So You Want to Be THAT Pilot: A Hilarious Guide to What NOT to Do with Your Drone

Hey there, fellow drone enthusiast! Let’s talk about something we’ve all witnessed (or, ahem, done ourselves): the moments where a drone pilot’s common sense takes a coffee break. Whether you’re new to drones or a seasoned veteran, we’ve all had those “hold my beer” moments that could have easily landed us on a YouTube fail compilation.

Today, I’m here to help you avoid becoming the star of one of those videos by showing you exactly what NOT to do. Because nothing says “I’m a professional drone pilot” like a spectacular crash or a visit from local authorities. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Want to Make the Evening News? Fly Over Crowds!

The Tempting Mistake: You’re at a festival, and you think, “Wow, this crowd shot would look amazing on Instagram!” Next thing you know, your drone is hovering over hundreds of people. What could go wrong?

The Reality Check: Picture this: your drone loses connection mid-flight (because Wi-Fi interference is a thing). It plummets straight into someone’s popcorn, causing panic, injury, and maybe even a lawsuit. Oh, and by the way, flying over crowds without proper authorization is illegal unless your drone meets strict safety requirements (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).

The Lesson: Flying over crowds isn’t just irresponsible—it’s dangerous. Drones can malfunction, and people don’t appreciate unexpected aerial surprises.

Pro Tip: If you absolutely need crowd footage, use a drone certified for this purpose under the Specific Category and follow strict operational requirements (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5). Better yet, get creative with angles from the sidelines. Trust me, nobody wants a drone in their nachos.

2. Nothing Says ‘Professional’ Like Ignoring Airspace Restrictions

The Tempting Mistake: You spot a cool landmark, like an airport or a military base, and think, “I’ll just fly close enough for a great shot—what’s the harm?”

The Reality Check: The harm is a very angry air traffic controller and possibly a visit from law enforcement. Flying in restricted airspace without authorization is a surefire way to lose your drone AND your license (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4). Also, nobody wants to explain to the authorities why your drone interrupted an emergency helicopter landing.

The Lesson: Airspace rules exist for a reason. Violating them can cause serious safety issues and hefty fines, not to mention the possibility of your drone being confiscated.

Pro Tip: Always check for airspace restrictions before flying using apps like Drone Assist or AirMap. Better safe than grounded.

3. Because Who Needs a Pre-Flight Check Anyway?

The Tempting Mistake: You’re running late, the weather looks fine, and you think, “I don’t need to check my drone before flying—I’ve done this a hundred times!”

The Reality Check: Cue the mid-air battery failure or a propeller flying off because it wasn’t secured properly. Bonus points if your drone decides to go rogue and crashes into the nearest tree.

The Lesson: Skipping your pre-flight checklist is like driving a car without checking the gas tank or tire pressure. It’s a gamble, and the odds are rarely in your favor.

Pro Tip: Take five minutes to inspect your drone, check the battery, calibrate sensors, and ensure everything is functioning properly. It’s boring but beats spending your evening fishing your drone out of a lake.

4. Sure, the Manual Says X, but You’re Different, Right?

The Tempting Mistake: You unbox your shiny new drone and think, “I don’t need to read the manual—how hard can it be?”

The Reality Check: Turns out, pretty hard. Without knowing your drone’s capabilities and limitations, you’re more likely to crash, lose signal, or accidentally fly into restricted zones.

The Lesson: The manual isn’t just a paperweight—it’s your drone’s bible. Ignoring it is like trying to bake a soufflé without reading the recipe.

Pro Tip: Spend an hour reading the manual before your first flight. You’ll thank yourself when you know how to activate Return-to-Home mode instead of panicking mid-flight.

5. What’s the Worst That Could Happen? Flying in High Winds

The Tempting Mistake: You wake up to gusty weather and think, “My drone can handle it—it’s built tough!”

The Reality Check: Turns out, it’s not that tough. High winds can throw your drone off course, drain the battery faster, or even cause it to crash spectacularly. Bonus points if it lands in an area you can’t access.

The Lesson: Drones aren’t invincible. Flying in adverse weather conditions is a recipe for disaster and could damage your equipment.

Pro Tip: Always check the weather before flying, and avoid flights in winds exceeding your drone’s specifications. If it’s borderline, wait it out—your drone will thank you later.

6. Want to Impress Your Friends? Skip Registration and Insurance!

The Tempting Mistake: You think, “Nobody checks for drone registration—I’ll just wing it!”

The Reality Check: Until someone does check. Operating a drone without proper registration or insurance can lead to hefty fines and legal trouble (Reg 2019/947 Art. 14). Plus, if your drone causes damage, you’re on the hook financially.

The Lesson: Registration and insurance aren’t optional—they’re your safety net in case something goes wrong.

Pro Tip: Register your drone with the appropriate aviation authority in your country and invest in liability insurance. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.

7. Go Big or Go Home: Flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

The Tempting Mistake: You think, “It’s just a quick flight out of view—what’s the harm?”

The Reality Check: The harm is losing control of your drone, crashing into something (or someone), and violating regulations that require you to maintain visual line of sight unless authorized (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).

The Lesson: BVLOS flights are for trained professionals with proper permits—not for casual pilots trying to get a cool shot.

Pro Tip: Keep your drone within sight at all times unless you’ve undergone the necessary training and received authorization.

Want to Keep Your License AND Your Dignity?

Flying drones is awesome, but it comes with responsibilities. By avoiding these “brilliant” mistakes, you’ll stay safe, legal, and far away from viral fail compilations.

Remember: Safety isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting people, property, and your drone. So next time you’re tempted to take a shortcut, think twice. And if you ever find yourself saying, “What’s the worst that could happen?”—stop.

Fly smart, fly safe, and keep the skies friendly. Happy flying!