Drones are amazing little machines that can do so much with their small frames, but when not used properly, can also lead to massive trouble for the pilot.
For those who received their first drone for the holidays, here is a quick guide on how to safely and legally fly your unmanned aerial vehicles for fun and recreation.
Drone Registration
In December 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration launched its drone registration website and started requiring pilots to register their drones that weigh between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds.
To register a drone, pilots should head over to the FAA's dedicated website and create an account. Drone owners will then have to pay a fee of $5 for each drone, which will get a three-year registration with the FAA.
After the fee is paid, drone owners will receive a registration number in their email that should be placed in a visible part of the drone, or inside the drone's battery compartment if there is no tool needed to open it.
The process is very easy to finish, only taking a few minutes to complete. Pilots who are caught with unregistered drones could pay up to $27,500 in fines and up to $250,000 in cases of criminal violations with jail time of up three years, so it is a good idea to take the time to register your drones and pay the $5 fee instead.
Where To Fly Drones
There are many restrictions on where drones are allowed to fly, which makes it easier to discuss the topic by focusing on where drones are not allowed.
According to the FAA, drones are not allowed within 5 miles of an airport, unless the air traffic control is contacted first and other requirements are met. The B4UFLY app of the FAA can provide drone pilots with information on airspace restrictions and other requirements for drone flight, based on their location.
In addition to areas surrounding airports, there are many other no-drone and no-fly zones such as most national parks, federal structures, and in the case of Washington DC, an entire city. There are also restrictions against drones during sporting events, and in all cases, drones are not allowed to be flown in locations with emergency situations such as wildfires.
Drone Safety Guidelines
The FAA, in its dedicated section for drones, or unmanned aircraft systems as the agency calls them, also listed several safety guidelines for drone pilots.
In addition to the aforementioned restrictions, drones should never go above 400 feet in flight, and pilots should always keep their drones within their line of sight. Drones should never be flown near aircraft or over groups of people, and pilots who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are prohibited from operating them.
The Know Before You Fly website, which also contains a lot of information for first-time drone pilots, added items to the list, such as avoiding drone flight during adverse weather conditions and near sensitive property or structures such as power stations, correctional facilities, and busy roads.
