TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Drones are expected to fly off the shelves this holiday season. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates as many as one million drones could be sold.
If you happen to find a drone under the tree, there are some rules you should know about before taking flight.
Earlier this month, the FAA delivered a report, proposing that drones over half a pound be registered. This is not a law yet, but could be soon, so registration is recommended.
But there are other considerations you need to keep in mind if you take your new toy out for a spin; especially if it's a young person unwrapping the gift.
Bill Ashbaker, of the Seminole Radio Control Club explains, "They're very popular. Young people like them and the reason why is because they're very stable. They're easy to fly. It takes very little skill to fly them. Of course that also becomes the problem because people who don't know what they're suppose to be doing get into parts of the air space with other air crafts and cause concern."
Ashbaker points out that devices such as drones and other small radio controlled airplanes can't be flown within five miles of an airport; which rules out most of Tallahassee.
Some other rules include not flying your drone any higher than 400 feet and remaining below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
You can read more about drone safety recommendations by going to KnowBeforeYourFly.org.
