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How to find those EPIC flying spots!?!
#1
First off, I am still a bit fresh when it comes to flying a hobby grade racing/acro quad. But I am experienced in finding those "secret spots" we all wish to find.

Being raised in a family who appreciates nature, I grew up fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. Back then Dad and I would go hiking for miles, just for fun and hopes of finding that secret spot along the river for fishing or through the woods scouting for deer and safe shooting lines. 

Nowadays with all the technology around the world, literally, in the palm of our hands, we can take things even further while saving time and resources. Not to take away from actually getting outside and exploring on our own two feet! But to aid in the search.

I'd like to start this thread as a place to share our strategies for finding those perfect flying spots we all dream about. Don't lie, you know you've had them Wink
  What apps or maps do you use?
  Tips for country and city dwellers?
  Permissions and trespassing concerns.
  As well as Country specific rules/regulations.
 Edit: Don't forget to check surrounding areas for NFZs and TFRs (thanks Oscar Wink )

Personally I am a country boy with Google Earth Wink
For public places I like to start by doing a search for parks, trails, camping ect. near the area Im in or plan to go. From there I use Google Earth to get a feel for the landscape and if there are any areas worth taking a look at in person. Then I like to wear out the kiddos on a good hike (like father, like son Wink ) We even bring the ground RCs often for this Big Grin I found a set of soccerfields on the edge of town surrounded by forest and hidden from the roads view that nobody ever visits until games or practice. Perfect for MY practice Tongue (hidden fields dvr coming soon Wink )
As for private property. My hunting experience helps me here. You absolutely must have permission to hunt someone elses land. Why would it be any different for flying a quad. This is where you brush up on your people skills Wink Put a smile on your face and just ask. Introduce yourself and explain what you would like to do in a polite and friendly manner. When hunting it also helps to ensure the person you are licensed and practice safe shooting procedures. Again not much different with hobby flying, (if in USA like myself) offer them your FAA registration number and explain you practice "safe flying" (safe for people not necessarily the quad itself  Rolleyes ) I have even found that just offering to see the aerial footage entices people Wink Once you do get permission at a place, be sure to let the owner know WHENEVER you will be or plan to be flying.

In conclusion, go exploring! Get outside! Take a different way to work or class. If you have time, turn down a road you've never been and get off the beaten path. Flying spot or not, you're now a 21st century explorer!  Big Grin

Hope this helps. Everyone should have their "perfect" spot!
And please share your own personal strategies and tips for finding that spot.  Thumbs Up
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#2
One thing I like to mention:
Once found a potential spot on google map/earth, first thing you need to do is to check it's not too close to airports, army bases or any facility that forbids RC model flying.
For example in the UK, the rule is we are not allowed to fly within 5K radius of an airport.
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#3
(26-Apr-2017, 06:05 PM)Oscar Wrote: One thing I like to mention:
Once found a potential spot on google map/earth, first thing you need to do is to check it's not too close to airports, army bases or any facility that forbids RC model flying.
For example in the UK, the rule is we are not allowed to fly within 5K radius of an airport.

Excellent point! Added in OP
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#4
Here in Canada, we are restricted to 12K from anywhere an aircraft lands, be it airport, helicopter landing pad (most hospitals have them) or even private airstrips. It really limits where we can fly now, and a lot of the places I planned on taking video are no longer accessible.
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#5
(26-Apr-2017, 09:28 PM)RENOV8R Wrote: Here in Canada, we are restricted to 12K from anywhere an aircraft lands, be it airport, helicopter landing pad (most hospitals have them) or even private airstrips. It really limits where we can fly now, and a lot of the places I planned on taking video are no longer accessible.

Ouch
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#6
First, w00t for the thread! +Rep on making it happen DoP.

Next, this line is the thing that really sparked some thoughts in me:

DoP Wrote:Being raised in a family who appreciates nature, I grew up fishing, hunting, camping and hiking. Back then Dad and I would go hiking for miles, just for fun and hopes of finding that secret spot along the river for fishing or through the woods scouting for deer and safe shooting lines.

When I was very young my family loved to fish and camp. We've probably stayed in most of the different areas of Lake Mead at least on the Nevada side, and much of the Arizona side too (I don't remember it but Temple Bar was known as "the spot" in the family, but we later practically made "Echo Bay" our home which I do remember because us kids used to swim out to an island)

So thinking of it similar to finding a spot to fish will be a big help!

The advice on asking for permission is great too. I hadn't thought to give out my FAA number... and actually I could flash my AMA card and explain that I am insured for up to 2.5m if anything goes wrong, and to be a member I have to agree to fly under certain safety guidelines... There is a great construction site that I've been very tempted to drive into to see if they have a security trailer somewhere that I could ask if they'd let me fly there but I have held back because I couldn't think of what to say if they were unsure (Of course if they say "OK" or "No way get out of here" the discussion is much easier)

As for FAA regulations and airports I use UAV forcast on my android phone to check both weather and flight restrictions (including TFRs like one in ATL on Friday between 4:30 and 8:45). I look at it daily out of habit anyway but I'd definitely check any location I was planning to scope out before hand just to be on the safe side. It would suck to find a great spot and then find out it's illegal to fly there.

Also in the US, National Parks are almost all off limits. (Which would kill Lake Mead and many other great wild areas nearby if I still was back home in Vegas). Those restrictions show up in the UAV forcast app too.
carl.vegas
Current Quads: Operational: Diatone GT2 200 In need of repair: Bumble Bee, tehStein,  Slightly modified Vortex 250 
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#7
I think Ill have a look at that app. Sounds handy especially if used in conjunction with GEarth

EDIT: downloaded UAV Forcast last night. Excellent app! Ill still use GEarth just for zooming in more than satellite mode in UAV Forcast can and GEarths 3D view is nice to have even though UAV Forcast has a terrain map which helps also. Imho used together will be an invaluable resource! Thanks again Carl!
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#8
(27-Apr-2017, 04:37 AM)Drone0fPrey Wrote: I think Ill have a look at that app. Sounds handy especially if used in conjunction with GEarth

yep... the way to do it is pick a spot that you might fly, then search for it on UAV Forcast and see what comes up in the restrictions and weather for that location.
carl.vegas
Current Quads: Operational: Diatone GT2 200 In need of repair: Bumble Bee, tehStein,  Slightly modified Vortex 250 
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