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UAV / Drone Guidance
Individuals flying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as UAVs or drones, for hobby or recreation are strongly encouraged to follow certain safety guidelines, which include:
The statutory parameters of a model aircraft operation are outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration's Exception for Limited Recreational Operation of Unmanned Aircraft (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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has created a new web-based registration system for small unmanned aircraft systems. Hobbyists and recreational users who fly small UAS, which include remote controlled aircraft, may register at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.
Owners must register small UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (about 25 kilograms) if they are to be flown outdoors for hobby or recreation. Many of the small UAS sold essentially as toys at a cost of $100 or less do not require registration.
Registration is required prior to the first outdoor flight. Owners must provide their complete name, physical address, mailing address (if different), and a valid email address to register.
When registering your drone or UAV, you must select to register either under part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers. If you are not sure what kind of a drone or UAV flyer you are, check out the FAA’s User Identification Tool or visit their Getting Started webpage to learn more.
An FAQ page with answers to most common questions is at: http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/. Questions not covered in the FAQ may be addressed to the FAA via email at UAShelp@faa.gov or call 1-844-FLY-MY-UA.
In order to help educate a variety of interested parties about UAS, the Florida Department of Transportation has recently updated their website to include information on UAS regulations and resources. The direct link to this UAS website is http://www.dot.state.fl.us/aviation/uas.shtm.
- 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 outdoors within 5 miles of an airport (see map)
- Don't fly near people or stadiums
- Don't be careless or reckless with your UAS
The statutory parameters of a model aircraft operation are outlined in the Federal Aviation Administration's Exception for Limited Recreational Operation of Unmanned Aircraft (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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has created a new web-based registration system for small unmanned aircraft systems. Hobbyists and recreational users who fly small UAS, which include remote controlled aircraft, may register at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.
Owners must register small UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (about 25 kilograms) if they are to be flown outdoors for hobby or recreation. Many of the small UAS sold essentially as toys at a cost of $100 or less do not require registration.
Registration is required prior to the first outdoor flight. Owners must provide their complete name, physical address, mailing address (if different), and a valid email address to register.
When registering your drone or UAV, you must select to register either under part 107 or the Exception for Recreational Flyers. If you are not sure what kind of a drone or UAV flyer you are, check out the FAA’s User Identification Tool or visit their Getting Started webpage to learn more.
An FAQ page with answers to most common questions is at: http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/. Questions not covered in the FAQ may be addressed to the FAA via email at UAShelp@faa.gov or call 1-844-FLY-MY-UA.
In order to help educate a variety of interested parties about UAS, the Florida Department of Transportation has recently updated their website to include information on UAS regulations and resources. The direct link to this UAS website is http://www.dot.state.fl.us/aviation/uas.shtm.