
Own a Drone? Do you know the rules?
The rules of recreational drone flight in the US
In addition to registering your drone and obtaining your registration number. There are other rules for flying your drone as a hobby:
Flying altitude
- You must fly at or below 400ft in class G airspace (uncontrolled). If you want to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E) you’ll have to get a permit for that.
- Note that even if you have a permit you cannot fly above 400ft.
- Fly for recreation only
- You cannot receive any form of compensation for your flying. Meaning no side-gigs or weekend hustle with your drone.
Visual line of sight
Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
Night flying
In order to fly your drones, you are required to have lights on your drone. This is a recent regulation, before the flying of drones during the night was prohibited without a permit.
Right of way for airplanes
You must give way to and not interfere with manned aircraft.