A toy drone is an unmanned aircraft. In the military they are known as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).
Today drones aren’t just for the military and media centers. Drones have become a big sensation among pilots, hobbyist, photographers, and people of all ages. These smaller and less equipped toy drones have become quite popular
Drones are Radio Controlled (RC) aircrafts. They are controlled by a battery powered remote control. The controller may contain a visual display screen or a smart phone mount depending on how advanced the Drone. More advanced drones will have an on-board camera or camera mount. Most drones are relatively small and light, propelled by anywhere from 4 to 8 rotors. The propellers make the drone relativity easy to maneuver and exceptionally fast. Besides being fun to fly, race, navigate in water, they are great for getting aerial pictures and video.
Which drone should I buy?
We will categorized the drone user as being a beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Beginner drones
These drones are anywhere from $0 to $300. At the lower end price point are mainly smaller and lighter drones. Inexpensive because the novice user is more prone to losing or beating up the drone. A smaller size may make the drone harder to control in windy conditions. The flight time is usually on the low side generally ranging from 5-15 minutes per charge. This is very decent for a beginner drone and recharge times are quite fast. The higher priced drones in this price range sometimes come with a lower end camera.
Intermediate drones
An intermediate drone will cost you anywhere from $300 – $1000. Usually designed bigger and heavier for more in-flight stability. Generally these will come with a high quality onboard camera or mount to place an external camera. Flight time is increased. The intermediate series drones start to break into an area of more advanced features such as one touch lift offs, follow modes, and camera movement controls.
A full review on the DJI Phantom 3 Standard can be found here: Phantom 3 Full Review
Advanced drones
These are usually an investment of $1000 + . The selection of drones may branch out from the tradition 4 rotor quadcopter design to included added rotors for additional stability and speed. Camera quality and video is also improved. Advanced drones max out on features, with advanced stabilization, GPS, automated flight settings, auto flight paths/orbits, auto returns, and software programming options.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
In the United States some drones may require registration with the FAA Website. Generally lower end drones without cameras do not require any registration. As of December 21st, 2015 you are required to register your drone if it weighs .55 lbs – 55 lbs. Registration fee is $5. To register you must be 13 years or older and be a US citizen.
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