The Dos and Don’ts of Drone Flying for Videographers

Drone flying can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to follow a few basic rules to ensure a safe and successful flight. Here are some dos and don’ts of drone flying for videographers:

Follow these dos and don’ts for safe and successful drone flying: do read the manual, check the weather, keep the drone in sight, and follow the rules; don’t fly under the influence, over people or property, in restricted areas, or like a maniac. Enjoy your drone flying hobby responsibly to capture stunning footage and avoid accidents.

Before you take your drone out of the box, it’s important to read the manual and familiarize yourself with the controls and safety guidelines. Trust us, you don’t want to be that person who crashes their drone because they didn’t know how to properly use the emergency stop button.

Before you head out for a flight, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and make sure the conditions are safe for flying. Drones don’t do well in strong winds or heavy rain, so it’s best to wait for a calm and clear day to get the best footage.

One of the most important rules of drone flying is to always keep your drone in sight. This means staying within a reasonable distance and maintaining a clear line of sight at all times. If you can’t see your drone, you have no way of knowing what it’s doing or where it’s going, which can lead to some very expensive mistakes.

Drone flying is regulated by a set of rules and guidelines designed to ensure the safety of people and property. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these rules and follow them at all times. This includes obtaining the proper permissions and licenses, flying only in designated areas, and staying away from restricted zones.

This should go without saying, but it’s worth repeating: do not fly your drone while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Flying a drone requires a clear mind and steady hands, and mixing flying with substances that impair your judgment or coordination is a recipe for disaster.

Another important rule of drone flying is to never fly over people or property without permission. This includes public events, private homes, and commercial properties. Not only is it disrespectful, but it’s also illegal in many places, and it can lead to serious accidents or legal consequences.

Check your local laws. In some places it is legal to fly over property. But in some areas they do have restriction. I recommend taking a Part 107 Certification Class to learn more about local laws. I choose Pilot Institute and highly suggest you do the same if you are a U.S. resident.

There are certain areas where drone flying is strictly prohibited, such as near airports, military bases, and government buildings. It’s important to know where these areas are and to avoid flying in them at all costs. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the receiving end of some very angry airport security or government officials.

Finally, don’t fly your drone like a maniac. This means no reckless flying, no dangerous stunts, and no flying too close to objects or people. Remember, a drone is a serious piece of equipment and it can cause serious damage if not used responsibly.

In conclusion, drone flying is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to follow a few basic rules to ensure a safe and successful flight. By following the dos and don’ts of drone flying for videographers, you can capture stunning footage and avoid any mishaps or accidents.