Drones are easier to purchase now, and there is a new range of sizes and price points available. But before you buy one for yourself, there are a couple of things that you might want to mull over.
Drone Laws and Regulations
Regardless of why you find yourself considering a drone, by far the biggest hurdle that you will have to clear is your local drone laws and regulations.
In the United States, you will need to pass the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test or TRUST per federal law, according to HowtoGeek.
The test is free, and it takes less than an hour that can be completed online. Once you pass, you will get a certificate which you will need to hold on to and present to law enforcement when asked. If you lose your certificate, you will need to take the test again.
Passing the test allows you to fly a drone of under 0.55 lb or 250 grams below 400 feet in Class G or uncontrolled airspace for recreational purposes., according to PCMag.
If your drone weighs more than 0.55 lb then you will need to register your drone with the FAA for $5 per drone and provide information, including your phone number, complete address, and the drone's serial number.
Once you have registered your drone, you will receive a registration number which you will need to display on your drone. Your registration is good for at least three years, after which you will need to re-register for another $5.
Both the TRUST certificate and drone registration only permit you to fly for recreational purposes in uncontrolled airspace.
Even with these conditions met, you will need to fly under 400 feet or around 120 meters, maintain a visual line of sight with your drone, ensure you have lights on your drone when flying at night, and not interfere with manned aircraft in any way.
You can't receive any form of compensation for flying your drone without becoming a Certified Drone Pilot for commercial purposes.
The biggest challenge to overcome is flying in uncontrolled airspace. If you live in a large city or near an airport or military facility, you will probably have to travel to legally fly your drone.
If you live in the middle of nowhere, you can probably fly right over your house. You can check out DJI's Safe Geo Zone Map to see if your area falls under any drone restrictions.
Signs That You Need a Drone
A lot of drone owners have little reason to own the device other than an interest in flight. If you want to take shots of nature as a hobby, then it is time to get a drone.
This is where the cheaper hobby and FPV drones come into their own, offering an affordable pathway into an exhilarating pastime.
FPV drones are designed with speed and agility in mind, often foregoing high-quality video feeds and cameras in favor of lightweight designs that accelerate quickly.
You can also get hobby drones like the DJI Mini series because they are less maneuverable, but they may have a camera that can capture passable photos and videos that is comparable to a smartphone.
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Written by Sophie Webster
