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FYI, in case you haven't read up on the rules and regs.
Registration Requirements [link]
All users: You must register your drone if it weighs between 0.55 lbs. (250 grams) and 55 lbs. (25 kg).
All users: Your drone must be permanently marked with the sUAS registration number.
RECREATIONAL USERS:
Recreational use is governed by Public Law 112-95, Section 336 - Special Rules for Model Aircraft, which says that you're excused from the provisions of Section 107, provided that you abide by the following conditions:
(1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use;
(2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization;
(3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization;
(4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and
(5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the
airport)).
The FAA has also issued the following Safety Guidelines for recreational users:
FAA Safety Guidelines [link]
- Fly at or below 400 feet
- Keep your UAS within sight
- Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports
- Never fly over groups of people
- Never fly over stadiums or sports events
- Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires
- Never fly under the influence
- Be aware of airspace requirements
Comments:
Regarding item (5), flying near airports:
Whenever flying within 5 miles of any airport, heliport or sea-based airport you must notify both the airport operator and the FAA tower (if there is one) prior to flying. [See FAQ #6, under Flying For Run.] This is merely a notification requirement and does not require permission in order to fly. However, if they should issue you some advice and you choose to ignore the advice (such as waiting 30 minutes for an airplane to land or to limit your height to 200 feet), then they could pursue enforcement action against "persons operating model aircraft who endanger the safety of the national airspace system".
Regarding Safety Guideline awareness of "airspace requirements":
Besides the 5 mile radius around airports/heliports, you should also be aware of Temporary Flight Restrictions and other restricted air spaces. [link]
Other comments:
There are 32 states that have passed legislation regarding drone operations. [link] Besides these states, there are many counties and municipalities that have passed laws governing drones. You need to be aware of local and state laws, not just federal regulations.
NON-RECREATIONAL USERS:
Commercial drone operations are governed by CFR Title 14, PART 107—SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS. Requirements include:
Pilot Requirements:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center
- Must be vetted by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA)
Operating Rules:
- Class G airspace*
- Must keep the aircraft in sight (visual line-of-sight)*
- Must fly under 400 feet*
- Must fly during the day*
- Must fly at or below 100 mph*
- Must yield right of way to manned aircraft*
- Must NOT fly over people*
- Must NOT fly from a moving vehicle*
* All of these rules are subject to waiver
Comments:
Unless you're already licensed as a pilot, you'll need to pay $150 to take the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test. This requirement discourages a lot of casual users from seeking to fly commercially.
The requirements to fly under Part 107 are generally stricter than for recreational use. For example, flying under 400 feet is a requirement for commercial users, whereas flying under 400 feet is a guideline when flying as a hobbyist.
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