Aerial Video is ILLEGAL?! Hands-on: DJI Phantom Quadcopter : Indy News

[@indymogul]

Testing out the DJI Phantom quadcopter, and finding out, is aerial videography really illegal?

[@MOHAMEDLAHMER1953]

I like that

[@Rickycooke1gmail]

i want one but cant afford, i know where to get one cheap though as a rtf. ps fck the government for this law.

[@chicoh22a]

Ricky Cooke XHELI.COM,they have it in all prices,im thinking in getting one ;)

[@jasonfeldman7009]

Ricky Cooke Fk the government? really? You're only saying that because it's restricting something YOU want to do. But when someone else is kept from doing what they want - to protect YOU- it's perfectly okay to have government regulation right? Drones are very neat, hell, I want one, but I also know that there has to be regulation in place to protect innocent lives / property. Like rules in general aviation that keep aircraft away from people/property, or minimum clearances - you can't have people drone flying all over the place. Even with ballistic recovery devices, mark my words, there will be people killed by falling drones. And malfunctions can easily put a drone and a plane full of people on a collision course... Trust me - I know.. I am a pilot of 24 years! Drone users today don't even know what a sectional chart is - but the FAA will make sure they will have an aviation map on hand before flying. And like in air shows = the drones should have vectors away from people - not toward/over. Imagine how you would feel if your kid was killed by a falling drone? Would you say "aww shucks, I understand, it's cool and all - so no, I won' be pressing charges or suing" - no - I don't think so. I bet most people would be calling the police / lawyer if a drone even nicked their paint on their car - let alone fall on it and cause damage. Government could speed up the process no doubt, but I for one think drones should be used very sparingly. Before you know it amazon will have thousands of these things buzzing all around the place - and whats good for the goose..... I am guessing they are the gander! There are a lot of different types of failure, engine failure is but one. Radio failure needs to be addressed further... and they better have a fail safe signal to drop em if needed. There needs to be protection not just around airports, but around instrument approaches, you may know where the local airports are (there are more than you think by the way) but do you know where the step down fixes are? Do you know the clearances? Now, if only we were able to get the government to restrict it's own use of drones - now that would be something!

[@NelsonStJames]

Jason Feldman Actually it just shows how wimpy our society has become. When I was growing up, you had ham radio, model rocket clubs, RC model planes, and the gov't saying "America needs flyers". Heck, you had people designing aircraft in their barns. Now you've got a generation that doesn't get to experience any of that stuff. If you want to regulate it, fine, I'm completely down with that, but it really feels they're just jumping on the little guys that don't have a big lobby behind them like the NRA, when I pretty sure more innocent people are harmed by stuff we wouldn't dare try to restrict than a quadcopter. Then again, we also have a much less responsible (and stupid) population than we had in the past, sure you'd have idiots using these in ways they weren't intended to, but you've got people doing stupid things now with everyday household appliances. Are we going to ban everything? At some point we're going to have to get back to teaching personal responsibility again.

[@indymogul]

I've seen a lot of names used-UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), multicopters, drones. I can definitely understand defining them as drones. Military drones are also unmanned, but operated by a human remotely.

[@indymogul]

Why is today's episode online later than usual? See that crash footage at 2:50? It literally crashed Final Cut Pro! More on that in a special video tomorrow.

[@falcore91]

I like that you gave extra attention to tricks on how to yield better video output without needing a mulit-grand dedicated solution.

[@indymogul]

Problem is every SD card is a little different. I've had poor performance with Class 6 cards in my Hero2, and even a Class 10 card failed in my Hero3, when I attempted to record 1080 in Protune mode.

[@DroneGirl1]

Hey guys I am from Ireland! I have a drone myself and love sharing my videos on KZbin! It is brilliant technology! Love flying around Ireland castles, bridges, rivers, Irish sea ! :) Thanks be to God no restrictions in Ireland, yet.

[@kryptonking2295]

although i only make videos for fun and have only been doing it a very short time this channel has helped me alot redo old videos find alot of ppl for inspiration just wanted to say cheers for the help and thank you

[@indymogul]

Ladies and gentlemen, Matt Edwards! If you have any detailed questions about RC or piloting the Phantom, he's your guy!

[@Mrthenitoman]

The company that owns the phantom said they will have the quadcopter with gimbal included I saw it at the NAB in Las Vegas, and the footage looks awesome

[@indymogul]

Me, no. But that's because I know I'm not great at flying RC stuff. Maybe later, if I had some free time, it would be a fun hobby.

[@KlausEnser]

if you would like to see the Phantom using the new Gimbal stabilization system: look for DJI- Phantom - Zenmuse h3-2d Gimbal that works more than perfect. No more stabilization afterwards is necessary!

[@dphotos007]

I have flying RC planes for years and I am a member of the AMA. The insurance is not cover business pursuits and you have to follow the AMA safe flying recommendations and knowingly flying over people is not recommended so the insurance will not be valid. You can visit the AMA website for all the rules.

[@GiveEmHellMCR]

Hey Griffin I tried Sriracha for the first time today and loved it! Lucky I already donated to you in aticipation of me loving it.

[@indymogul]

Yep-that's exactly how royalty-free music is intended to be used.

[@chempranav]

Thanks for featuring quadcopter & legal issue related to its flying. I was mesmerised by these drones when I first checked the footage on youtube.

[@mcgriddlefarts]

I'm more impressed by the people who make amazing quad videos with toy or hobby grade, not so much the pros with their high price Riggs

[@einsteincreative]

Wow, I didn't know you were the one that created this product. I heard and read all about it but just stumbled here by accident. Just wanted you to know that I am excited to get mine given the way I plan on using it as a number four camera, I think this (and whoever created the gopro, I have a couple for sports shots) is straight up a genius in my book. Way to go. I don't even have it yet and I'm already thanking you. Good job!!! People like you who allow us on a budget to get the shots we otherwise couldn't do without spending a fortune. Which I've done already. This thing pays for itself in one day. Looking forward to it and I hope I get the hang of using it.

[@indymogul]

That is a giant property, right? Not my house! It's in a rural community outside Bloomington, Illinois.

[@MileCreations]

Purchased this myself a months back. The air authority people in Australia told us that even $1 on KZbin is illegal. In my opinion that still falls under a hobby so we should be allowed to earn money on KZbin. Licences here are several thousand dollars but that is meant to change soon and once it has I'll have tonnes of videos up!

[@LittleW00d]

At the BVE Expo in London this year I met up with the company that makes the quadcopter and a few of the companies that fly them. There's good money to be made with these R/C helicopters. However they have said that you need a license to show that you're capable of flying the thing safely in the UK, of course you're limited to 400ft and can only fly it within visual range.

[@myfriendmoses]

I have a computer setup to be able to control my R/C chopper, It's much easier with a joystick to get the nice smooth flights. It also sends back a live feed for FPV

[@delaneypratt]

I have the phantom and I have a gopro black edition. It's a great setup and the phantom is VERY VERY easy to use straight out of the box.

[@FangsCPO]

Just do a google search and you'll find all kinds of distributers. They are worldwide so check the listing carefully. Good Luck!

[@funnyflix2]

My experience says to use your iPod and save for a nicer camera. There's a FilmRiot episode that talks all about iPod/iPhone filmmaking, i recommend checking it out. It's called: "Shoot a Film With an iPhone and FiLMiC Pro!" My reason for the iPod is you get the capability of 1080 at 30 (or 24 with the App covered in the episode) fps, which isn't easy to find in such a low priced camera. If you invest the money into lighting, you'd be surprised at what your iPod can do. Hope that helps. :)

[@Matter923]

Being an RC junkie, I would like to mention that drones and RC aerial vehicles are not the same. Drones can not be used for commercial. RC quadcopters can, if the operator is in control for the duration of which it is being used commercially. A drone by definition, (call me out if I'm wrong, I haven't actually checked the legal def. ) is an autonomous aerial vehicle that is unmanned. People have been putting cameras on rc helicopters for ages and that was never illegal.

[@melvoid]

Yeah, I bought a Phantom too, right after losing a much cheaper one in the woods near my house. Sad thing is, it's within maybe a hundred yards of my door, but I can't fine it. Good news is, I've had the Phantom for a month and it's still in my possession.

[@triathl33t]

Depends on the camera, even a Class 10 card is not fast enough for a hacked GH1/GH2 unless it is rated even faster.

[@spamsfilms]

One thing you could do with go pro footage to make it look good is the fix the fish eye effect, it helps make the stabilisation look good :)

[@natalramos4988]

Great video man im just waiting for my quad and hopefully uploading some videos also. Warm greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@chefkendranguyen]

I have a idea for using one, but I don't have an extra $1300 lying around, nor do I know how to fly a RC. But it looks cool.

[@indymogul]

It's the FAA!

[@Ben7seven7]

There is no 400 foot max altitude limit enforceable law current on the records by FAA. It's only a suggested guidance. And it's for flying within 3 miles of an airport.

[@5Dragon23]

Very nice and informative drone vid. Than you Griffin.

[@PhinioxGlade]

In Australia this drone when a camera is attached is classed as a UAV. You need a licence for commercial use, it requires training from the manufacture of the drone. These laws are years old and designed for much larger UAVs.

[@indymogul]

That's sad. I'm sorry.

[@timmyj2008]

For the same money, 3DRobotics Arducopter is a bit more flexible, though has a much higher learning curve to start. The modular nature of the arducopter makes it much easier to repair in the event of a crash. I've crashed my $1000 arducopter from 350ft, and only had a $95.00 repair...and some really cool crash video to boot! My only advice to those of you who pick up RC flying is to be sure to trust your equipment enough that your instinct isn't to kamikaze when something unexpected happens.

[@RedCornStudios]

There were new FAA rules a few years back. Basically they say now if you are paid to shoot aerial video/photo it's "illegal". To be honest though it's so fuzzy and not enforced it's hard to say do/don't do this.

[@bdesaw]

The rules regarding how you may place objects in the sky (flyable airspace) are laws in the sense if you violate those "rules" you will find yourself incarcerated, or with "legal" problems. There are certain areas of airspace you cannot enter with a remotely piloted vehicle. Endanger civil/commercial aviation with a RPV, RC, AP vehicle and you will see the similarity between "Rules" and "Laws".

[@delaneypratt]

@anigamor Thank you for the suggestions, I will definitely look into the spot locator you spoke of. Cheers :)

[@rcartelian]

"Flyaway" Naza ? Your suggestion might be a good idea, since i mounted a gimbal to. I think will be the first think i will do today. Sorry for Your lost.

[@thewholetrail]

the 60 fps or a high shutter speed setting (if you could do that manually on a gopro) will help with the jello effect. especially after stabilizing in post.

[@00bluemoose]

You're the man Griffin!

[@indymogul]

Matt recommends Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) insurance to cover liability issues that could arise.

[@einsteincreative]

Personally, I can't wait to get mine. I do videography (both professionally but also for fun like everyone else) and there are rules in my city (philly) BUT if your serious about doing city aerial, or doing a pro ariel shot over a high populated area, you can shoot that stuff from a helicopter (rentals are everywhere) using what's called a "gyro stabilizer" (helicopters are very shaky) which is too much to buy but you can rent one or not depending on if you need total pro end product...after effects warp stabilizer is good enough if your not going for total pro (I say why not always though) but the better the original shot is the better it will be in post no matter how skilled you are in after effects or final cut etc. I can't wait to buy this thing to use because of its endless applications of going where "even no helicopter can travel". I imagine with a lot of practice flying and controlling, knowledge and of course creativity, we can all start shooting like Hollywood without the price tag. As for the legalities, are you serious?..... I'd be way more concerned with smashing it in attempting on getting my shots than a police officer saying "Hey you can't do that here"..lol..Great invention! Bravo to the inventor of this. Thank god for Kickstarter right? Peace.

[@crashmantan]

No the AR Drone with a $40 attachment is the cheapest. It already comes with 2 HD cameras that you can record on and attach a gopro to after the attachment

[@cjromberger5020]

Great information! Thx for sharing this!

[@Cyberdactyl]

This may have already been mentioned, but vibration will travel through ANY link in the connection. While he DOES have moon gel under the large pad, he has simple rubber 'washers' for his screws. Screws which are attached DIRECTLY to the quad, pretty much defeating most efforts at isolation. Also, if you DYI a multirotor instead of off the shelf RTF (ready to fly) overpriced quads, you can lift ANY camera WITH a gimbal for under $600.

[@joanevans9508]

Let me get this straight. In the USA you can own as many guns as you want and carry them around, even into a Starbucks in some states, BUT commercial use of a quadcopter is illegal? I can understand keeping them away from airports and where there may be low flying aircraft, but WTF? No commercial use? Weird.

[@viewgalliaohio]

Where did you get the 400' altitude and 1/4 mile from an airport information? The FAA's AC 91-57 "encourages voluntary compliance" [sic] with the 400' altitude ONLY when flying within 3 miles of an airport. You'll find more information about the 400' limit on the AMA's web blog from 3/8/2012.

[@HowBizarreChannel]

What a great tool for real estate videos!

[@MacAttack001]

Without getting into the weeds...the GPS flight feature would be the crossover point between an RC vehicle and a drone. As photobart1 points out, the 400 feet elevation limit is another critical factor especially if the flight data is being recorded...and what isn't being recorded these days.

[@ke4uyp]

Class 6 SDHC card @ 6 Megabytes/sec (MB) is = to 48 megabits/sec (mb) Most people never even notice the cards are rated in MB per second not megabits Any one shooting in the AVCHD format at 1080p will have no problem with a class 6 card

[@CrawfordProdTV]

Clarification... The minimum distance from an airport is 3 miles! Search FAA and AC 91-57 for the pdf

[@VestedUTuber]

That's the whole "quarter mile" clause, where airliners are flying through the otherwise "safe zone" of 400 feet. That area is off limits to all aircraft that aren't landing or taking off regardless of certification. If it were entirely as you say, I would have been locked away in a maximum security prison years ago for flying a Blade 120SR (a small, limited range RC heli) outside for five minutes in my front yard - which happens to be within a mile of an approach path.

[@SVELFARO]

Multirotors sure have made aerial video a lot easier, helicopters require much more skill, and it hard to get a steady shot on an airplane. Thanks for a another great vid.

[@Mazda6B6]

Yup, this is correct. DJI is headquartered right here in Austin Texas.

[@100percentsnow]

This episode was great.. and the FFA has no right to limit what we do with RC Helicopters which i dont think should be classified as drones.

[@Matter923]

Yeah, I feel politicians/lawmakers leave a lot of vagueness for there purpose. Ultimately, things start getting questionable when GPS auto and thing like ArduPilot are used. For film making purposes I would suggest using it as a model aircraft and that is allowed to be used commercially, since I haven't seen any autonomous flight videos that would fit the likings of this community.

[@alwaysfurther]

very good video, fat thumbs up! best wishes from germany. Martin & Daniela

[@kimfootball]

I don't have one but it's just fun to watch this kind of videos :)

[@ronshow100]

last year I had the idea if inventing something exactly like that, only the idea. but then now I see it existing

[@VestedUTuber]

From the FAA website: Do I need to get approval from the FAA to fly a model aircraft for recreation? No. FAA guidance does not address size of the model aircraft. FAA guidance says that model aircraft flights should be kept below 400 feet above ground level (AGL), should be flown a sufficient distance from populated areas and full scale aircraft, and are not for business purposes.

[@TheDanzman1211]

Nice. I will look into IndyMogul.

[@Mazda6B6]

Have you read the rules regarding it.... It's not completely illegal. BTW, DJI Innovation is headquartered* right here in Austin, Texas, where I live. I will continue to fly my drone! :)

[@nickfury1279]

My question is, why is it illegal to take aerial video for commercial purposes using a remote-controlled aircraft? It's perfectly fine to do it with a full-sized, manned aircraft. But the moment a camera-equipped RC aircraft comes into play, everyone loses their minds!

[@tstuff]

Because those helicopter companies wrote the rules. You would be surprised how many laws stopping smaller companies from doing something cheaper and easier are blocked by bigger companies buying politicians.

[@tstuff]

That and they can be dangerous if people do not take some safety precautions first.

[@nickfury1279]

tstuff Yeah, drones can be dangerous if you use them improperly and fly recklessly, but if you know what you're doing, they're actually pretty safe to use. Which is more dangerous in a crash? A tiny, camera-equipped RC aircraft, or a full-sized, manned airplane or helicopter? Besides, RC drones are easier and considerably less expensive to operate than manned aircraft.

[@tstuff]

I think the rule is stupid about this. Most people spending more then $1000 are going to be careful with their equipment. I think maybe a small business insurance policy would be good for anyone flying them just to cover themselves and equipment in the event of theft or damage. That and on occasion unforeseen things can happen. If you drop one of those on a car you should be prepared to cover repairs. Outside of that it looks like it would be fun to get into this. I was looking at one rig that runs about $4000 and has a monitor on the controller and the camera video image looks much better then this.

[@samin90]

You'll need a more powerful copter to take off with it, most likely a hexcopter if not an octocopter.

[@abcvideoyoutuization]

I am going off the news reports that I heard. They did not expounded on the subject and I did not look into it.

[@cmccormick1121]

Unfortunately, FPV (First Person View, which was mentioned), is also illegal in the U.S. now. Unless you are being paid for it, and have a permit, you cannot use FPV. Even with a spotter, the FAA wants pilots to be looking directly at the aircraft. Also, for operating RC aircraft within 5 miles of an airport, operators have to notify the tower, even if the drones are flying under 400ft (full size aircraft cannot fly under 500 feet, and usually don't get under 1000 unless they're landing).

[@FAIRDINKIUM]

There are many hobbyists that have made joysticks that connect to a transmitter that does the same job. There are MANY advantages to using a joystick to learn RC more natural feel you have already got a good idea of movements by playing flight sims on PC anyway which = less crashes more chance of recovery, less expensive by NOT crashing so often when learning - dont get me wrong Wheels used to be made of wood NOW we have radials.& so (2 sticks) will be replaced by an easier control system.

[@xprotestorx]

FYI... Dampen means to make wet. Damp means to reduce vibration.

[@wiseguy3696]

The law to ban the [commercial] use of drones was meant for the sake of privacy. Some people feared that they would be watched by neighbors, businesses, and the government. Personally, I believe drone bans are dumb, since they proved to be incredibly useful, especially in search parties for missing people or in disaster situations.

[@MaskinJunior]

In Sweden it is legal, even for commercial use, until you fly so far away you cant see the drone with your own eyes.

[@FaldsteinFilms1]

That is the coolest tool a DIY filmmaker could have...I want one!

[@rickmasters818]

I was thinking of getting a more expensive Quadcopter but after watching this video I have changed my mind & am going to go with the DJI Phantom

[@breadman32398]

alright, the thing that always gets me is how much the programs cost. like $600 for adobe after effects and $200 for Final cut!! No way can I afford that so what free/cheap programs can i use for editing colors, stabilizing video, simple things like that, I'm new to the whole video making scene.

[@DannyTaddei]

I just ran across this video and thought I'd update this for people watching today. First of all, this vid is 2013 and as of 2016, you need a license. Get one! Go to FAA.gov and look for part 107 licensing.

[@bakersfieldmusicnow]

be safe have a great trip.!!

[@AssistSpree]

Live feed for the drone would make it a lot easier to fly at farther distances

[@lovejohntaylor]

Thank you for reply and yes, I am from Australia. CASA here had told me, that our rules were taken over from the states. To bring Australia in line with the FAA rules. Currently I undergo all the paperwork, to use my UAV-3000, as a bush fire spotter and mapping plane. Its a nightmare I can tell you. Go to hobbyking and check out my UAV-3000 3 meter wingspan Reaper MQ-9 and perhaps to your FAA website?

[@MotownModels]

For radio controlled aircraft, the "2 sticks" as you call them will almost never be replaced. A single joystick lacks the throttle and yaw control of a conventional 2 stick setup. There are definitely PC flyers moving to RC, but it is completely different than PC flying, and would never be able to be mastered by using a single joystick. It's just not practical.

[@johnmcnamara9422]

This video was great!

[@VestedUTuber]

I forgot to mention... I'm in a large subdivision too, so there would be no chance of people just not noticing. Again, if the laws are as totalitarian and heavily enforced as you say, it would be too late. I also checked your profile, and there's evidence to suggest that you're from Australia. In that case, you might very well be right about this in part - the US has different laws on aviation than Australia.

[@SillyEddyPhotography]

Does the GPS and "return to sender" functionality of this quadcopter make it a drone though? It is able to maintain flight or fly to a waypoint without a controller.

[@dphotos007]

Meant to say the insurance does not cover business pursuits.

[@gder01]

what are your hobbies aside from dslr related stuff.

[@mitchell2820]

just ordered one today!

[@ManofWater]

drone licensing seems prominent in the future

[@DirtyMikeOG]

Great video. I'm using a phantom as well and edit my own work. I do use it for commercial use but I am definitely not a criminal lol.

[@KWTMedia]

Nice video guys, whats the title of the music used for the flight at 2.06?

[@privatepilotuk]

FPV RC is a legitimate activity but there are limitations that you must observe to be both legal and insured. ANO Article 166 (3) says the person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions. This is a strict legal requirement.

[@abcvideoyoutuization]

Aerial Video is ILLEGAL in Texas! This past summer, 2013, aerial video was made illegal in the state of Texas.

[@WootTootZoot]

The word "drone" seems to scare people.

[@BeActiveBros]

shot at 0:13 looks like it's out of Wolf Wall Street, the party scene.

[@ZASurvivalist]

This is so awesome

[@outbackeddie]

I've got 3 of these in my garage right now. They are all heavily damaged as the result of being shot down with a 12 gauge shotgun but I would be willing to sell them real cheap. My neighbor just bought another new quad copter a few days ago so I might have another one available for sale in a week or two.

[@FxNitr0]

Seen houses like that makes me wanna have a family to buy one. what state are these houses in?

[@WVRick]

I'm all about FPV but your viewers should know that some areas are illegal to fly, like the Niagra Falls, you can fly from the Canadian side but not the US side. I'm not a killjoy, I just want to keep doing FPV.

[@chrislanclos4013]

what about those drones that went into wtc tower 1 and 2

[@MrTommymxr]

yea. but my tricopter costed 250. yes i know.. i have a kk2 and not a naza, and i already have a RX,TX and battery with charger. but still they said the cheapest.

[@WitchidWitchid]

It's not illegal for private use...BUT... I wouldn't advise flying over peoples heads or over areas heavily populated with people. If you do crash or lose control there is a potential to cause injury. And if that happens lawmakers will surely jump in to ban them.