The H001 Nano Q4 SE remote control quadcopter by Hubsan is displayed next to its controller that doubles as the unit's carrying case at InterDrone. (Photo : Getty Images/Ethan Miller)
Drones are originally used for military purposes, but over time, the device has been used in filming, photography and extreme sports. The tiny flying device can be a great gadget to give and receive as a holiday present but it is important for users to know how to fly them safely and legally. Here is a quick guide on how to use drones for fun without stepping boundaries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched a set of rules in December 2015 on flying drones, which is officially referred to as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It was specified that drones weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds need to be registered with the FAA.
Drone owners should head to the official FAA website to start with the registration. Owners need to pay $5 for each drone registration and this should be renewed every three years. Once registration has been completed, the owner will receive a unique identification number via email and this should be placed in a visible part of the device without using any tools. It is recommended that this unique number will be placed inside the battery compartment.
It should be noted that the identification number is unique to the drone owner. This means that if the owner decides to sell the device, this number should be removed. The new owner will need to apply for another registration if they do not have one.
As for flying safety rules, the FAA mentioned in its official website about having drones fly at or below 400 feet. Owners should make sure that they can see the UAS while flying them. Drones cannot be flown within five miles of an airport without informing air traffic control first.
In addition, it is not allowed to fly a drone over a large crowd, sports events and stadiums. Owners cannot fly their drones in areas where there are emergency situations like fire. There are apps that can help owners identify no-fly zones and airspace requirements, like B4UFly by FAA.
Flying drones legally and safely entails several rules and it could be challenging to make sure they are followed. One option is to get help from a flight club in a specific area. Users can find a local chapter by searching through Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Check out the video below from AMA on safety guidelines for flying drones.
