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Considerations When Buying Your First Drone
- Piloting ability & age – Is this for a child to play with briefly or for an adult to use for recreational flying?
- Indoor or outdoor flying? Do you know the rules?
- Use – Do you want a drone that will follow you around, fly indoors, outdoors,take photos/video, or race?
- Durability – All drones crash at some point – even the experts crash – Do do you want something that will bounce off the walls or will you be able to fix or replace a broken part?
- Try Flying Virtually First – check out what drone simulators are online. Some are free.
- Try in Person – sign up for an individual lesson, class or camp. Check with local colleges & schools for information.
Join the AMA & Locate Other Recreational Pilots
Academy of Model Aeronautics: modelaircraft.org
- AMA Membership
- $15 for age 12 – 19
- great individual insurance coverage
- required for youth participation in U.S. Drone Soccer competitions
- AMA website lists clubs in your area
Register Your Drone & Know the Rules – Recreational Drone Pilot Links
Drone Registration & Where You Can Fly
FAA TRUST Exam
The exam is FREE & REQUIRED for all outdoor recreational flight.
Find more information & access to The UAS Safety Test (TRUST):
https://trust.modelaircraft.org (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test. (TRUST)
Best Practices – Know the Laws
- Pictures & Privacy
Where to Fly and Where Not to Fly
- No Fly Zones – be aware of where flying is allowed & not allowed. Know your proximity to local airports & FAA No Fly Zones before attempting to fly.
- Flying in local parks – We suggest you take care when flying in any public park. Most parks do not have drone specific postings – YET. State & National Parks have strict rules.
- Get the facts before you attempt to fly! Local parks typically post rule changes after they have had an issue. Be courteous, fly safe & obey all postings, local laws, and directions given by parks department employees. Be courteous to others enjoying the park & have a spotter (aka visual observer) at all times!
- B4UFly Mobile App