How to Fly Drones Safely?

Modern photographers and content creators know that drones are the new trendy way to capture photos and videos. Companies like Snaptain are currently creating a buzz in the media and entertainment industry. And why shouldn't they be? They're fun, versatile, and give you lots of opportunities to create innovative content.

 

But as fun and magical as this sounds, drone safety rules are an essential aspect of owning and flying it. They're so important that before you buy one, you need to know all about them.

 

But first.

Before we get into how to fly a drone safely, let's ensure that you own a drone safely. Owning a drone has legal implications that have an essential impact on how, when, and where you can use it.

 

If a drone weighs over 250g and you wish to use it for commercial purposes, you require an FFA identification number. And to obtain that, you need to register. While this process is not costly or time-consuming, it's crucial and gives you legal relaxation for several years.

 

If you want to go for a drone that wouldn't require registration, you can opt for the beginner or kids Snaptain drones that weigh much under the threshold of needing certification.

 

How to register your drone:

 

• Determine whether you lie under the category of the Exception for recreational flyers or part 107. If you're the former, you must get your drone registered if it weighs more than 250g. If you're the latter, you're obligated to register regardless of the drone's weight.
• To register, you must be at least 13 years old and a legal resident.
• You'll need an email address, a physical and mailing address, a credit/debit card, and your drone's model.
• The process costs $5, and your registration is valid for the next three consecutive years.
• Once you register, you receive an FAA identification number meant to be placed on the drone's exterior.

 

How to fly a drone safely:

Now that you have the legal right to own and use a drone, you can choose to operate it, however, and wherever you want. But for your own safety, and the drone's, there are a few ways and habits that you should adopt. These drone safety rules will help you use the machine for more extended periods and get the most use out of it.

 

• Make sure you only use and fly one drone at a time. Multiple drones are not a problem for the law; they are a problem for you. Controlling several machines at a time can be hard to manage, and you can end up hurting yourself, other people, or damaging a drone or two.
• Ensure that you are sober and not under the influence of alcohol, sedatives, or anything else that can alter your mind and consciousness. You must be completely alert, awake, and aware while flying a drone.
• Avoid flying the drone outside in rain or cloudy weather. Also, stay away from operating the device into the fog. The reason for this is that you will not be able to control or see where the drone is going, the rain can damage your machine, and clouds and fog can hinder the capture quality.
• Keep the drone in the range of your sight. Don't fly it any further than what you can see, not even behind trees, buildings, or into the clouds. Don't rely on the screen or binoculars; if you can no longer see your drone, call it backward.
• Keep it closer to the ground. Your maximum height should be 400 feet higher than the ground level.
• Avoid stepping into restricted airspace at all costs. Also, avoid flying the device around other aircraft and airports.
• If the drone hovers over sports events, public gatherings, and stadiums, you can face complaints and troubles.
• Flying near emergencies, hospitals, clinics, and other such places are also restricted.

 

Driving a drone safely in public:

 

• Make sure the drone is at least 30 meters away from the general public. This limitation does not include you or your team partners.
• Avoid flying the drone above and over people regardless of the time or the height.
• Ensure your drone does not stand in the middle of the road, hinder a path, or irritate anyone around.

 

Some other safety measures:

 

Before you start flying a drone in public or start working on a project, test the drone somewhere safe, and make sure everything is working fine. Check and experiment with the features and have a little alone time with the machine. If you don't do this, and start flying the drone in public or somewhere high right away, any damage or malfunction of the device can cause mild to severe damage to the device itself, you, or anyone else around it.

 

Plus, it is always good to ask a knowledgeable, professional, or an experienced friend for help when you begin experimenting with the drone. Having them in your company while you do this is an even better idea. If you have someone with proper knowledge and experience with the machine, they will guide you on using it to its maximum potential and give you troubleshooting tips.

 

In case of a conflict:

 

Let's say that someone else shot or damaged your drone while it was in the air. What should you do? First and foremost, try and talk to this person and discuss how and why it happened. Keep your come and negotiate for a solution to the problem. If that does not work, call the police. If you stayed within your boundaries and limits and did not do anything unlawful, you have a complete right to report a complaint.

 

Suppose your drone underwent damage by another person who borrowed it from you. The correct way to manage the situation is to prevent it from happening. Start by having a thorough understanding of the person that they will compensate if they damage your machine in any way. Having a written and signed agreement is an even better way to make sure they don't revoke later. Drones are quite an investment so taking these measures to protect them is your right.

 

Another common reason for conflict among the public and a drone-owner is that people think you are spying on them or shooting them without their consent, which is a legitimate complaint. To solve the issue then and there, you can explain what you are doing and even show them the video you shot for their satisfaction.

 

Conclusion

 

In summary, you need a registration to get started with your drone adventures, and there are specific rules and regulations associated with it. However, once you're in the safe zone, legally and socially, there are no boundaries to what you can create with these technologically advanced "toys."

 

If you want suggestions, some of the best videographers and photographers around the world suggest Snaptain drones for how light, efficient, and modern they are. You can visit the Captain website and take a look at their models.