If drone technology appeals to you, ask yourself what you would like to do with an unmanned aircraft. If you’re a keen photographer, drone aerial photography may be what attracts you. The thrill of racing drones around circuits may be more your kind of thing. Having a clear idea of what you plan to do with a drone will help you to choose the best model.

Should I hire a drone rather than buy one? The answer may be yes if it’s for a specific purpose as a one-off. For example, if you are planning a holiday somewhere like the Lake District a drone would be great for aerial photography. It’s important to understand the ‘Drone Code’ and the rules and regulations in place if you hire a drone, as you need to maintain distances and not fly in controlled areas.

Hiring a drone can also be a good idea if you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to control one and enjoy flying. For anyone used to playing computer games flying a drone often comes naturally. The challenge of making fine movements with joysticks takes longer for some people top get used to, but it comes with practise. Modern drones have built in safety features and sensors making them very easy to fly. So long as you read the instructions and set the aircraft up correctly before take off there’s very little that can go wrong.

If you’re committed to buying a drone, budget is another factor once you’ve decided what you want to use it for. For around a hundred pounds you can pick up a toy drone to have some fun with, but you’ll need to spend more like five hundred pounds for a more advanced aircraft. DJI’s Mavic Air is a great example of a budget drone that’s great for all round use.

Should I hire a drone or pay a CAA approved drone pilot is a relevant question if you need commercial work completing. For example, aerial photography for marketing needs the expertise and experience of a professional.