Drone Flying Is An Incredible Hobby For So Many People

A drone is a flying vehicle that does not have to be piloted by a person but controlled by someone with a controller. It's also known as UAV or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Drones were originally used in the military for warfare. The first drone was created in 1849 when the Austrians had attacked Venice, Italy by using unmanned balloons that were filled with explosives. In February 2015, the FAA allowed limited use of drones and then in 2016, commercial use of drones was permitted in the United States. In 2018, drones became a worldwide trend and everyone wanted to purchase one. Drones have been used in a lot of media for overhead shots and many other media ideas. Drones continue to improve and have become more advanced than ever before.

Features of a Drone

Since drones are consistently being updated and improved, there are so many different types of features that each drone has. Many of the latest drones have dual Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). It is important for the drones to have good navigation because they are able to create 3D maps without the use of a GPS. The drones have spectacular radar technology. The radar is able to display the current location of the drone and tell the distance from the pilot. There is also a 'Return To Home' feature that records the home location. A lot of the latest drones have three types of 'Return To Home' technology such as having a low battery mode and the drone goes back home if the battery is too low. Another feature is the collision avoidance systems. This technology uses a detection sensor that scans the surroundings of the drone and then produces a map that allows the drone to sense and avoid anything around it.

Safe Use

The rules that people have to take in consideration of drones vary from region to region. If the drone weighs more than 8.8 ounces, then you have to register it in order for you to legally fly it outside - even on your own property. The Academy of Model Aeronautics created a few simple rules that every person should follow.

You should follow the community guidelines
The drone should not be flown higher than 400 feet
The drone should be in your eyesight at all times.
The drone should not interfere with any manned aircraft vehicles such as planes or helicopters
Do not fly the drone in bad weather
Do not fly the drone if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Do not fly near power lines, water facilities, traveled roadways, and correctional facilities
Do not equip the drone with weapons
Make sure to check your areas local laws
Do not conduct surveillance on someone else's private property

Checking your local laws is incredibly important. Some areas have drone rules that have been written into law and violating them can result in large fines or even potentially jail time.

Popular Drones

There are plenty of great drones out on the market today. Some of the latest and most popular drones available for purchase now are:

DJI MAVIC AIR 2: Can record at 4K at 60 FPS. This features the highest speed of 42.5 miles per hour and can go as far as 6.2 miles. The price is around $799
DJI MAVIC MINI: Can record at 2.7K at 12 MP and can go as fast as 29 MPH. It can travel as far as 2.5 miles. The price is around $399
DJI MAVIC 2 PRO: This option records at 4K at 30 FPS and has speeds of 44 MPH. It can traverse the skies as far as 4.3 miles. The price point is $999
SKYDIO 2: This drone records at 4K at 60 FPS and has speeds of 36 MPH. It has a travel range of 2.17 miles.
AUTEL ROBOTICS EVO II: This drone records at 8K at 48 MP and has speeds of 45 MPH. It can travel as far as 9 kilometers.