Owning a drone is very popular at the moment. Drone flying is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the UK. After all, they can be used in a variety of ways – they are almost several hobbies in one. You could get a drone for aerial film-making, for landscape photography, for racing, or just a toy for flying about. There are a great many things you need to consider when purchasing a drone. Before you spend your hard earned cash, make sure you have thought about the following considerations.

What do you want from it?

Perhaps the most important thing to decide is why you want a drone. The specifications and abilities of every drone are different. Choosing between these can be difficult. If you think about what you really need your drone to do, it might become easier. If you want to take pictures or videos, it is worth investing in one with a superior camera. However, if you simply want something to fly, then there is no point wasting the money this will cost. Equally, if you want a drone to control with a VR headset, make sure you have bought the appropriate type.

Where are you going to fly it?

It is important to check the regulations around flying in different locations. If you live in a city or town, it is much more likely that there will be areas near you that you are unable to fly a drone in. However, if you live in the countryside or near national parks, you are much more likely to be able to fly where you like. You can check online if the area you want to fly your drone in is restricted at all.

How much to spend?

You can spend as much or as little as you want when buying a drone. However, depending on what you need your drone to do, you might need to spend more or less. You can buy small and less powerful drones for very little. However, these are not generally meant for long flights or difficult weather. A mid-range model for general use could cost you around £250, or as much as £1,000. This would likely be enough a significant enough investment for most needs.

How do I stay safe in the air?

Your skill in flying your drone is not necessarily enough to make sure you stay safe. Sometimes, you need some extra safety features. If your drone loses contact with your remote control, many have a built in ‘return to home’ feature which brings them back to you. The fanciest models often come with Geofencing software that prevents them from entering forbidden airspace, or obstacle avoiding tools.