Drone as a gift for 10 yr old

RainbowsInTheSpray

Is anyone out there able to point to something I could buy for a precocious 10 yr old with an interest in things technical? There seems to be a huge number of 'toy drones' on the market and I have no idea which ones might be any good. Under £50 if possible.

The_Fat_Controller

If you do buy a drone, please have a good read of this before your first flight.

https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/where-you-can-fly

matelodave

There aren't all that many places where you can safely operate a drone - most parks or playing fields are out and unless you've got a really big garden you'll have to find a place where it's permitted or where you aren't going to lose it.

A drone falling out of the sky onto someone or hitting something like a car could end up with a very expensive bill unless you can insure it

Andy_L

"Any good" and "under £50" means you're looking at something that's only suitable for indoor use. How keen would the parents be on that?

tempus_fugit

matelodave said:

There aren't all that many places where you can safely operate a drone - most parks or playing fields are out and unless you've got a really big garden you'll have to find a place where it's permitted or where you aren't going to lose it.

A drone falling out of the sky onto someone or hitting something like a car could end up with a very expensive bill unless you can insure it

Actually, if it's a drone that weighs under 250g you can fly it anywhere there are no restrictions, which tend to be around airports and certain other places. Parks are fair game as are most public spaces. See the section "Small drones and model aircraft: below 250g, C0 or C1 class" in the following website: https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/where-you-can-fly. Also, watch some of the "auditing" videos on YouTube, where you will see people testing the limits of where you can fly drones, as well as take photographs and video without breaking the law.

Le_Kirk

How about a Meccano set (probably have to be second-hand) or Lego Technic?

movilogo

1. Drone is not good for under 10.
2. You can't get a decent drone for £50.

Most cheap drones will cause frustration rather than pleasure. Expensive drones typically have better hardware and better electronics for controlling precisely which is critical for a good flying experience. 

Andy_L

tempus_fugit said:

matelodave said:

There aren't all that many places where you can safely operate a drone - most parks or playing fields are out and unless you've got a really big garden you'll have to find a place where it's permitted or where you aren't going to lose it.

A drone falling out of the sky onto someone or hitting something like a car could end up with a very expensive bill unless you can insure it

Actually, if it's a drone that weighs under 250g you can fly it anywhere there are no restrictions, which tend to be around airports and certain other places. Parks are fair game as are most public spaces. See the section "Small drones and model aircraft: below 250g, C0 or C1 class" in the following website: https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/drone-code/where-you-can-fly. Also, watch some of the "auditing" videos on YouTube, where you will see people testing the limits of where you can fly drones, as well as take photographs and video without breaking the law.

Unless they have their own bylaws banning their use

GDB2222

" precocious 10 yr old with an interest in things technical" - is there anything technical about flying a drone that someone else has designed and built? 

I agree with the others that you should go for one under 250 grams. 

RainbowsInTheSpray

Thanks to those who did offer help. The child lives abroad so UK rules will not apply - apologies for not saying so. A drone is a broadly technical matter insofar as it is not something artistic, clothing, food or the like. I was talking broad categories. Oh, and I did specify that he was already 10...

Must say I am disappointed that so many people seem to regard an honest enquiry as fair game for their sniping. Are they so frustrated in their everyday lives that they feel they have to give vent here?

GDB2222

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

Thanks to those who did offer help. The child lives abroad so UK rules will not apply - apologies for not saying so. A drone is a broadly technical matter insofar as it is not something artistic, clothing, food or the like. I was talking broad categories. Oh, and I did specify that he was already 10...

Must say I am disappointed that so many people seem to regard an honest enquiry as fair game for their sniping. Are they so frustrated in their everyday lives that they feel they have to give vent here?

That clarifies things! I still think that you should go for a lightweight drone, as a lot of damage can be done with heavier ones, and there's no point setting up a dangerous situation. Besides, I'm not sure that you'll get a large drone for £50. Lots of them are used in conjunction with a mobile phone, so maybe best to check compatibility.