Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines are necessary to safely integrate drones into the National Airspace System. Violations can cause accidents, damage to people and property, and result in fines (or even jailtime). How familiar are you with the drone rules?

FAA Drone Registration

Registration is mandatory for any drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams), and the assigned number displayed on the aircraft. That way the authorities can identify drone operators, especially in cases of accidents or unauthorized activities. 

How to Register Your Drone 

  1. Visit the official portal: FAA DroneZone. 
  2. Create an Account: Provide your personal details to set up an account.
  3. Select the Appropriate Registration Type:
    • Recreational Flyers: If you fly for fun, choose the “Fly sUAS under the Exception for Recreational Flyers” option.
    • Commercial Operators: If you use your drone for business purposes, select “Fly sUAS under Part 107.”
  4. Provide UAV Details: Enter information about your drone, including its make and model.
  5. Pay the Registration Fee: $5 for a three-year period.

After completing the process, you’ll receive a unique number.

Displaying the Registration Number

There are two main things to note:

  • Visibility: The number must be clearly seen on an external surface of the drone without the need for tools to view it.
  • Durability: Ensure the number is legible and remains intact during flight operations.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Operating an unregistered drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds can lead to significant penalties:

  • Civil Penalties: Fines up to $27,500.
  • Criminal Penalties: Fines up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

Related reading: How to Become A Commercial Drone Pilot

Preflight Checks – Preparing For Takeoff

The core elements include:

1. Aircraft Condition

Examine the frame, propellers, and landing gear of your drone, looking for any signs of damage or wear. Are the batteries fully charged too? You should also verify that the drone’s software is up to date.

2. Control Systems

  • Remote Controller: Test all controls to confirm they respond correctly.
  • Calibration: Calibrate the compass and GPS systems as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Environmental Assessment

  • Weather Conditions: Review current weather reports to ensure safe flying conditions.
  • Airspace Restrictions: Check for any temporary flight restrictions or no-fly zones in your planned area of operation. You can get real-time updates from the FAA’s B4UFLY App.  Gives you real-time information about airspace restrictions and other pertinent details to help you fly safely. 

You can put together a standardized checklist that is specific to your drone model, to speed up the process. Resources like the  AC 91-92, “Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing.” also help. Also keep a record of the inspections that way you can track the drone’s maintenance needs. 

Airspace Classification and Requirements

Safe operations hinge on knowing where you can and cannot fly. The National Airspace System (NAS) is divided into various classes:

Controlled Airspace

Operating a drone in these areas requires prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC), which can be facilitated through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system.

  • Class B: Surrounds the nation’s busiest airports.
  • Class C: Covers airports with moderate traffic.
  • Class D: Encompasses smaller airports with control towers.
  • Class E: Extends from 700 or 1,200 feet above ground level up to 18,000 feet, covering most of the airspace between controlled and uncontrolled areas.

Uncontrolled Airspace

You don’t need ATC authorization for Class G airspace. Be keen on safety and standard operating procedures though.

Special Use Airspace and Temporary Restrictions

These are the likes of military operations areas (MOAs) as well as places where flight is entirely prohibited for security or other reasons. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) on the other hand are communicated through Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) for reasons like:

  • Disaster Relief Efforts:Prevents chaos during emergency response operations.
  • VIP Movements: To protect high-profile individuals.
  • Special Events: Such as major sporting events or large gatherings.

Prohibited Actions – What you MUST avoid

Certain activities are strictly prohibited, such as:

  • Reckless Operations: Careless actions and dropping objects from the aircraft unless explicitly permitted.
  • Substance use: Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Simultaneous Operations: You cannot fly multiple drones at the same time.

Timing and Line-of-Sight Guidelines

Drone flights are restricted to daylight or civil twilight hours (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time). For those twilight hours, your drone should have anti-collision lighting that’s visible for at least three statute miles. 

You’re also required to keep your aircraft within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times. This means being able to see it without the aid of any device other than corrective lenses. Visual observers are permitted, but the drone must remain within their unaided sight as well. 

Getting Your Drone License

The very first step to becoming a drone pilot is the remote pilot certification. For this, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a knowledge test, and meet the FAA’s English language requirements. The test covers topics like regulations, airspace classification, and weather effects on performance – and it also enables you to take up commercial gigs. 

To pass, you’ll need 70%. Afterwards, there’ll be a recurrent test needed every 24 months to maintain the certificate.

Take the Part 107 Preparatory Course at ABJ Drone Academy to get ready for the exam.

Waivers: Expanding Your Operational Scope

Certain Part 107 restrictions can be waived if you demonstrate that your operations can be conducted safely. These include:

  • Night operations without the required anti-collision lighting.
  • Operating beyond VLOS.
  • Flying over people or moving vehicles.

Submit a waiver request detailing your proposed safety measures to the FAA for approval.

Related reading: Drone Training For Emergency Responders

Drone Operations Over People

Operating over people is tightly regulated under specific categories:

Category 1: Lightweight Drones with Minimal Risk

  • Weight Limit: Drones must weigh less than 0.55 pounds (250 grams), including all onboard equipment.
  • Safety Features: No exposed rotating parts that could cause injury.

Drones meeting these criteria can operate over people without additional permissions, provided they comply with all other Part 107 regulations. 

Category 2: Drones with Moderate Risk

  • Weight and Impact Energy: Drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be designed to limit injury severity, specifically not causing injury equivalent to or greater than the severity caused by a transfer of 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact.
  • Safety Features: No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin.
  • Compliance: Must have an FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance.

These drones can operate over people under certain conditions but are prohibited from sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless they meet specific requirements. 

In July 2024, the FAA approved the first Category 2 drone for operations over people. The approval was for the DJI M3D and M3TD platforms, equipped with the AVSS PRS-M3DT parachute system. 

Category 3: Drones with Higher Risk

  • Weight and Impact Energy: Similar to Category 2 but with different operational limitations.
  • Safety Features: No exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin.
  • Compliance: Must have an FAA-accepted Declaration of Compliance.

Operations over people are restricted to certain conditions, such as within or over a closed- or restricted-access site where all individuals are on notice that a drone may fly over them.

Category 4: Certified Aircraft

These drones can operate over people as long as they adhere to limitations in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator. They must have an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21 of FAA regulations as well.

Remote Identification (RID) for Drones

RID is essentially a digital license plate for drones, which allows authorities and other stakeholders to identify and monitor drones in real-time. There are ways to meet remote identification requirements. 

    1. Standard Remote ID: Here the drones have built-in capabilities to broadcast identification and location information directly from the aircraft. 
  • Remote ID Broadcast Module: It’s an external, flexible solution for older models or custom-built drones that lack integrated RID features. 

Regardless of the method used, certain information must be broadcast during flight:

  • Drone ID: A unique identifier assigned to the drone.
  • Drone Location and Altitude: Real-time position and height above ground level.
  • Drone Velocity: Speed and direction of the drone’s movement.
  • Control Station Location and Elevation: Position and elevation of the drone’s operator.
  • Time Mark: A timestamp correlating to the broadcast data.

By September 16, 2022, manufacturers were required to produce drones with Standard Remote ID capabilities. Drone pilots on the other hand had up to March 16, 2024 to comply with RID requirements. 

The FAA has designated specific areas known as FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). In these zones, drones without RID capabilities can operate legally. Both the drone and the pilot must remain within the FRIA’s boundaries during the operation, and the pilot must maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times. 

Weather and Its Impact on Performance

Remote pilots must be prepared for how weather affects sUAS performance. Key factors include:

  • Wind and Currents: These can impact stability and battery life.
  • Temperature and Pressure: High temperatures may reduce battery efficiency, while low temperatures can affect performance.
  • Visibility: Ensure minimum visibility requirements are met to maintain VLOS.

Emergency Procedures

Emergencies can arise unexpectedly. Be prepared for:

  • Loss of Control Link

A “lost link” occurs when the communication between your drone and its controller is disrupted. This can result from interference, obstacles, or technical malfunctions, leading to potential fly-aways or erratic behavior.

Causes of Lost Link in Drones

  • Signal Interference: Urban environments with numerous wireless signals can disrupt communication.
  • Obstructions: Buildings, trees, or terrain can block signals.
  • Technical Failures: Issues with the drone’s hardware or software can cause disconnections.

Preparing for Lost Link Scenarios

  • Pre-Flight Planning: Choose open areas with minimal interference and obstacles.
  • Return-to-Home (RTH) Settings: Ensure your drone’s RTH function is activated and set to a safe altitude to avoid obstacles as it flies back.

  • Drone Battery Hazards

Drones typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries, known for their high energy density. However, improper handling can cause overheating, fires, or explosions. Regularly check for damage, swelling, or leaks, only use manufacturer-approved chargers and avoid overcharging.  

Store batteries in a cool, dry place, and when traveling by air, adhere to airline regulations. The FAA advises carrying spare batteries in carry-on luggage and protecting terminals from short circuits. 

Incident Occurrence: Accident Reporting & FAA Inspections 

Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced drone operators.These incidents must be reported to the FAA within ten days of occurrence through the FAADroneZone portal or by contacting your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO):

  • Serious injury to any person: Includes those requiring hospitalization or causing significant harm.
  • Loss of consciousness: If someone becomes unconscious because of a drone-related incident.
  • Property damage exceeding $500 (damage to property other than your drone).

The FAA holds the authority to inspect your drone, related records, and operations to ensure compliance with regulations. As a drone operator, you are required to:

  • Present your remote pilot certificate and identification: Keep these documents accessible during operations.
  • Allow FAA inspections: Upon request, permit the FAA to inspect your sUAS, control station, and any associated documents.

Related Reading: Benefits Of Drone Training, And How Much Money You Can Make