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While you might not literally pack these drones under your clothes, they are compact enough to fit snugly in your suitcase without taking up too much space.

Toy drones are fun and easy to pack, but if you’re looking for something more sophisticated, these top 4 drones should be on your packing list. High-quality flying machines can be challenging to find, especially if you’re on a budget of £100/$100 or less. However, for a little more investment, you can get compact camera drones that deliver stunning photos and videos.

Here are the top 4 compact camera drones that combine quality and value, ensuring you get the most out of your aerial adventures.

Forget The Selfie-Stick

From my perspective and after hours of research, I’ve put my ‘Top 4 Drones To Pack Under Your Pants’ list together, hoping it may help make you decide if you’re considering buying your first ‘real’ drone.

A drone that’s portable enough to take away with you but also packs in enough power and technology to fly well and take great footage of life’s special moments. Therefore, your selfies and holiday videos will never be the same again.

All this, whilst still being good value for money. It’s a big ask!

I am by no means an expert, just an every day consumer who was asking the same questions just a few months ago.

Remember, a drone is an aircraft. Therefore, somebody has to fly it! In addition, there are rules and regulations to adhere to and that’s why, with all things considered, my top 4 drones to pack under your pants are as follows:

1. DJI Spark

Size and Portability

The first thing you’ll notice about the DJI Spark is its size. It’s incredibly compact, weighing only 300 grams (10.85 ounces) with dimensions of H7.5, W25, D20.8 cm. This makes it easy to transport in your bag, and it even comes in a choice of two colors.

Even experienced drone pilots are impressed with the DJI Spark. It’s especially perfect for beginners who haven’t flown a drone before, thanks to its user-friendly design.

DJI is a clear leader in aerial imaging technology, and the Spark is no exception.

Camera

The DJI Spark features a 2-axis, mechanically stabilized gimbal camera (pitch and roll). This means the lens moves with the aircraft, ensuring smooth and stable image and video capture every time you fly.

The wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing stunning group shots and expansive landscapes, making it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.

Stills

• 12 Megapixel Camera
• JPEG Format
• Aperture: f/2.6
• ISO Range: 100-1699
• Shutter Speed: 2-1/8000s

Still Photography Modes:

• Single Shot
• Burst Mode (3 frames)
• Pano (Vertical and Horizontal)
• ShallowFocus
• QuickShot

Video

• Full HD 1080P Video
• Video Format: MP4
• ISO Range: 100-3200
• Max Video Bitrate: 24 Mbps

While some videographers might find the standard High Definition 1080p slightly disappointing, the DJI Spark still captures excellent footage, making it more than adequate for everyday hobbyists and YouTubers.

Functions

The DJI Spark offers four exciting footage options. Once set, the drone will fly automatically in specific patterns, capturing footage hands-free, allowing you to focus on getting the best angles.

1. Rocket: The drone ascends directly upward, perfect for capturing a wave goodbye as it takes off.
2. Dronie: The aircraft flies backward and forward as you move, creating stunning shots as you walk or run towards it.
3. Circle: The Spark orbits around a point, creating cinematic, Star Wars-like shots.
4. Helix: The drone ascends in a spiral pattern while keeping the camera locked onto the subject, maintaining a steady and focused shot throughout.

One of my favorite functions is ActiveTrack. Activate this feature, and the DJI Spark locks onto a subject and follows them, either from the front or the rear. Although it’s not perfect – particularly if kids are running around and changing direction suddenly – it still tracks subjects very well.

Operating the DJI Spark feels incredibly natural. It’s intuitive and seems to anticipate your needs, all with just a few hand gestures. It even remembers and recognises your face, following your commands without any other controls. This makes capturing aerial selfies a breeze, taking just seconds to achieve.

Not just for selfies!

The DJI Spark isn’t just for selfies; this drone can cover some serious distance. Traveling at up to 31 mph for a total of 16 minutes, it captures impressive footage of areas you might otherwise miss.

Launch it, take a selfie, cast it away, and then have it follow you. Film some scenery, do aerial shots, and when you’re ready, hold out your palm for it to land safely right back where it started.

The Spark is equipped with front-facing obstacle-avoidance and undercarriage sensors, which are helpful if you lose focus and it heads toward a wall, trees, or people. It has a range of 1-16 feet (0.2 – 5 meters) and is super steady when flown indoors or out.

The maximum transmission distance is 100 meters, with a maximum height of 50 meters. Additionally, it has a maximum ascending speed of 9.8 feet per second in Sport Mode and the same speed when descending in Auto Landing Mode.

Having a flying time

The DJI Spark comes with a 100Wh battery, classified as small, providing around 16 minutes of flight time.

While 16 minutes can feel short when you’re having fun, it’s reasonable for a drone of this size. However, additional batteries are almost essential to ensure you have enough power to capture all the footage you want without disappointment.

The remote control is an optional extra, but the Fly More Combo, which includes the controller and other useful accessories, is a great deal.

Using the controller offers a significant advantage with a much greater range of up to 1.2 miles, perfect for capturing stunning scenery footage.

Alternatively, you can fly the DJI Spark from your smartphone. The TapFly function allows you to control the drone’s direction with a simple tap on your screen. The display remains clear even in sunlight, which is an area where some other drone apps fall short.

The reality is that you don’t need a smartphone or a controller to operate the DJI Spark. With a few easy-to-remember gestures, you can launch, fly, film, capture, and land your drone. It’s both smart and safe.

The DJI Spark is also impressively durable. It has proven to survive a crash into a tree at full speed (50 kph) with only a broken propeller—though this isn’t a test you’d want to replicate at home!

Pilot Skills

No pilot skills needed – it’s a simple as that.

It has the capabilities to fly on it’s own without being paired to anything.

It’s perfectly happy doing it’s thing with little input from yourself. Nevertheless, it’s also nice to know that there are additional functions for when you find your feet and feel adventurous.

Even though it’s small it’s remarkably powerful and stays strong in the wind. I think if DJI were ever to consider re-branding this drone they could easily justify ‘DJI Smart’! It’s so intuitive!

Pros:

• Remarkably affordable
• Incredibly portable, lightweight and small and probably the easiest, smartest, selfie drone around right now.
• Easy gesture controls There’s the afore-mentioned colour options of Lava Red and Alpine White. (We chose red, mainly because we like mountains and were afraid that Alpine White, against a snowy-backdrop, may reduce our line of sight.)
• Smartphone controlled
• It takes great selfies.
• Easy to fly and superbly smooth in flight.
• Pretty good subject tracking.
• Good flight safety with GPS stabilisation
• There’s some nice optional (but not necessary) extras.

DJI Spark is my No. 1 of ‘Top 4 Drones To Pack Under Your Pants!’ and you can probably see why. It’s a quality brand, favoured my many enthusiasts, amateur and pro alike and we love it.

Cons:

• Can only shoot 1080p video.
• Gesture mode can be a little hit-and-miss until you get used to it.
• There’s a basic editor but there’s lots of other options out there for post production editing
• The battery life isn’t great, providing a fairly short flying time but enough for a casual flyer’s needs. My advise would be to buy at least one extra battery or go for the great-value Fly More Combo.

PRICE:

DJI Spark Combo (Aircraft plus Remote Control) Approx. £449/ $389

DJI Spark Fly More Combo Approx. £579/ $515

2. DJI Mavic Air

Size and Portability

The DJI Mavic Air is possibly the best drone that money can buy, only falling short of the top spot due to its higher cost compared to the Spark.

Despite this, the Mavic Air is incredibly portable—hence its inclusion in the Top 4 Drones You Can Pack Under Your Pants! It’s more than ready to get its batteries packed and join you on your next flight.

Flying the Mavic Air is easy, although it may take a little getting used to if you haven’t flown a drone before. However, if your primary goal is to have a selfie drone that takes great photos and impressive videos at the beach or park, then I highly recommend the DJI Spark.

More folds than a Shar Pei

The DJI Mavic Air features folding rotors, making it highly portable and easy to fit into a large pocket or backpack. Additionally, the controller folds and includes removable joysticks, ensuring it’s always ready to go.

Weighing just 420g, it’s not much bigger than its sibling, the Spark.

Its 2,375mAh battery provides up to 21 minutes of flight time.

WiFi range extends up to 80 meters, while the transmitter range reaches an impressive 4km (2.48 miles).

It boasts a normal speed of 22 miles per hour, with a thrilling 42 mph achievable in sport mode (imagine that with goggles on!).

The Mavic Air comes equipped with 8GB of onboard storage, eliminating the immediate need for an additional SD card.

Camera

Camera Specifications:

• 12 megapixels with 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor
• Equipped with an equivalent 28mm f/2.8 aperture lens
• Features a 3-axis all-mechanical gimbal for sharp footage even at high speeds and in windy conditions

Obstacle Avoidance and Camera Array:

• Seven onboard cameras: two front, two bottom, two rear, plus infrared sensors for comprehensive obstacle avoidance capabilities

Panorama and Photography Modes:

• Supports vertical, horizontal, and 180-degree panoramas
• Includes advanced modes like Sphere Panorama, stitching 25 photos for a 32MP panorama automatically

Video Capabilities:

• Records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with up to 100Mbps bitrate
• Offers 1080p video at 120 fps for impressive slow-motion footage
• Additional video modes such as Asteroid and Boomerang enhance creative possibilities

Intelligent Functions:

• Hand gesture control with improved recognition and multi-person tracking capabilities
• Smartphone control for quick takeoffs when the controller is not readily accessible

Controller and Connectivity:

• Ergonomic controller design provides comfortable handling and extends the drone’s range significantly

The DJI Mavic Air combines advanced camera capabilities with intelligent features, making it a versatile choice for both aerial photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Pilot Skills

As mentioned, there are multiple ways to pilot the Mavic Air. Whichever method you choose, you’ll appreciate the obstacle avoidance sensors on the front, rear, and bottom of the aircraft.

It’s amazing that a drone so small can handle winds as strong as 22 mph and even higher. And it does just that with impressive stability.

Most people will agree that the Mavic Air is incredibly easy to fly, making it easy to get carried away. Remember that in Sport Mode, the drone can reach speeds up to 42 mph, so always be mindful of local rules and regulations. For more information, click here.

For those with more experience, there are extra buttons for complex controls, though they are not essential for enjoying the Mavic Air.

Pros

• The Mavic Air is a very safe drone. The extra sensors make flight much more enjoyable without having to worry too much about crashing your expensive toy.
• Really easy to capture dramatic footage that will amaze your friends and family.
• Top of its game for tracking.
• Very nimble with the ability do lots of cool tricks.
• The Fly More Bundle is great value and includes: 3 batteries, remote controller, travel bag, two pairs of propeller guards, battery to power bank adapter and battery charging hub. Bargain!
• Compact, portable, well-equipped, ready to travel and easy to fly.
• The helicopter-style shots are amazing.
• It can follow more than one person.

Cons

• Really needs multiple batteries. Take a look at the Fly More Bundle which has three batteries and is completely worth the extra cost!
• It’s a bit on the noisy side. I think most reviews mention this as it can get a little irritating. On top of this, it’s bound to attract unwanted attention if flown at low altitude.

PRICE

DJI Mavic Air w/ remote controller: Approx. £704/ $748

DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo: Approx. £899.99/ $999.00

3. Parrot ANAFI

Size and Portability

This is the ‘Pretty Polly’ of the Parrot world for me!

It weighs a mere 320g which means the ANAFI is more than 100g lighter than the DJI Mavic Air and only 20g heavier than the Spark.

It has a height of 89mm and a width of 380mm

Battery life: 25minutes

It’ small and light, comes in a great transport case and is Parrot’s very first folding quadcopter. Yes, the foldable Parrot ANAFI is taking on the big boys as a premium camera drone and it packs a punch.

Transmitter range: 2.4 miles/ 4km

Camera

Stills:

• 21 MP camera with automated stills and tracking mode
• The impressive 21 megapixels is a major reason why the ANAFI made my top 4 drones list
• Various camera modes to experiment with
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting and Adobe DNG/RAW formats for efficient post-production editing

Video:

• 4K HDR camera with a bitrate of 100Mbps
• 1.4x zoom at 4K resolution and 2.8x zoom at 1080p resolution
• Crisp, clear footage even in low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk
• 17:9 aspect ratio with a wide-angle aspherical lens
• Capable of shooting video upwards, as well as forwards and downwards
• 180-degree vertical gimbal, perfect for low-angle shots
• Slow-motion and a variety of automatic cinematic shot options

Functions

The ANAFI comes complete with a foldable controller, the Parrot Skycontroller 3. You get a generous 25 minutes of flying time, though it takes hours to charge, so an extra battery is worth considering.

While it doesn’t offer as high a frame rate as the Mavic Air, the 4K video and 21-megapixel images produced by the 1/2.4-inch Sony CMOS sensor are sharp and impressive. The drone is equipped with a gimbal, though it only operates on a 2-axis, making it somewhat less stable and smooth compared to higher-end models. However, when the gimbal is tilted all the way up, you get a clear, unobstructed angle with zoom.

The HD image quality streaming from the drone to your phone is impressive. It features both Film and Sport modes, with speeds up to 34 miles per hour.

The drone’s sturdy body makes it easy to operate, with auto take-off, landing, and return-to-home functions. The controller is well-built, with a folding and hinged phone grip that fits any smartphone comfortably.

Follow me …

The Parrot ANAFI is a particularly good choice for selfie fans. It’s Follow Me mode tracks your movements, adjusting automatically for more photogenic angles.

Orbit, Parabola, Boomerang and Tornado modes cause the drone to fly around you in various circles and arcs but watch out, its up to you to keep out of the trees! The FreeFlight app is great, making it straightforward and simple to get to grips with your functions and is more intuitive than other drone apps.

The really exciting bit for me is the dolly zoom (or trombone shot) for a bit of a Home Alone pre-scream affect. I love this shot!

Pilot Skills

The ANAFI is a fantastic drone for beginners. It’s lightweight and easy to master, making it perfect for new recruits.

The Parrot Free Flight 6 app offers six different piloting modes: Manual Flight, Follow Me, Cameraman, FPV, Touch & Fly, and Flight Plan. Stability in flight is good, even in a breeze, but be aware that it lacks obstacle avoidance. This means you’ll need some skill to fly this drone, as avoiding crashes is entirely up to you. Always keep clear of obstacles and people.

With a range of 4 km, it’s essential to keep the ANAFI within sight. In the UK and most other countries, flying your drone out of line of sight is against the law. However, the ANAFI does have some helpful features if and when appropriate.

Responsive and enjoyable to fly, the ANAFI is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a versatile choice for any drone enthusiast.

Pros:

• This ultra-compact drone boasts a 25-minute flight time and captures exceptional 4K video and 21MP stills.
• Competitively priced, it offers great value for money.
• The shape of the Parrot drone is appealing, giving it a sleek and aggressive look in the sky, much better than the Bebop 2.
• It’s arguably the quietest drone on the market, making it ideal for indoor flying.
• Features an impressive camera zoom.
• Both the remote control and battery can be recharged using a regular USB, allowing for convenient charging anytime and anywhere.
• The video and stills shooting capabilities in low light are incredible.

Cons:

• Tracking option and a couple of other flight modes are locked behind an additional in-app purchase.
• This paywall is frustrating, Parrot, and detracts from the overall user experience.
• After buying a drone, customers should have access to all its features without extra charges.
• This approach feels restrictive and undermines the otherwise excellent capabilities of the drone.

PRICE:

Parrot ANAFI: Approx. £549/ $724 for the bundle (Aircraft, controller, carry case, 3 batteries.)

4.Parrot BeBop2

Size and Portability

The Parrot BeBop 2 is not as small or lightweight as the DJI Spark, but it earns its place for flying ease and affordability.

Weighing just 500g and measuring H8.9 x W38.2 x D32.8 cm, it’s easily transported and well-deserving of its place on the “Top 4 Drones To Pack Under Your Pants” list.

The BeBop 2 is undoubtedly a well-built machine that has proven to withstand a bit of bouncing.

Power: Battery size is 2,700mAh, and you get two!

This exciting, smartphone-controlled drone features a fisheye lens, enhancing its appeal for both beginners and experienced pilots.

Camera

Stills:

• 14MP camera with a fisheye lens
• Performs well in low-light conditions

Video:

• 1080p full HD video footage at 30 frames per second
• 3-axis digital image stabilization and dedicated “video mode” for steady and smooth video recording

Functions

The Parrot BeBop 2 combines a lot of exciting features. It has a 180-degree lens with an onboard image processor that crops the whole image, enhancing video stability. However, I’m not sure if this compensates for the lack of a gimbal.

Nevertheless, with its stabilisation software, it doesn’t appear to need one. This drone also uses rubber dampeners to reduce vibration in flight.

It comes with two 2,700mAh batteries, providing 25 minutes of flight time, indoors or out.

There are so many extras, it feels like Christmas!

Cockpitglasses 2

Grab the FPV goggles that connect to your phone’s screen to experience a first-person view of what the Bebop 2 sees.

It’s incredibly immersive—a breathtaking experience, especially for first-timers, offering an amazing perspective.

In terms of value for money, you’re definitely getting a lot!

That said, there have been significant changes in rules and regulations worldwide regarding FPV flying. It’s crucial to check local authority websites for the latest information wherever you plan to fly. (More details on regulations are available at the bottom of the page.)

• The Parrot BeBop 2 package includes a charger, cable with a multi-national adapter, a USB cable, 8 propellers, and a propeller assembly tool.
• The BeBop 2 features a GPS-powered return-to-home function, although some users find it not quite as accurate as the DJI system.
• It’s sufficient in reasonably open areas, but lacks collision detection, which is a significant concern for safety.

Controlled via your smartphone or tablet’s accelerometer and touchscreen, you can even keep your smartphone in your coat pocket thanks to its visual recognition technology. This allows the drone to follow you autonomously, showcasing its intuitive and smooth operation.

Pilot Skills

This drone flies at 37.28 mph horizontally and 13.5 mph vertically. In Sport Mode, it can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, and it can withstand winds of up to 37 mph, reaching its top speed in just 14 seconds. Its braking time is slightly over 4 seconds.

Speed is not its only strong feature. The drone also boasts impressive distance capability, although this may not always be necessary. It’s important to adhere to line-of-sight regulations wherever you choose to fly.

No snooze button

When flying the Parrot BeBop 2 at maximum range, it’s crucial to monitor your signal closely, especially beyond 50 meters, to avoid potential mishaps like flying into obstacles. Using the Sky Controller 2 significantly enhances its performance.

Initially, the BeBop 2 may take some getting used to, but it proves to be a smooth and stable aircraft, effortlessly gliding through the air.

Flying with FPV goggles for the first time can feel quite unfamiliar. While FPV provides an immersive experience, it doesn’t necessarily improve precision piloting because it feels more like being inside the aircraft at close range. Personally, I often find myself lifting the goggles to check the drone’s actual position after a short while.

Moreover, there’s a lot of information to process when flying FPV, and sometimes I simply prefer to watch the flight footage later at home to experience what it was like to be out there.

Pros:

• It’s a mid-range drone that’s a great price considering the amount of features it carries. This is probably the best drone you can buy if you want to spend under $300
• It can perform airborne spins with its 360 degree rotation.
• You can even save more cash by opting for the standard Bebop 2, which has one battery, no FPV goggles and a shorter range.
• Parrot Cockpitglasses, this is a great optional extra and work well.
• Great battery life. Very impressive.
• Great scope for customisation, allowing you to modify the controls to your liking.
• The controller has a PlayStation pad with mini joysticks and button.

Cons:

• Autonomous functions cost extra to unlock. Frustratingly, Parrot has locked away some of the Bebop2’s more interesting features. For instance, route planning (Flight Plan) and FollowMe (GPS and visual tracking feature) inside it’s FreeFlight Pro app. Only its not free! (well, the app is). Don’t get me started …
• The battery takes its time to recharge, but perhaps that’s why you’ve got two! One in the drone, one charging.
• The 14MP camera is mighty impressive, but it doesn’t always prove itself in reality.
• Fisheye lenses are prone to lens flare and I really feel it’s a mistake in a camera drone. They create quite a cool effect in tripod photography but from my experience, they cause far more distortion than is desirable in videos.
• It actually looks like an old-style camcorder with wings, although it does feel strong and robust.
• The video can be twitchy when flying at long distance. So even though it’s fun to fly further you might find that there’s a price to pay, pushing the video recording limits overboard

PRICE:

Approx. £249/ $169 (drone only without FPV and controller)

Aprox. £379/ $264 (incl. FPV)

To Sum Up …

fter careful consideration and research, DJI and Parrot have solidly established their presence in the drone market, earning well-deserved spots on my ‘Top 4 Drones To Pack Under Your Pants’ List!

Perhaps one drone in particular stands out to you?

Camera drones offer a fun and unique way to capture holiday memories, replacing traditional snapshots with exciting aerial perspectives. However, flying drones can be challenging, not just mechanically but also socially. They can sometimes provoke strong reactions from people who may not appreciate them.

Always ensure you have ample space and adhere to the ever-expanding rules and regulations that are now enforceable by law.

To help you navigate current regulations and guidelines for flying drones, please scroll down. This report is accurate at the time of publishing but is subject to change. For the latest updates, please check with local authorities.

f you’re like me and wondering if drones will ever get the recognition and the social acceptance that they deserve, head over to my ‘Any Drone-Friendly Holidays Yet?‘ blog.

Please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter for occasional updates.

Flying With Your Flying Machine.

Use appropriate bags and carry cases. The hard shell types offer the best protection. Prior to your flight, check with your individual airline’s website to make sure drones are not on their prohibited packing items list, and whether they ned to be transported in your checked or hand luggage.

Keep batteries in your carry on. Do not put batteries into checked luggage. Baggage is not stored in a pressurised environment on most planes and temperatures can fluctuate,

You can likely carry your drone, in an appropriate case onboard if it’s a smaller model. If its a larger model you’ll probably need to check it in. Check with your airline.

Read the small print

Regarding batteries, stay below the airlines watt-hour limit. It doesn’t seem to be the quantity that’s as significant as the overall watt hours (Wh). For instance, in the USA, according to the FAA website, if your batteries are below 100Wh you can carry as many as you like. If they are between 101-160Wh you can carry a maximum of two batteries. However, FAA regulations do not apply to every airline and country.

Be sure to check the aviation regulation in the country you’re visiting and check your airline too.

When you’ve arrived at your destination, check the local authority website of the area you are flying in, for up-to-date information.

Below are a few examples of current rules and regulations for a handful of destinations, valid at the time of publishing.

This list is a guideline, it is not exhaustive and is subject to change:

North America

USA

• Fly below 400ft altitude.
• Don’t fly in dangerous areas.
• Always fly within line of sight.
• Don’t Drink and Fly (I can feel a blog about this coming on!).
• Follow local regulations.
• Register your aircraft on the FAAs website if weighs over 0.55 lbs (0.25kg). All DJI aircraft weigh over 0.55lbs.
• Check local regulations or consult authorities before flying a large aircraft that weighs over 0.25kg.
• Check your airline’s battery regulations when travelling with LiPo batteries.

Canada

• Don’t fly higher than 90m.
• Always fly within line of sight.
• Don’t fly at night.
• Stay 5.5km away from aircraft, airports and airfields.
• Stay 9km away from disaster areas.
• Keep your name, address and telephone number on your drone.
• Stay within 500m of your drone.
• You need to stay 75m away from vehicles, vessels and people if your drone weighs between 1kg and 35kg. Keep 30m above from vehicles, vessels and people if your drone weighs between 250g and 1kg

Australia

• Fly below the CASA’s altitude limit of 120m/400ft.
• Don’t fly in dangerous areas.( including traffic accidents, police operations and fires.
• Always fly within line of sight.
• Keep away from crowds.
• Don’t Fly at night.
• Never fly within 30m of people.
• Fly only one drone at a time.
• Do not record or photograph people without their consent.
• Flying drones less than 2kg in weight is only legal when you apply for an aviation reference..
• Do not fly above festivals, stadiums, populated beaches, parks, busy roads or footpaths..
• Do not fly with FPV goggles without a spotter (this is a second person, not another piece of kit that you have to buy!) The second person keeps a visual on the aircraft to make sure it doesn’t fly out of the line of sight.

Europe

Italy

• Always fly below ENACs altitude limit of 70m.
• Maintain visual contact with your drone.
• Do not fly above populated areas.
• Check ENAC’s website for updates and information before flying.
• Don’t fly within 5KM of an airport.
• Do not fly at night.
• Stay away from sensitive buildings, infrastructure and facilities.

Norway

• Fly under the CAA of Norway’s altitude limit of 120m.
• Stay 5km away from aircraft, airports and airfields.
• Keep aircraft within their line of sight.
• Respect image and privacy rights.
• Check local no-fly zone.
• Do not fly within 50m of other people, vehicles or buildings that are not under the operators control.
• All flights must be carried out in a considerate manner so that aircraft, people, birds, animals and property are not exposed to injury or damage in any way.
• Do not fly over festivals, military facilities, sporting events or other large public gatherings.

Germany

• Fly below official altitude limit of 100m.
• Always maintain line of sight.
• Do not fly in dangerous areas.
• Do not fly over crowds. Users must have liability insurance.
• Drones that are heavier than 250g are required to have an attached identity tag..
• You must obtain an official certificate of knowledge before operating any aircraft that weighs at least 2kg. Respect privacy.
• Do not film or take picture of anyone with our their expressed consent.

France

• Do not fly in dangerous areas.
• Always fly within your line of sight.
• Don’t fly over people and respect t their privacy.
• Don’t fly at night.
• Fly below the DGAC’s altitude limit of 150m

Switzerland

• Respect people’s privacy.
• Always fly 5km away from people.
• Fly below altitude limit of 150m.
• Always fly in the line of sight.
• Fly 100m away from crowds.
• Drones over 500g require liability insurance.

Ireland

• Fly below IAA’s altitude limit of 120m.
• Don’t fly over urban areas.
• Stay 5km away from airports.
• Fly within your line of sight.
• Keep away from crowds.
• All drones over 1kg must be registered.
• Don’t fly over restricted areas (ie, military bases)
• Do not fly on private land.
• Do not fly further than 300m.

UK

• Fly below CAA’s altitude limit of 120m/400ft.
• Fly within ine of sight.
• Don’t fly over dangerous areas.
• Don’t fly over crowds and urban areas.
• Stay away from airports, aircraft and airfields.
• A drone must not weigh more than 20kg.
• If a drone weighs over 7kg check CAA website for additional rules.
• Keep 150ft/50m away from people and property, unless special permission from CAA.
• Keep 500ft/150m away from crowds and built up areas, unless with special permission from CAA.
• Check local GEO zones before every flight.
• British overseas territories have their own unique regulations. Check local regulations before flying
• If you fly FPV (with goggles) you must have someone else with you as spotter. This rule may have been tightened further so check with the CAA website.

Asia

Thailand

• Fly below CAATs altitude limit of 90m.
• Don’t fly in or near restricted areas, official facilities and hospitals.
• Don’t fly within 9km of an airport.
• Maintain visual contact.
• Register any drone over 2kg.
• Obtain permission before flying drones that weigh over 25kg.
• Violation of any CAAT policies may be punishable by uptimes to one year imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 THB or both.

Mainland China

• Do not use a drone to drop or transport items.
• Always fly within line of sight.
• Don’t fly at night.
• Fly below CAACs altitude limit of 120m.
• Register with relevances local authority.
• Third party liability insurance.
• Check no fly zones.
• Under 18s must fly under supervision of a parent or guardian.
• You must have a business licence if flying for commercial purposes.
• Keep away from airports, borders, military areas, government institutions, power plants, transformer substations, docks, ports, railroads, roads and public gatherings.
• Don’t fly under the influence and effects of medicines and alcohol.

Have fun, buckle up and enjoy your flight!

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