FAQ's
What are some tips to ensure that I am flying safely and not breaking any FAA rules?
Here are some of the basic tips for safe flying. Consult the FAA's website for additional rules and regulations.
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Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace
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Obtain authorization prior to flying in controlled airspace
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Always keep your drone in your line of sight
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Do not fly near stadiums, sporting events, airports, or restricted areas
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Respect privacy
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Do not fly near other aircraft
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Do not fly over people
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Do not fly near emergencies such as fires or tornado/hurricane recovery efforts
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Do not fly if you are under the influence of alcohol, have consumed alcohol within the last 8 hours, or if you take medication that may affect your ability to safely control the drone
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Do not fly at night unless you have a waiver AND a visual observer
What should I look for when hiring a drone company/pilot?
When you hire a sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) company or pilot, make sure that they have the following:
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They must be a commercial pilot. This means that they must have their FAA Part 107 license (the certificate must be with them when they fly). Anyone who is making money from flying has to have this by law.
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They should have insurance that covers property and liability.
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They must obtain the proper authorization for the airspace in which they want to fly. Some airspace doesn't need it, some allows for instant authorization through an app, and some requires submitting an application 30+ days beforehand.
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They should never fly at night unless they have an FAA Daytime waiver AND a visual observer (second person to spot for them). This is required by law.
Do I need to register my drone?
You must register your drone if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs. (250 grams) and less than 55 lbs. (25 kg) at lift off. After you register, mark the registration number clearly on the outside of the drone and carry proof of registration with you whenever you fly.
The DJI Mini weighs 249g therefore doesn't require registration if you are flying it as-is with nothing added. However, if you add prop guards or any other item, it will weigh more than 250g at lift off, requiring registration.
For more information about registering, see the FAA Drone Zone web page.
Where can I find the FAA's rules and regulations for flying my drone?
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For recreational flyers, see the FAA's "Recreational Flyers" page.
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For commercial (Part 107) flyers, see the FAA's "Certified Remote Pilots" web page.
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If you want to make money with your drone, you must get an FAA Part 107 license and follow the FAA Certified Remote Pilot rules
What is a Part 107 certificate?
A Part 107 is a certification that you get from the FAA that allows you to use your drone to make money. Another term people use for it is a drone commercial certification. "Part 107" refers to the section of the FAA's Small UAS Rule that governs drones in the national airspace.
You take a Part 107 exam to show that you understand the rules and requirements for safely operating your drone. A Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate is valid for 24 months.
Even if you don't want to make money from your drone, we recommend studying for the Part 107 certificate even if you don't take the exam as it gives you a good understanding of how to safely fly your drone. Contact us for suggestions about how to study for the Part 107 and where to take your exam.
For more information, see the FAA's "Become a Drone Pilot" page.
What is controlled airspace?
Controlled airspace is a term used to describe the various classes of airspace in which air traffic control service is provided. Controlled airspace is divided into five classes: A, B, C, D, and E with A being the strictest and E being the least strict. The larger and busier an airport, the higher the airspace class. You need prior authorization to fly in controlled airspace. The higher the class, the more difficult it is to get authorization to fly in it.
To learn more about airspace, see the FAA's "Classes of Airspace" page.
I want to make money with my drone. What do I need to do to be legal?
If you want to make money with your drone (for example, selling photos or video), you must get an FAA Part 107 license. You must also follow all of the FAA's rules for commercial remote pilots.
For more information, see the FAA's "Certified Remote Pilots" and "Become a Drone Pilot" web pages.