Eyes in the sky

Piloting drones may be taking off as a new way to have fun, but if you think it's as easy as flying a kite, then think again - predator birds and electric power lines are just two of the obstacles that will be in your way

From taking your ultimate selfies from the sky to streaming dizzying videos of scenery or experiencing the high-speed thrills of F1-style racing, drones have brought a new dimension to outdoor leisure. But beware - there's a lot more to piloting a drone than unpacking the box and sending it flying over the nearest mountain for a peek at the other side.

The earliest drones - or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to give them their correct name - were developed for military use. But in recent years, rapid advances in technology, combined with lower prices, have brought the drone experience within easy reach of both recreational and commercial users.