Skip to main content

FAA Guidance for Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organization

If you plan to get a drone for Christmas this year its important that you know that there's a law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. You are considered a recreational user if you fly your drone for fun. It is important to know when and where you can fly and how to register your drone.

Following these rules (up-to-date as of December 2, 2020) will keep you and your drone safe and will help keep the airspace available to everyone.

  • Register your drone, mark it on the outside with the registration number and carry proof of registration with you.
  • Fly only for recreational purposes.
  • Fly your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground when in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace.
  • Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E). You can obtain authorization in three ways:
    • LAANC
    • DroneZone
    • A written agreement with the FAA for fixed flying sites. For more information about fixed flying sites, contact us at UAShelp@faa.gov.
  • NOTE: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app.
  • Keep your drone within your visual line of sight, or within the visual line-of-sight of a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
  • Do not fly at night unless your drone has lighting that allows you to know its location and orientation at all times.
  • Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft.
  • Never fly over any person or moving vehicle.
  • Never interfere with emergency response activities such as disaster relief, any type of accident response, law enforcement activities, firefighting, or hurricane recovery efforts.
  • Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many over-the-counter medications have side effects that could impact your ability to safely operate your drone.
  • Do not operate your drone in a careless or reckless manner.

Recreational flyers should know that if they intentionally violate any of these safety requirements, and/or operate in a careless or reckless manner, they could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties.

For more information, read Advisory Circular 91-57B.

Changes Coming in the Future

The law also requires:

  1. Drone operators to pass an online aeronautical knowledge and safety test and carry proof of test passage.
  2. The FAA to issue guidance for how it will recognize community based organizations.

The FAA is incrementally rolling out these features and requirements.

Check our website for the latest updates or follow us on social media for the latest news.

https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/