Choosing a Camera Drone
Opening
Choosing a camera drone is not as simple as just deciding on what drone you want or determining how much you want to spend. The video linked at the bottom of the post describes some of the things you’ll want to consider before plunking down what could be big bucks on a drone. Here are is a thumbnail sketch of the things you’ll want to consider.
Considerations
Are you flying commercially or recreationally? If you are selling the results of your flight, it’s considered a commercial flight. If so, you’ll need a commercial drone operator’s license to fly in the US.
Recreational flying includes (or will shortly include) passing a government test to operate in the national airspace system. This applies if your drone weighs between .55 and 55 pounds.
You will need to obtain permission to fly in the national airspace using a yet-to-be released smart phone app.
The FAA does not regulate recreational flying with a drone that weighs less than 250 grams or .55 pounds.
