Planning to take a drone along on your next overseas trip? It feels like it should be as simple as unfolding it, letting it move, and capturing the wow footage, right?
But the fact isn't so.Drones are being strictly regulated now, with limitations on where they can be flied, whether you have permits to use them, or if they’re allowed at all. Ignoring the regulations often means fines or confiscation if you’re caught. Check out these practical drone travel tips so that you can travel safely and smartly with peace of mind.
To bring a drone like D88 or D68 on a airplane, first you need to make sure your drone is powered off and all the power buttons are protected from accidental starts. Prepare an appropriate carrying bag or case to protect your drone from damages. Besides, you also need to check with your airline about whether you can bring your drone in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage, and also the Airline's Watt-Hour Limits.
Check the Local Drone LAWS Wherever you go.Both the United States and some European countries like the United Kingdom are all introduced licensing requirements for drones and the pilots who fly them, and Australia is also planning something similar. Following are some samples of the regulations in different countries, hopefully these will do some help for you.
- In the United States, all drones must be registered with FAA, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams), the pilot then needs to get a certification. Normally for drone like D88 or D68 are all over 250g.
- According to UK laws regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, consumer drones (classed as those that weigh under 25kg) must be flown no higher than 400 feet (120 meters). ... Pilots must also remember that there are formal certification requirements to permit flight of any +250g drone within a built-up area.
- In Colombia, only drones under 55lb (250g) are permitted.
- Night flight or flight groups of more than 12 people are not allow in Portugal.
- In Singapore, drones can’t fly within 3.1 miles (5 km) of any airport. Countries like Argentina allow drones to fly freely if they have been registered, and a fee paid, before entering the country.
- Including India, Madagascar, and Paraguay, demand you obtain permission from the relevant authority. Certain countries or regions don’t allow drones at all, like Antarctica and Vatican City.
These regulations are only for recreational flight. For commercial UAV flights, drones almost always need to be registered before entering the country. Regulations may change with the time. For a more complete, regularly-updated list of drone regulations, please check it out via the local Aviation Authority.