Safety Tips For Future Drone Owners

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Planning to get yourself or a loved one a drone during the holiday season? Then the Minnesota Department of Transportation wants to make sure you or your loved ones fly it safely.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have the potential to cause serious injuries or damage to property, MnDOT aviation safety manager Rick Braunig said.

When mechanical or control problems arise, the pilot is on the line.

On Wednesday, officials sent out a list of tips for potential drone pilots. They were listed in a press release as:

-- Staying within a drone-approved area and avoiding populated spaces, such as stadiums
-- Operating only during the day and with clear line of sight
-- Flying no higher than 400 feet
-- Staying away from both buildings and vehicles.
-- And contacting a control tower if you're within five miles of an airport

Under Minnesota law, registration is not required for recreational drone use. Drones used for commercial purposes, however, must be registered.

Officials say that as many as 1 million drones will be sold this holiday season.