In layman terms, a drone is a unmanned aircraft. They are also referred as unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV. These aerial vehicles are capable of flying limited miles and operate with integrated onboard software which is connected to controllers.
Drones are used for military, commercial and recreational purpose. These days, drones practical applications are being applied for photography, film making, surveillance, farming, delivery, site surveys, imaging, search and rescue. New areas of usage are being discovered everyday.
Drones can be classified based on multiple categories. Primarily, drones are classified as recreational, commercial and military drones. Drones are also segmented based on their size- nano, mid or large size. They are also classified based on their aerial platform- fixed wing, single rotor, multi rotor and hybrid. All of these segmentation effects flight time, durability, functionalities and more.
As a hobbyist, you do not need permit to fly a drone unless your drone weights more than 0.55 pounds. For registration, one must be 13 years old or an adult can register for the child. Registration cost is $5 and is valid for 3 years.
You can fly drone at night if you are a hobbyist. However if you need to fly at night for commercial reasons, you need to apply for a night waiver. Apply for waiver at FAA DroneZone website with application form, and supporting documents. A waiver request is typically responded within 90 days.
For both hobbyist as well as commercial users, it is advised to fly a drone under 400 feet or remain within 400 feet of a structure. Commercial drone pilots can apply for over 400 feet above ground level waiver under section "operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft".
The world record for fastest drone stands at 163 miles per hour. However most drones fly way below that mark. As per FAA, limit of 100 mph has been set for commercial drone pilots.
You will have to consult your local and state laws. Landing and taking off from personal property is considered as trespassing. Though law is not clear on airspace above private property, owner can still consider drone over their property as nuisance, or invasion of privacy and can take action. It is best to seek owners permission to fly over private property.
To become a drone pilot, you will have to learn the part 107 rules. Next, you will have to take knowledge test at one of the FAA centers. After passing the test, fill the FAA form 8710-13 and submit it electronically at the IACRA FAA portal.
Drone racing is a professional event in which elite pilots in the world participate. Drones are equipped with cameras and their feed goes directly to goggles worn by pilots (first person view).
A wifi fpv creates its own wifi network which can easily connect to your smart phone or tablet. Wifi FPV are great affordable option for beginners who are planning to learn to fly fpv drones.