The drones are here! And more are coming in droves in the years to come.

Drones for Recreational/Commercial Uses

By far, the biggest usage of drones is currently recreational and low-volume commercial. Thus, much of the regulation and focus for the industry as been on this.

The FAA formally allowed the use of drones in limited commercial applications from 2016,  with less restrictive guidelines and requirements than first anticipated (see Amendment 107 of the FAA guidelines).  With this development, business analysts expect the sales and use of  UAVs weighing 55 lbs (25 kgs.) or less to increase significantly in the next few years

Over the years, the use of drones has evolved from the original use in the military into those used for fun and recreation and lately for other purposes, like limited commercial uses that could benefit mankind. Skybase is focussed on improving the human experience, and so is focussed on these more purposeful drones.

To name a few uses, drones are used in aerial photography, videography (music), television and cinematography,  agriculture-  spraying insecticides and pesticides, disaster preparedness and mitigation, search-and-rescue,  mining exploration, construction, education,  and more.  They will also help simplify work for and minimize risks to man-  by avoiding work in 3D areas-  the dirty, dull, dangerous, and difficult.

Like with the advent of new technologies, the benefits no doubt are many, and in fact, sky is the limit-  depending on the producer-user’s creativity and imagination. They could positively impact lives everywhere around the globe.  However, like in any technological breakthrough-application, there will be tradeoffs-cons. Concerns and issues on public safety and privacy are two ot the major issues. But the FAA are currently addressing them.

Recreational Drone Models Availability,  Affordability, Value

  • Various  drone models are available for beginners, intermediate users and professionals alike –  from budget-friendly models costing  $30- to 50  for beginners,  increasing to a hundred, to a few hundred dollars for intermediate  (aerial photographers- hobbyists) to over a thousand to a few thousand (for professionals – like those used for videography and cinematography. Price differences are mostly due to increased capabilities and sophistication of the models chosen. Capabilities are determined by maneuverability-stability in various weather conditions, altitude and distance homing features, battery operational uses, and more  Most can be had off Amazon.
  • If you are planning to buy a drone for whatever use as an – amateur-beginner, intermediate-hobbyist use, or as a professional, check out the list below to get the best value for your money.
  • How easy is it to fly- safely and legally. If you’re in the USA,  it is best to check out federal, state and local laws;/ regulations, because they vary.
  • Size –  the latest technologies available make gadgets smaller and smaller, but with even greater capabilities, not only for use, but as far as compliance to safety and legal rules.
  • Battery Life- choose the longest battery usage. The latest features are great, but they are only as good as how long the battery lasts.
  • Safety – they don’t cause injury to life, limb and property, and compliants
  • Camera (Some have cameras, and others can have them attached separately
  • Value for money – Higher prices should translate into better features, and better features into more user benefits
  • Features – should translate into benefits, otherwise they are irrelevant, and in fact, you as buyer could be paying more for something unnecessary.
  • Other important feature-benefit
  • 25 minutes on a battery charge for the Parrot
  • and up to 40 minutes for the DJI Phantom. The DJI Phantom is also slightly heavier
  • it provides better stability in windy conditions, but both drones are reasonably stable for that.
  • Warranty provisions
  • Availabiltity of replacement parts and after-sales service

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