Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people using them for everything from capturing stunning aerial footage to delivering packages. As the drone industry grows, it is essential to know the rules and regulations to fly your drone commercially. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced drone pilot, you need to be aware of the rules to avoid any legal issues or accidents.
In this article, we'll cover the most important rules and regulations for flying your drone commercially in the United States.
Part 107 Certification
If you want to fly a drone commercially in the United States, you'll need a Part 107 certification. This certification is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for anyone who wants to fly drones for commercial purposes. You can fly drones recreationally without the certification, but you won't be able to charge for your services.
Preparing for the Part 107 test can be a daunting task, but it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available online to help you prepare for the test. Some of the most popular resources include study guides, practice tests, and video courses.
Register Your Drone
Once you've passed your Part 107 test, you'll need to register your drone with the FAA. The registration process is relatively straightforward and inexpensive. It's essential to register your drone to avoid any legal issues if you plan on flying it commercially.
Flying Your Drone
Now that you're certified and registered, it's time to start flying your drone. However, there are still rules and regulations that you need to follow. Here are some of the most important ones:
One of the most crucial rules when flying your drone is to keep it within your line of sight. This means that you should always be able to see your drone, so you can avoid obstacles and collisions. If you lose sight of your drone, it's easy to get disoriented and lose control, which can result in an accident.
Most drones have a default maximum altitude of 400 feet. You should keep your drone within this limit to avoid colliding with manned aircraft.
Flying your drone at night is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. It's challenging to see obstacles in the dark, and you could easily lose control of your drone.
It's essential to avoid flying your drone over people. If your drone malfunctions or crashes, it could cause serious injury or damage.
Flying your drone in bad weather conditions is a bad idea. High winds, rain, and snow can cause your drone to malfunction or crash.
It's important to check the flight map before committing to doing aerial jobs to make sure it's safe to do so and that the property is not located in a no-fly zone. The DJI app allows you to check for restrictions and even put in addresses to check before you book the job.
The last thing you want to do is to say you can do an aerial service and then show up to the property, only to realize it is located in a no-fly zone. This will likely result in an unhappy customer, as they were expecting your aerial services. It's essential to ensure that you're familiar with the rules and regulations and that you follow them to avoid any legal issues and keep your customers happy.
In conclusion, flying a drone commercially requires more knowledge and responsibility than flying recreationally. It's essential to have your Part 107 certification and to register your drone with the FAA. It's also crucial to always keep safety in mind, following regulations such as maintaining line of sight, avoiding flying at night or over people, and being aware of airport restrictions.
Remember, the drone regulations and requirements vary depending on where you live and where you fly. It's essential to keep up to date with current regulations by regularly checking the FAA website or local drone rules website.
While it may seem overwhelming at first, with practice and dedication, you can become a skilled and responsible drone pilot. The joy of capturing stunning aerial footage and offering unique perspectives for your clients makes it all worth it.
So, if you're interested in offering aerial services, start by preparing for your Part 107 test and registering your drone. Then, follow safety regulations and stay up to date with regulations in your area. With these tips in mind, you're ready to take off and explore the world from a new perspective.