Can I Fly My Drone Higher than 400 Feet?

[@BobGrierSD]

I thought I knew the answer but I learned a few things that I wasn't aware of. Like the 400 ft above a structure and following 400 ft above the terrain like dropping then dropping off a plateau. Good stuff. Thanks you!

[@uavcoach]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@thelightninghunter23]

How does the rule apply to a guyed structure? Can I exceed 400ft AGL within 400ft of only the structure itself, or does the horizontal extent of the guy wires count? In other words, if there's a 1000 ft tall tower and the guy wires extend 500 ft laterally, can I fly up to 1400 ft at a horizontal distance of 900 ft from the tower?

[@hadenshaffer9674]

I have a DJI Avata 2 that I just got and am being really careful to uphold the altitude limits and TRUST. I know this community is on thin ice even as I join it. Keep on keeping, man! (Sub)

[@uavcoach]

Thank you for being a safe and responsible drone pilot! And thanks for the support!

[@Papparratzi]

I live the mountains at 5,800’. It’s normal to see manned helicopters flying 200’ or less above my home. Edison flys low to inspect power lines. That’s obviously a no flight time. But many flights don’t appear to have any business flying below the 400’ treetop line. Is it somehow legal to do this?

[@primeideasconsulting]

Sure if it's uncontrolled airspace. But if the pilot chooses to fly in a space specifically reserved for drones, that's a risk they have to live with. Of course the drone operator better not be doing anything questionable or illegal also. You can reduce your risk & liability(maybe) by always flying with anti-collision lights in those environments.

[@DonBrowne]

Recreational pilots cannot fly 400' above a structure, the pilot must be flying under 107 and have a 107 certificate to do that. And good advice about low flying aircraft that may be in your area.

[@uavcoach]

Thank you!

[@FlyingBuzzard]

Quick answer to the question as typed "Can I Fly My Drone Higher than 400 Feet?" Answer: NO !!! BUT there are exceptions to that reg/rule according to the FAA Part 107...LOL

[@troytanner9838]

I just got my first drone. I see video taken of beaches but I hear that flying over people is a no no. How are these drone pilots taking footage of crowded beaches?

[@uavcoach]

Unless they are getting a waiver, a lot of times they are flying illegally. We just posted a video explaining flying over people you can watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4XYeXx_isyVnqcsi=5AACRDUgzyaVI-wt

[@primeideasconsulting]

"Over" people may not actually be over them. If you have some distance, say 25 feet horizontally offset from them you are legal but it may "look" as though you are over them at altitude. Unless the camera is pointed straight down, it's incredibly hard to tell. Now some of the CBO rules give you a minimum horizon separation distance so it depends if you are flying under part 107, or 48, and then which CBO rules you chose to follow.