[Shu Kobayashi's DRONE MANIA] Vol.14 Box for small planes - Importance of storage and organization

Transportation of small aircraft

I wrote about transportation of large aircraft two years ago, but this time I would like to write about the box for small aircraft. If it is a small machine, rather than a box, the container such as a bag or rucksack will be small. It's easier to transport than a large machine, so I don't think it's that hard, but it does require some ingenuity. If it's a DJI drone, you can use a genuine box or a bag or case that comes with the combo set, but there are also commercially available bags and cases that are convenient, so I'll introduce them.

DJI PHANTOM series

PHANTOM series has been around for a long time. One of them is an aluminum case or a resin hard case.

It's reasonably sturdy and stackable, which is handy. Some resin ones are heavy, but aluminum is not so heavy. However, there is no problem to carry it by car, but when you carry it, you need to hold it by hand or use another device such as a cart or dolly. The urethane inside is cut out in a special shape, so it is difficult to change the specifications or store other options. I had the same problem with the big machine.

Therefore, I use a backpack-type case made by Thinktank Photo that uses a camera bag.

Unfortunately, there are similar camera bags, but drone bags are no longer part of the company's lineup. Not only for PHANTOM, but also for Inspire 1 was lined up. The dividers can be moved with Velcro, so the layout can be changed according to specifications and options.

Since it is a rucksack, it is easy to carry. However, since it is a soft material, it is better not to put it on top of this bag. It's not the bag's fault, but when you carry a spare machine, you need a little ingenuity. Even with the size of the PHANTOM, it would be difficult to transport two machines. I send a spare machine in advance, and I use the genuine case that comes with the PHANTOM 4 when I buy it.

Since it is light and compact and has a carrying handle, you can put only the main unit and the controller in it and hold it in your hand. I put heavy batteries in a rucksack, and put my change of clothes in a carry bag and roll it around.

DJI Mavic Series

Compared to the PHANTOM, the Mavic that can be folded has a wider range of options and is very comfortable. My recent favorite is the one made by VANGUARD. First of all, it is a bag that can be freely laid out with a square partition called a divider bag.

I am a lecturer at Amana Drone School and manage the equipment, but it will be the specifications at that time. A little different from normal shooting work, the smart controller used as the primary controller for the instructor, the secondary genuine controller for the students, the spare aircraft, 16 batteries, 4 sets of chargers and 2 charging hubs It fits perfectly in the back. Of course, there are other necessary items such as propeller guards, but it is much more compact than the PHANTOM.

This divider bag comes in 4 sizes and comes with a hard case that fits perfectly. I usually put it in a collapsible container and transport it on a trolley, but recently the circumstances have changed, and I'm looking for a new storage method. I would like to introduce it when it is decided.

Mavic for shooting uses a different bag. This is also made by VANGUARD, but it has a convenient specification that can be used not only as a carry bag but also as a backpack.

Everything you need for shooting, such as a monitor for the director and client confirmation, a propeller guard, a spare machine, and a mobile battery, is included. It also holds 10 batteries. It has 4 wheels so it is easy to move around, and when the wheels become unusable, such as on a mountain road, you can pull out the straps and carry it as a backpack. A partition for PHANTOM is also included, and by arranging it, it can be used for a camera or another drone. I think that even if you update the equipment, you can use it for a long time.

In addition, for folding drones like the Mavic, a normal camera bag can be stored well. The camera bag I recently purchased is a shoulder type, but in addition to the camera, it can also store a laptop computer and a drone. This is also made by VANGUARD. You can keep Mavic Mini in a little corner. Of course Mavic 2 enters, too. As expected, PHANTOM does not enter. At first glance, it doesn't look like a camera bag, and it has a double-layer structure, making it convenient for organizing small equipment.

It's not a promotion for VANGUARD, but it's a good balance between cost and performance, so I tend to use it as my main. Recently, I'm a little worried because the out-of-stock display is conspicuous at major mass retailers. Camera-related manufacturers have been developing various drone-related products for a while, but I have the impression that they have calmed down recently, so I would like to see them continue to do their best.

When it comes to storing my small machine, I tend to prefer something with adjustable partitions like a camera bag rather than a fixed urethane box. I think it's because we don't just use the same set of equipment each time, but also because we use a variety of means of transportation, such as cars, trains, planes, and walking. If it is a specialized shooting, it will be interesting because it will have its own characteristics. I think that each person has a variety of storage methods, but it is very helpful to see the storage that has been devised. I hope my method will help you.