First time drone owner .. looking for guidance

[Jason mantell]

I’m sure you all get this a lot, sorry to be “that guy”. About to buy my first drone and I’m 99% sure I’m going with the spark. A buddy told me I may not be able to fly it in my own backyard due to FAA rules? Is this true even at low altitudes just to practice? Anything else I should know/think about before I make this move?

Thanks so much
Location Babylon NY (Long Island)

 

[AeroMirage]

How close are you to an airport?
If you are in a NFZ (No Fly Zone) you cannot fly at any altitude. Motors will not even start on the AC.

 

[les.warden]

Download the app AirMap and look at your location. You’ll know quickly if you’re in a NFZ. If so, as AeroMirage says, Sparks internals won’t let you lift off.

 

[Jason mantell]

So is this a NFZ? If so, any way to be able to fly even at really low altitudes where I am?

 

[les.warden]

I’d say the Spark won’t liftoff. Put the below query into Google then you can read up on Sparks, Mavics, and Phantoms; Calling the airports, Heliports, etc. Bottom line is there’s so many drones while trying to keep safety topmost and then there’s common sense. Oh, here’s the google query..happy reading.
“can i fly my spark drone within 5 miles of an airport”

 

[Jason mantell]

I’d say the Spark won’t liftoff. Put the below query into Google then you can read up on Sparks, Mavics, and Phantoms; Calling the airports, Heliports, etc. Bottom line is there’s so many drones while trying to keep safety topmost and then there’s common sense. Oh, here’s the google query..happy reading.
“can i fly my spark drone within 5 miles of an airport”

Thanks, just discovered something else interesting. It appears on the DJI map on their site that I might be OK ... unless I’m mistaken. I’m safely in that green area.