Flying a drone in the United States can be a lot of fun — but there are important rules you must follow to stay safe and legal. Whether you're flying for fun or work, here’s a simple breakdown of the main federal drone guidelines.
1. You Must Register Your Drone
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If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (about 250 grams), you must register it with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
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It costs $5 and you can register at FAADroneZone.gov.
2. Always Keep Your Drone in Sight
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You must be able to see your drone at all times when flying.
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No flying it out too far where you lose track of it!
3. Fly Below 400 Feet
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Drones must fly below 400 feet in the air to avoid airplanes and helicopters.
4. Stay Away from Airports
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You need special permission to fly near airports.
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Use apps like B4UFLY to check if you’re too close.
5. No Flying Over People or Moving Cars
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You’re not allowed to fly directly over groups of people or moving traffic unless you have special training and certification.
6. Respect Privacy
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Be smart — don’t spy or fly close to people's homes or private property without permission.
7. Commercial Flying Requires a License
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If you’re making money with your drone (like for YouTube videos, real estate, or business), you must get a Part 107 license from the FAA.
What About State Laws?
Each state may have additional drone rules, like banning flights in state parks or over crowds. Always check your state and city rules before flying.
Looking to Fly Your First Drone?
Check out https://xpece.com especially if you fancy fishing and want to make life more simple!