re: new regs and strobes

CaryG · May 1, 2021

Does anyone know if the new 107 regs re: night flights require strobes in addition to the lights already on a M2P? If so, any recommendations for strobes that meet specs?

Aerial Edge · May 1, 2021

Yes, you need a strobe for night flight. Check out the Firehouse Technologies strobes. They are made in the USA and meet what is required in the regs.

drone dji strobe lights spot lights

iReviewFrozenDinners · May 1, 2021

Can confirm. You need a strobe light that can be visible from 3SM+. The lights that come on the M2P are not sufficient for this.

CaryG · May 2, 2021

Great, thanks, I'll check them out...

skymonkey · May 2, 2021

CaryG said:
Does anyone know if the new 107 regs re: night flights require strobes in addition to the lights already on a M2P? If so, any recommendations for strobes that meet specs?

Affirmative, strobe lights are required as well as recurrent training that includes night operations.
You can check out this video that does a comparison of different strobe lights.

skymonkey · May 2, 2021

iReviewFrozenDinners said:
Can confirm. You need a strobe light that can be visible from 3NM+. The lights that come on the M2P are not sufficient for this.

It’s 3 statute miles.

iReviewFrozenDinners · May 4, 2021

skymonkey said:
It’s 3 statute miles.

Derp, you're right. Fixed.

musicm61 · May 8, 2021

CaryG said:
Does anyone know if the new 107 regs re: night flights require strobes in addition to the lights already on a M2P? If so, any recommendations for strobes that meet specs?

also lume cubes has great led lights if you are actually doing video or shooting photos at night. Awesome visibility. I attached them to the body of my m2p and can film from 400' agl with no problem.

Kristina Fowler · May 8, 2021

skymonkey said:
Affirmative, strobe lights are required as well as recurrent training that includes night operations.
You can check out this video that does a comparison of different strobe lights.

Very useful video. Cuts through all the clutter. Thanks...

Question: Is the strobe flashing visible when capturing videos? Are there issues with bounce-back from nearby objects or lingering haze??

skiptv · May 9, 2021

Kristina Fowler said:
Very useful video. Cuts through all the clutter. Thanks...

Question: Is the strobe flashing visible when capturing videos? Are there issues with bounce-back from nearby objects or lingering haze??

Not if you put the strobe on top of the drone

skymonkey · May 9, 2021

Kristina Fowler said:
Very useful video. Cuts through all the clutter. Thanks...

Question: Is the strobe flashing visible when capturing videos? Are there issues with bounce-back from nearby objects or lingering haze??

skiptv said:
Not if you put the strobe on top of the drone

Kristina Fowler said:
Very useful video. Cuts through all the clutter. Thanks...

Question: Is the strobe flashing visible when capturing videos? Are there issues with bounce-back from nearby objects or lingering haze??

I believe if you mount top center you shouldn’t have any issues. This is also the ideal place so that manned aircraft can see the UAV. If you’re flying in hazy conditions or close to objects I’m pretty sure you’ll get bounce back but don’t quote me on this as I’ve never filmed at night with strobes.

Aerial Edge · May 9, 2021

skymonkey said:
I believe if you mount top center you shouldn’t have any issues. This is also the ideal place so that manned aircraft can see the UAV. If you’re flying in hazy conditions or close to objects I’m pretty sure you’ll get bounce back but don’t quote me on this as I’ve never filmed at night with strobes.

Yes the under belly strobe can get bounce back when shooting video depending on surrounding and altitude. One of the drones I am building will have a top and belly mounted strobe that is RC controlled and will have the ability to turn off the belly strobe independently. The lower is more for use with the RPIC and VO for use in bad weather or at night at a distance.