Yes, you can fly a drone without a license. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows you to fly a small drone weighing less than .55 lbs without having a license. However, it is recommended that you know and follow the regulations for flying a drone even without the requirement of licensure.
Hello, fellow drone enthusiasts! My name is Lavelle and I am a professional drone pilot and a long-time drone enthusiast. Over the past decade, I have had the pleasure of flying recreationally and commercially, but I started out flying drones without a license as a hobby.
In this article, I will cover the FAA regulations regarding drone operations. I will also go over the rules for flying and offer some tips for new drone operators.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Small drones weighing less than .55 lbs (250 grams) do not require the drone operator to have a license. You can check this article to find the best Mini FPV Drones, that meet this requirement.
- Whether you are a recreational drone operator or a licensed drone pilot, you should always follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
- Following the FAA rules is a must and all drone operators should always keep safety as a priority.
When You Can Fly a Drone Without a License
According to the FAA guidelines, recreational flights with drones under .55 lbs (250 grams) do not require a license as long as you follow all the regulations.
Tips for Flying a Drone Without a License
Here are a few helpful tips when flying a drone without a license.
1. Keep a Drone Under 400ft
The FAA requires that drones are flown no more than 400 feet from the ground. This rule is in place to protect drones from interfering with commercial airspace.
Many drones have a feature that allows the operator to set a limit on altitude so that you do not violate the FAA rules. Drone operators should also always keep the craft within their line of sight.
2. Avoid No-Fly Zones
The FAA has established certain no-fly zones. These zones include areas near airports, live events including sporting events, and other restricted airspaces.
You can always check the airspace using the B4UFLY app to find out how the area you want to fly in is zoned.
3. Don’t Fly Over Crowds and Close to People
The FAA regulations prohibit flights over crowds of people and too close to people. There are times when your drone can lose its signal and crash land. Therefore, flying over crowds or near crowds could cause potential hazards.
4. Check the Restrictions in the Flying Area
State, local, and tribal areas can impose restrictions on drone flights within their jurisdiction. Before flying, always check for any restrictions in the area that you intend to fly. You can also use the B4UFly app to check for restrictions. The app is available in both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store.
FAQs
Below ar some frequently asked questions about flying a drone without a license, I’ll answer them briefly below.
Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone in the US?
No, you do not need a license to fly a drone in the US if your drone weighs less than .55 lbs and is not being used for commercial purposes.
What Drones Can I Use Without a License?
You can use any drone for recreational purposes without a license as long as the drone weighs less than .55 lbs and you follow all applicable rules and regulations.
Can I Fly Mavic Air 2 Without a License?
No, you cannot fly the Mavic Air 2 without a license. The Air 2 weighs 1.2 lbs (570 grams) and therefore requires you to register the drone and to have a license to legally operate it.
Final Thoughts
Recreational or hobby drone enthusiasts do not need a license to fly their drones as long as the drone is under the FAA weight limit (.55 lbs or less) and you follow all applicable regulations and laws.
Which drone model do you own? Do you have a license for it? Share your experience in the comments section below.
