Is this legal?

[DaveH70]

I have a cell tower about a mile away. Would it be legal to use it for "practice"? I don't have my Part 107 yet but I need to see how to do different things to narrow my field. All suggestions helpful. TIA

 

[Phantomrain.org]

Yes its legal , and its really smart to practice like this,

Rather than just go up to the tower, try to get a clear picture of an actual cable that you need to scan the whole tower for.
Its tricky because your going to find that just circling is not enough you have to scan the entire tower for a job like that.

Recommend you do a Permiiter Check from the base of the tower on all side up first, within a safe distance about 20 ft
and than scan the video and segment to another flight where you zoom in on the section or point of interest.

If you can see the nuts and bolts clearly you did well as well as the code numbers on the parts for Reference.

Its a great learning experience as to why many use dedicated software for scanning an others use a more traditional way .

Phantomrain.org
Gear to fly your Drone in the Rain.

 

[Cafguy]

Yes You have no problems legally just don't trespass to do it, and post some video.

 

[DaveH70]

Yes You have no problems legally just don't trespass to do it, and post some video.

There is a fence around the base area....don't need to be in there. Lol

 

[FletcherAero]

As long as you aren't flying to it from a mile away it should be fine. Good practice for many aspects of flying

 

[HoozierDroneDaddy]

As long as you aren't flying to it from a mile away it should be fine. Good practice for many aspects of flying

FletcherAero, glad you just clarified this.

DaveH70, you should have a Trust certificate since you do not have a 107. Check with the FAA site for information if you do not have one. When getting this you will also learn where you can fly as a recreational pilot. You did not have a location, so checking airspace is another must you should do. You do not want to fly in controlled airspace without authorization.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are flying recreationally. You’ll still be sharing airspace with commercial drone pilots and manned aircraft, so you’ll need to adhere to a few air-rules.

• You must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration if it weighs .55lbs or more. You may face penalties if you don’t adhere to this requirement.
• Fly within visual line of sight (VLOS) and have a visual observer with you.
• Fly below 400’ in controlled airspace. Use an app like FAADroneZone or B4UFly to make sure you’re clear to launch.
• Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft.
• Be sure to display your drone’s registration number, and keep a copy of the registration with you whenever you’re flying. Local law enforcement have the right to ask to see your documentation.

 

[Cafguy]

you should have a Trust certificate since you do not have a 107.

Good point!! Here in This area of California The Police know that usually the only way to shut down a drone pilot is for that pilot too not posses a trust card..ALWAYS have your TRUST card handy.