It's time that we need to speak about drone regulations in the US and to be honest they are more complicated that one might think. In this article I explain on what the regulations are and what you have to consider if you are a fellow pilot.
I've recently bought a drone. It is a DJI Mavic Pro that is meant for photography and videos. The little bird is extremly small, convenient and smart. At a price of around $1000 it is affordable (compared to the past). My drone weights around 1.5 pounds and came with 3 batteries each with a flight time of approx. 25 minutes. If you are interested in buying a drone, the prices start already at $75. Contact me if you need any buying advice. Let's start with the article.
Definition- What is a drone?
A Drone or a UnmannedAircraftSystem (longterm of UAS) is a remote controlled aircraft. The word drone originated from the germanic languages.
In the USA there are two main Drone laws. There is Section 336 and Part 107. They go as following:
Section 336
- Fly for hobby or recreation ONLY
- Register your model aircraft
- Follow community-based safety guidelines and fly within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization
- Fly a model aircraft under 55 lbs. unless certified by a community-based organization
- Fly within visual line-of-sight
- Never fly near other aircraft
- Notify the airport and air traffic control tower prior to flying within 5 miles of an airport
- Never fly near emergency response efforts
Part 107
Fly for recreational OR commercial use
- Register your drone
- Get a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA
- Fly a drone under 55 lbs.
- Fly within visual-line-of-sight*
- Don't fly near other aircraft or over people*
- Don't fly in controlled airspace near airports without FAA permission*
- Fly only during daylight or civil twilight, at or below 400 feet*
* These rules are subject to waiver.
Summary
If you wanna use your drone just like I do, as a hobby or for personal use and don't intend to sell any material/service from or with it, the Section 336 will fit best for your use. Before flying your drone you have to register it. I recommend using the link above. When registering your drone, check that the domain says .gov This indicates that it the official FAA website. Registering will cost you $5 per Drone. After that, you have to mount your License Number on the Drone and carry the small print out permit with you when you fly.
If you plan on using your drone commercially you go under Part 107. What that means is that you have to take a Pilot test at a FAA testing facility. From my experience most airports have one. The test will cost you around $150 it may take a while until you will get your license but during after taking the test and waiting for your license you may fly legally with a temporary given permit by the testing facility.
General Drone rules
If you want to fly a drone please always respect the drone-codex.
- Always check safety. Is it safe to fly your drone? Don't endanger someone just to get your good looking shot. Safety always goes over risky may rewarding maneuvers. Don't fly over people if you don't have the clearance and experience. Remember, that even if you think you have the control, drones are still in early technology and accidents and black outs can always happen.
- Respect people's privacy
- Keep your Drone in eyesight at all times
- Respect Laws and safety guidelines
Drone Crashes and almost hits skier
Getting to the Airspace
So the big question is, where can you fly your drone? On the FAA site it says that you are only allowed in airspace class G, and for all other classes you need clearance/permission. But before you go study all airspace I've found a good app that has most no-fly zones marked and indicates where you need to pay attention
Visiting other countries
Before visiting a country that you intend on bringing your drone with, always check the local laws first! In some countries drones are illegal and they will be confiscated at the airport and won't be returned. Therefore, always check the local laws. This site may help you for planning https://droneregulations.info/
I also recommend signing up at the AMA or another club that will provide you with insurance cover.
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