For several years now, drones have been the absolute bestseller among Christmas presents and this year they will again be at the top of many wish lists. The mobility club shows what to look out for when giving drones.

“But not all drones are created equal, and not all of them are also suitable as gifts,” says ÖAMTC drone expert Benjamin Hetzendorfer. "So that the joy of a gift drone lasts for a long time, it makes sense to think carefully about who you want to surprise with which drone." What makes drones an ideal gift is that there are also models that are suitable for absolute beginners and are now also available quite cheaply. “However, you shouldn't go for the cheapest,” advises Hetzendorfer. "These are often difficult to control and the fun of flying a drone is over quickly." More expensive aircraft fly more stable, are easier to handle and sometimes also provide better images. In addition, drones with obstacle detection and GPS increase safety.

“But be careful, the requirements for drone pilots have changed since the beginning of 2021,” recalls Hetzendorfer. "For example, all drones over 250 grams take-off weight, mandatory registration and a drone driver's license are required." This means that there are additional costs for the recipient of the gift due to registration, required insurance and driver's license. The decisive factor for the categorization and thus for the regulations that must be complied with is usually the take-off weight of the drone. The heavier the aircraft, the higher the demands on the pilots. If you want to please children with a drone, there is another important point to consider. Under 16 years of age, only small drones that are explicitly labeled as toys in accordance with the EU Toy Directive and do not require registration are possible - to be on the safe side, you should inquire about this at the latest when buying.

The following applies to all other drones: The minimum age for flying drones and obtaining a drone license is 16 years. Children under the age of 16 are only allowed to fly under the supervision of people who have the necessary authorizations (drone license). The mandatory registration as a drone operator is only possible from the age of 18. However, the operator and pilot do not have to be the same person. “Before you control a drone for the first time, you should read the instructions for use,” advises the ÖAMTC drone expert. “At first you shouldn't fly in a populated area, but rather in an open field. And especially in winter, it is best to operate a drone when the view is clear and temperatures are below zero. "