In US, drones take off as Christmas gifts
21 Dec 2014 11:35 PM GMT
While historically people have thought of drones as military aircraft or flying devices used by
businesses, the growth of drones as recreational vehicles has exploded.
And the range of devices on offer — many of which could end up giftwrapped under the Christmas tree next week — is as varied as the demand for them.
“I really like how it stays static, how it stays at the same place when you move it,” said the teenager, whose parents had to fork out $1,200 for his present.
The success of the quadricopter has enabled the Chinese manufacturer who makes them to multiply the number of people it employs by 100 in eight years.
Tony Mendoza, a salesman with UAV-RC.com who was manning a stand at the LA fair, showed off a much more basic model “This happens to be a simple drone and it starts at $25,” he said.
“It is basically for children and parents wanting to get something for their kids for Christmas.”
Of course, the more drones are given as presents this Christmas, the more of them will be flying around in the New Year.
That is a headache for regulators. “It’s important, no matter how small the drone is, to be aware of your surroundings, making sure you’re not operating the drone in a fashion that would endanger anybody,” said former White House advisor Lisa Ellman.
In addition, you have to be sure “that you’re not spying on your neighbours in your backyard,” she added.
But even if drones are becoming accessible for everyone, flying one is not necessarily as easy as falling off a log.
Adam Gibson is a professional who regularly organizes training sessions for beginners.
businesses, the growth of drones as recreational vehicles has exploded.
And the range of devices on offer — many of which could end up giftwrapped under the Christmas tree next week — is as varied as the demand for them.
“I really like how it stays static, how it stays at the same place when you move it,” said the teenager, whose parents had to fork out $1,200 for his present.
The success of the quadricopter has enabled the Chinese manufacturer who makes them to multiply the number of people it employs by 100 in eight years.
Tony Mendoza, a salesman with UAV-RC.com who was manning a stand at the LA fair, showed off a much more basic model “This happens to be a simple drone and it starts at $25,” he said.
“It is basically for children and parents wanting to get something for their kids for Christmas.”
Of course, the more drones are given as presents this Christmas, the more of them will be flying around in the New Year.
That is a headache for regulators. “It’s important, no matter how small the drone is, to be aware of your surroundings, making sure you’re not operating the drone in a fashion that would endanger anybody,” said former White House advisor Lisa Ellman.
In addition, you have to be sure “that you’re not spying on your neighbours in your backyard,” she added.
But even if drones are becoming accessible for everyone, flying one is not necessarily as easy as falling off a log.
Adam Gibson is a professional who regularly organizes training sessions for beginners.
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