The ideas of drone registration and drone license come closer to reality with each passing day. Consumers now ask the question: is purchasing a drone still worth it in today’s scene? Before, all you had to do was go to your local tech store and purchase a drone within your price range. Now, it seems you would have to jump through hoops in order to get one off the ground. Failure to do so would result in drone confiscation, heavy fines, and in some cases, imprisonment of the owner.
Regulate This
Newer owners of drones weighing over 250 grams must process papers linking their identity to the drone itself. This adds a lot of accountability on the part of the owner, especially when in the act of flying. One would have a license plate on their drone, with serial numbers linking to your identity. These newer and stricter regulations are to prevent further obstructions between drones and the public. However, is it also killing the recreational drone scene?
Why Get a Recreational Drone
First of all, why does one purchase a recreational drone? Most people simply want to try out new technology. Photographers may want a better view of their targets – something they cannot achieve on foot. A flying camera can do more and see more than any one person could. Others may want a toy to play with. A drone’s controller is very similar to a video game console’s, and the button assignments are very familiar as well. Being able to control a flying device using your own hands is a marvel one has to experience.
Around the World
However fun these drones may be, would the addition of stricter laws and regulations affect one’s enjoyment of it? A tourist often brings a camera when traveling. With each area differing in their own drone laws, would that be an obstacle for travelers? There have been cases of tourists receiving jail time for simply flying a drone in a restricted area. The question then presents itself. Is drone ownership still worth the hassle?
