Hobby drone – Fulfill your dream of flying
Humans have dreamed of flying for centuries. What was considered pure fantasy and eccentricity 150 years ago is now commonplace. Even flying as a hobby is no longer reserved for the top five percent. Thanks to the right hobby drone, you too can take to the skies.
Flying drones as a hobby – these are the rules you must follow.
Even a hobby drone is considered an aircraft, which is why you, as a hobby pilot, must adhere to certain rules in the air. Since 2019, these rules have been uniformly regulated throughout the European Union. In Germany, these EU regulations for the operation of drones were implemented in 2021.
You won't find a specific "drone law" here. Since even a hobby drone is considered an aircraft, its use falls under the regulations for general air traffic. Specifically, you'll find the legal regulations for operating drones in the Air Traffic Act, the Air Administration's Fee Ordinance, the Air Traffic Licensing Ordinance, and the Air Traffic Regulations.
Drones are divided into three categories, regardless of whether they are hobby drones or professionally used drones. The decisive factors for each classification are primarily the location of use, the purpose of use, and the weight of the respective drone.
Hobby drone in the open category
Drones posing the lowest risk are classified in the open category. Another criterion for operation is the technical class of the aircraft. For example, if your hobby drone weighs less than 250 grams, a drone pilot's license isn't even required.
You only need to provide proof of drone liability insurance. If your hobby drone has a camera, you also need to register it. For drones over 250 grams, you must first obtain a special EU drone license to be allowed to fly them.
Hobby drone in the special category
For drones that fall under this special category, a risk assessment by the relevant authority is required. Only then can the drone receive an operating permit. The results of this assessment determine the requirements you, as the pilot, must meet to be allowed to fly the drone.
Drones of the category requiring registration
To operate a drone requiring registration, in addition to the aircraft's registration, a certificate from the operating company is necessary. Drones requiring registration may also only be flown with a special remote pilot's license. This category generally does not apply to hobby drones.
Buying a hobby drone – Here's what you should pay attention to
To find the perfect hobby drone, you should first consider what you want to use it for and what features it needs to have. For example, if you want to take breathtaking aerial photos, your camera drone should have a correspondingly high-resolution camera. On the other hand, if you want to make drone racing your new hobby, then speed and the lowest possible weight are crucial factors for your new hobby drone.
Depending on your individual needs, the features of your new hobby drone play an important role. To make the best possible choice, pay attention to the following points:
- Control and maneuverability in the air for individual flight maneuvers
- GPS tracking
- Obstacle sensors for automatic collision avoidance
- Strong signal range and a long-lasting, high-capacity battery
- Option to connect VR glasses
- A good camera for impressive aerial photos
- Automated flight modes such as a Return-to-Home function, as well as Follow-Me, ActiveTrack or FocusTrack modes
Your own drone flying skills must also be considered when choosing your new hobby drone. Depending on your skill level, you can choose between the following when buying a drone :
Who would benefit from buying a hobby drone?
Drone flying is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages and social backgrounds. Basically, a hobby drone is suitable for anyone who is enthusiastic about flying and wants to take to the skies themselves thanks to a remote-controlled aircraft. But drones are no longer used solely for private enjoyment.
Small, remote-controlled aircraft are also increasingly used in professional settings. Among the most frequent users are photographers and filmmakers, as well as surveyors, farmers, security and emergency services such as police and fire departments, and disaster relief organizations.
As a hobby drone, these unmanned aerial vehicles offer you a wide range of uses. For example, you can participate in drone races, take aerial photos, or simply experience the feeling of a real flight with VR goggles. A hobby drone offers a lot of fun and a meaningful leisure activity in the fresh air.
