Overview of current hobbyist FAA rules (updated 7/23/19)

[msinger]

As of 5/17/19, here's a complete list of rules hobbyists must follow when flying outdoors in the US:

• Register your drone with the FAA
• Mark your registration number on the exterior of the drone (decals available here)
• Fly a drone under 55 lbs
• Fly only for hobby or recreation
• Follow the safety guidelines of a nationwide community-based organization (CBO)
• Keep your drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) of the person operating the drone or within the visual line of sight of a visual observer (VO) who is near the operator and able to communicate verbally
• Follow all FAA airspace restrictions, special security instructions, and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)
• Don’t fly over people
• Don’t fly near other manned aircraft
• Don’t fly near emergency response activities
• Don’t fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Don’t fly above 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
• Don’t fly in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E Surface) without FAA authorization
  
  Note: Following the rules above will both ensure you’re obeying US law and help you operate your drone safely. Keep in mind that the FAA has the authority to pursue enforcement action against people operating drones in a manner that they determine endangers the safety of the national airspace system (NAS). You could be liable if you harm other people and/or property even if you follow all of the rules above.

With the release of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and new Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft notice released today, a few rules have been changed for hobbyists. Those changes include the following:

1. Follow the safety guidelines of a nationwide community-based organization (CBO)
   
   The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 requires the FAA and community-based aeromodelling organizations (CBOs) to coordinate the development of safety guidelines for recreational small unmanned aircraft operations. As of today, no recognized CBOs or coordinated safety guidelines exist. Until the FAA establishes the criteria and process and begins recognizing CBOs, they are allowing pilots to do one of the following:
   
   1. Operate in accordance with existing safety guidelines of an aeromodelling organization (like the AMA) as long as those guidelines do not conflict with existing FAA rules.
      
      
   2. Follow the FAA’s existing safety guidelines – which are based on industry best practices.
      
      Note: When following the rules of a CBO (or aeromodelling organization), you should be able to explain to an FAA inspector or law enforcement official which safety guidelines you are following.
      
      
2. Keep your drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) of the person operating the drone or visual observer (VO)
   
   Previously, the FAA required the operator to maintain VLOS. As of today, the FAA also allows a (VO to maintain VLOS. The VO must be near the operator and be able to communicate verbally without the assistance of an electronic device. Using a VO generally is optional, but a VO is required if the operator is wearing FPV glasses/goggles that make it impossible to maintain VLOS.
   
   
   
3. Don’t fly above 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
   
   Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace in which the FAA does not provide air traffic services. You may operate your drone in this airspace up to an altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
   
   
   
4. Don’t fly in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E Surface) without FAA authorization
   
   Classes B, C, D, and E Surface are controlled airspace. The FAA has created different classes of airspace to reflect whether aircraft receive air traffic control services and to note levels of complexity, traffic density, equipment, and operating requirements that exist for aircraft flying through different parts of controlled airspace. These airspace classes are usually found near airports.
   
   In order to fly in controlled airspace, you must do one of the following:
   
   • Request authorization through the FAA’s online LAANC system using an app like AirMap or one of the other apps listed here.
     
     
   • Fly in a recreational flyer fixed site that has a written agreement with the FAA. A current list of authorized fixed sites can be found in this spreadsheet or on the FAA UAS Data map (represented as blue dots).
     
     Note: When flying at a fixed site in controlled airspace, you must adhere to the operating limitations of the fixes site’s agreement. See the fixed site’s sponsor for more details.

 

[Thomas B]

But LAANC is not ready for hobbyists currently.

 

[Ebarmy2]

So I am looking at the map. What does the number in the box represent?

 

[Keule]

What does the number in the box represent?

The max height you are allowed to fly:
(Click on the number)

Sample:

 

[msinger]

But LAANC is not ready for hobbyists currently.

Right. I did mention that in my detailed overview above.

 

[Drbobk]

Thanks, Mike. This is a well written and nicely summarized overview that I will be forwarding to some hobbyist friends.

 

[Drbobk]

The max height you are allowed to fly:
(Click on the number)

Sample:

View attachment 72740

At this point, isn’t it the max height a 107 pilot can fly, not a hobbyist? As I understand it, there is not yet a way for hobbyists to get permission to fly at all in Class B, C, D, and surface E airspace associated with an airport (except for designated sites like AMA sites that are shown in blue).

 

[Texbow]

So I am looking at the map. What does the number in the box represent?

Most importantly for hobbiest it represents controlled airspace.

 

[Texbow]

At this point, isn’t it the max height a 107 pilot can fly, not a hobbyist? As I understand it, there is not yet a way for hobbyists to get permission to fly at all in Class B, C, D, and surface E airspace associated with an airport (except for designated sites like AMA sites that are shown in blue).

A Part 107 pilot can fly higher than 400' AGL if he is within 400' of building or tower that is higher than 400'. A Part 107 pilot can fly 400' above a buiding or tower for example as long as he has authorization. Authorization a hobbiest cannot obtain.

 

[Drbobk]

A Part 107 pilot can fly higher than 400' AGL if he is within 400' of building or tower that is higher than 400'. A Part 107 pilot can fly 400' above a buiding or tower for example as long as he has authorization. Authorization a hobbiest cannot obtain.

I’m not sure about that. If what you say is true, then a 0 foot ceiling means you can fly to 400 feet as long as you’re over a structure, and I’m sure that’s not true. My original reply was referencing the heights listed in the UAS Facitiy Map, not flights outside of Class B, C, D, etc airspace. That’s where your description applies.

 

[Texbow]

I’m not sure about that. If what you say is true, then a 0 foot ceiling means you can fly to 400 feet as long as you’re over a structure, and I’m sure that’s not true. My original reply was referencing the heights listed in the UAS Facitiy Map, not flights outside of Class B, C, D, etc airspace. That’s where your description applies.

When I looked at the new hobby rules I didn't see any mention of the approval / authorization to fly above 400 AGL. I could be mistake. I'll take a deeper look.

 

[Texbow]

I’m not sure about that. If what you say is true, then a 0 foot ceiling means you can fly to 400 feet as long as you’re over a structure, and I’m sure that’s not true. My original reply was referencing the heights listed in the UAS Facitiy Map, not flights outside of Class B, C, D, etc airspace. That’s where your description applies.

As of 5/17/19, here's a complete list of rules hobbyists must follow when flying outdoors in the US:

• Register your drone with the FAA
• Mark your registration number on the exterior of the drone
• Fly a drone under 55 lbs
• Fly only for hobby or recreation
• Follow the safety guidelines of a nationwide community-based organization (CBO)
• Keep your drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) of the person operating the drone or within the visual line of sight of a visual observer (VO) who is near the operator and able to communicate verbally
• Follow all FAA airspace restrictions, special security instructions, and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)
• Don’t fly over people
• Don’t fly near other manned aircraft
• Don’t fly near emergency response activities
• Don’t fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Don’t fly above 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
• Don’t fly in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E) without FAA authorization
  
  Note: Following the rules above will both ensure you’re obeying US law and help you operate your drone safely. Keep in mind that the FAA has the authority to pursue enforcement action against people operating drones in a manner that they determine endangers the safety of the national airspace system (NAS). You could be liable if you harm other people and/or property even if you follow all of the rules above.

With the release of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and new Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft notice released today, a few rules have been changed for hobbyists. Those changes include the following:

1. Follow the safety guidelines of a nationwide community-based organization (CBO)
   
   The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 requires the FAA and community-based aeromodelling organizations (CBOs) to coordinate the development of safety guidelines for recreational small unmanned aircraft operations. As of today, no recognized CBOs or coordinated safety guidelines exist. Until the FAA establishes the criteria and process and begins recognizing CBOs, they are allowing pilots to do one of the following:
   
   1. Operate in accordance with existing safety guidelines of an aeromodelling organization (like the AMA) as long as those guidelines do not conflict with existing FAA rules.
      
      
   2. Follow the FAA’s existing safety guidelines – which are based on industry best practices.
      
      Note: When following the rules of a CBO (or aeromodelling organization), you should be able to explain to an FAA inspector or law enforcement official which safety guidelines you are following.
      
      
2. Keep your drone within your visual line of sight (VLOS) of the person operating the drone or visual observer (VO)
   
   Previously, the FAA required the operator to maintain VLOS. As of today, the FAA also allows a (VO to maintain VLOS. The VO must be near the operator and be able to communicate verbally without the assistance of an electronic device. Using a VO generally is optional, but a VO is required if the operator is wearing FPV glasses/goggles that make it impossible to maintain VLOS.
   
   
   
3. Don’t fly above 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
   
   Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace in which the FAA does not provide air traffic services. You may operate your drone in this airspace up to an altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
   
   
   
4. Don’t fly in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E) without FAA authorization
   
   Classes B, C, D, and E are controlled airspace. The FAA has created different classes of airspace to reflect whether aircraft receive air traffic control services and to note levels of complexity, traffic density, equipment, and operating requirements that exist for aircraft flying through different parts of controlled airspace. These airspace classes are usually found near airports.
   Before flying in controlled airspace, you must request authorization through the FAA’s online LAANC system using an app like AirMap or one of the other apps listed here. Since the LAANC system is currently only available for commercial pilots, the FAA is only allowing hobbyists to fly in Class G airspace or authorized fixed sites located within controlled airspace. The FAA will provide notice when LAANC is available for hobbyists.
   
   Note: A current list of authorized fixed sites can be found in this spreadsheet or on the FAA UAS Data map(represented as blue dots). When flying at a fixed site in controlled airspace, you must adhere to the operating limitations of the fixes site’s agreement. See the fixed site’s sponsor for more details.

 

[Texbow]

I’m not sure about that. If what you say is true, then a 0 foot ceiling means you can fly to 400 feet as long as you’re over a structure, and I’m sure that’s not true. My original reply was referencing the heights listed in the UAS Facitiy Map, not flights outside of Class B, C, D, etc airspace. That’s where your description applies.

Are you questioning my comment regarding what hobbiest can't do or what a Part 107 pilot can do? Sorry for the confusion

 

[Drbobk]

Are you questioning my comment regarding what hobbiest can't do or what a Part 107 pilot can do? Sorry for the confusion

I think we're saying the same thing. I was responding to post #4, and trying to be more specific.

 

[Texbow]

I think we're saying the same thing. I was responding to post #4, and trying to be more specific.

If we wait a day or two I'm sure the regs will change again. Full time job staying on top of things.

 

[BigAl07]

I’m not sure about that. If what you say is true, then a 0 foot ceiling means you can fly to 400 feet as long as you’re over a structure, and I’m sure that’s not true.

We've got to be careful on this one. One thing that needs to be EMPHASIZED is that the Altitude on the Grid is an ABSOLUTE height. You can not add other "stipulations" to the height. If you're in a 100' grid (or you have a 100' authorization) then that height is your MAX altitude period.

So in the scenario above, you can not fly above 0' AGL without official approval stating you can fly up to a certain, absolute altitude. You can not "Combine" scenarios when operating in controlled airspace.

When it comes to aviation FARs, Approvals, and Authorizations you can't mix/match them together.

My original reply was referencing the heights listed in the UAS Facitiy Map, not flights outside of Class B, C, D, etc airspace. That’s where your description applies.

You are 100% correct

 

[Texbow]

We've got to be careful on this one. One thing that needs to be EMPHASIZED is that the Altitude on the Grid is an ABSOLUTE height. You can not add other "stipulations" to the height. If you're in a 100' grid (or you have a 100' authorization) then that height is your MAX altitude period.

So in the scenario above, you can not fly above 0' AGL without official approval stating you can fly up to a certain, absolute altitude. You can not "Combine" scenarios when operating in controlled airspace.

When it comes to aviation FARs, Approvals, and Authorizations you can't mix/match them together.



You are 100% correct

My understanding also. I was not referring to any specific grid height but that only a 107 pilot could get authorization to fly above 400 AGL in or out of controlled airspace according to the new hobby rules. I see no provision for hobby fliers to legally fly above 400 AGL.

 

[BigAl07]

I see no provision for hobby fliers to legally fly above 400 AGL.

That's correct. There's no reason for most hobbyist to fly over 400' AGL. I wouldn't be surprised to see some "allowances" for certain events like R/C soaring etc but only time will tell for sure.

 

[Drbobk]

Question: there’s a 1500 foot tower in my vicinity, but not in controlled airspace. I have no contract with the owners or operators. Can I fly up along side it to the top (+400) as a 107 pilot?

 

[Texbow]

Question: there’s a 1500 foot tower in my vicinity, but not in controlled airspace. I have no contract with the owners or operators. Can I fly up along side it to the top (+400) as a 107 pilot?

Yes. Tower, building etc