I was ARRESTED for flying this drone…

Title: My Experience with Drones and the DJI Mini 3 Pro

Introduction:
Flying drones has been a passion of mine for a long time. I’ve had my fair share of experiences, and today I want to share a story that taught me a valuable lesson. This blog post aims to provide insights into my drone journey and highlight the benefits of using the DJI Mini 3 Pro, a compact and versatile drone. So, let’s dive in!

My Drone Journey:
I’ve been flying drones since the early days, starting with the original Phantom one with a GoPro attached to it. Aerial footage has always been the icing on the cake for my YouTube videos. However, one incident changed the way I approach drone flying.

The Arrest:
During a filming project in Germany, I decided to capture a short overhead shot of a self-driving car behind a Convention Center. I thought it would be safe since there were no people around and I was flying responsibly. However, things took a turn when I flew over a group of police officers. They confiscated my drone and detained me for five hours. While they were professional and recognized my videos, the main reason for the lengthy detention was that my drone was not registered. The size of the drone also played a role in the severity of the situation.

Introducing the DJI Mini 3 Pro:
To avoid similar incidents in the future, I started exploring smaller drones. That’s when I discovered the DJI Mini 3 Pro. Weighing just 249 grams, it falls below the registration requirements in many countries. This drone has become my go-to choice for capturing footage for various projects, including our library project in Kenya and drilling a borehole.

Understanding Regulations:
It’s important to note that regulations regarding drone usage vary from country to country. While the DJI Mini 3 Pro may not require registration in most countries due to its weight, it’s crucial to stay updated on the ever-changing laws. For example, in Kenya, all drones need to be registered and have a permit, regardless of their weight.

Features and Capabilities:
Despite its compact size, the DJI Mini 3 Pro offers impressive features. It can film in 4K HDR and 60 frames per second, staying airborne for approximately 34 minutes. The drone is equipped with optical sensing, forward and backward obstacle avoidance, and even has an active tracking feature. It provides everything that larger drones offer, but in a smaller and quieter package.

My Drone Adventures:
I’ve had some incredible experiences with the DJI Mini 3 Pro. From capturing shots of iguanas sunbathing on an island in Lake Victoria to filming in Napa Valley, California, this drone has proven its capabilities. It even handled flying through puddles during rainy weather, showcasing its resilience.

Conclusion:
After years of flying drones, I’ve found the DJI Mini 3 Pro to be my favorite form factor. Its compact size, impressive features, and reduced regulatory issues make it an ideal choice for my future projects. While my arrest was a learning experience, it led me to discover a drone that perfectly suits my needs. If you’re considering getting into drone flying, I highly recommend exploring the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

Thank you for reading, and happy flying!