A Guide on FPV Drone Legality in the U.S.
In this article, I am going through the FPV drone laws in the United States of America and see the legal considerations for FPV drone usage in the U.S. So, on this page, you will find a set of comprehensive information about the FAA FPV rules.
What is FAA?
It is the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority that has set the rules for flying FPV drones in this country, so I have to be aware of and compliant with the drone regulations that are listed below.
Are FPV drones allowed in the USA?
Yes, flying FPV drones in the U.S. is legal and allowed for leisure and commercial uses, but there are some rules that all users need to know and follow. So, to fly your drone in this country, you need some basic information.
Here are the important rules of FPV drones in the USA:
1. Having a remote pilot certification
To fly an FPV drone that weighs more than 0.55 pounds, you have to obtain a remote pilot certificate, known as (ROC), from the FAA. This is the general rule for all unmanned aircraft systems, including FPV drones.
2. Drive within the visual limitation
There are some limitations to driving the FPV drone in the U.S., and one of them is to fly within a visual line of sight (VLOS). In other words, the FPV drone has to be visible to the human naked eye at all times during the hovering.
3. Do not enter the controlled airspace
The other important rule is that you should not fly the FPV drone in controlled airspace without getting permission from the FAA. Now, what is controlled airspace? It is airspace that is controlled by air traffic control (ATC) and includes airspace around airports, military bases, and other certain areas.
4. Do not fly over crowds
You are not allowed to fly the FPV drone over individuals or in a manner that endangers people or their property and privacy. Flying above people, buildings, and cars, generally vehicles, is against the FPV drone laws U.S.
5. Stick to the FPV regulations in the U.S.
You have to obey the applicable FAA regulations while flying an FPV drone, such as regulations on height, speed, and, most importantly, your flight trails.
The main rule concerning FPV flying is the ability to comply with the FAA’s beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rules. The rules apply to either recreational or commercial drone operations. As the rule is currently written, either the FPV remote pilot or a visual observer must have line of sight with the drone at all times, so a solo FPV remote pilot, such as a person wearing goggles and flying without a visual observer, could not legally comply with the rules.
Now let me learn some tips for flying FPV drones in the USA and not violating any restrictions:
What are the extra tips for avoiding FPV drone violations in the U.S.?
- If it is your first time, you can fly in a safe and open area with no people or buildings. This will make you get used to flying the FPV drone and make you for more crowded places.
- Keep your distance from people, animals, and structures to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Fly at a safe height and avoid flying near other aircraft, as mentioned in the FAA’s rules.
- Avoid flying FPV drones in bad weather conditions to prevent any possible accidents.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the USA’s local authorities for flying FPV drones to help you have a safe and legal flying experience.
If you follow the mentioned guidelines in this article, you can make sure that you are flying your FPV drone responsibly in the U.S.
Read more:
Can Police Use Drones Without a Warrant?
Can You Fly Drones in National Parks?
How to Spot a Police Drone at Night?
In the end
Now you know that FPV drone is legal in the U.S. you can learn the tips and rules for flying it and have a pleasant experience.
But be aware that there might be some special rules in different areas and states that might be different. Flying FPV drones in the U.S. only requires paying attention to these simple rules.
Now you tell me, do you know how to fly FPV drones legally in the U.S?
If you have extra tips, please share them with me.
