KEN HERON - How To fly ABOVE 400 feet LEGALLY with your Drone

[@paulwentzien6745]

The 113 dislikes are FAA agents

[@KenHeron]

HAAA!!! Prob'ly.

[@graysonmiller8195]

Its still channel traffic!

[@graysonmiller8195]

You have absolutely no idea what your talking about do you?

[@jeffgill3078]

The average " LAW ABIDING" Citizen commits at least 3 felonies and no telling how many penal code infractions every single day. So what is your point? It gets better because the law makers create and pass new "Laws" daily... just because your not being charged with the alleged crimes or infractions doesn't mean your not committing them as well. So why judge him for doing something that is harmless? In my opinion as long as you have not hurt someone or their property your good to go..... if everyone followed every single BS law you could not exist period. There is absolutely now way possible.

[@sdssteward]

Why? It's their own regulation.

[@Paolo-qe7lc]

Thanks for posting a video to make safer drone pilots. For those arguing, please just respect us flying manned aircraft too. We have to worry about other aircraft but we are on with air traffic control. We have a lot of stress and it’s annoying when we come back from a flight and someone is flying their drone at pattern altitude. We follow laws too. We aren’t anti drone, we just want to know where you are at with them. We appreciate when someone lets us know they are operating a drone at this altitude off to this part of the airport. It’s not a “The government is trying to take away my freedoms” It’s about a safer environment for everyone. I don’t care if you are 2,000 feet, as long as I know your intentions and where you are at. Read the book of laws we follow. You will see you don’t have it bad at all. Sincerely, Airplane/helicopter pilot, commercial drone operator

[@dcpoke1]

Ken, you are obviously a "towering" figure in the drone community. Keep up the good work.

[@KenHeron]

ZING! --Thanks Jeffrey.

[@theackshow5048]

Just in case you were wanting to fly up real close to an FM or TV tower (ESPECIALLY a TV tower), DON'T!!! A friend of mine who works as a Broadcast Engineer at a TV station in Kansas City, Missouri (you have six choices) attempted to do a Video inspection of the station's tower - 1,100 feet of it - from a distance of less than 50 feet with a company-owned Mavic drone. This inspection was done on company time by a licensed private - and Part 107 certified - pilot. Just as he reached the bottom of the radiating TV antenna array, the drone feed was lost and the Mavic fell 1,100 feet to it's desctruction in a nearby wooded area (a clue!). The Moral here is - DO NOT fly into the near-field of a high-power, high frequency antenna array. In case you were wondering, the pilot did not lose his job. A company-wide memo was issued to all Chief Engineers pointing out the dangers of operating drones near radiating high power television antenna arrays. I hope that this helps!

[@kevinhudson6256]

LMAO on the chopper and news feed! You rock Ken!

[@hydraflipper1638]

Kevin Hudson ii

[@kenweller2032]

LMAO at the Prozac ad. Well done!!

[@oropeza190]

Hahahaha Broo

[@Marcussmith1240]

Hardy har har ! ! !

[@timjohnson6685]

This is great news! I always thought this rule applied anywhere until I was studding for my Part 107. Love your videos Ken!

[@KenHeron]

Thank you Tim.

[@LivingWithTheGuzmans]

Good info thanks for making that clear everyone is like only 400 feet.

[@KenHeron]

Thanks!

[@UkrainianBazooka]

Thanks for this Ken! This is actually really helpful because I wanted to get some clarity on the rules since I work on these towers and may need to use uav's for inspections.

[@KenHeron]

Really glad to help. Have fun up there!

[@spiritualwarriorhealer6154]

@@KenHeron hi ken you have to forgive me i wasnt sure the details left out of your "400ft" video. this flying above structures 400ft applies to Part107 holders only? How bout non-part107 licensee's? Thanks Ken

@@spiritualwarriorhealer6154 it is not possible for Recreational purposes. Limit is 400ft always no matter what.

[@Trimere]

Had the 1st flight today, went up 500 feet just outside a no-fly zone. Had no idea. Have the Hover app now. The cool thing is, my drone warned me about potential aircraft and I came back down right away. Cool video. :)

[@KenHeron]

Very good. Drones are fun!

[@coreywelch]

This is good information to have, but I feel that you should explain more of the reasons this is acceptable. I'm a private pilot under part 61 and the reason for 400 feet is to keep 100 feet of separation from manned aircraft. As a manned aircraft cannot fly below 500 feet around people, vessels or structures. So that allows you 400 feet AGL and the added 400 feet above a structure.

[@gordonchibroski8919]

Correction: you cannot fly below 1000 feet.

[@TicTac-g7m]

@@gordonchibroski8919 You can and will during the landing... Which can stretch for thousands of feet before the runway. The extra distance is for emergency.

[@trevorlingle9363]

JC Helped Me Big Time During Builds I Was Stuck At A Stand Still!If He Didn't Volunteer His Time And Knowledge In This Hobby Then I Would Of Quit With The Building Part Of This Sport Hobby.He Will Be Missed A lot Much Love JC

[@vk3crg]

Just a note on flying near broadcast towers. As a drone flyer, ham radio operator and someone that has worked in a technical capacity in broadcasting for many years...flying near high power television or radio transmitter towers is extremely foolish. RF blocking can easily occur which closes the ALC in the front end of the receiver (even if the radio of TV transmitter frequency is nowhere near that of the controller) and cause the drone to literally "not hear" the control. This is the best case scenario which will usually end in the drone doing a "go home". The worst case scenario however is that the high level of RF can cause the drone's CPU and control systems to malfunction causing a catastrophic failure of the drone. It is a must that drones are kept away from directly in front of the antennas on TV and FM transmitters as they usually have directional antennas, concentrating the signal lobe in one or two directions. Sites with multiple transmitters feeding the one tower can radiate hundreds of thousands of watts of RF which can easily cause a malfunction of the drone's control systems. The tower in this video looks to be some sort of cellular or data transmission facility which would not run such high power. But definitely something to keep in mind about high power broadcast facilities. Keep well back! Happy flying!

[@MrKdr500]

Maybe you should check out what Ken does for a living before you look stupid.

[@basspig]

Where I live, there's a 50kW FM tower plus AM plus cellular and government transmitters for the FBI. The FM lobe touches ground in my front yard. It's over 120dBu here. Technically, the station is in violation of the RFR rules. But my main point is, when I wasn't thinking about it, I brought a new video camera outside to test the ND filter and the menus froze such that I had to remove the battery to restart the camera. Some laptops crash when I bring them outside in the yard. The house is Faraday shielded to -100dB from 1Mhz to 1.5GHz, so no problem indoors. Naturally, this was foremost on my mind when I took my drone up for a test flight.

[@AdminTechnopedia]

basspig did you use electromagnetic radiation tester yet?

[@souocara38able]

@@MrKdr500 If Ken knows about this stuff then he can safely disregard that comment but the rest of us might want to keep it in mind or at least research it further

[@E1i0]

This channel is so underrated. Love your work!

[@RCRoss]

I just fill out a drone form on my cities official website I fly in that let's the tower know I'll be flying there. They clear me at only 3 miles from airport by the way land traffic at different runways and keep them away and above 2000 feet for me during the hours I plan to be there. It's fantastic. They even give me a courtesy call to go over my intentions and make a plan. It's awesome. The tower manager says by doing this if local enforcement ever gives me issues at the beach I'm at that they are even my get out of jail free card and by doing this I'm in compliance by being cleared and in contact with the tower prior. Talk about blurred lines. I practically get the right of way and my flights are 100% hobby no 107.

[@KenHeron]

That's great!

[@floridajames04]

Ken Heron I'm in Nashville majoring in Unmanned Aerial Systems at MTSU. I'll be buying a Phantom 4 Pro in a few weeks. Hopefully I'll see ya around and you can give me some pointers!

[@simplelessons123]

This is the best way to encourage sustainability of the hobby. Not enough people are following this. I hope fellow drone pilots follow your example before the FAA bans all Recreational Use.

[@lorenzobarrett8232]

What magical city do you live in?!!

[@jrgalluzz]

RC Ross that just shows you that if you are in compliance with Regs than nobody should hassle you. Especially when you do the right thing and contact people that need to know ie: local air traffic control. I’m sure that at some point, someone will prob hassle you just because.

[@johnnydeeman3076]

I think that this rule only applies to part 107 pilots. Heavy one else including myself can only go to 400'

[@KenHeron]

Correct.

[@michaelfarley9938]

Correct.

[@GaryVaughan]

Always great info, well presented and great editing. Loved this one with the traffic report! :)

[@jimb4169]

From past experience (having to climb towers like that)… look at the paint. Red/white are usually spaced 50’ .

[@WrightBrosRC]

AMA is only involved at an AMA field or AMA sanctioned event. You can otherwise do as you please without interfering with full size aircraft. Choosing not to follow AMA regs (no laws) will only prevent you from accessing AMA insurance. (which is not great, your private insurance must pay first) They do not have any legal authority.

[@ToddCopeland]

587OO7 spot on. Thank you.

[@SterlingRalph]

As per Sec 336 in HR 658, you have to follow a CBO's set of rules in order to be a hobbyist. Most people choose the AMA as their CBO to follow. You can choose another CBO if you wish, but you must pick one and stick to their rules.

[@ToddCopeland]

The AMA has no power at all over non-AMA members. What Section 336 means is that local organizations can apply rules but only to those that it already had power over. For example, if you are participating in an AMA sanctioned event, the AMA can make rules governing public airspace but it only applies to those who agree to the terms of that participation. The AMA would have the ability to govern airspace, as long as it does not override Section 336 but only for it's members. Don't like you... they can only revoke your membership, nothing more. The AMA liked to broadcast the FAA's acknowledgement as it served their purpose to look more important and gain membership. You don't need to choose any CBO in any form or fashion in order to fly.

[@SterlingRalph]

Todd Copeland would love to see your citation for that as I believe you are mistaken. Congress explicitly says in HR 658 sec 336 that in order to be a hobbyist you must operate according to a community based set of safety guidelines "AND within the programming of a CBO". Meaning that yes, you have to choose a set of CBO rules to follow. If you read FAA-2014-0396, it reinforces that the FAA interprets the law as such.

[@ToddCopeland]

Let me see if I can put it another way. Section 336 states as follows: ; (2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization; We know that the AMA is a "CBO" (again, means nothing). You acknowledge that other CBO's can be follows and this is fine. So... I choose to follow the nationwide CBO called American UAV Fliers". Their set of guidelines are easy.. you can fly whenever you want. So, as long as I fly whenever I want, I'm following a national CBO's guidelines. This satisfied your statement. Makes perfect sense according to your interpretation of Section 336. If anyone wants, please feel free to follow this CBO's guidelines and you are in compliance with Section 336. Done deal.

[@FM-dv5bw]

You took off below the base of the tower, so the tower according to the gps reading from the drone is higher than what the tower actually is. Now a few feet here and there probably won't make any difference unless there is someone out there to get you for any little detail. Thats how my luck goes if I did what you did. Thanks for the video! Keep up the great work!

[@georgezviadgoglodze7810]

Your videos are so cognitive and fun to watch! Thanks Ken!

[@northernflyer5311]

Since "drone registration" the 400 feet thing has been basically a guideline. RC pilots have been flying above the height, for decades.

[@hardwarejunky3962]

Yup and if you are an AMA member that guideline means squat.

[@ToddCopeland]

Northern Flyer its not since the illegal registration. It's never been a regulation for hobby flight, period. This video is all wrong.

[@ToddCopeland]

Hardwarejunky the AMA means nothing here. To are going to tell me about them being a CBO. That means nothing to non AMA members. 400 foot is not a regulation period and non AMA members don't need to follow AMA rules.

[@hardwarejunky3962]

Didn't I just say it means squat? AMA doesn't have a 400ft rule, other than 3 miles radius of an airport, but what you need to look out for is your county civil codes which often defer to CBO or FAA guidelines so you do have to follow them, unfortunately in a lot of cities. Everyone forgets their local county civil codes which are far more important than this national FAA or AMA nonsense. It's the sheriff's you have to watch out for because they don't give a shit what AMA, FAA or anyone else has told you. As long as their civil code is in effect you are going to jail for flying over 400ft in their county. Best check your counties civil code because most likely they do have new restrictions. They've been sneaking them into all the major counties in my area in past few years. Here are ours codes for Los Angeles County: clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2015/15-0927_misc_09-17-2015.pdf

[@ToddCopeland]

You said _if_ you were an AMA member that guideline means squat. That is incorrect. You don't need to be an AMA member for that guideline to mean squat (or not). Local code does not mean anything when it comes to regulating airspace. US Code specifically states that _only_ the FAA can regulate airspace. So local code cannot impose a limit on where the drone is flying. Local codes _have_ been made that state this but they are illegal laws that should be found not to be valid. Local governments are free to regulate the person on the ground but not the actual drone in the air. Notice the ordinances that you linked to (not sure it passed) keeps stating, "no person". Its an attempt to adhere to US Code in that it attempts to regulate the _person_ flying and not the drone in public airspace. At least they appear to have attempted to abide by US Code. I would not agree that the way it's written would stand up in court. Also, they can't even get #1 correct. Congress does not require authorization from an airport, only notification. Some of the people who write these local ordinances probably can't write a grocery list on their own.

[@RealLifesJourneyBecomingPinoy]

thank you, does this apply in Canada too with flying DJI mini 1/mini SE/ mini 2 or mini 3 drone flight regulations?

[@jackpeltzel]

I had a sensible chuckle at that Prozac plug. 😜

[@anthonylopez3199]

I wanted to fly on a mountain which was way over 400 ft so I can go up when I reach the top I can reset and go another 400??

[@michaelfarley9938]

The faa 400ft exception is only for man-made structures. Tree, hills, and mountains don't count.

[@seanc.5310]

Ken, you actually get me to LOL by myself at the computer sometimes 😂

[@mpcaz]

Just a question since I just passed my 107. Using FPV goggles doesn't qualify as VLOS does it? I'm not playing FAA cop here.. I'm asking because I'm curious. If you're wearing the goggles, who is keeping the drone in VLOS?

[@KenHeron]

Have a visual observer. 👍

[@lovinglife1962]

does this rule apply to only part 107 or can someone flying as hobby also fly with this rule?

[@digicana]

107 only. This video is gonna get some hobbyist in trouble somewhere some day.

[@s.s.0]

@@digicana 😂

[@lantzevongkorad4084]

hobbyists can fly over 400ft

[@borat1]

At first I hated my DJI restrictions, but I realized they really didn’t harm me and helped me if anything. I don’t need to go above 400 feet and I have just as much fun under.

[@ShonTolliverMusic]

I've found that my most dramatic footage and most fun have all been below 150 feet for me.

[@xaviation5144]

I’ll just put 400 feet of string onto it and tie it to a pole.

[@KenHeron]

Now you're talking!

[@xaviation5144]

Ken Heron Should I?

[@fiyahwayne495]

@@xaviation5144 yes do it

[@raymoore6595]

use a fishing reel for the string, much easier to spool out and reel in.

[@timrhodus722]

How do you get your camera and phone talking to one another to use the phone for sighting in where I am going and the controls on the phone to show how I got there and how to get back. Thank you in advance Tim in Kentucky

[@KenHeron]

Hey Tim! The DJI drone has an app used by the phone or tablet. You can see what the drone sees. 👍

[@timrhodus722]

@@KenHeron Thank you Ken ..... Tim in Ky

[@ivanjdrakov1957]

1640 feet is my favorite altitude that I love to fly my Mavic Mini at.... 😁 Awesome content as always Ken buddy...

[@micanthony]

I am not sure why but i am addicted to your personality!

[@jamesryan6224]

"You're a riot Alice". "Zip-Zoom, to the moon!" -Jackie Gleason

[@Marcussmith1240]

James Ryan - Hardy har har !!!

[@weaverrealestatephotograph7716]

You still need to be careful about enter controlled airspace above. Airspaces such as B, C and D which can have shelves that extend out above the structure. Airspace are MSL. In Nashville there are two towers that are 2049 MSL or 1004 AGL. The lower shelf for the Class C is 2400 MSL in those two areas. 350' is the limit for those structures.

[@Shadowman-1960]

Would flying over the freeway be against the rule to not fly over people?

[@KenHeron]

Yes. Flying over roads is a no-no.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

+Michael Takemoto No. It might violate the rule against flying over moving vehicles. It's legal to fly over people in cars as long as the cars aren't moving. We have to follow the rules unless and until those rules are successfully challenged. Read the last sentence here: dronelawjournal.com/model-aircraft-operations/ "even though the language pertaining to model aircraft in Part 101 should not even exist, unless it is successfully challenged as an invalidly promulgated agency regulation, it’s the law."

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Does this apply to flying over ANY moving vehicle(s). I have a friend who railfans and he was asking me about using a drone to fly over a train in motion and a rail yard. I told him NO NO on the train yard due to DHS stuff but IDK about a train out on the line..

[@ToneyFranco]

ElfNet Gaming I've done both and haven't had any issues. Lmao

[@Elfnetdesigns]

you didn't get caught in other words XD

[@spiritualwarriorhealer6154]

Hey ken whats the max height limit on mini2 in feet? up, up, up? How much would you have to come down if you move back?

[@TicTac-g7m]

Good question.

[@Shadowman-1960]

If we don't have to register our drones because of the recent court ruling that the Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 states the FAA has no authorization to make rules and regulations regarding model aircraft then why would we have to follow any of the FAA's rules or regulations regarding flying drones?

[@KenHeron]

Your logic is flawed. Just because one aspect of the FAA rules has been dismissed, doesn't mean you can ignore the rest of them.

[@graysonmiller8195]

Hes kinda sorta right Ken. You do have to follow the same regulations concerning nfz's and tfr's as a hobbyist and the faa has the authority to impose penalties on any act that puts maned aircraft in danger in the nas. Their mandate is to keep the nas safe for all aircraft and persons on those aircraft but their safety guidelines are not laws and therefore not enforceable. You do however, as a hobbyist, have to follow the rules of the national CBO of your choice.

[@apkdarter961]

Michael Takemoto LMAO!!!!

[@Shadowman-1960]

I see no flaw in the logic of my statement but I do see the flaw in yours. I cite the Modernization Act of 2012 and the recent court ruling that the FAA has no authority to make rules and regulations regarding drones, which backs up and confirms my statement, yet you say I can't ignore the rest of the regulations while providing nothing to support your statement.

[@graysonmiller8195]

Your right, you dont have to do what anybody says. You can do whatever you want. You may want to talk to the guy they just arrested for flying over a tfr area over a forest fire. I bet he would tell you different but hey man, do whatever you want. You know the law right?

[@waifubellls]

So glad I found your videos Ken! I'm also in the Nashville area and have had so many questions about where I can fly given that I don't see many people here with drones. I just got my mavic 2 pro. Hope to see more content soon, subscribed!

[@MatHolliday]

Want to know how to legally fly above 400ft almost anywhere ? Don't be paid to fly the UAS. It's that simple. Section 336 is fantastic. To be honest though the 400' rule is a good rule of thumb. Alot of people are just going out and buying a Phantom from their local Best Buy and flying near airports without thinking twice.

[@ireallyhatenvidia8328]

They made the 400' rule because general aviation min alt is 500' It's a good rule to follow, breakable if you're not in GA air space.

[@bruceaplin]

Clear, concise instructions with Demo. Great Job Ken

[@shiwadaay07]

Thank you for clarifican, Ken! Now I feel more confidence to do it recreationally next time. Much appreciated and it's very helpful.

[@KenHeron]

You bet! Happy flying!

[@grzbietify]

@@KenHeron one more question though: is it simillar in 200ft zones? and in 0ft zones? one of the best places I could be practicing flying is my company parking lot, which is in 0ft zone. is it okay to fly below the building height, or I'd have to be 0ft away from building?

[@bobhailey2685]

Thanks for making these pieces. Was this over Madison? (I lived in Tusculum, Inglewood, Donelson and Hermitage...Now in NEFL)

[@meltonenterprises6761]

I do this hard mod called not giving a F about FAA bs.

[@jamesr.9239]

good info as usual and delivered with a "heapin helpin " of humor. Also just watched your video on the new DJIII goggles and have ordered a set as well. Just one thing though, you didn't show us where to put the VHS tapes for on board recording!

[@KenHeron]

HAA!! Thanks James. VHS? --I'm a Beta man.

[@rustler08]

Being a private pilot and a drone owner, I can tell you that the dipshits flying their drones up high are a HUGE danger to us. Why? Because your drone is tiny, we are flying at upwards of 100+ knots, and we have no clue where to look if you don't have a transponder. It is hard enough to spot aircrafts with trained pilots, with dozens of hours of experience and clear training on what to do to avoid any mid-air collisions, then you reduce the size of a say 27' Cessna 172 to 13" and it's damn near impossible to see unless it's too late. And you might be going, "But, boo hoo, why are you so low??!" Well, 1. because we can (assuming 1000ft AGL over highest point within 2,000 feet). 2. Maybe it's because we're landing or ascending, where pattern altitude is 1,000 ft AGL. 3. We have radio communication with others around us. Furthermore, I had a much-to-close of a call with some idiot FPVer flying around 2,500 feet AGL in his/her drone, and there certainly was no 2,100 ft tall tower they were hanging around. I had to take evasive action because this bumbling idiot was flying his drone along at around 6x the limit. And, to those that don't understand the implications, striking a drone the size of a P3 or P4 could disable/fatally damage a small aircraft. That's right, your "OMG, this is so cool because I'm so high!" moment could end the life of a pilot and any passengers they may have. Which, you must realize, means the end of your life, too. Breaking the law and fatalities, along with this being a novel case, will mean you shall be spending the rest of your life either in jail or with felony charges that will forever detrimentally impact you. So, as a drone pilot, go have fun, follow regulations, and be safe. As a PP, don't fly high, and fuck those of you that haphazardly do it because you think you're cool.

[@yeh.80]

I had the exact same experience as you, but in a glider, fucked it was scary.

[@malonecustomdesigns]

Great video. A lot of people don't understand this. Most people I talk to, have no idea that it is possible!

[@KenHeron]

I'm glad to help inform.

[@ChristopherCollinsworth]

Every single time I fly my drone I fly at 800 to 1640 feet. But I'm over no where southeast Kansas. NO where near a airport or tall building or hills.

[@KenHeron]

You rebel.

[@ChristopherCollinsworth]

LOL I don't know about that. Like your videos though. Love downtown Nashville.

[@pak0033]

Christopher Collinsworth you better look at a Sectional Chart! You are flying illegally.

[@ChristopherCollinsworth]

Paul Kassner I have and I am not. No airports close and nothing flies that low around me.

[@atcpd111]

It is irresponsible people like you that make it harder for the rest of us to fly legally. You are flying illegally.

[@pushbroom9398]

I am brand new to the drone family just got mine 1st DJI vision 2 plus have not flown out yet but have enjoyed your videos a mensely . They have been very informative .

[@KenHeron]

Welcome to the drone community! You'll find most of us are very friendly and helpful.

[@boogerking7411]

According to my calculations, the tower is 333.28373618 feet and you flew your drone 733.28373619 feet which means you went over the 400 feet limit. Ok mister, you're in trouble now!

[@KenHeron]

I want my lawyer.

[@trekkie]

@@LinusDropTips next time you go take a piss look down.

[@Mike-01234]

I would like to point out microwave dish's do use frequencies around 2.4Ghz most are licensed in different bands but example a commscope 8 foot dish can have gain of 41DB a 1 watt transmitter after being boosted by dish's gain could overwhelm a receiver in a drone. The dish has a very narrow path so best not to fly right in front of it just go under or over it beam path.

[@SterlingRalph]

Hey Ken, it's really irresponsible for you to post this video without CLEARLY stating that this is for PART 107 CERTIFICATE HOLDERS ONLY. Hobbyist are not allowed to follow this rule! Please put this in your title! Don't want a bunch of hobbyist thinking they're allowed to do this, then getting nailed by the FAA. EDIT: Through more research, hobbyists do not have a set altitude limit unless they are within 3 mi from an airport as per AMA guidelines. If the AMA is the CBO you are following and you are a hobbyist, you don't strictly have an altitude limit.

[@tckpsa]

Sterling Ralph 400' is suggested max height for hobbyists, not an all out rule

[@SterlingRalph]

JaY BuDz Unfortunately that's a common misconception. While the 400ft rule isn't written into law anywhere, what IS written into law is that hobbyists must "Follow a community-based set of safety guidelines." Currently, there is only one of these applicable for UAS pilots, AMA's set (which is where the 400ft guideline comes from). So while you may be correct in saying that those guidelines aren't written into law themselves, it is written into law that we follow a community based organizations set of rules... And there's only one of those right now. For all intents and purposes, the guidelines are the law.

[@WilliamAlexander]

nah Ken is a Savage

[@dkeberhard]

Sterling is basically correct. The FAA tends to look at guidelines and recommendations, etc as IF they were laws. They can always nail you on some general safety type violation. It's best not to challenge the FAA.

[@thedroneranger7468]

Well.......I bet you're really fun at parties 🎉

[@mattwilson1305]

Wow thanks for mentioning the Hover App. It's a lifesaver. Great video too man

[@KenHeron]

Glad to help!

[@joshuaperkings5155]

The fools who always say you can't fly above 400 feet should just picture if you are at the bottom of a valley, the mountain above is 1000 feet above you, does that mean you can't fly your drone to the peak of the mountain just because its more than 400 feet above? What if you are on the mountain? Now I got you....

[@Huntfishislife]

Joshua Perkings that’s a good way to put it.

[@exil3dlivecom]

Joshua Perkings good job. Its stupid to think 400 is the limit. That means every drone owner cant fly his drone if he is on any terrain thats above 400ft.

[@SETIFilm]

Logically, since GL is rising as the drone moves toward the mountain peak , we could conclude that you can continue to be legal by staying

[@CahyoPrabowo]

AGL = above the ground level, MSL = mean sea level. If the mountain are 1000 feet you're legally to fly 1400 feet above sea level, as long as you're at the top of the mountain. (i dont know about the radius) The Ken show in thiis video start from 0 feet to 700 feet from the ground not from the top of the antenna tower.

[@hallunolla]

In Finland we can legally fly above 400 feet anywhere, the max height is 150meters (492 feet)

[@sdssteward]

Greetings, fellow Nashvillian drone pilot! So glad you made this video. The misconceptions on this subject are out of control. I would also add, you can also fly above 400 feet if you are operating within the rules and guidelines of a community based UAV organization that does not require a 400 feet limit. For example, if you are a member of the AMA (as I am), you can fly above 400 feet so long as you are within line of site of the drone and not within 3 miles of an airport.

[@KenHeron]

Thanks bud. Knowledge is power!

[@SteelCityDrones]

It's uneducated statements like this that are very dangerous. The AMA doesn't govern airspace and has no authority. Same goes with municipalities. There is no 3 mile airport rule as well. Minimum of 5 miles clearance, that includes all heliports as well for recreational flyers.

[@sdssteward]

Steel City Drones It is the FAA that has made the ruling that you may abide by such CBO guidelines with organizations such as AMA. Therefore, it is you who is uneducated.

[@SteelCityDrones]

Please look at this FAA website link that clearly states if you want to fly your sUAS under model aircraft guidelines you must stay UNDER 400 feet AGL and be at least 5 miles away from all airports. In addition you must contact airport operations at hospitals with helipads in advance and notify them before you fly. Try getting in touch with those guys, nearly impossible. In many metropolitan areas you can be in 2-5 restricted zones at any one given point. which blanks the majority of major cities. www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_fun/ Like I mentioned above, not getting a full understanding of drone rules and regulations is dangerous. When in doubt contact your local FSDO office and talk to the UAS specialist.

[@richgraylive]

I'm a drone pilot. I only wish I had an ex girlfriend

[@bb1040]

I know this may be a dumb question, but if I am on a hill when I take off is the 400 feet rule from take off point or, when I fly out from the hill, do I have to bring my drone down to match the surrounding terrain . as the hill goes down ? Or when you fly out from a cliff, and travel more than 400 feet out away from the take off point, do you have to dive the drone down, several hundred feet below the take off point.......?

[@BurtBowers]

Who is really going to find out that even if you fly it 1000 feet... no one is going to be standing next to you to write up a ticket. if I get a drone I am going to fly it as high as it can go..

[@DISLEX]

Old Timer, just don't get hit by a plane. :(

[@ChuckCLJ]

So your one of the asshats that make it difficult for everyone else by purposely ignoring the rules. Is that what you're saying? Good on ya mate.

[@DISLEX]

Charles Johnson, *you're

[@exil3dlivecom]

Old Timer you probably have a rebel flag too!

[@exil3dlivecom]

Charles Johnson *you're

[@IndicamGuy]

excellent job. you got right into the video without making us watch a long intro and hearing all about your life. I'm subscribing.

[@KenHeron]

Great! Thank you!

[@daleleblanc8115]

Dang Ken, you produce very good videos and your comedy is spot on. I'm subscribing!

[@KenHeron]

Thank you so much Dale. Welcome!

[@KNKLHEAD]

Ken ... sorry, 3 years later .. you still there? My son has a Mavic Mini 2.49 grams, just under the 2.50 grams requirement for registration as his first drone. Total hobby, how does this factor into flight height! Subscribing. Fun stuff.

[@KenHeron]

Still here! Even hobbyists need to follow FAA regulations. Registered or otherwise. Thanks for the sub!

[@55robloxmaster]

That news bit just earned you a like.

[@KenHeron]

Thanks bud!!

[@jeremy_6838]

But.. what if your out in the midle of nowhere want to take a airial view above 400 ft without any structures nearby.?

[@karabinas]

So basically add 400 ft to your house’s height

[@CTAjunior]

I sort of figured this out today. I was in the mountains parked at a look out. I was trying to climb up with the drone along side a mountain but every now and then it would tell me I’ve reached max altitude so.. I would have to fly forward a bit, then climb a bit, then forward, and so on. On descent I would have to descend with the drone and then fly forward and so on

[@KenHeron]

🤓👍

[@Airsoft-Assassin187]

I have tried this with my drone and it did not work, as my cap was 483 if I’m remembering right. I have part 107 I don’t know if I have to call DJI to have them unlock it or not.

[@stephaniehartkemeyer8697]

Hey ken! I just bought a p3s, and I have been watching drone videos for the past month. your videos are so funny and they teach a lot too!

[@KenHeron]

Congrats on the new drone! Welcome to the channel!

[@michaelfarley9938]

Unfortunately DJI doesn't care about the FAA 400ft exception, even if you have your part 107. DJI sucks in that regard. Also the 400ft exception is not allowed for hobbyists, only commercial (Part 107 holders).

[@KenHeron]

Correct.

[@coffeyvideoproductions7767]

I have an off topic question. How do I get clearance to fly in E2 airspace? There's no LAANC in the area, and now that there is a partial laanc system they don't want us calling the airport, and they never want us to contact the FAA.The site is in Virginia. I have my part 107.

[@KenHeron]

You can call the airport tower. The FAA just doesn't want them pestered if LAANC can handle it.

[@coffeyvideoproductions7767]

@@KenHeron Thank you

[@ripratt]

And yet another great informative video from Ken. I will have to check the Canadian regulations again to see if we have a loop-hole like that. I would love it as there are times I would like to be able to fly higher than 90 meters (295 feet) which is what we have been limited to thanks to our wonderful (idiot warning) head of Transport Canada . This video has my official "Seal of Approval".

[@KenHeron]

Glad to have the SEAL. Yeah, you hosers in Canada have it pretty bad.

[@kenandchristysnarkyshots]

Hello Ken....I just started flying this week and have learned so much from you....THANKS! you have also caused my gut some pain from all the laughter produced by your crazy sense of humor...I have definetley been Heron ya man...hu hu...get it ...sorry. Keep the vids coming man!

[@agent481989]

Part 107 license only I think and some rules have Changed since this video came out.

[@CTAjunior]

I’m guessing the same principal works with a bridge, canyon, wall? Has anyone tried taking a drone off the edge of a cliff such as Grand Canyon? How did it react?

[@ScottHirschman]

Hey Ken, in 2021 is this FAA rule still in effect?

[@JonathanCutrer]

You WILL get interference if the tower has Unlicensed wireless equipment often used by Wireless ISPs or WISPS. Steer clear of the dish / drum shaped antennas and stay 25+ feet aways and you should be fine. Also, you might want to avoid guided towers, towers with support cables leading to the ground. Your UAV may not detect them even with obstacle avoidance.

[@TicTac-g7m]

Correct on both points.

[@BariFPV]

Brilliant tip! And lived the paddle threat LOL scared me enough that I subscribed :)

[@KenHeron]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@phoenixoneproductions]

Hey Ken, is this for hobby flyers as well? Some on the forums are claiming this is only for part 107 and inspections.. please clear its up to the best of your knowledge thanks

[@Cuber22]

This is only for part 107. Just got an answer from the FAA about it

[@phoenixoneproductions]

@@Cuber22 hey appreciate that. Yeah I did a little digging as well. Came up with the same results.. eh i guess ill just have to go to the top of the mountains.. lol fly safe always!

[@Cuber22]

Phoenix One Productions yeah, when saw this video I was happy I could, but actually only part 107... If this info could be helpful for you, I also asked about flying at night, thay said it was fine, but I need an “anti-collision lighting visible for at least three miles”. Fly safe!

[@phoenixoneproductions]

@@Cuber22 thanks for the advice! I been meaning to order a strobe for some night flying! Cant wait!

[@stephenhurd1499]

Actually, the 400' rule above a structure is PERMISSIBLE into Class E--just not "Class E to the ground" airspace which is associated with airports with precision instrument approaches; but the latter requires an airspace authorization / waiver for any altitude above the ground anyway. BTW, class E also starts at 700 feet AGL--usually around airports with non-precision approaches--so, it's not always as high as 1200' AGL. Great job on the video production though! I've been contemplating flying near some radio / TV towers that are over 1,600 feet high; but have been worried about the strength of the RF signals coming off them (regardless of their frequency); so it's nice to see that you've had experience with no issues. :)

[@DeadCell765]

Right but you can launch a unmanned weather balloon into space without any regulations whatsoever. The FAA and its rules are a complete joke and I pay no attention to them.

[@davewarhurst2519]

AGL... so the top of the hill IS ground level. To fly above a tower you need to call the controling ATC tower, even if you are flying around your own tower.

[@dhansel4835]

OK so I fly up to a tower or structure. I go up 400' and my DJI Mavic 2 Zoom stops telling me I have reached my limit. How do I over-ride the controller to be able to fly 400' over the top of that structure? Any suggestions?

[@KenHeron]

You set your height limitation to 500 meters in the Go app.

[@dhansel4835]

@@KenHeron Thanks Ken, I am glad to know it is available if needed. We are having good flying weather here in Houston. I hope DJI comes out with their new controller so we can see it in the bright sun shine! Have a happy thanksgiving.... fly safe..... :-)

[@gsatman7604]

Thanks Ken..Great video..Glad to hear a refresh on the law..I recently flew near a private owned Bus. tower here on the keith springs , mtn and it killed my video and control..glad for the features on the P4P+ ..I love it with the bight's screen out there....

[@KenHeron]

Interesting. I wonder what might have been on that tower to interfere with the controller.

[@gsatman7604]

Ken I wish I knew..It is not a cell tower but some business band and I lost all screen functions until it started back to where I was..I've seen lost signal before but this was different..

[@decarli4280]

unrelated question, do you like the fat sharks better than the dji goggles on a comfort level? and is the video as good or better, I know they are completely different but those two things to me are more important. I HAD a pair in the first wave and HATED THEM bulky didn't stay put and heavy as hell. thanks

[@mysterioushoodedguy2332]

I still don't get it ARE you allowed to fly fpv if your drone is below 250g and not in a class D area? because if I fly it with my goggles I won't be able to see the actual quad itself instead only the footage from it. can anyone please answer cos I love my fpv quad but I don't know if I can fly it outside.

[@peterhughes2091]

Hi Ken, nice one. Just wondering if anyone thought your closing comment was a load of rowlocks though 😂. Peter

[@KenHeron]

HAAA!!

[@netposerx]

Does an anchor point of a guide-wire tower count as part of the 400'? I flew my spark over 1,300' next to a TV/Radio tower that's 1,642'. It took 3 minutes to get to 1,300'. I didn't want to get in between the base of the guide-wires and the structure so I stayed just outside of the anchor point and went straight up from there. So technically I could have flown my Spark to 2,042'?

[@KenHeron]

Yes, any part of the structure counts. 👍

[@netposerx]

@@KenHeron Gotcha. Next time I go by there I will fly to 2,042'

[@winslowwhite4003]

Another beautiful instructional video.... thanks for all you do.....your personality and flying skills are always a welcome addition to my morning coffee...

[@jspilliod]

Hey Ken, great video. I'm a hobbyist and don't have my part 107 yet, although I plan on getting it soon for selling prints and perhaps doing aerial work for businesses like golf courses. From what I've read, this 400ft+structure height exception only applies to non-hobbyist flights (i.e. commercial drone operators). Is that true to your knowledge?

[@KenHeron]

Correct. This would only be for commercial pilots.

[@jspilliod]

@@KenHeron Thank you!

[@hudekhoustonartist]

Love the traffic copter audio. Where did you find that to use on your video. I wanna borrow that.

[@s.j.n.9327]

Ken, What model of Fatshark goggles are those? Anybody know the model?

[@fdnyfish]

Does this apply to a recreational flyer also?

[@jamesm568]

Has a hobbyist and since that area you are flying in is littered with heliports do I still need to notify each heliport(none of them never answered the phone anyway) if I wanted to fly legally?

[@brianjackson6012]

I get conflicting information that the above 400 feet within a structure only applies if you have your part 107 license

[@KenHeron]

Correct. Only part 107 holders have this option.

[@makirichi]

Two big questions. Didn't know where to dig. Now answered. Thx Ken!

[@imemyself2820]

You can only fly up to 120 meters high in Europe with a license, 100m if you dont have a license. I have no idea if it sucks or not, because I never deemed it necessary to go above 100.

[@route66flyer29]

When you were pointed north over the tower you could almost see over the ridge where I lived 30 years ago. I thought I read somewhere 107 license holders were limited somewhat below 400'. Anyway when I joined the AMA I asked were we allowed to fly above 400' and was told yes we were. Ask 12 different people and you'll get 12 different answers. I do know unless you cause aircraft interference the FAA can't bother you as of right now as they have no legal authority over hobbyist. *Dance the Skies*

[@aliendroneservices6621]

You got two different answers for two different situations. Since they referred to different situations, there was no contradiction. Both are correct.

[@FPV420.]

Hi Ken! Today I found out that my FiMi X8 SE 2020 won't fly in GPS mode if I try to take off from 2400m above sea level. It will have GPS sats around 12-13 but as soon as I arm it it goes into VPU mode. Have you noticed something like that? Thank you

[@Endermen1094]

Would you need to go down for a structure of water like a lake or is AGL relivive to closest solid ground

[@wlan246]

The towers that cause interference are probably hosting WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) equipment, much of which operates in the unlicensed ISM band (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISM_band), same as the drone. If there are no unused channels for your drone & controller to use, the 1) more powerful radios 2) closer to the drone will drown out the remote's radio signal. Also, it's a good policy to avoid flying too close to (and especially directly in front of) those 2+ foot dishes, so that the high signal levels don't damage your drone's radio receiver.

[@ricardopr54]

Ok, you just earned my subscription! Awesome informative video! 👍👍👍 I like those eyes stickers on your fatsharks, though!... Where did you get them?... One more thing, ... What was the name of the application that you checked before flying your drone to find out if you were in an NFZ?... Thumbs up for your video! 👍👍👍 Greetings from Douglas, Arizona...

[@KenHeron]

Thanks for subscribing! Get eyes here:facebook.com/cutworxgraphics/ The Hover app on Playstore.