Drone Safety 101: Essential Gear and Tips for Safe Flying

Getting amazing aerial shots and awe-inspiring videos is easy. Many drones come with high-tech cameras and features that can make almost everyone an ace pilot or professional photographer.

But, just like driving a car, taking to the skies with a drone brings with it certain responsibilities. Drones are very safe, but if they are used improperly, they can cause damage to property and injure people.

Staying safe doesn’t just involve knowing how to use the controls. It’s also about knowing and using the best safety gear and how to avoid the common mistakes pilots can make that get them into trouble.

Here are some tips to keep you flying safely and some  recommended gear to make safe flying a little easier.

A lot of new drone pilots don’t realize how many rules there are when flying a drone.

It’s important to remember that when flying, you share the skies with everything else up there, from birds to aircraft. All recreational drone pilots in the U.S. are required to pass the FAA’s TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) exam.

If you really want to know all the rules and fly commercially, you’ll need to take and pass the Part 107 exam and get your remote pilot certificate. This test is more in-depth than the TRUST exam. If you decide to go down this route, make sure to check out online resources such as Altitude University, the Pilot Institute, and Sporty’s Pilot Shop.

With a solid understanding of the rules, now it’s time to get the safety gear that will make your flights more enjoyable. Here are some of the essential items you should consider.

Safety Glasses

Flying drones can expose you to hazards like flying debris and propellers. Safety glasses are a simple and effective way to protect your eyes and come in three basic types.

Safety glasses can cost you anywhere from just a few dollars to a few hundred. If you are looking for basic glasses, check out the Dewalt Protector, which is usually less than $10. If you are willing to spend more, check out Flying Eyes Golden Eagle Sport Sunglasses.

It may seem like it’s not a big deal, but if you fly drones for extended periods of time, hand strain becomes a problem. The small control sticks on drone remote controllers start to become a bit of a thumb workout. Remote controller grips can improve comfort and provide better control and come in three basic types.

Extended grips are pretty inexpensive. One good one in particular is the Hanatora Extension Joystick. They are easy to install on DJI remotes and very affordable.

A secure strap can prevent the controller from falling and reduce hand fatigue by distributing its weight more evenly. This is particularly helpful for longer flights or when using heavier equipment. 

There are many different neck straps on the market that are tailored to personal preference. A good example is the FPVtosky Lanyard, but there are many to choose from.

In addition to having the right safety gear, drone pilots need to pay attention to the other things they can do to make sure they are flying safely. Here are a few of the most important things every pilot needs to think about before taking to the skies.

Weather is one of the most important things to consider before flying. It’s easy for us on the ground to adjust to changing weather conditions.

If it rains, we grab an umbrella. If it’s cold, we bundle up. Most drones, especially those you buy over the counter, aren't as adaptable to inclement weather. Moisture of any kind is pretty detrimental to most drones.

Keeping an eye on the weather is key to staying safe. Flying in adverse conditions such as high winds, rain, or fog can lead to crashes, loss of control, or damage to the drone.

Most drones use LiPo batteries as their power source. While LiPo batteries are relatively safe, if they are improperly handled, they can be dangerous. Mishandling batteries can lead to malfunctions, overheating, or even fire hazards.

You might want to invest in battery safe bags. The Anbee Lipo Battery Safe Bag is a great way to store batteries and help prevent fires.

Just like the roads we drive on, the skies have rules on who can fly where and when.

These rules initially look complicated, but with a little review, you can easily understand them and know when it is safe to launch your drone in a given area. Failure to adhere to regulations can result in fines or accidents.

By considering these additional safety factors, drone operators can minimize risks, comply with laws, and enjoy an incident-free flying experience.

Flying drones can be fun and profitable, but you should never forget that safety comes first. Being a safe drone pilot is a combination of knowing the rules, planning for each flight, and using the proper safety gear.

From safety glasses helping to protect your eyes from debris and propellers to remote controller grips and straps that enhance comfort and prevent accidents, investing in safety equipment is the first step toward safer flights.

By combining the right safety tools with proper planning, you can significantly reduce risks and focus on what makes drone flying so enjoyable. Every flight is an opportunity to learn, create, and explore, but safety must always remain the top priority. Take the time to prepare, follow the rules, and equip yourself with the knowledge and gear to fly responsibly.

What are the most important safety gear items for drone pilots?

Key items include safety glasses for eye protection, remote controller grips and straps for comfort and security, and, in some cases, hard hats for high-risk environments.

How can I protect my drone from bad weather conditions?

Avoid flying in adverse weather such as rain, fog, or high winds, and use weather apps to check forecasts before planning your flight.

What are the best practices for charging and storing drone batteries safely?

Always use approved chargers, avoid overcharging, and store batteries in a cool, dry place, preferably in fire-resistant battery safes or bags.