Wow! I am just reading this entire post with interest for the first time today...and frankly,
stunned.
@SoCalDude and
@Mooks are right on the money with rules concerns. OMG - Really?! Glad the FAA drone police are not reading this.
Indeed, DO you have a waiver to do these things? The OP is obviously experienced and tries to be careful, but flying at night? Not VLS? OF COURSE that is illegal without a waiver or authorization - recreational, commercial, or whatever . My friend, you are lucky in more ways than you know.
That said, as a contrary side note, I despise the fact that any controlling app contains built-in flight restrictions. I find that appalling even though on the surface it seems like a safety feature and has no doubt done some good. BUT it is none of the aircraft makers business in my opinion; it is the job of a responsible flyer to know what the heck he is doing and where the heck he is going. This is the reason I will NOT upgrade my Phantom 3A (it has all the features I want and need, and works fantastically well) and would never buy a new Mavic or Inspire. Just me, I guess. Next, the bicycle makers will disable your bike unless you have your helmet on.