Hello to Southern California Phantom operators. In addition to drone flying, I belong to an amateur astronomical group that has a large observing site out in the Mohave Desert near Landers. The area is generally flat, with a few prominent hills/mountains, and the density of human activity is pretty low. While the 29 Palms Marine Base is not far away (and definitely has a NFZ), the area around the site stretching for miles is clear for recreational sUAS flights. From the Riverside area, it is about a 90 minute drive. Check out the photo below.
There are some interesting things to video or photograph nearby including Goat Mountain, the Integratron (look it up - wacky story), Big Rock (ditto), Whitehorse Ranch and the desert landscape in general. Note: Some of these and other targets will require a short drive from the observing site to reach a suitable launch location.
I am thinking about hosting a Phantom Fly-in in either March or April 2016, while it is still reasonably cool at the observing site. It needs to be on a low astronomical activity weekend - the full moon weekend, for example - so our flights don't conflict with the primary purpose of the site. Sunday, March 20th, or Sunday, April 24th, look like they could work. Time wise, maybe its 10 AM to mid/late afternoon.
On-site there are about 20 concrete pads - all with electric outlets - that can be used as launch and recharging locations. There are also restroom facilities and picnic tables for breaks. I might also be able to arrange for accessible WiFi for map updates. There wouldn't be a formal charge for the event, but a $5 donation would be appreciated and would help pay for bottles of iced water (need to stay hydrated). We can easily accommodate several dozen flyers.
If this interests you, please send me an email at [email protected] and maybe leave a posting here. If it looks like people want to do this, I'll set a date and distribute instructions.
There are some interesting things to video or photograph nearby including Goat Mountain, the Integratron (look it up - wacky story), Big Rock (ditto), Whitehorse Ranch and the desert landscape in general. Note: Some of these and other targets will require a short drive from the observing site to reach a suitable launch location.
I am thinking about hosting a Phantom Fly-in in either March or April 2016, while it is still reasonably cool at the observing site. It needs to be on a low astronomical activity weekend - the full moon weekend, for example - so our flights don't conflict with the primary purpose of the site. Sunday, March 20th, or Sunday, April 24th, look like they could work. Time wise, maybe its 10 AM to mid/late afternoon.
On-site there are about 20 concrete pads - all with electric outlets - that can be used as launch and recharging locations. There are also restroom facilities and picnic tables for breaks. I might also be able to arrange for accessible WiFi for map updates. There wouldn't be a formal charge for the event, but a $5 donation would be appreciated and would help pay for bottles of iced water (need to stay hydrated). We can easily accommodate several dozen flyers.
If this interests you, please send me an email at [email protected] and maybe leave a posting here. If it looks like people want to do this, I'll set a date and distribute instructions.
