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Flying your DJI in the USA Hello and welcome to the United States of America!
This information is good for all recreational fliers within the USA but for the purposes of this article let’s assume that you are a tourist wishing to fly your DJI drone recreationally while traveling within the United States.
Following the below steps will ensure that you are operating your DJI drone responsibly and safely. More importantly, you will have the necessary links and information to be compliant with all USA drone registration requirements. Underlined text are links to the referenced website!
Registering your drone: The regulatory agency with oversite of drone operations within the United States (USA) is the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA. The FAA requires all pilots, including non-US citizens and tourist to register drones operating outdoors and weighing over 250 grams. Fortunately, registration can be completed online and is relatively pain free. The cost to register a drone with the FAA is 5 US dollars and once registered is good for three years. When you visit the FAA registration page linked below you will need to have your drone serial number, contact information, and a credit or debit card to process the fee. Upon completion of the registration process you will immediately be able to print a registration card as evidence you are in compliance with US registration requirements. It is recommended that you always carry this card with you when operating your DJI drone. To operate commercial or for hire within the USA there are additional requirements and licensing needed, research “FAA Part 107 Certification” for further information. No insurance is required to operate your DJI recreationally within the USA, though I will always recommend a personal injury liability policy. The USA and it's citizenry have somewhat of a reputation for being litigious so when in doubt protect yourself!
Once you have registered your drone be sure to clearly print the FAA registration number on the UAV. This UAV marking has no requirements and can be as simple as a handwritten registration number on a piece of tape.
FAA MAIN UAS PAGE FAA DRONE ZONE
Picking a flight location: The USA totals 9.6 million square kilometers and features stunning sunsets, marvelous meadows and bewitching beaches. The FAA has created a mobile phone application called “B4UFLY” which includes a bevy of FAA provided UAS piloting information. The most important piece of information provided by B4UFLY is mapping with current airspace restrictions. Helpful for tourist or those planning to fly in the future is a flight planner that allows you to check the area of your planned flight prior to arrival.
FAA B4UFLY MAIN PAGE B4UFLY - Apple Itunes Store , B4UFLY - Google Play Store
Additional none-FAA created mapping applications exist and I have appreciated “UAV Forecast” for it’s accurate weather, satellite and wind condition information. UAV Forecast also features mapping that allows you to overlay the existing DJI no fly zones NFZs a feature not available on B4UFLY. The full functionality of the UAV forecast application is available online at the below link for international travelers who may not have USA compliant mobile phones.
UAV Forecast Website UAV Forecast Apple Store UAV Forecast Google Play Store
The most basic flight rules required by the FAA in the USA are below:
Fly at or below 400 feet (121 M) when in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
Fly within visual line-of-sight, meaning you as the drone operator use your own eyes to ensure you can always see your drone
Never fly near other aircraft
Never fly within a 5-mile (8 KM) radius of an airport
Never fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.
Never fly near or over emergency response efforts
Dealing with Americans:
There exists a healthy amount of anti-drone sentiment within the United States. Many Americans believe that drones are an invasion of privacy and by extension their personal liberty as citizens. This results in some rather passionate contacts between UAV pilots and persons who would rather see your DJI shot out of the sky. I do not want to cause undue worry as most Americans that you encounter will be curious and courteous about your UAV piloting. Below are some helpful and unfortunately relevant advice.
Be respectful of law enforcement and security forces; do exactly as you are told.
Consider landing your UAV before engaging in conversation with strangers; the added demand of conversing in a foreign language is bound to distract you from your piloting.
Avoid escalation at all costs; if you are challenged consider relocating to another flying location.
Understand that a lot of Americans feel entitled to an expectation of privacy even when in public or on privately owned land. It may not be correct but you are very unlikely to change their minds.
Understand that in large swaths of the country a landowner can quite literally shoot your drone out of the sky if you wander over their property and you may have very little recourse.
Know that racial tensions and prejudice are alive and well in the USA. Be aware that flying as an international traveler particularly near heavy infrastructure (bridges, commercial facility, manufacturing plants) may result in undue attention.
I appreciate you all taking the time to read my post and entry into the DJI #DRONESTRATEGY contest. I wish you all good shots and steady gimble!
Additional Links: DJI OFFICIAL US FLYING TIPS DJI OFFICIAL AIRLINE GUIDE TRANSPORATION AND SECURITY ADMINISTATION (TSA) DRONE RULES TSA GUIDE TO FLYING WITH LITHUM BATTERIES | 
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