Model Aircraft and Drones: Have Fun, Be Safe

Unmanned airplane systems (UAS), or drones as they are frequently called, are accessible to almost anyone on the web and on store racks. People of all ages and skill level want to fly them and fly them safely. Purchasing a drone is easy. Flying by the rules is a little harder.

Many amateur drone pilots don't understand you that you can't fly it anyplace, or for any reason. With the increase in commercial and governmental use of drones, the FAA has set forth guidelines that should be followed at all times.

The FAA has partnered with several industry associations to promote Know Before You Can Fly, a campaign to educate the public about using unmanned aircraft safely and responsibly. Individuals flying for hobby or recreation are strongly encouraged to follow safety guidelines, which include:

Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying
Don't fly near people or stadiums
Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs
Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft - you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft
Aircraft must be registered and marked (if it is not operated exclusively under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, pending NOTAM change)
Fly below 400 ft.
Fly within visual line-of-sight
Fly in clear weather conditions
Never fly near other aircraft

The statutory parameters of a model aircraft operation are outlined in Section 336 of Public Law 112-95 (the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012) (PDF). Individuals who fly within the scope of these parameters do not require permission to operate their UAS; any flight outside these parameters (including any non-hobby, non-recreational operation) requires FAA authorization. For example, using a UAS to take photos for your personal use is recreational; using the same device to take photographs or videos for compensation or sale to another individual would be considered a non-recreational operation.

Safety Guidelines for Small Personal Unmanned Crafts

Having fun means flying safely! Hobby or recreational flying doesn't require FAA approval but you must follow safety guidelines. Any other use requires FAA authorization.

Avoid doing anything hazardous to other airplanes or people and property on the ground.

"Dos"

Do register your aircraft if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs.
Do fly a model aircraft/UAS at the local model aircraft club
Do take lessons and learn to fly safely
Do contact the airport or control tower when flying within 5 miles of the airport
Do fly a model aircraft for personal enjoyment

"Don'ts"

Don't fly near manned aircraft
Don't fly beyond line of sight of the operator
Don't fly an aircraft weighing more than 55 lbs unless it's certified by an aero modeling community-based organization
Don't fly contrary to your aero modeling community-based safety guidelines
Don't fly model aircraft for payment or commercial purposes

What if I want to fly my drone for commercial or business reasons?

By law, any aircraft operating in the national airspace requires a certificate and registered aircraft, a licensed pilot, and operational approval. Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) (PDF) grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to determine whether an airworthiness certificate is required for a UAS to operate safely in the National Airspace System (NAS)

What are 'No Drone Zones'?

There are a number of established no-fly zones in the United States. Please do not attempt to fly a drone in any of these areas.

Airports
Government Buildings
Sport Stadiums
Wildlife Refugees
Forest Fires
Military Bases
Prisons & Correctional Facilities
Dept of Defense Facilities

Now that you know the basics of safety guidelines, it's time to finally get your new drone in the air. If you don't know how to fly we've compiled some resources here that may be able to assist you in becoming an ace drone pilot.

Find more about the author: Kim Hart