Drones have been one of the most popular Christmas gifts for kids and adults for several years now, mainly because the technology has evolved so much over the past couple of years, that you can now find drones with various capabilities in price ranges from $40+. And let’s face it, it is fun to have a flying camera to play around with!
So, you got a drone as a gift for Christmas or your birthday? Now what? Of course, your first instinct is to take it out of a box to try it around your house or at a local park as soon as possible, but you should learn a couple of things before taking it out for a spin if you don’t want to get into ‘hot water’ with FAA, law enforcement, or even your neighbors!
What you need to know before flying your new drone
Understand FAA regulations: Fly Responsibly
Drones are legally defined as aircraft, so their operations are subject to regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You should be aware of the basic rules of safe drone operations: The FAA restricts flying your drone to altitudes of 400’ (above the ground) or less, cannot fly over people or traffic, and cannot interfere with traffic patterns of takeoff and landing areas, if near an airport. All of this basic safety information is now covered in study materials for a TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) Test, which is now a required test for all recreational (hobbyist) drone flyers. This regulation came out in June 2021, and you have to carry a certificate that you passed the test if you are flying the drone recreationally. You can learn more about this test on our Trust Test blog post or watch a YouTube Vlog about it.
2. Drone Registration: You Have To Have It
If you have a drone that weighs more than 0.55lbs, you will need to register it here
3. Airspace Authorization: Apply As Needed
If you live near a major airport or a restricted military area, you are most likely in controlled airspace, and you should check that before flying your drone even in your backyard.
Generally, you need to know what type of National Airspace (NAS) you intend to fly in before launching the drone. you can read my detailed post on this here, and if you are in controlled airspace, you will need to apply for FAA authorization (you can watch my detailed YouTube Vlog on how to do it).
5. Operate Your Drone Within the Visual Line of Sight
Keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times. Meaning, you have to be able to see your drone at all times. Otherwise, you are in the “Beyond Visual Line of Site” mode of operation and you need to have a special permit from the FAA to do so. So, if you don’t see it, you are not compliant with this regulation.
6. Flying your drone at night
Do not fly at night unless your drone has special lighting that allows you to know its location and orientation at all times.
7. Drone License: Do you need it?
You will need to obtain FAA Part 107 Certification if you want to legally sell drone services or any media (photos, videos) generated by your drone. V1DroneMedia offers a variety of Drone Training classes, including the Part 107 Drone License Prep Course in the Cleveland, Ohio area. You can also learn more about getting an FAA Part 107 Certification here. If you intend to operate your drone as a hobbyist only, you will not need a Part 107 license, but you will still need to get the Trust Certificate, which is free and only takes a short time to get.
8. What NOT to do when flying a drone.
Never interfere with emergency response activities such as disaster relief, any type of accident response law enforcement activities, firefighting, or hurricane recovery efforts
Never fly over any persons or moving vehicles
Do not operate your drone carelessly or recklessly
Now that you know a bit about the rules, are you ready to fly? If you feel like you need some guidance in getting started to fly your drone or want to learn more advanced skills, check out our Hands-On Drone Flight Training sessions that we hold in the Cleveland, Ohio, area, and Contact Us to get started. Have fun and fly safely!