What to know before you buy
It's that time of year again, and, as in most recent years, drones are sure to be one of the hottest selling items in the stores and online.
However, before you rush out to get one for yourself, friend or child, there are some things you need to know about owning drones.
1. Where does the owner live? â€" Many larger drones available now have what is called geofencing in them. Basically, they have GPS and will not fly anywhere there is a no-fly zone in operation.
If the person you're buying a drone for lives
within 30 miles of Washington, DC for example, they are going to have a
tough time trying to fly. Even on their own property. The drone may not
even power up.
2. Drones must be registered â€" All drones weighing above .55 pounds, or 250 grams, have to be registered with the FAA. Once registered, you will receive an ID number, which must be displayed in plain sight on the drone.
Children under 13 cannot register drones, so an adult will need to do it for them. Although some drones on the market are under the weight limit and don't need to be registered, you do still need to follow the rest of these points.
3. There will be a test â€" Up until recently, there was an FAA test only for commercial pilots, but that is changing. In 2020 all recreational drone operators will also need to pass a test in order to fly.
4. There are rules, a lot of them - The FAA has many rules in place for drone operators, and breaking them can lead to a very large fine. Here are a few:
• The drone must be in sight at all times â€" You must never let the drone leave your direct line of sight.
• You cannot fly for money â€" Even if you put a video on YouTube, if it is monetized (that is, classed as a commercial operation) it can lead to a fine. If you want to fly for money, you have to study for and pass the FAA Part 107 UAS pilot exam.
• You cannot fly over people â€" Some people may want to video sporting events or special occasions. But drones are not allowed to fly directly over or within 25 feet of people or property.
• You cannot fly just anywhere â€" The easiest way to find out if you can fly somewhere is to download a very useful App called AirMap. This shows you how high you can fly in any given area, and can also contact the FAA for you.
Because of Norfolk International Airport and the military bases, airspace around Hampton Roads is divided into sections, each with its own height limit.
However, even if the height is not specified, drones must stay under 400 feet. They cannot fly within five miles of an airport without first asking for permission.
You also cannot fly near sports stadiums during events, or close to emergencies such as fires or accidents.
Terry Young is an FAA licensed drone pilot and professional photographer and videographer. His 30 plus years of experience in pre- and post-production of both still photography and video, coupled with the latest equipment, enable him to capture amazing, high quality images.
