Navigating a Confined Space Drone Flight

The journey began with an inquiry to DronePilotPete, followed by emails and phone conversations. 

The challenge at hand? Conducting a confined space flight underground in a cheese factory. Now, that's a first for me…

The first site check left me intrigued. How could we pull off a successful flight in such conditions? Enter the FPV AVATA drone with its own protective cage—our ticket to navigating confined spaces without the risk of a crash. The plan seemed foolproof.

Flight one had its share of surprises. Despite adding a torch on top and lights underneath, the darkness proved to be a formidable challenge. The footage ended with an unexpected splashdown. Luckily, we had tied fishing line to the drone, turning the rescue operation into a humorous affair.

Undeterred, it was back to the drawing board. Hours of research and numerous phone calls led us to a mining company in Perth. Their Elios 3 Drone seemed like the perfect solution, albeit at a hefty price tag of $1200 per day, plus transit charges—quick math, over 10k. Unfortunately, it didn't align with the client's budget.

Time for some creative problem-solving. A shoutout to Trent at D1 store for the support with lights and crafting 3D-printed brackets. Enter the Mini 3 Pro, now equipped with modified, extra-strong lights and a full prop guard. We were back in business, flying underground with newfound confidence. Remembering the loss of GPS satellite coverage and without light that the Drone relies on, she will crash. 

The journey continues, and we're excited to share the results with you.