12/26/2025
It’s that time of year again! Now that I have your attention, you can mostly prevent being ‘that guy’ through education. While the batteries are charging prior to that first flight break out those manuals and read! Educate yourself on the operations of your device and what you should and shouldn’t be doing.
In addition to the requirements from the FAA, download the B4UFLY application. It will simplify the airspace requirements listed below.
Feel free to ask questions in the comments.
Ryan Hargraves
EagleEye LLC
FAAST Representative (FAA Safety Team)
Here's what you need to do:
1. Register your drone, mark it on the outside with the registration number (PDF), and carry proof of registration with you.
2. Fly only for recreational purposes.
3. Follow the safety guidelines of a community based organization. -see link below to AMA.
4. Fly your drone at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled or "Class G" airspace. This is airspace where the FAA is not controlling manned air traffic. To determine what type of airspace you are in, refer to the mobile application that operates your drone (if so equipped) and/or use other drone-related mobile applications. Knowing your location and what airspace you're in will also help you avoid interfering with other aircraft.
5. Do NOT fly in controlled airspace (around and above many airports) unless:
* You receive an airspace authorization for operations in controlled airspace through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability), before you fly. Learn more about approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers for recreational flyers.
* You are flying at a recreational flyer fixed site that has a written agreement with the FAA. The FAA has posted a list of approved sites (MS Excel) and has depicted them as blue dots on a map. Each fixed site is limited to the altitude shown on this map, which varies by location.
6. Keep your drone within your line of sight, or within the visual line-of-sight of a visual observer who is co-located and in direct communication with you.
7. Do NOT fly in airspace where flight is prohibited. Airspace restrictions can be found on our interactive map, and temporary flight restrictions can be found here. Drone operators are responsible for ensuring they comply with all airspace restrictions.
8. Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports.
9. Never fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.
10. Never fly near emergencies such as any type of accident response, law enforcement activities, firefighting, or hurricane recovery efforts.
11. Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Recreational flyers should know that if they intentionally violate any of these safety requirements, and/or operate in a careless and reckless manner, they could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties.
Read the Authorization for limited recreational operations as described in section 44809 (PDF). All limited recreational operations should be conducted in accordance with this authorization.
For more information, read Advisory Circular 91-57B.
The law also requires:
1. Drone operators to pass an online aeronautical knowledge and safety test and carry proof of test passage.
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More detailed information about the FAA's plan to fully implement the requirements of Section 349 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 may be found on the Federal Register.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/
https://www.modelaircraft.org/sites/default/files/documents/100.pdf
https://www.modelaircraft.org/sites/default/files/105.pdf
