Flying a drone or UAV can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations you need to follow in order to stay safe and avoid fines. Here are the 10 most common mistakes new drone pilots make, along with advice on how to avoid them.
Not Registering Your Drone
All drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Failure to do so can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines of up to $27,500. Think of registering your drone as you would registering your car. Just like you need to register your car with the DMV, you need to register your drone with the FAA.
Flying in Prohibited Areas
There are many places where a drone or UAV are not allowed to fly, such as near airports, national parks, and military bases. Just like there are many places where a driver is not allowed to operate a car, there are also many places where drone pilots are not allowed to fly. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the regulations in your area before taking off.
Flying Above 400 Feet
The FAA requires that drones be kept below 400 feet (122 meters) at all times. This is for safety reasons, as drones that fly too high can pose a threat to manned aircraft. Both drones and airplanes share the same airspace, and if there are too many drones or planes in the sky at once, it can be dangerous for everyone involved.
Flying Near People or Property
Drones must be kept at least 5 miles (8 kilometers) away from airports, and they should not be flown over people or property without the owner’s permission. Doing so could result in serious injury or damage.
Flying at Night
Drones are not allowed to be flown at night without special permission from the FAA. This is for safety reasons, as it is much harder to see drones in the dark. Just like with driving a car at night, flying a drone at night is much more difficult and dangerous. You can’t see as well, and it’s harder to avoid obstacles.
Flying Without Insurance
Drone or UAV pilots are required to have liability insurance in case their drone causes damage or injury. Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover drones, but it’s always a good idea to check with your insurer before taking off.
Flying Without a License
Drone or UAV pilots are required to have a license if they want to fly commercially. This includes flying for business purposes or filming for movies or television. Flying without a license is like driving without a license. It’s illegal and can get you in trouble.
Breaking the Law
There are many laws and regulations that apply to drones, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before flying. Breaking the law could result in fines or even jail time.
Flying in Bad Weather
Drones should not be flown in bad weather, as high winds and rain can make it difficult to control them. This can also lead to crashes, which could damage the drone or injure people on the ground.
Not Following the Rules
There are many rules and regulations that apply to drones, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with them before flying. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences, such as fines or jail time.
Conclusion
Flying a drone can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that there are rules and regulations you need to follow in order to stay safe and avoid fines. By following the advice in this article, you can help ensure that your drone flying experience is enjoyable and safe.