In the past weeks, we’ve been having more advanced discussions flying a drone, FPV racing tips, the best apps to use with drones, however with costs coming down along with underlying technology improvement, more and more people are starting to see the real-life benefits of owning and operating a drone.
For the legions who are new to this, it can be confusing to even know where to begin, especially if you don’t know the basics.
So let’s take a step back and start from the beginning with some basic FAQ about drones.
Even those of you who are familiar with drones can take this as a refresher course…
What Is A Drone?
The term “drone” is mostly used in the military but is now being used synonymously with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which are controlled by remote or are autonomously programmed.
Today, most drone owners use it for recreational purposes but it can also be used for business. Some use drones to aid in aerial photography and videography while others use it to carry some cargo. It is also useful in getting a better view of towers, tracking wildlife, inspecting bridges and many others.
Before, the availability of drones is limited, but today, with the available technology, owning a UAV is easier and more affordable than before. With that, there is also a rise in communities by UAV enthusiasts. There are lots of activities and it’s a great time to own and fly a drone.
Due to the very fast developments when it comes to the use of drones, rules and regulations are quickly being drafted by the government. In the US, it is the FAA that creates such rules and regulations for flying drones. Similarly, throughout the world, rules and regulations are being implemented.
How Far Can A Drone Fly?
Limitations on how far a drone can fly away from the controller will vary from one drone to another. It is affected by several factors like drone size. The drone size affects its capacity to carry a battery.
A larger drone carries a larger battery that can make it fly for a longer time. Also, if the drone is heavy, it will use up more energy to stay in the air.
When flying away from the controller, it is important to consider battery life. Make sure that the battery can still last until the drone comes back to you. If not, you’ll lose your precious drone and finding it is not fun. Trust us, we know.
Apart from the battery, some drones can also have a limit on how far they can go. Those that are designed as toys only go as far as 20 meters but there are long-range drones that are specifically designed to go for miles away. The more expensive the drone is, the more likely it is to be capable of flying far.
Flying Over Your Neighbors
When flying your drone, make sure you know about the state and local laws regarding drones. There may also be limitations in the distance a drone should be from the controller.
Also, although the drone can fly far, it may not be okay with your neighbors for your drone to fly over them. There isn’t a law that prohibits flying the drone of over areas that are not your property but in case it lands there, it’s possible to get sued for trespassing.
How High Can A Drone Fly?
Similar to distance, you should also know how high the drone can fly. Currently, the United States allows drones up to 400 feet. This is to prevent the drones from interfering with other aircraft that may be flying over the said area.
Most drones also come with specifications that tell about the maximum altitude that it can reach. Stronger winds can be found on higher altitudes so the propellers of the drones may not be strong enough for it. This can lead the drone to accidentally crash.
How Much Is A Drone?
Drone prices vary widely because it will depend on the parts of the drone. You can get a toy drone for as little as $20. Higher-end drones that have better cameras can cause around $300 and professional drones can reach $1000.
It is also possible to DIY a drone and the total cost will depend on the parts you get. If you opt for better quality, stronger built, longer battery life and better cameras, then you can expect it to be expensive. However, DIY can also help you save on cost because you can choose which parts to spend on.