US Drone Regulations

Last Updated: August 19, 2023

Drone operations in the United States are regulated primarily by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Different requirements apply depending on whether the flight is recreational or conducted under 14 CFR Part 107.

1. Recreational Flying

A recreational flight must genuinely be conducted for personal enjoyment and must comply with the requirements of the statutory recreational exception.

Flying for business, commercial, professional, or other non-recreational purposes may require operation under Part 107.

2. TRUST Requirement

Recreational drone pilots are required to complete:

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

The FAA states that recreational flyers must pass TRUST before flying and must be able to provide proof of passage when required. FAA

TRUST applies to recreational flyers even when the aircraft itself is below the FAA registration weight threshold.

3. FAA Registration

For recreational flights:

Drones weighing 250g (0.55 lb) or more generally require FAA registration.

A drone below 250g flown exclusively under the limited recreational exception generally does not require registration. 

However, drones flown under Part 107 must be registered regardless of this recreational weight exemption. 

4. Remote ID

The FAA requires drones that are subject to FAA registration to comply with applicable Remote ID requirements unless an authorized exception applies, such as qualifying operation within a Federally Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). 

Therefore:

Under 250g does not automatically mean Remote ID is never required.

For example, the way the drone is operated may make registration mandatory.

5. Visual Line of Sight

Recreational operators must generally maintain Visual Line of Sight with the drone.

The pilot must be able to see the aircraft and surrounding traffic sufficiently to operate safely. 

6. Maximum Altitude

In Class G uncontrolled airspace, recreational operators are generally limited to:

400 feet above ground level

without prior authorization. 

Different conditions can apply in controlled airspace.

7. Controlled Airspace

Recreational operators wishing to fly in controlled airspace generally need FAA authorization before flight.

Authorization may be available through:

  • LAANC
  • FAA DroneZone

depending on the operation and location.

8. Airports

Never interfere with manned aircraft.

FAA guidance requires drone operators to yield right-of-way to other aircraft.

Operations near airports may involve controlled airspace and authorization requirements. 

9. Restricted Areas

Drone flights may be prohibited or restricted around:

  • National-security-sensitive facilities
  • Certain military installations
  • Certain government facilities
  • Temporary Flight Restrictions
  • Emergency operations
  • Major sporting events
  • Other protected airspace

FAA rules prohibit flights over designated national-security-sensitive facilities under applicable restrictions. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions may also be established for emergencies, major events, presidential movements, and other safety or security purposes. 

10. Stadium Restrictions

Special flight restrictions may apply around major stadium events.

FAA rules prohibit drone operation around qualifying major sporting events during designated time periods. 

11. Commercial and Other Non-Recreational Operations

Operations that do not qualify for the recreational exception are generally conducted under Part 107 or another applicable FAA authority.

Part 107 involves additional requirements including remote-pilot certification and aircraft registration.

12. State and Local Laws

FAA compliance does not automatically mean that take-off, landing, recording, or property use is lawful under state or local rules.

Local governments and property owners may impose restrictions concerning:

  • Take-off
  • Landing
  • Parks
  • Privacy
  • Trespass
  • Property access

FAA airspace authorization does not automatically grant permission to take off or land from restricted property. 

Disclaimer

This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Always check current FAA, state, local, tribal, and property rules before operating your drone.