Now that Christmas has come and gone, there are most likely tons of new drone owners. In fact, there were about 400,000 drones bought as Christmas presents in 2015. While UAVs can be an excellent source of fun and can be used for many activities, owning one also comes with a great deal of responsibility. When used improperly or recklessly, UAVs can be dangerous. Because of that, it's important you know how to fly your drone properly. To help get you started with using your new drone safely, this article is going to take a look at a few beginner tips for new drone owners.
- Read your instruction manual
The first thing you want to do when you get your drone is read the instruction manual. It may be tempting to take your UAV out for a spin as soon as you open the package, but it's important to have a good understanding of how your UAV works. If you don't have a good understanding of your drone's settings, you could end up damaging your equipment, property, or harming someone. - Register your drone with the FAA
If your drone weighs more than .55 grams and less than 55 pounds, you must register with the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Registration system. If you fail to register your device, you can be fined. But luckily, the process of registering your drone is simple. - Learn the UAV laws for your area
Multiple states in the U.S. have drone laws in place. Even if you just plan on flying your equipment for recreational use, it's important that you research and understand the UAV laws in your state. If you don't, you may find yourself being confronted by law enforcement. Furthermore, you may cause harm to property or people if you don't follow the rules.
The most important thing you can do when flying your UAV is paying attention. If you don't pay careful attention to your surroundings, you could risk a collision (or seriously anger one of your neighbors). Fortunately, there are drone repair shops, and an experienced drone technician can provide drone repair services and get your UAV back to full functionality. But by making sure you understand how your equipment works, how to properly use it, and knowing which areas you can and can't fly, you'll be sure to have a safe, but fun, drone experience.