Essential Gear for a New Drone Pilot

There are countless drones on the market and even more accessories. With advanced features and accessible pricing, drones appeal to both hobbyists and professionals alike. For new drone pilots, however, getting started with the right gear is essential for a successful and safe flying experience. 

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of what new drone pilots need. From the drone itself to propellers and insurance, we’ve got you covered. We will discuss a few essentials, some extras, tips for getting the most out of your gear, and make a few recommendations.

While it may seem obvious, the most important gear you will need as a new pilot is, of course, a drone.

There are so many different drones on the market, from toys to advanced tools of industry. Drones can cost anywhere from a few dollars for small toys to hundreds of thousands of dollars for those flown by professional pilots. Thankfully, new drone pilots don’t need to empty their bank accounts or take out a second mortgage to get their first drone.

Most of the time, when you buy a drone, the package comes with the aircraft, remote, battery, and some way to charge the battery. Let’s go over a few considerations for each of these components.

Drone: The drone itself is the most critical part of your setup, and choosing the right model can make a big difference in your flying experience. When selecting a drone, consider the following factors.

Remote controller: A reliable remote controller ensures that you have stable control over your drone, allowing for precise maneuvers and smooth operation. Controllers come in different types:

Having a good controller helps improve response time and accuracy, reducing the risk of accidents. If you’re using a smartphone controller, ensure that your device is fully charged and that you have a backup battery or charger nearby. In most cases, the controller will come with the drone.

Batteries: Drone batteries are essential for extending flight time, and having extra ones on hand allows you to keep flying without long interruptions. Most drone bundles will provide you with at least one battery. Here are some tips:

A word of caution when it comes to batteries. You’ll often find batteries for your drone made by third parties. While these can be less expensive than the ones you buy from the manufacturer, there may be quality issues. It’s best to buy batteries only from the manufacturer of the drone when you are starting out as a new pilot.

Charger: A reliable charger is just as important as having extra batteries. Some chargers allow you to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, which saves time and keeps you flying longer.

For new pilots, I recommend the following two drones:

DJI Mini 3: The DJI Mini 3 drone combines a lightweight, foldable design with impressive 4K HDR video capture, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced drone pilots seeking portability and high-quality footage. It features a robust 38-minute maximum flight time and enhanced wind resistance, enabling stable flights even in challenging conditions. With its intelligent flight modes, including QuickShots and automatic return-to-home, the DJI Mini 3 is equipped for smooth, creative captures in diverse environments.

DJI Air 3: The DJI Air 3 stands out with its dual-camera system, offering both wide-angle and medium telephoto lenses for versatile 4K video and stunning image capture. It features an impressive 46-minute maximum flight time and omnidirectional obstacle sensing, allowing for safer and longer flights. With advanced intelligent flight modes like FocusTrack and MasterShots, the DJI Air 3 empowers pilots to capture complex, cinematic shots with ease.

Every new pilot will need to have replacement parts and gear to keep your drone safe. You would be surprised when you are first flying how often you need an extra propeller or memory card. Avoid frustration by considering these accessories.

Propellers: Propellers are essential components of your drone’s flight system, and having spares is crucial. Propellers are relatively delicate and can break easily, so keeping a few extras on hand can save the day if an accident occurs.

Landing pads: Once you take off and start to gain some altitude, it becomes difficult to spot where to land. Having a landing pad protects your drone from damage and can make it easier to see where you took off from as you search for the takeoff point from high above.

I personally like the Hoodman Weighted Trifold Drone Landing Pad LP21. It is easy to transport, and you can see it from far away. Landing pads like the Hoodman prevent dirt and rocks from hitting the drone as it lands and are an inexpensive way to help new pilots feel that much more at ease as they take to the skies.

Hard cases and backpacks: Protecting your drone and accessories is vital, especially when transporting them. A dedicated hard case or backpack can keep your gear organized and safe from damage.

Accessories: Additional accessories can improve your drone flying experience and allow you to capture higher-quality images. Two of the best to get are ND Filters and SD Cards.

Now that you have all of your equipment as a new pilot, you want to make sure you are doing everything you can to have a safety-first mindset. That being said, accidents do happen, and it is a good idea to have a first-aid kit and drone insurance.

First-aid kit: A first-aid kit is always a good idea, especially if you’re flying in remote or rugged locations. Minor scrapes and cuts are common when handling drones, so having a basic kit on hand is useful.

Drone insurance: Drone insurance can protect you from liability if your drone causes damage or an accident. Many insurance plans also cover repairs or replacements if your drone is damaged during a flight.

With the essentials covered, you’re all set to get the gear you need and start exploring the skies with confidence. Investing in the right drone, spare batteries, propellers, and protective gear will give you a smooth, worry-free start as a new pilot.

So, don’t wait. Gear up, stay prepared, and embrace the thrill of flying as you join the growing community of drone enthusiasts and professionals alike.

What do drone pilots need?

Drone pilots need a reliable drone, a remote controller, spare batteries, and knowledge of FAA regulations to operate safely and legally.

What PPE is required for drone pilots?

There are no regulations that specifically say you need PPE, but it is a good idea to have safety goggles, high-visibility vests, and gloves, depending on the operational environment.

What do I need to bring to my drone pilot test?

For the drone pilot test (Part 107), bring a government-issued ID, proof of exam scheduling, and any required materials provided in the FAA's test guidelines.