A few years ago, drones were an ambitious thought in the innovators’ minds. Only a few ever thought drones would be a big thing as it is now. Things are quite different, and most of the tasks deemed expensive and hefty like aerial photography have become possible and less costly, and with a few thousands of dollars, you can own one.
However, as more people take to the skies, safety becomes a concern. If you’re not careful, you could crash during your first flight.
This piece outlines a few DO’s and DON’Ts to avoid crashes protect other people and increase its lifespan.
Fly in open areas only
Flying your drone in an open area is the ideal thing to do. That ensures your keep off obstacles, and you can also maintain a line of sight as you fly. As you fly, you’ve to ensure that the area isn’t restricted by the military, airport, or a park. Such sites are off-limits and flying there, you break the no-fly rule, which has consequences.
Avoid people’s homes.
You should never fly over people’s homes at any given time. A drone may have some mechanical problems, effects of bad weather, or even sabotage. If it falls, it can cause damage to property or death if it accidentally falls on someone. This is an experience that even experienced pilots encounter.
According to this extensive drone guide for beginners by UAV Adviser, to ensure you’re safer, it’s recommended that you install your drone with an obstacle avoidance system that helps detect any obstacles. With such, you can fly backward or forward without the fear of ever crashing. The system plans appropriate flights and thus automatically avoids obstacles. That may sound like perfect peace of mind, but it’s prudent to keep off other people’s homes.
Avoid flying over private property unless you’ve permission. And even if you have, if anything happens and it comes down in a crash and destroys other people’s things, then you’ll be held responsible for any damages.
Give way to other aircraft.
As you fly your drone, you should never go beyond the FAA allowed altitude of 400 feet or even less in a Class G airspace. Flying above that, you run the risk of encountering other aircraft and other traffic. Again, you’ve to keep your eyes open, and in case you hear any other aircraft, give way. Take it as your responsibility to keep the fly zone safe.
Never fly on a low battery.
The drone will need the power to stay afloat, and therefore you must ensure that your battery is full before take-off. If your battery is low, the device will not fly for long, it will just ascend to home height, and if no action is taken, it will return. Keep checking the battery warning, so you know it’s time to bring it home.
Avoid flying under influence.
Flying your device under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be detrimental. Your judgment is impaired, and therefore you’d better keep off your drone until you’re sober.
Before you set out for a flight, it’s prudent that you take time to study your device carefully. Ensure you follow the FAA regulations to avoid getting into problems when you fly in a ‘no-fly zone.
