It’s only been two to three years since sales of drones boomed and skyrocketed. Drones are very innovative and most of the ones sold today are easy to operate. Drone races are popular in parks and there are now even drone racing leagues with live streaming over the internet to broadcast races. Drones with an attached camera could be considered a game changer in how we can shoot beautiful scenery from above, something that can’t be easily done with a hand-held cameras or cellphones.
While drones are high-tech, if you are planning to buy, you need to know what to watch out for so that you can enjoy flying your drone from Day 1. Drones are like babies; they have legalities and need proper care so that you need to follow laws and be responsible for its maintenance. Here are five important tips that you need to know before buying a drone:
1. Drones must be registered
Yes, drones must be registered. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), drones are considered unmanned aircraft and they must be registered by their owners. The drones that fall under this rule should weigh between 0.55 to 55 lbs. Once you are registered, the FAA will put a number on your drone and it will be considered registered for the next three years. Make sure you register your drone so that you don’t run into problems with authorities.
2. Don’t buy without doing research
Of course, you don’t just buy a drone because it’s stylish and it looks good, buy a drone because of its quality. There are a lot of low quality knock offs that are being sold in the market so you must do your research on reliable and quality brands before you hand over your hard-earned money. Be aware and be vigilant.
3. Study how to fly a drone
Before you launch your drone, make sure you’ve already studied how to operate it. Read up on the manual and understand how the flight controller is set up to control your drone. If you’re practicing for your drone races, you won’t want your expensive drone to crash into the ground or have it end up at the top of a tree the first time you use it. Learn the do’s and don’ts of using your drone and apply them once you start flying one.
4. Not all drones are long-lasting
Yes. Not all drones are long-lasting. Again, there are many knockoff drones being sold in the market and if you accidentally bought one of them, chances are your drone will not last for a week and that you’ll not be able to get a refund or a replacement for it. Sometimes you get what you paid for and this is especially true with drones. Be suspicious of drones that are sold cheaply compared to others. It may be that they use inferior parts or have untested batteries that could catch fire.
5. You must have flying ethics
Does your subdivision allow flying drones in their neighborhood? Or a drone with a camera? Are there airports nearby? What is the distance you must keep to avoid violating an aircraft’s airspace or someone’s privacy? You must know the legalities. Know the places where you can fly freely but also remember that some places have restrictions because drones can be dangerous too. Know your limits and you’ll have a smooth flying experience.
In the end, just like in any product, it is important to do your research before buying them. You don’t want your money going to waste, right? Drones are game changers and you must be a responsible player.
