So you got a drone for Christmas? Here’s what you need to know.

Millions of people around the world have received drones for Christmas this Holiday Season. In the UK alone the number of drone users is expected to have doubled after this year’s shopping season. So, can you now charge the batteries and go fly right away or are there some things you should learn before you try out your new toy? Hint: for U.S. drone pilots register your drone.

FAA drone safety tips

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have made a short video clip and checklist to get new drone pilots up to speed quickly and prevent any drone incidents. Read and watch those first and then register your new unmanned aerial vehicle with the FAA.

Attention new #drone #pilots: Here’s what you need to do to comply with the FAA’s rules and to #FlySafe. https://t.co/kG69t99CjU pic.twitter.com/otgfyCSunh

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) December 28, 2017

Before you #fly your new #drone, learn the #FAA's basic tips so you can be a #safe #drone #pilot! #FlySafe https://t.co/kG69t9rdbs pic.twitter.com/C1MuXOszkj

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) December 28, 2017

If you live outside the U.S. than check with your country’s aviation authorities to see which rules apply. The drone rules and regulations in all countries are somewhat different, but there is a lot of overlap.

Flying your drone in Europe?

For drone pilots in Europe, you can watch the video below and take a look at these two websites, dronerules.eu and EASA for more detailed information.

DRONEDJ REWARDS

Don’t forget! We are going to give away this exact DJI Spark drone to one of our readers. If you are interested, then leave a comment, or follow us and share this post on Facebook, or Twitter, or Instagram. We will give it away in the first week of the new year. Only people living in one of the 48 Contiguous United States will be eligible. The lucky recipient will be selected at our sole discretion.

Note: To improve our website DroneDJ and bring you the latest news, we rely on income from our ads as well as affiliate programs. We would greatly appreciate it, if you would consider the offers of our advertisers or would buy your next drone or drone accessories through one of our partners such as DJI, Parrot, Yuneec or retailers such as Amazon, B&H, BestBuy or eBay. Thank you!