As a beginner drone pilot, I was looking for a few key features when choosing my first drone. I wanted to help make learning to fly as easy and safe as possible, without destroying my investment straight out of the box. In this post, I’ll share my experience of choosing a drone and discuss tips for fellow drone enthusiasts in their search.

Define Your Purpose:

It’s essential to determine your purpose for owning a drone. Are you interested in aerial photography, videography, or simply exploring your surroundings? Understanding your goals will help narrow down the options and find a drone with features that meet your requirements. For example, if you’re just learning to fly, maybe you’ll want something with one button take off and landing, altitude hold, easily available spare parts,and a decent battery life to allow for plenty of practice.

Set a Budget:

Drones come in a wide range of prices, from affordable entry level models to high end professional machines. Consider your budget and features you prioritize in order to make an informed decision. Remember, investing in a quality drone will help ensure a better flying experience and reduce the risk of crashes or malfunctions.

Research, and Research More:

The internet is your best friend when it comes to researching drones. Read reviews, watch YouTube videos, join drone forums, and seek advice from experienced pilots. By immersing yourself in drone related content, you’ll gain insights into different brands, models, and their respective capabilities.

Choose a Reliable Brand:

Opting for a reputable brand helps to insure quality and reliability. Well known brands often have a wide range of accessories and spare parts available, making repairs or upgrades easier in the future. They also likely have a network of customer support if needed.

Consider Ease of Use:

As a beginner, simplicity is key. Look for drones that are user friendly, offer intuitive controls, and have built in safety features such as obstacle avoidance and return to home functions. Starting with a beginner friendly drone will help you master the basics before moving on to more advanced models.

Our Choice for a Beginner Drone:

This post contains affiliate links, which I may receive a small commission at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.

We chose the Ruko F11GiM2 with camera, (pictured above) because of its affordability, GPS, reasonable battery life, and simple controls. It came as a kit with the drone, handheld controller, 2 extra batteries, 3 USB charging cables, spare propeller blades, and an Allen-wrench and screw. It also comes with instruction and quick start guides, carrying case and helipad. You can download the free Ruko app to connect your smart phone to the drone’s camera. It’s available on Amazon, and I’ve included the link.

The Ruko comes with a compact and portable design, and carrying case, making it easy to bring wherever your adventures take you.

There was one feature I wanted that was not included in this drone: Obstacle Avoidance. I found that the price increases, sometimes dramatically, when that’s added.

Overall, the Ruko is a perfect drone companion to begin my aerial journey with. More adventures and photos to come!