The popularity of drones has exploded in recent years. As an awesome way to film or just have fun, taking your drone on holiday is the logical next step for lovers of the technology. However, flying an aerial vehicle in a distant part of the world is very different to flying it in your back garden, and there a few tips and rules that are handy to remember. These tips will help you to get the most out of your drone and your holiday.
Give Yourself Extra Time
When visiting a location that you have never flown in before, it is wise to give yourself plenty of extra time for set up and to conduct a hazard assessment. If you want to capture the best footage at the perfect time of day, it is important that you have all of your tech sorted out beforehand. Don’t put lots of effort into getting somewhere, only to miss the perfect shots because you run out of time.
Be Prepared to Fly Manually
Flying in first-person mode with direct video streaming is the best way to control drones, but this is not always possible. In remote locations, the stream can often cut out, leaving the pilot to fly manually. If you have little experience flying manually, this can be a problem, especially if you cannot see your drone. The safe policy is to keep it in your line of sight whenever possible.
Construct a Flight Plan
You know what they say: by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail. When you are planning your flight path, plot all of the locations in which you wish to film and work out where the drone should be at each point. This will help you get the angles and shots that you want, while also enabling you to keep track of the aircraft and stay on schedule.
Know the Local Rules
Rules for aerial craft vary widely across different countries and continents, so it is imperative that you check the rules for your destination and understand them before you set off. If you don’t know the rules and protocols, you may get penalised with a large fine or have your expensive new toy confiscated.
Invest in a Portable Drone
This might seem like an obvious tip, but it is one of the most important. Most drones are not designed to be taken on a passenger aircraft and cannot be folded or packaged efficiently. Grab a drone that’s designed to be safely secured and transported, and that takes up little space and weight. You will want to take your drone through hand luggage, if possible.
Remember Gadget Travel Insurance
This final tip may be the least exciting, but it is one that could save you the most money. Gadget travel insurance is essential to keep your drones and other gadgets protected during your travels, especially if you have plans for filming and exploring in remote areas. Invest in gadget travel insurance and liberate yourself to push your imagination and technology to their limits.
Martin Wynn
