Hi Bob and welcome to the hobby. I have a Mantis Q that I fly out in California off and on. I am a truck driver so I get to fly many places. Being your Maiden flight I’m not sure my choice areas would work for you. I typically fly from industrial areas, the are lots of obstacles and you won’t get the best range, however I have never been confronted in these areas and have permission to fly at one of my delivery points. I check my apps and google to make sure that I’m outside the 5 mile range from any airports and fly cautiously. The main and PRIMARY hazard I have in the inland empire are helicopters. They are frequently flying anywhere and everywhere, lol. If I so much as hear any type of aircraft I immediately decend or land and check my surroundings. If you have the option, have flown many times in the desert areas between Apple Valley and Barstow, though catching a non windy day there can be difficult.