There’s also a “Know Before You Fly” website that recently launched. It’s not endorsed by the FAA, but it has certainly backed it and have encouraged users to check it out.
So here are the basics you need to know.
- You have to fly your drone below 400 feet at all times
- Don’t fly your drone beyond your line of sight
- Don’t fly within 5 miles of any airport
- Don’t fly near any manned aircraft
- Don’t fly within 25 feet of people
- Between an hour before and after an event, all aircraft aren’t allowed less than 3,000 feet above and within three miles of stadiums
- Don’t fly anything that weighs more than 55 pounds
- Don’t fly for payment or commercial services unless you’ve been authorized to do so by the FAA
- Don’t conduct surveillance or photograph people without their permission in areas where there is an expectation of privacy
- Don’t be reckless
- Do fly with local drone clubs
- Do inspect your drone before you fly
The FAA’s guidelines are in line with the National Model Aircraft Safety Code of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). It’s also not a bad idea to avoid flying near power lines, water treatment facilities, military bases, national parks, schools, heavily traveled roadways or government facilities.
These guidelines shouldn’t be taken as legal advice. When in doubt, check with local officials to get the OK to fly. And, unfortunately, knowing the rules probably won’t help you get away from the Rapere Intercept Drone that is out to destroy your shiny new toy.
Some drone manufacturers are helping their users out. DJI’s Phantom 2 series uses GPS to avoid flying near airports. And DJI created a global “No Fly Zones” map. There’s also a “Don’t Fly Drones Here” map for U.S. users from custom map developer Mapbox.
