With a whopping 1.3 million drones registered in the United States (not to mention the millions of others flown all over the world), it’s clear that owning a drone is quite a popular activity, whether it’s for a hobby or other purpose. However, for those new to drone flying, or for those looking to add to their collection, choosing the right one and learning how to fly it correctly can be a difficult feat. Luckily, there are some simple ways that you can choose the perfect drone that meets your price point and needs — and learn to fly it like a pro, too.
A variety of options
If you’re looking to purchase a new drone, it’s easy to be intimidated by the plethora of options out there. After all, there are drones of every size, style, and price — not to mention those that are aimed at different skill levels as well. Modern drones also come with several appealing features and are another thing to consider, such as cameras, multiple propellers, lights, GPS enabled waterproofed, long battery life, and more.
Thankfully, choosing the right drone for you can all be decided based on your individual needs. For example, if you are looking to purchase a drone for the sole purpose of taking breathtaking pictures and high-quality video from a bird’s-eye view, you’ll want to focus on drones that have a good quality camera. For some, waterproof drones can be a good investment, especially if you plan on flying over lakes, rivers, and other large bodies of water.
Age and skill level matters as well. If you’re buying a drone for a child, you’ll want an easy to fly, sturdy option that can withstand crashing, along with safety features such as propeller guards. This type of drone is also a good option to look for first time drone owners, too. By taking your individualized needs into consideration, you can purchase a drone that is right for you without spending the extra money on features that you won’t use.
Drone safety
Along with the consideration of the dozens of features that today’s drones offer, safety is another component that matters. Practicing proper drone safety can prevent and lessen the chances of an accident or damage to both you and the drone. In addition to built-in safety features, safety reviews are definitely worth looking at before you make a final decision. However, in addition to following laws and regulations, other safety measures and precautions should also be taken into consideration as a drone owner, too.
Flying responsibly can be the difference between successful flying and someone getting hurt. For that reason, never flying your drone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and never flying your drone above people or animals are just some of the things that can help you to fly successfully and safely. Transporting your drone safely while traveling is important as well. For example, if you plan on taking it on a plane, you’ll need to ensure the drone is powered off for safety reasons to avoid any travel issues. This includes storing it properly as well as minding your drone’s batteries.
Flying 101
When it comes time to fly your new drone, there are several things to keep in mind before actually doing so. In addition to taking the proper safety precautions, taking the time to familiarize yourself with the drone and remote control can allow you to get used to your new equipment — whether you’re new to flying or an expert who’s switching from another drone. Where you begin to learn to fly your drone matters as well, as you can easily damage the device beyond use, or hurt those standing nearby. For these reasons, beginning to fly in a large and open space outdoors (like a field) without people or large bodies of water near can be a great place to start the learning process.
Buying a new drone can be a major decision, and with the many options that are available, it can be difficult to determine which is best for you. With that said, taking your needs into consideration can be a great way to decide on the perfect one, and taking the proper safety precautions when beginning to fly can help you to fly one like a pro.
