Anyone who got a drone for Christmas is being urged to understand the rules before flying it.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is reminding consumers who buy a drone that if it is over 250 grams or has a camera, it legally needs to be registered.

Manager Enda Walsh warned first time users to be careful when testing out their new gadget.

“Enjoy your drone when you get it, hopefully on Christmas Day from Santa,” he said.

“Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly, find a nice open space to fly safely – you don’t want to lose your drone on day one or cause an injury to someone.

“So, take your time, read the instructions, log onto our website and understand those restrictions before you operate.”

The IAA has registered over eight thousand drone operators and trained over 21-thousand drone pilots since 2021.

Main image: Drone camera in flight, 2015.