Hanging World’s Largest Free-Hanging American Flag With DJI Flycart 30 Drone

I just got back from Ogden, Utah, a town just north of Salt Lake City, and I have an incredible story of patriotism to share that involved hanging the world’s largest free-hanging flag with the help of a DJI Flycart 30 drone. First, let me say that I’m absolutely in love with Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. There’s so much to do, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. The variety of terrain—from mountains to deserts to lakes—makes it a year-round adventure spot.

My good friend Kyle Nordfors, who has appeared in several of my videos, leads the drone team for the Search and Rescue Squad in Weber County. Kyle is a big advocate for drones in law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations. His team has recorded dozens of lives saved, thanks to drones equipped with thermal cameras that can scan challenging terrain efficiently, removing much of the guesswork from their missions.

Introducing “The Major”

But the highlight of this story isn’t just about drones. Kyle told me about a special Veterans Day tradition in Ogden where the town hangs a massive American flag between two mountains. This isn’t just any flag—it’s the world’s largest free-hanging American flag. Nicknamed “The Major,” it measures 150 by 75 feet, weighs over 400 pounds, and is an incredible sight to behold.

The flag is named in honor of Ogden’s mayor who lost his life serving in the U.S. military. Each year, members of the Recherche et sauvetage Squad, along with other volunteers, work together to hang the flag as a tribute to veterans. The effort is as inspiring as the flag itself.

Preparing to Hang the Flag

Hanging the flag requires careful planning and logistics. The day before Veterans Day, the preparation begins with a dozen workers hiking a 1.7-mile trail to rig the ropes needed to hold the flag. The trail includes switchbacks that make it manageable for hikers of all skill levels. Supplies for the mission are transported in several ways: heavier equipment by horseback, bikes supplied by Baku, and drones for quick delivery. Kyle and I made the hike the old-fashioned way—on foot.

The Role of the DJI Flycart 30 Drone

At the base of the mountain, we used a drone to deliver supplies to the top. This wasn’t just any drone—it was the DJI FlyCart 30, a drone designed specifically for carrying and delivering goods. Unlike smaller drones like the Air 3S, which I typically use for photography, the Flycart was a game-changer for this operation. It saved an incredible amount of time and effort compared to using horses or other traditional methods.

The DJI Flycart 30 drone played a crucial role in the operation. Horses require extensive care, transportation, and management, but the drone could deliver supplies from the bottom to the top of the mountain in just 30 seconds. Kyle operated the drone to deliver ropes and other gear, making multiple trips up and down the canyon while another crew member received the supplies at the top.

This drone was also used to transport the three ropes needed to secure the flag across the canyon. Kyle flew the drone at a slow, controlled speed of about three miles per hour to ensure the ropes were properly managed. In previous years, smaller drones were used for this task, but they could only carry one rope at a time, making the process far less efficient. The DJI Flycart 30 streamlined the entire operation.

Volunteer Efforts to Carry the Flag

The day of the flag’s unveiling was all about manpower. The 400-pound flag was wrapped in a protective case and carried up the trail by around 100 volunteers. They worked together to navigate switchbacks, rocks, and other obstacles, completing the hike in about two hours. Once at the top, more volunteers helped position the flag on the steep mountainside, clipping it into place with carabiners.

The steep terrain made this work extremely challenging, but the volunteers’ dedication was incredible. As for me, I stayed off to the side and focused on flying my drone to capture the moment.

The Unveiling of the Flag

At noon on Veterans Day, Master Sergeant Eddie Quimby performed the flag’s unveiling. He pulled the ripcord, and the massive flag unfurled, dipping between the two mountains and swaying gracefully in the wind. It was a breathtaking sight. I spent an hour flying my drone around the area, capturing footage of the flag, the canyon, the volunteers, the town of Ogden, and the surrounding mountains.

A Symbol of Hope and Patriotism

This experience was truly inspiring. Seeing the world’s largest free-hanging American flag in such a beautiful setting, combined with the dedication of the volunteers, was unforgettable. This tradition is not just a tribute to veterans; it’s a symbol of hope and patriotism.

If you’re ever interested, I highly encourage you to get involved with this initiative—whether by volunteering your time or supporting one of the local foundations. It’s a great way to honor our veterans and be part of something truly meaningful.

Thank you for reading this story, and as always, I’ll catch you in the next one. Peace.