Things to Consider Before Gifting a Drone This Christmas

Hobbyists, pilots, and photographers find drones to be amazing gadgets that offer a unique flying experience. The price of this thrilling hobby may range from a little under $200 for a toy drone to well over $2,000 for a professional filming or racing drone. However, if you are considering buying one as a gift this Christmas, there are a few things you should consider first. A new drone is an exciting purchase, but with numerous brands and features available, choosing the best one can be complicated. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to consider the rules and regulations governing the use of drones as well. To help you do this, we will discuss the key considerations to keep in mind before gifting a drone this Christmas.

1. Think About the Rules and Regulations

Don’t just purchase a drone as a Christmas present for someone without first considering where they could use it. As mentioned earlier, according to FAA guidelines, it’s illegal to trespass and invade someone’s privacy with a drone. We know whoever you’re buying a drone for wouldn’t intentionally infringe. Still, it’s essential to note that operating a drone in an urban area increases the risk of unintentional incidents. That said, outside private backyards, the safest locations to fly a drone include public parks, model aircraft clubs, and areas where the drone may be flown “within sight” or at an altitude of 400 feet or less. However, flying a drone during winter can be tricky for a beginner, so you must be cautious if you get one for Christmas.

Keep the drone at least 150 feet away from structures, roads, or pedestrians. Operating a drone within five miles of an airport, inside a regulated airspace, near an emergency or rescue activity, within a national park, or above a stadium is illegal. Investigating potential fly zones in advance is crucial in case there are any short-term limitations due to inclement weather or security concerns. Finding a place to fly a drone that is both legal and safe doesn’t have to be difficult, thanks to the wealth of online resources available.

2. Consider the Location Before Gifting a Drone

Don’t just purchase a drone for someone as a Christmas present without first considering where they could use it. As mentioned earlier, according to FAA guidelines, it’s illegal to trespass and invade someone’s privacy with a drone. We know that whoever you’re buying a drone for wouldn’t intentionally infringe upon the rights of others. Still, it’s essential to note that operating a drone in an urban area increases the risk of unintentional incidents. That said, outside private backyards, the safest locations to fly a drone include public parks, model aircraft clubs, and areas where the drone may be flown “within sight” or at an altitude of 400 feet or less. However, flying a drone during winter can be tricky for a beginner, so you must be cautious if you get one for Christmas.

Keep the drone at least 150 feet away from structures, roads, or pedestrians. Operating a drone within five miles of an airport, inside a regulated airspace, near an emergency or rescue activity, within a national park, or above a stadium is illegal. Investigating potential fly zones in advance is crucial in case there are any short-term limitations due to inclement weather or security concerns. Finding a place to fly a drone that is both legal and safe doesn’t have to be difficult, thanks to the wealth of online resources available.

3. Understand the Different Types of Drones

One of the trickiest things about buying a drone as a Christmas present, if you’re not a drone enthusiast yourself, is deciding which drone is best. There are numerous types of drones, but we will attempt to summarize them in simple terms:

• Ready-to-fly (RTF). These are practically airworthy right out of the box. All you need to do is charge the batteries and attach the propellers; you are ready.
• Bind-to-fly (BNF). No controllers are included, so you must purchase additional ones or use an app on your mobile device. The good news is that these drones are ready to fly right out of the box.
• Almost-ready-to-fly (ARF). You can think of these as drone starter packs. Most lack essential components, such as motors, speed controllers, flight controllers, and batteries. Although you have almost everything you need to construct your drone, you will still need to make several additional purchases to be able to fly it. Plus, you can customize these drones to your specific flying needs.
• First-person video (FPV). These drones can film and send that footage to a smartphone, VR headset, or another device with the appropriate software installed. Taking photographs with a drone is a popular hobby for many photographers.

4. Consider the Form Factor

Drones come in all shapes and sizes, so deciding what kind of drone best fits your needs can sometimes be challenging. Generally, you’ll want to look for a lightweight and compact drone. For instance, you want to find a drone that is easy to carry and comes with a secure carrying case. This way, the process can be stress-free if your friend travels or relocates over the Christmas holiday. That being said, we generally advise against buying larger models for beginners. Therefore, you should purchase a unit that is small enough for one person to handle alone but robust enough to withstand most flight conditions.

5. Look at the Price of Drones

When it comes to drones, there are three price points you can consider:

1. Lower-Priced Drones ($20 – $100): These affordable drones won’t set you back more than $100. Toys are primarily used for fun activities, such as racing and other games. There is no space for customization or additional equipment.
2. Medium-Cost Drones ($150 – $500): These drones have found their way into the professional and hobbyist sectors. They’re a tad larger and decked out with more extras. Intelligence gathering and aerial mapping are just two of these drones’ unique features.
3. Expensive Drones ($600 – $2000): These drones are highly adaptable due to their modular design. Like other types of drones, this one is best suited for specific purposes, such as surveillance or professional photography and videography. They’re expensive, so only buy them if you need them.

This is particularly important when it comes to the most crucial things to consider before gifting a drone this Christmas.

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