So You Want to Fly a Drone?
It’ s a growing hobby. Here’ s what to know before you buy one in 2026.
BY JONATHAN CUNNINGHAM, FAA-LICENSED DRONE PILOT
Most people know drones these days for the sweeping, cinematic shots they see in movies, YouTube travel videos, and real estate listings, but for me, drones have been a way to document the area’ s changing landscape from a perspective most people never get to see. Over the past few years, I’ ve filmed everything from large-scale construction projects to nostalgic Atlanta landmarks like North DeKalb Mall and the Starlight Drive-In. I’ ve used drones to tell stories— sometimes beautiful, sometimes gritty, sometimes historic— and that’ s what convinced me that almost anyone can benefit from owning a drone. If they buy the right one and understand the rules before taking off, that is. So, if you’ re thinking about buying your first drone, here’ s some helpful info from someone who flies drones for a living, not just as a weekend hobby.
26 | NW GEORGIA LIVING JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026
Types of Drones and Who They’ re For
• Entry-level drones( under 250 grams) are great for beginners who want to learn to fly without having to register with the FAA.
• The higher-end prosumer drones include models like DJI’ s Air 3 or Mavic series, which have features like 4K + cameras, multiple angles, and obstacle avoidance. They’ re what I use for paid client work, real estate listings, social media reels, and cinematic projects.
• Commercial / industrial drones are for things like mapping, surveying, inspections, and agricultural applications. If you don’ t know you need one, you probably don’ t.
What Actually Matters When Buying a Drone
• Camera sensor size and stabilization. Shaky footage equals useless footage.
• Battery life. Twenty minutes goes by faster than you think.
• Obstacle sensors. This is handy if you plan on flying around trees or buildings and want to avoid birds and other flying objects.
• GPS and Return-to-Home. A drone“ flyaway” is as bad as it sounds. Once a drone gets high enough or far enough away, you can’ t see it anymore, so these navigational tools are beneficial.
• Portability. A definite consideration if you plan to travel or hike with the drone, film events, or shoot on the go.
• Support and repair availability. Crashes happen, even to the pros. It’ s an inevitability, so make sure whatever model you buy has adequate protection and support.
What Drones Are Used For( Beyond Just Pretty Videos)
• Weddings and events. Drone shots offer an instant wow factor.
• Online content creation. Drone footage is popular on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as on tourism sites and other storytelling.
• Urban exploration and history. This is my personal niche, filming lost or demolished Atlanta spaces before they’ re gone.
• Real estate and architectural marketing. Aerial views can help sell a property before someone even steps foot inside. Some agents also use them for indoor shots and immersive tours.
• Construction progress documentation. I do this for large-scale developments.
Legal Aspects They Don’ t Tell You About in the Ads
• Any drone over 250 grams must be registered with the FAA, even if you’ re just flying for fun.
• If you’ re making money off a drone, even just $ 1, you need a Part 107 commercial license.