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Best first drone: honest picks for beginners (and the licence you'll need)

A good first drone is light, forgiving and clear on the rules. Sub-250 g C0 models skip the A1/A3 exam, but the camera still means registration at e.caa.gov.lv. Here are three honest picks, from lightest to most capable.

  1. #1

    DJI Neo

    135 gC0No A1/A3 exam required

    The lightest, cheapest way in (~135 g, C0). It takes off from your palm, tracks you in automated modes and forgives mistakes with prop guards. No A1/A3 exam, but the camera still means registration. Honest caveats: a small sensor, modest wind tolerance and short range without a controller.

    Full review

  2. #2

    DJI Mini 5 Pro

    249.9 gC0No A1/A3 exam required

    A beginner drone with room to grow (249.9 g, C0). The 1-inch sensor delivers serious image quality while staying under 250 g and clear of the A1/A3 exam. The camera still means registration. Note: the bigger Plus battery pushes it over 250 g, and then the A1/A3 certificate becomes mandatory.

    Full review

  3. #3

    DJI Air 3S

    724 gC1A1/A3 certificate required

    The most capable start, if you do not mind studying (724 g, C1). Two cameras, good wind resistance and long flights — but C1 makes the A1/A3 certificate mandatory before the first flight, and the camera means registration. Not the easiest first step, but the most complete one if you are ready to pass the exam.

    Full review

◇ Frequently asked questions

+Does a first drone need a licence?

It depends on the class. C0 models (Neo, Mini 5 Pro) do not require the A1/A3 exam. The Air 3S is C1 — the A1/A3 certificate is mandatory. All three need operator registration at e.caa.gov.lv because they carry cameras.

+Does a C0 drone really skip registration?

Registration is mandatory for any drone with a camera, including C0. What you skip under 250 g is the A1/A3 exam, not registration. Those are two different things.

+Which of the three is best for a beginner?

For the lowest risk and price — the Neo. For image quality with room to grow and no exam — the Mini 5 Pro. The Air 3S is for beginners already willing to pass A1/A3.

Specs verified against: pilotinstitute.com, www.space.com

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