You’ve decided to invest in a drone for your business, and now your primary concern is compliance. How do you use the drone safely and legally and avoid expensive fines imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)? These are common questions, and we’re happy to answer them for you.
Let’s dive in.
First Things First – Know the Rules
When it comes to drone flight, there are a few FAA rules you should know about. These include the following:
- Keep your drone at or below a height of 400 feet. This is especially important in uncontrolled, or “Class G” airspace, airspace the FAA is not controlling.
- Keep your drone within your line of sight, or within the visual line of view of an observer who is maintaining direct communication with you via radio.
- Never fly near other aircraft, especially near commercial aircraft at commercial airports. This is a controlled airspace, and you must receive an airspace authorization to conduct any drone operation in controlled airspace.
- Never fly over groups of people or public events. This is reserved for professional drone pilots with permits to photograph or monitor public events.
- Keep your drone away from stadiums or sporting events
- Keep the drone away from emergency response efforts at disasters like fires and floods
- Never fly a drone under the influence
- Know the airspace requirements put forth by the FAA
According to rules established by the FAA in 2018, drone operators also be required to pass an online aeronautical knowledge and safety test and carry proof of their passage at all times. The FAA continues to issue guidance for safe drone flight, and drone pilots need to stay up-to-date.
Registering Your Drone
Today, it’s mandatory for drone pilots and recreational operators to register their drones. Here’s what the FAA has to say about drone registration:
- Register your drone when flying under Part 107.
- Label your drone (PDF) with your registration number.
Registration costs $5 per aircraft and is valid for three years.
To register, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Email address
- Credit or debit card
- Physical address and mailing address (if different from physical address)
- Make and model of your uncrewed aircraft
Not sure where to get started? You can register an unmanned aircraft online, or register an unmanned aircraft by paper.
If you’re flying a drone for recreational purposes, you must register as a “modeler” and label the model aircraft with your provided registration number.
Keeping Your Drone Flight Safe
Drones are an exciting addition to any industrial operation. They’re also a great recreational tool and can be an excellent new hobby. By following FAA regulations, including registering your drone and know when, where, and how high you can fly your UAV, you can avoid most drone conflicts, keep your drone in the air safely, and rest assured that you’re operating your drone well within your legal rights.
Ready to learn more about drones or find some exciting new accessories and software for your drone? Contact DroneNerds now.
