There are 865,853 registered drones in America according to the Federal Aviation Administration. If you own one of them, it is paramount that you know some safety tips when flying a drone.
Preventing drone accidents is your responsibility as an operator. Knowing how to fly a drone safely is the most important part of owning one. Your main focus should be preventing drone crashes. These can destroy lives and property.
All of the different types of drones are subject to a strict safety code of conduct. Before buying a drone, make sure to read up on some drone safety tips here.
Know the Law
Every country has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to operating your drone. Contact the Federal Aviation Administration, Transports Canada, or the equivalent organization in your nation before taking your drone out.
Most countries require you to be certified, licensed, and registered as a drone pilot before taking your drone out for a spin. This is particularly true for high-powered drones that can traverse vast distances and altitudes.
Avoid Inclement Weather
High winds, rain, snow, and other inclement weather can compromise your flight. So can fog and low-lying clouds that obscure your visibility. Be careful taking your drone out in conditions such as this.
Always take into account whether your flight is worth carrying out based on the present weather conditions. When in doubt, don’t go out. Wait until conditions clear to avoid crashing or losing your drone.
Steer Clear of Natural Disasters
Natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and earthquakes require a massive mobilization of emergency responder resources to save lives. While natural disasters may make for great drone footage, if you fly them, responders can’t.
Don’t jeopardize life and property or end up in Federal prison. Steer your drone clear of any natural disasters and avoid the temptation of trying to get some riveting footage.
Learn the Basics of Flying a Drone
Taking a drone out for your first time can be intimidating. It is best to learn the basics of flying a drone from a mentor or class. It may be better to try out your flying skills on a cheap drone before buying an expensive one.
Cheaper drones tend to be small and have small ranges. They are ideal for testing out your flying skills in a backyard environment. At the very least, you should learn the following.
Set Up
You need to learn how to set up your drone. Learn how to charge your drone, assemble it and store it after use. Consult your drone’s owner’s manual for a thorough description of how to set it up.
Take Off
You need to learn how to bring your drone from an idol position on the ground to a mobile one in the air. The take-off process includes being able to dodge tree limbs and other obstacles that impede your drone’s ascension.
Basic Directional Maneuvers
You need to be able to get your drone to move on both its horizontal and vertical axes. You should also be able to rotate it in mid-air and hold it in a hovering pattern.
Practice acceleration and deceleration to gauge how well your drone performs in the field. Make sure to practice some basic reactionary maneuvers too, so you can dodge unexpected obstacles.
Landing
You need to be able to set your drone down without jarring or damaging it. You also need to be able to land it in a small area such as a target. Mastering a controlled landing is very important
Learning this skill means being able to deal with updrafts, topographic obstructions, and uneven terrain. The landing is the most likely time for a crash to occur.
Know the Types of Drones
There are many different sizes and classifications of drones. Some of them are meant for performance, while others cater to special interests such as cinematography.
Learn More about some different types of drones to see which ones fit your interests best. By understanding what the different types of drones can do, you can learn to use your model the right way.
Avoid Populated Areas
Flying drones in a populated area is an annoying privacy invasion and a nuisance for the people who live there. It can also be very dangerous. If your drone loses power, it could hit people or traffic and cause huge problems.
Not only that, if you crash your drone into a building or other property, you are responsible for paying any repair costs. Make sure to use your drone in a remote area to avoid any complications.
Avoid Airports
You need to avoid airports and other air traffic corridors at all times with your drone. Flying a drone in these areas can disrupt flight patterns and lead to plane crashes.
Flying in restricted air space, such as that around airports, is forbidden by law in almost every country and can net you stiff fines and jail time. Don’t be the person that gets a plane grounded because you strayed into its airspace.
Know Your Limits
It is your responsibility as a drone pilot to know your abilities and limits. Some pilots have higher ability levels than others. Experienced pilots can attempt more advanced flying techniques or operate under more adverse conditions.
Inexperienced pilots should not attempt to operate outside of their ability level. A drone is not a toy and flying one is a huge responsibility. Progress your abilities at a slow pace to avoid running into trouble.
Be Aware of Hazards
Hazards to drone flying come in all shapes and sizes. From birds to airplanes, to other drones, you need to be aware of all of them. Expect the unexpected when flying your drone and keep your head on a swivel.
You need to take into account all hazards before taking off and throughout the entire flight as well. Pay particular attention when landing your drone, as this is when you run the risk of striking power lines, houses, or trees.
Inspect and Maintain Your Drone
Conduct a pre-flight and post-flight inspection before and after operating your drone. You should also make sure to carry out all regular maintenance. If a component on your drone breaks, this could lead to a crash.
Be a Responsible Drone Operator
Being a responsible drone operator is all about putting the right safety tips into practice when flying a drone. With the right attitude and a little bit of practice, you can become a confident drone operator.
Use the safety tips in this guide when flying your drone to ensure that each flight is a safe one. For all your other relevant news and information about life, make sure to stop back to our page.
