Where can I fly my Drone?

Trying to Simplify the Answer to this Sometimes Complicated Question


Intro

Unmanned Arial Systems, also known as drones, are rapidly increasing in popularity. As the popularity of these devices continue to grow, there will be more concern over who is allowed to fly them and where they are allowed to fly them. These public concerns revolve around public safety and public privacy.

The intent of this site is to provide some basic knowledge to anyone who may be interested in drones and to also provide them with some external references if they choose to educate themselves further.

In recent years, much of the confusion was due to the fact that there was a severe lack of formal guidance on UAS operation. As the governing entity of all US airspace, it was up to the Federal Aviation Administration to decide how UAS platforms would be allowed to operate in domestic airspace. In the fall of 2016, the FAA released a new series of regulations that more clearly defined the regulations on UAS operations.

Known as Part 107, these regulations provided new procedures for UAS registration, operating procedures, and a brand new commercial operating license for UAS pilots. Below are the basic guidelines provided by the FAA that covers the basic restrictions for recreational use:

  • Follow community-based safety guidelines
  • Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
  • Keep your UAS in eyesight at all times, and use an observer as needed.
  • Remain well blear of all manned aircraft operations. You must also see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
  • Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles. Generally, remain at least 25 feet from individuals and vulnerable property.
  • Contact the airport and control tower before flying within five miles of an airport or heliport.
  • Do not fly in adverse weather conditions.
  • Do not fly while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
  • Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property.
  • The FAA recently released data that showed that there are over 460,000 registered recreational UAS pilots. In the home of Oregon State University, there are over 7,600 registered recreational UAS pilots. As the map below illustrates, the bulk of these pilots live in the most populated areas of the state. It should be expected that this pattern is likely similar in most other states as well.

    In this case, it will be important that every pilot is properly educated on the operational restrictions in their area. This will hopefully reduce the probability of there being an incident in these populated areas for either affected safety or citizen privacy. Policy compliance is the best way to ensure we can fly UAS in the future.

    Map of Registered Recreational UAS Pilots in the State of Oregon

    The map shows the number of registered pilots in each zip code in the state. The data shows us that most of these pilots are found in the most populated regions of the state.

    AirMap

    AirMap may be the most comprehensive source currently available on the web when it comes to recreational UAS airspace. It not only identifies "No Fly Zones", but it also identifies areas were there may be some advisories to be aware of as well, such as restricted public facilities or wildlife refugees. However, with so many different locations identified on the map for a specific location, it may be difficult for the average UAS pilot to understand. In such a case, the map does provides the contact information for the locations that inflict the restriction for that specific location. When in doubt, the pilot can call that location and ask of any possible restrictions they may need to be observe.

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    AMA Clubs

    For many years, hobbyist have been interested in remote control airplanes. Eventually, the interest become large enough that a national association was formed. Now with over 195,000 members, the association strives to, promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity". In many locations, they local charter of the association runs and maintains an airfield where their members can operate their aircraft. For a UAS pilot, this provides a safe and welcoming environment for them to operate. The map below provides the location and contact information for each of the national AMA charters.

    Other Valuable Resources


    Know Before You Fly

    Know Before You Fly is an educational website that is ran through a partnership of various organizations that includes the FAA. Their goal is to provide a resource that has all of the necessary information to operate for recreational, educational, and commercial purposes. At the moment, this may be the most comprehensive and easy to follow source of information available.

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    DJI

    As the world's largest consumer drone manufacture, DJI has put a lot of effort into improving UAS operational safety. This is evident in the improved safely features and "No Fly Zone" awareness that are implemented into their products. Regardless if you buy their products or not, DJI has provided a resource that allows you to read about operational regulations, flight planning maps, and even the ability to file for waivers to operate in restricted areas. Regardless of what kind of UAS you fly, this website is a helpful resource.

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    AirMap

    As stated above, AirMap just might be the largest single collection of data on airspace restrictions for drones. Not only are aggressively working to inform the recreational operators, but they are also are working on projects with different manufactures and software developers to enhance flight safety. This includes new features for their mobile app that gives alerts on your phone when manned aircraft are in the area. At their website, their map has some increased features that allow the you to further investigate an area of interest, such as viewing several different classes of airspace.

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    FAA

    The Federial Aviation Administration is the federal governing body over all civilian aviation operations. As such, they are the ones that design and implement the regulations that recreational UAS pilots must follow. Their website is provides you the ability to register as a recreational UAS pilot, which is required to legally operate a UAS that weighs between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds. They also have gathered some helpful study material for those that want to take the test that is required to operate a UAS for commercial applications.

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