Table of Contents
What Are the Laws and Regulations Surrounding Drone Use in Your State?
As drones become increasingly popular, many states and local governments have taken steps to regulate the use of drones in their jurisdictions. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are the popular term for drones, and their use is governed by both federal and state laws. Depending on where you live, the laws and regulations surrounding drone use may vary significantly.
In this article, we’ll discuss the various laws and regulations governing drone use in the United States. We’ll also provide some tips for responsible drone operation, no matter where you live.
Federal Laws Governing Drone Use
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating the use of drones in the United States. The FAA has issued a set of regulations known as “Part 107” that applies to all commercial drone operations. Part 107 requires commercial drone operators to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate, register their drones, and adhere to certain operational restrictions.
In addition to Part 107, the FAA has issued a series of advisories and guidelines on drone operations. These include the Recreational Flyer Rules, the Visual Line of Sight Rules, and the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Rules. The Recreational Flyer Rules apply to hobbyists and others who fly drones for recreational purposes. The Visual Line of Sight Rules require that drone operators maintain a visual line of sight with their drone at all times. The sUAS Rules apply to all small unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lbs.
State Laws Governing Drone Use
In addition to the federal laws, many states have enacted their own laws and regulations governing drone use. Some states have passed laws that limit the use of drones in certain areas, such as near airports, schools, and government buildings. Other states have passed laws that restrict the use of drones for certain activities, such as hunting and fishing.
In addition to these state-level laws, many local governments have enacted ordinances that regulate the use of drones in their jurisdictions. These ordinances typically focus on areas such as privacy, noise, and airspace.
Responsible Drone Operation
No matter where you live, it’s important to exercise responsible drone operation. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and legal:
• Get trained: If you’re planning on using a drone commercially, you should obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. You can find a list of FAA-approved training providers here.
• Know the rules: Make sure you understand the applicable laws and regulations governing drone use in your area.
• Fly safe: Always fly your drone according to the FAA’s safety guidelines. Respect other people’s privacy and property, and never fly near airports, schools, or other restricted areas.
• Respect wildlife: If you’re flying your drone in a natural area, make sure you’re not disturbing any wildlife.
Conclusion
Drone use is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s important to understand the laws and regulations governing drone use in your area. The FAA has issued a set of federal regulations known as Part 107, and many states and local governments have enacted their own laws and regulations. Make sure you understand the applicable laws and regulations before you fly, and always exercise responsible drone operation.