I Believe You Can Fly

So you want to get a drone? Excellent! Perhaps you already have a drone and want to know what you need to do before getting it in the air? Even better! There's a lot you need to take into consideration before making a purchase and taking your first flight. What type of drone should you buy? Drones range from toys (generally costing under $100) to prosumer (expect to spend between $500-$1000) to professional and specialty level ($1000+). From there, what do you have to do to fly legally? Register? Get a license? And where can you fly legally? There are also things to note before owning a drone that may seem less obvious -- ranging from proper storing of batteries (LiPo batteries can be highly volatile -- remember the Samsung Galaxy Note?) to insurance. Here’s a detailed look at everything you need to do before you get to the fun part — flying! If you already know the laws and regulations, and fly your drone regularly, skip to section three and learn how to improve your flying skills, and use your drone like the pros!

I Believe You Can Fly: Everything You Need To Know About Your First Drone

There’s a lot you need to know about getting started before you even get your drone in the air (sorry). From registering, to getting a license, to knowing where you can fly, here’s everything you need to do before you get to the fun part — flying!

Types of Drones

There are a number of uses for a drone, so read below to find which one is right for you!

  • Which Type of Drone Should I Buy?

    Some of the most popular, high quality camera drones like the DJI Mavic or the Autel X-Star are easier to fly than ever. But that does NOT make them idiot-proof. Once in your lifetime you will crash into something. That's why I recommend you always start with a cheap, toy drone, and not your expensive one. The harder to fly, the better! That way, you’ll be a master by the time you get to your fancy drone. You would way rather fly the $30 toy drone into the pool than your new DJI Mavic, right? Trust me, I’ve heard way too many stories of this happening. From there, you've got a decision to make. Maybe you want to stick with the toy drone. Maybe you want to get into racing drones. Perhaps you are ready to graduate to a more expensive, higher quality camera drone. Or maybe you want to incorporate drones into your business, and you need a drone that can perform enterprise applications like automated flight planning, 3D-mapping or thermal imaging. Here's a guide to what types of drones are out there.

  • Best Drones for Beginners (That Cost Less Than $200)

    UAV Coach reviewed 17 cheap drones so you can quickly (and easily) pick out the best one for your skill level, without breaking the bank in the process.

  • Best Drones for Photographers

    A fresh look at the most popular RC drones with a camera from companies like DJI, Yuneec, Parrot, and UDI.

  • Want to Race Drones? Read This Guide First!

    Everything you need to consider before buying a racing drone, plus in-depth reviews of the best ready-to-fly racers available today.

  • Phantom 3 Test Flight Video

    How well does the Phantom 3 hold up in the wind? It's one of DJI's cheapest drones available, and spoiler -- it's pretty decent!

  • That Drone Show's Drone Gift Guide (For the Top Drones of All Kinds)

    Here's a guide to drones and accessories of all shapes and sizes.

  • Top Recommended Drone: DJI Mavic Pro

    DJI Mavic Pro Review: this drone is flawless -- high quality aerial video, in a small package that will have you wanting to bring it everywhere.

How to Get Used to Flying

The first time you fly, fly in open space. A football field, a desert, basically anywhere with minimal trees or water is excellent. Your first flight should NOT be over your backyard pool. There are also a number of other things you should know before flying -- not to mention all the jargon (there are tons of acronyms).

Laws

Make sure you are allowed to fly in the air you intend to fly in. You can legally fly in Class G airspace without needing any type of approval. However, if you are flying in Class B or C airspace — which will happen if you’re near an airport, or other controlled airspace, you’re going to need permission.

  • Drone Registration Rules in the U.S.

    Is your drone more than 0.55 lbs and less than 55 lbs? You need to register yourself as a drone operator with the Federal Aviation Administration. The process is easy. Simply visit the FAA’s drone registration website and create an account. You’ll have to enter your address, phone number and email. You’ll also have to pay the $5 registration fee. From there, you’ll receive a registration number, which you need to affix somewhere on your drone. I recommend writing it with Sharpie on a piece of masking tape, so you can easily remove it should you decide to sell or give away your drone. (The registration number is tied to the pilot, not the drone).

  • How to Register Your Drone (It's the Law)

    Everyone in the U.S. operating a drone weighing more than 0.55 lbs must register their drone with the FAA for a $5 fee.

  • Everything You Need to Know About the FAA Part 107 UAS Aeronautical Knowledge Test.

    Drone operators will have to pass a UAS aeronautical knowledge test to fly drones commercially, known by most as the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.

  • FAA App Showing Where You Can and Can't Fly Drones

    Is your preferred drone flying spot near an airport? What about in a National Park? Maybe it's in temporarily restricted airspace. Always check whether you can legally fly in the air space before you take off. The FAA app can show you whether you can legally fly there.

  • Flying Drones for Money: You Need a Part 107 License

    Get a Part 107 license if you intend to fly drones commercially. Do you intend to make money off your drone? Will you sell the videos you take from it or use it for some other sort of paid service? You need a commercial license, which you can get by passing a written test — similar to the permit test you took when you were 15 before getting a driver’s license.

  • Here's Your Part 107 UAS Test Study Guide

    The FAA released its Part 107 UAS online training course, which anyone can take for free. It's a helpful guide for operators without a pilot's license.

  • Need to Fly Within 5 Miles of an Airport? Here's How...

    About 70 percent of the U.S. population lives within 20 miles of one of the 30 major airports. With over 13,000 airports in the United States today, there is a very good chance you live or work within five miles of one of these smaller airports. The FAA Modernization and Reauthorization Act of 2012 made it a requirement for hobbyist drone operators to contact the airport management and the air traffic control tower if operating within five miles of an airport. Here's how you can do that.

Tips, Tricks and More on How to Be a Pro

You've mastered the flying and you know the laws. Now take your drone flying to the next level. Take better photos, or maybe try taking a panorama. Know how to stay safe and protect your gear so it stays in good condition. And have fun!

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