We are currently using the DJI Air 2S and the Mini 4 Pro for our drone work. The Air 2S is outstanding in windy conditions and has been our main bird for three years. The Mini 4 Pro qualifies for the FAA’s Part 107 Subpart D. Which allows us to fly over people and cars. In order to get certain shots or angles traversing over people and cars can be requried. The Mini 4 Pro has a newer 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor that takes truly amazing photos. Doug is a licensed Part 107 holder (FAA drone license). Below is a few of our favorite drone photos and more information on operations.
When it comes to drone operations there are two major concerns: weather, and airspace availability.
Weather
In order to fly drones we can not have any precipitation. It must be dry. We can fly right after it rains but not during. Also, we need the wind to be at or below 17 miles per hour. We have flown at higher speeds but it can damage the drones.
Airspace Availability.
The airspace in and around Omaha is mostly flyable. Below is a screen shot of the Omaha aviation maps.
Imagine the circles above as an upside down wedding cake. The closer we get to Eppley and Offutt Air Force Base the more restrictions apply. If you live in Bellevue there is a good chance we will not be able to take pictures of your property with the drones. If you live close to Eppley we probably can but there will be some altitude restrictions.
Above is a screen shot from the Air Control App. Using this application we can request LAANC around the Eppley. This allows us notify the FAA that we will be flying in the area with restrictions. The red circle around Offutt is a no fly zone.
Above is a screen shot from the DJI mapping software. You will notice that there are additional air spaces in this map. For example Millard Air Port is in this map. Millard is class E air space and we can legally fly it. However, if you property is on the leading edge of the runway we would consider it unsafe and not fly it. DJI has different classifications of restricted areas in it’s mapping technology. In early 2025 DJI has relaxed their geofencing.