BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) - Some aviation experts say drones have become more popular over the last ten years for hobbyists, as the technology has advanced, and it’s become more affordable and accessible. With this piquing interest, some children might be waking up to a drone from Santa this Christmas.
“It’s a lot easier to access drones nowadays because you can go to Best Buy or a hobby store and buy one ready to fly," Kevin Henderson, owner of SkyBama, said. "That also brings up safety concerns."
Drones now come in varying sizes, from larger ones meant to be flown outside reaching hundreds of feet in the air to small pocket-sized drones that can zip around inside a house.
Henderson has been flying drones for more than seven years, turning his passion into an aerial cinematography business called SkyBama. He says some of the safety concerns stem from people popping up a drone before they’ve taken time to go through rules and regulations from the FAA.
"As a hobbyist, you’re required by the FAA to take a trust exam, which is an online exam, you go to the FAA’s website. It’s multiple choice, you can review it and answer all of the questions there and it basically just tells you about safety guidelines," Henderson said. "Don’t fly near airports, stay away from people, don’t fly over people and stay below 400 feet. Always fly within visual line of sight. If you can’t see the drone, then you’re too far away.”
Blake Zumbado, chief flight instructor at the Birmingham Flight Center, says drones are great gifts for any flight or aviation enthusiasts, but it’s important to read the safety manuals that come with each.
"Age restrictions, who it’s really designed for, and the use of the drone itself depends on the kind of drone you buy," Zumbado said. "Some of these nicer drones, photography, anything like that, kind of keep in mind who you’re buying it for and the purpose of the drone.”
All drone rules and regulations, including requirements on when to register the aircraft with the FAA, can be found on the FAA's website HERE.