Drone technology has come a long way in a surprisingly short time. For instance, a UAV can complete a video that would require a camera crew and expensive cranes in no time. The best part? You don’t need a super experienced pilot to pull it off. Just push the “auto takeoff” button, and that’s it!

In this post, we cover everything you need to know before purchasing a UAV.

Drones Need Registration

Whether you’re flying for fun or commercial purposes, the Canadian government requires you to register your UAV. That helps in identifying these potentially privacy-invasive toys, forcing users to be more responsible.

The registration of drones is simple. You’ll need to fill out a form and pay a small price. However, the process is quite different for commercial drones. These require a few extra steps before you can get a permit to fly.

Know the Restrictions

Drones can do illegal things such as transport drugs over borders. That’s why the government decided to put in place regulations to avoid accidents and unlawful use. For example, a drone is not allowed to fly above 400 feet above the ground. Nor are you allowed to fly near airports. Getting caught breaking any of these laws will land you fines or jail time. So, be sure to read the rule book before your first flight.

Figure out the Drone Type You Need

All drones are not equal. Some come with the power to transport cargo while others are just flying cameras. So, you might want to do your homework before purchasing a UAV. Here are some of the available options.

• Ready-To-Fly – (RTF) – These come ready to fly out of the box. You get a controller, a full assembled drone, and a user manual with every purchase.
• Bind to Fly (BTF) – These drones require you to buy a separate controller or use an app on your phone.
• Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF) – These are drone kits. Most of them don’t come with flight controllers, transmitters, and receivers. On the upside, you get to customize the device to fit your needs.
• First –Person- Video (FPV) – These drones transmit video in realtime. You can connect a phone, headset, or other device and watch the ground in realtime. They are particularly popular with videographers and photographers.

The Bottom Line?

There’s a lot you need to know before flying a drone. And this post should point you in the right direction. However, please note these regulations are subject to change.