As technology evolves, the laws, rules, and regulations governing how we interface with them, also evolve. This is particularly true (and important) as far as the technologies we use affect those around us. A popular example of technologies we use that can directly impact others is drones. For starters, drones essentially fly around with cameras in them, giving you (and anyone else who operates them) easy and convenient access to spaces and places occupied by others. Of course, this means that there will be rules, laws, and other regulations that govern where, and the ways in which you can or cannot fly drones in your locale.
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Below, we give you the information to help you answer the question ‘where can I fly my drone.’ Keep reading.
The Rules on Where You Can or Cannot have Flying Drones
Each state, city, town, or municipality is likely to have its own laws concerning what you can or cannot do with a flying drone, as well as where you can or cannot fly your drone. As such, it is important to find out what the stipulations are in your area before you start using your drone in public, non-personal spaces. Still, because drones are standard forms of technology, it is also true that there are general laws, regulations, and rules that apply across the board. Some general guidelines that you should consider, even as you research the specifics in your locale are as follows:
- Drones should always be visual at all times. Technologies referred to as ‘first person view’ do not meet this requirement of having your drone be within visual sight at all times during use.
- In addition to ensuring your flying drones are always visible, it is also important that you do not fly your drones over or within 152 meters or 500 feet of any crowd. With the exception of the individual flying the drone, a drone must generally not be flown within 50 meters or 16 feet of any individual. Another exception to these stipulations include operating the drone during take-off and landing.
- It also goes without saying that flying drones should not be operated by unsupervised minors, should not be flown under the influence, or near emergency response efforts (like fires).
- Flying drones should not be flown within restricted airspace or near other kinds of aircrafts – particularly, near airports.
- Flying for fun and flying for money (yes, there is such a thing) are two completely different activities that are likely to have different guidelines. Making money from drone flying, for example, may require you to pass tests and receive certification and licenses to operate as such.
- Consider the weight of your drones. Flying drones beyond a certain weight may need to be registered and the same may attract a fee. Again, the fees and need for registration will differ from one locale to the next.
Again, these guidelines are general, and it is important to find out the specific requirements for your locale. Doing so is as easy as doing a web search, calling the municipality office to speak with your political representatives and other political administrators regarding the same. At the end of the day, the more you know the better. Knowing more will help keep you and those around you safe as you enjoy using your flying drone technology.
Finding Places to Fly Drones Near Me
Similarly to many cities that have designated zones for specially identified activities (like clubs for adult entertainment), it is also likely that there are some specially designated zones that permit flying drones. As you seek out location options to operate your flying drones, this is something that you should consider. The availability of such spaces can be confirmed by political representatives in your area to help ensure that you identify and maximize such spaces if they are indeed available.
Due to living in the age of modern technology, in addition to seeking out your local representatives and the resources they offer, you can also turn to Internet-powered technologies to inform your choices where operating flying drones are concerned. Two popular options in this regard, include ‘no-fly mobile apps’ and ‘no-fly maps.’ We take a closer look at both options below.
No Fly Mobile Apps
As the sub-title suggests, no-fly mobile apps will help flying drone operators to identify no-fly zones in their area. Best of all, unlike the limitation of local political bodies and administration, the information you are able to access from a no-fly app is likely to move when you do. That is, as you move from one city or location to the next, you can find the latest, updated information regarding no-fly zones in your latest location. This is very convenient. Simply put, no-fly mobile apps will help you quickly and easily answer the question ‘where can I fly my drone.’
No-fly mobile apps are easy to find on both Android and Apple iOS smart devices. This is due to the fact that they are a dime a dozen in the Google Play and Apple Store respectively. Of course, there are some popular options that are readily recommended, and perhaps you should consider those first when seeking options for download. Once you have decided on and downloaded your no-fly mobile app, then you are ready to move on to no-fly maps.
No Fly Maps
No-fly maps help to extend the features of the already handy no-fly mobile apps. This is because while no-fly apps will tell you which zones are restricted and which are available, no-fly maps will tell you exactly where these zones start and stop in proximity to wherever your physical location may be at the time of our query.
Due to this extended feature, it is highly recommended that as you download no-fly apps, you also get reliable no-fly maps to go with them. Of course, the same principle of seeking out the best-recommended options for download applies to maps just as well as it does apps. Finally, once you have understood and complied with all the rules concerning operating our flying drone and you have downloaded your trusty no-fly apps and maps, you are good to go to start flying your drone.
Happy flying.