There’s no gift like drones for the holidays. If you’re planning to buy a drone this holiday season, the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Air Force have established policies on the unmanned aerial systems.
All unmanned aircraft systems are considered just that – aircraft. They’re not toys, and they must adhere to these policies, the FAA announced Monday.
All drones over 0.55 pounds must be registered, regardless of their intended use. The operator must provide the registration certificate, either on paper or electronically, upon request, and the UAS must be marked with an official registration or serial number. You can register your drone here.
Small, unmanned aircraft must also give way to manned aviation activities, including airplanes, gliders, parachutists, hang gliders, and even the Goodyear blimp. That’s right, folks. If your drone invades the Goodyear blimp’s airspace, the dirigible has the right-of-way.
Drone operators must also remain within the visual line of sight of their craft. If you can’t see your drone, you can’t keep it away from other aircraft. Additionally, you can’t operate your drone over any people not directly involved with the drone’s operation.
The FAA divides the national airspace into categories A, B, C, D, E, and G. Class A is 18,000 to 60,000 feet above the average sea level, and operators must communicate with the FAA to operate that high up. This is well above where unmanned aircraft should fly.
Classes B, C, and D relates to the airspace around airports and requires two-way communications with the airport’s radio tower. Small unmanned aircraft should also steer clear of these areas. Drones should not fly within five nautical miles of a civilian or military airfield.
Class G airspace exists around uncontrolled airports, so no two-way communication is needed, but unmanned aircraft should remain clear by five nautical miles.
