In Part A we covered getting your drone onto the plane. Now you have arrived; here are five more tips for flying your drone overseas without drama.
1. Research local drone laws before you land
Every country has its own drone rules, and some require permits, registration or ban drones outright. Research the destination’s civil aviation authority website before you travel, not after you arrive at customs with a drone in your bag.
2. Declare your drone where required
Some countries require drones to be declared at customs, and a few will hold them at the border for collection on departure. Knowing the process in advance keeps your gear out of impound.
3. Consider travel insurance that covers your drone
Standard travel insurance often excludes drones or caps electronics well below their value. Check your policy, and consider specialist drone cover for theft, damage and liability, especially if you are flying commercially.
4. Respect people and places
A drone that is welcome on an empty beach is not welcome over a crowded temple. Ask permission where appropriate, avoid flying over people, and be sensitive to local customs. One thoughtless pilot can get a location banned for everyone.
5. Back up your footage every day
Memory cards fail, and drones occasionally end up in the ocean. Copy footage to a laptop, portable SSD or cloud storage every evening. The best footage of your trip should never exist in only one place.
Have any stories from travelling with drones? We would love to hear them. And if you want to make aerial work part of your career, check out our CASA-approved drone courses.