. I’ll be honest sometimes I’m sneaky with it. This is all opinion. If you don’t feel like it’s a good idea then don’t. Go with your gut. Sorry for the late response.

[@ErikWerlin]

So I live in Los Angeles and Venice Beach you can fly but you must stay under 200 feet due to the distance to the airport and there's only a small section of Venice Beach that you can fly in. Santa Monica i'm not sure on but I believe you need prior FAA Authorization. The Hollywood Sign is a big NO! It is located within the Griffith Park area and Across the United States flying in Nation Parks of any kind is 100% Illegal. Be smart and fly safe and remember to always follow the rules because anyone who breaks them makes things more difficult for the rest of the drone community. (not saying you'll break the rules but just a reminder)

[@johnathancabrera.]

Erik Werlin thank you Erik!

[@FishPoker]

What app do u recommend to use to see where its prohibited to fly?

[@johnathancabrera.]

So sorry I didn’t respond, the DJI app you use to fly with shows you where can and can’t fly.