Drone Safety Guide

Last Updated: August 19, 2023

Flying a drone can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, every drone operator is responsible for operating their aircraft safely, responsibly, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

This Drone Safety Guide provides general safety information for customers using consumer drones purchased from our website. It does not replace the official regulations, operating instructions, or requirements issued by aviation authorities in your country or region.

1. Read the User Manual Before Flying

Before operating your drone for the first time, carefully read the complete user manual.

Make sure you understand:

  • How to start and stop the motors
  • Take-off and landing procedures
  • GPS positioning
  • Return-to-Home (RTH)
  • Low-battery warnings
  • Emergency motor stop procedures
  • Remote controller operation
  • Mobile application functions
  • Camera operation
  • Obstacle avoidance functions, where available
  • Compass and GPS calibration procedures

Different drone models may operate differently. Never assume that the controls or safety functions of one drone are identical to another.

2. Perform a Pre-Flight Inspection

Before every flight, inspect your drone carefully.

Check that:

  • The propellers are correctly installed and undamaged.
  • The motors rotate freely.
  • The battery is properly installed and sufficiently charged.
  • The remote controller has sufficient battery power.
  • The drone body is not damaged.
  • The GPS connection is stable where GPS operation is required.
  • The Return-to-Home altitude is suitable for the surrounding environment.
  • The memory card, if used, is properly installed.
  • The camera and gimbal, if applicable, can move freely.
  • There are no loose parts.

Never fly a drone with damaged propellers, damaged batteries, abnormal motor sounds, or visible structural damage.

3. Maintain Visual Line of Sight

Whenever required by local regulations, keep the drone within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).

You should be able to see the aircraft directly with your own eyes and determine its position, altitude, direction, and surrounding hazards.

Do not rely exclusively on:

  • Smartphone video transmission
  • FPV screens
  • GPS maps
  • Automatic flight functions

Video transmission can be interrupted by interference, obstacles, distance, or environmental conditions.

European Open Category operations generally require VLOS, subject to limited exceptions provided by applicable rules. EASA

4. Choose a Safe Flying Area

Before take-off:

  • Check local airspace restrictions.
  • Stay away from airports and restricted airspace unless authorized.
  • Avoid military facilities and sensitive infrastructure.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Avoid emergency response operations.
  • Avoid major public events.
  • Respect private property.
  • Check local drone geographical zones.

Some areas may prohibit drone take-off or operation even if the aircraft itself is legally permitted to fly.

5. Keep a Safe Distance From People

Never operate your drone in a way that could endanger another person.

Do not intentionally fly directly over large gatherings or crowds.

Rules concerning flying near or over uninvolved people vary depending on:

  • Country
  • Aircraft weight
  • Drone class
  • Operational category
  • Pilot qualification

Always check the rules applicable to your specific drone.

6. Observe Maximum Flight Altitudes

Maximum permitted altitude varies by jurisdiction.

For example, under the European Open Category, the standard maximum operating height is generally 120 metres above the surface, subject to specific exceptions and geographical-zone restrictions. EASA

In the United States, recreational flyers are generally limited to 400 feet above ground level in Class G airspace unless another authorization or applicable exception permits otherwise. 

Always follow the lower limit where local restrictions impose a lower altitude.

7. Check Weather Conditions

Do not fly in unsuitable weather.

Avoid flying during:

  • Heavy rain
  • Snow
  • Thunderstorms
  • Strong winds
  • Dense fog
  • Extreme heat
  • Extreme cold

Strong wind can significantly reduce flight time and may prevent the drone from returning safely.

Small and lightweight drones are particularly sensitive to wind.

8. Use GPS and Return-to-Home Responsibly

GPS and Return-to-Home are safety assistance functions and should not be treated as guarantees against loss.

Before relying on RTH:

  • Wait for sufficient GPS positioning.
  • Verify the Home Point.
  • Set an appropriate Return-to-Home altitude.
  • Check for trees, buildings, power lines, and other obstacles.
  • Maintain sufficient battery power.

GPS signals can be degraded near tall buildings, metal structures, mountains, indoor environments, or areas with electromagnetic interference.

9. Avoid Electromagnetic Interference

Do not launch near:

  • High-voltage power lines
  • Large transmission towers
  • Powerful radio transmitters
  • Radar installations
  • Large metal structures

Strong electromagnetic interference may affect compass readings, GPS performance, remote-control signals, and video transmission.

10. Indoor Flight

GPS may be weak or unavailable indoors.

When flying indoors:

  • Use only an appropriate indoor flight mode.
  • Maintain a low speed.
  • Keep significant clearance from people and objects.
  • Do not rely on GPS Return-to-Home.
  • Ensure there is enough space to land safely.

11. Battery Safety

Only use compatible batteries and chargers.

Never use:

  • Swollen batteries
  • Punctured batteries
  • Batteries that have been submerged in water
  • Batteries with damaged connectors
  • Batteries that become abnormally hot

Please refer to our Battery Safety Guide for more information.

12. Respect Privacy

Drone cameras can record people and private property.

Always comply with applicable:

  • Privacy laws
  • Data-protection laws
  • Photography restrictions
  • Property rules

Do not use a drone to unlawfully observe or record individuals in circumstances where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

13. Pilot Responsibility

The remote pilot is responsible for determining whether a flight can be conducted legally and safely.

Automatic functions including GPS, obstacle avoidance, Follow Me, automatic landing, and Return-to-Home are assistance systems only.

They do not replace pilot judgment.

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general safety information only and does not constitute legal or aviation advice.

Drone laws and geographical restrictions vary by country and may change without notice.

Before each flight, users must verify the latest regulations with the relevant national aviation authority.