5 FAA Drone Rules You're Likely Breaking Without Realizing!

[@uavcoach]

Have you broken any of these rules before?

[@whitepaperkat67]

Nice try glowy I ain't telling

[@WonderNWander]

I'm new to drone flying; however, this far, I have not broken any of these rules. I did a lot of research and got my TRUST certificate the same day I picked up my drone. Thus far, I have not stepped off our property. We're on four acres, I've just been flying over our trees and exploring our property.

[@uavcoach]

That's great to hear! Good job on getting your TRUST certificate and getting used to flying a drone! Any other videos or questions you have about drones?

[@WonderNWander]

I have a few questions; however, I will hold off since I know you have a lot of information on this channel. If I don't see a video, I'll definitely ask. I am considering getting my Remote Pilot Certificate at some point; however, that won't be for a while. I want to have plenty of experience and increase my knowledge before doing that. I'll check to see if you have course material related to that. Initially, it was a challenge to become comfortable with the DJI R2 controller. Last month, I bought the DJI Air 3. I was too nervous to fly it for long since I was still unsure of operating the controller correctly. Because of that, I set that drone aside and bought the DJI Neo. I'm much more comfortable with the controller now; however, I still have a lot to learn, and that's the fun part. Learning something new and improving the more I'm out there flying. Thanks for the response!

[@uavcoach]

That's great to hear! We have a lot of tutorials on this channel about flying drones and different exercises to practice, but if you want more clear cut information, you can check out our Skill Builder course here: uavcoach.com/drone-skill-builder-course/ And we're also making a video on the Neo soon! It's a fun drone to fly!

[@mikeingeorgia1]

This is all good to know information. I just did my first drone flight earlier today, so I’m very new. I didn’t let it go more than about 15’ off the ground. I’m just practicing in the front yard for now. I wish the manufacturers would make them out of bright yellow or red plastic so they’re more visible from the ground. It’s recharging right now. For it’s second flight I plan to try the fpv feature although I only intend to cruise around the yard at this time

[@flyboypat]

I was surprised flying fpv without a visual observer did not made the list.

[@uavcoach]

That's another good one! If we make a Pt. 2 we'll keep that in mind, thanks!

[@cz2681]

Same

[@MontanaMedic13]

Agreed this is one that I think is becoming more of an issue especially with the gaining popularity of affordable FPV drones.

[@JasonPhipps]

I considered this part of #1.

[@lectorserelith]

@@MontanaMedic13 It's only an issue if the FAA tries to enforce that draconian rule. It's overreach to an extreme to require a second observer to fly a air65 tinywhoop.

[@FoxFaderWorld]

Here's an important one that needs to be noted. Flying under a TFR. Only takes seconds to make sure you're flying clear of any.

[@felixruiz2838]

Yes most important one i think ..

[@MysticalDragon73]

piss ont he tfrs shouldnt be applied to drones in the first place.

[@FoxFaderWorld]

@@MysticalDragon73 You don't have to abide.

[@uavcoach]

Very true!

[@BadKarmaDrone]

Its possible I "MIGHT" have broken most if not all of them in a single drone flight years ago...

[@uavcoach]

Hahaha at least you know of the rules now!

[@ronsullivan132]

Not a drone pilot but I am a private pilot. The line of site is a little silly to me, seeing as drones are small, and then they are a light/medium shade of gray, which blends right in with the sky, esp with overcast. In a few hundred feet it will be lost from the ground. If the drones had a flashing strobe on them it could be seen from a far greater distance. I could see that rule back in the day when there were no high definition cameras like now and just had to track a blind drone, but now it seems unneeded.

[@JasonPhipps]

Point is, if you can't see it, you can't control it real-time. If you can't see it, it's too far away from you, or you're piloting an aircraft without full situational awareness even available, much less used. As a private pilot, SA is everything as you know. Makes sense to me. If it's so small you can't see it, you have no business flying from where you're standing.

[@ronsullivan132]

@@JasonPhipps I know what you are saying, but I really do not think a few milliseconds delay in the video feed from a HD wide field camera on a three lb drone going five MPH would cause death and destruction. This is not a jet powered aircraft. Even if I can see the drone in the distance, so it will still be legal, I have a far better view of the surroundings from the aircraft cameras, including the collision avoidance cameras in use now. I will still abide by the regs, I just do not agree with them the way they are currently written.

[@JasonPhipps]

@@ronsullivan132 I don't think it's about death and destruction. It is maybe about damage. It is maybe about trespassing on people's property when you have to go retrieve your drone that shouldn't have been there in the first place. It's really the whole hassle of a lot of things that don't necessarily equal death and destruction, which is why that's not really the point. If you abide by the rules, none of those negatives affect you. Secondly, the technology that allows collision avoidance on these drones should be the last step, not the first step of avoidance. I've seen them fail, and you have too. The pilot is always the first responsibility. These features are secondary backup tools, not primary.

[@RAPR117]

Does your drone have Hi def cameras that can see a low flying aircraft approaching from the side or rear? As a drone operator it is your responsibility to move out the way of real aircraft. You should know this being a pilot and drone operator…. These are often times I have legal observation flights over my house below 500ft. I always look at foreflight traffic before I fly my drone.

[@JMprodquad]

Nicely done… Thanks for sharing.

[@uavcoach]

Thanks for watching! Blue skies and safe flying!

[@smirkingguru]

WOW I just sat here and said to myself the 5 things in literally same order as you stated...unbelievable. And I don't know any pilot that hasn't broken at least one of these rules.

[@uavcoach]

Hahaha yeah, a lot of these rules are "easy" to break especially if you don't know the rules going into the flight.

[@nathanh2917]

Yes I can always see my grey drone from 3 miles away.

[@TheAerialBoogeyman-OUC12]

CBO!!! LEARN IT, KNOW IT, LIVE IT!!!!!

[@lloydranola2594]

LAANC approval required for unlocking a DJI geofence takes a lot longer than 30 seconds. When your on paid gigs, do it days prior to save time on set.

[@MysticalDragon73]

i love dji drones but im sick of the bs geofencing. if ive gone through the faa for approval, why then do I have to also go through china? its absurd. Give us warnings and reminders in an area then let me as the operator make the choice to fly or not. I had to get a year long exemption from dji for an area that the faa doesnt care about. its absurd.

[@thompsondroneworx]

Yes but he's not talking about any geofence areas

[@uavcoach]

Yep, DJI geofences can be a bit more of a process unfortunately.

[@VectorGaming4080]

Thanks for posting this! I’ve got my first drone, the DJI Neo, and I’m making sure I do everything right, especially since I live near a military base. It feels good to have the CBO rules and TRUST certificate on me and proof of LAANC authorization as well. Being a little category 1 drone also makes me feel less nervous about flying it in a park and occasionally over people at safe distances while making my way somewhere else. I’ll probably stick with this drone for a long time as it does everything I want out of a drone for recreation, but one day I’ll probably save up and get a Mavic for professional use and get my 107 license as my job can always benefit from pictures.

[@uavcoach]

Great job on having your TRUST certificate and making sure you get LAANC authorization when needed! Sounds like you're having fun flying the Neo - I'm testing it out right now! If you want more information on studying for Part 107, you can check out our online test prep course Drone Pilot Ground School: www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/

[@WilliamDaugherty]

No CBO rules allow you to over people. Every CBO ruleset the FAA has approved explicitly prohibits it.

[@CaughtonCamerabyBill]

I have been studying for the part 107 and just made it through the regulations part and I kinda new some of it but what an eye opener to flying over moving cars and people. I still believe that their should be some kind of check box at initial setting up the drone when you purchase it or even putting in some kind of credentials showing you passed the TRUST or Part 107.

[@uavcoach]

Good luck with studying for the Part 107! And we agree, there should definitely be more language around TRUST and/or Part 107 for new drone pilots when purchasing a drone!

[@BrianLuenser]

Thank you sir! NIcely done.

[@uavcoach]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Blue skies and safe flying!

[@goneviral6037]

How close can you fly to a Highway that has moving cars on it?

[@uavcoach]

You basically just can't fly directly over moving cars (unless you have the other qualifications, waiver, etc).

[@MikeCorrigan1520]

Question: i just got my DJI drone. Registered both drone and remote id number on faa wesite. Launched and enabled Bluetooth which found remote id. Yet, it didnt show up on drone scanner app. Not sure what i’m messing up.

[@MysticalDragon73]

wtf would you want to be seen on it? That is the single biggest complaint so far that randoms can pinpoint where you are at via remote id.

[@ronmarvicsin7709]

Only two for me. Flying over a road does that mean highways or even two lane roads? I tend yo not cross roads or fly over quickly when no cars are coming.

[@uavcoach]

Yep, we just used highways as a common example because usually a lot of cars are driving on highways, but on a broad level, you can't fly over moving vehicles unless you have other qualifications with your drone, waivers, etc.

[@ronmarvicsin7709]

@@uavcoach so if someone with 107 were doing search and rescue the could get waiver?

[@uavcoach]

Yes, you can get the waiver for many reasons and that could definitely be one of them! We walk through the waiver process for flying over people here and flying over vehicles is a very similar process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2itiomEfMR2mtE

[@Sothus2]

How is this the first time I heard of Trust???

[@uavcoach]

It's not advertised on a of areas (especially places you buy drones) so it can be hard to miss. We are an FAA-approved Test Administrator of TRUST. You can take it here: uavcoach.com/faa-recreational-drone-training/

[@tallicafan85]

Should have heard about it. Says it in the what you need in the go fly app when flying

[@DuoAPiacere]

Thanks for the informative video. I have a question regarding to the rule of keeping the drone in Visual Line Of Sight. I am a recreational pilot and I am interested in purchasing a DJI Avata 2. How can one fly a FPV drone and keeping it in the Visual Line Of Sight with the Goggles on? Thanks.

[@stephenfrench3077]

You need another person for observer (line of sight) while you do fpv

[@chuckdevlin6143]

How do you fly by keeping drone in sight at all times. I find that almost impossible. I fly and look at controller to see where I am going - look up and many times cannot find the drone. Also when returning to home and see via controller where drone is I still at times cannot find it. My drone is not that small - a dji mavic 3 classic. I also do not fly that far away. Is there a magical secret to seeing the flying drone? If there is I would like to know what it is.

[@uavcoach]

It definitely can be difficult to keep your drone within your line of sight. Some will attach a strobe light that they use during the day which can help them lcoate the drone, especially against a blue sky.

[@WilliamDaugherty]

This video does not clearly state that flights over people/moving vehicles with Category drones is limited to Part 107 pilots only. This is not an FAA rule per se but rather happens due to the CBO rule requirement for recreational pilots. None of the approved CBOs allows OOP/OOMV.

[@lesio333]

What about scenario where the FAA app says "clear to fly" but the city/ town forbids any drone flying? FAA app knows exact location of planned flight.

[@uavcoach]

The FAA has control of the airspace, so technically cities and towns can't forbid you to fly in certain areas. However, they could still give you a ticket, and then you would have to fight it in court (which you should be able to win, but that's a lot of time, money, resources, etc.)

[@lesio333]

Sounds good but the same logic should apply to flying in National Parks...... and it doesn't. Park Ranger can even (as the only person) confiscate your drone and these tickets are really expensive (no personal experience).

[@uavcoach]

Yes, with those areas, you are specifically not allowed to take off from inside the park because they can control the ground, so a loophole could be to takeoff outside the park and fly over it but that could still get you in trouble. Overall, it's best to speak with the rangers beforehand. We have a more detailed video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHiwq5uIodd_rKc

[@jokerace8227]

Even a few more things most are probably breaking if operating 250+ gram UAVs. Have to be operating under an FAA recognized UAV group's rules, and basically have checklists devised and being utilized.

[@uavcoach]

Good point!

[@badGamr]

I have broken none of these. I have a TRUST cert but I think with my part 107 cert I do not need it. I run my drone with strobes during the day as well to extend my VLOS :)

[@uavcoach]

Nice! And correct, with a Part 107 license, you do not need a TRUST certificate.

[@SRCDroneServices]

I have been studying for my part 107 with the Ground School. I take my test on Monday…

[@uavcoach]

Good luck! Let us know how you did!

[@SRCDroneServices]

Passed this morning

[@gordonbarbay750]

The flying over people or moving vehicles rules are somewhat vague. Sure there are the extreme cases like a filled stadium or a highway with heavy traffic. However, the "sparsely populated" wording leaves lots of wriggle room for interpretation. For example, if I am flying and I cross a highway to get from A to B (not flying along the highway) and the road is not empty but is also not completely filled with vehicles, then I interpret that to mean I am good to go. Very subjective.

[@SRCDroneServices]

That’s how I understand it also.

[@uavcoach]

This is a response from the FAA that we think helps clarify this more: The purpose of these videos is to point out regulations and help explain their meaning. The reality is that, as with any law, it's up to you and how much risk you're willing to take on. Part 107 regulations are in place to ensure safety, and they are pretty straightforward. The FAA has pointed out to us that "If you dig into most FAA regulations, you'll find some kind of catch-all, "don't do dumb stuff" provision." Part 107.23 (Hazardous Operation) states that you cannot operate "in a careless or reckless manner", so the question is; would any of this be considered careless or reckless in the eyes of an enforcement agency, and are you willing to take that chance?

[@gordonbarbay750]

​@@uavcoach Thanks for that! Sure, the bottom line is not to fly in a manner that will harm people or damage property. However, even that "clarification" from the government doesn't really help. It just reiterates that it is up to us pilots to determine if a situation is doing "dumb stuff". I appreciate that we have the freedom to make that choice ourselves. Then they say, "would any of this be considered careless or reckless in the eyes of an enforcement agency". Again, it is on us to make that determination. But the answer to that (outside of extreme cases) is still very subjective. If I doing something that falls near the border of safe/unsafe, but I think is reasonably on the safe side, I'd likely take the risk because in my judgement, I am following the spirit of the rule. If an enforcement officer comes along and is having a bad day, and so decides I have crossed the line, then I am screwed. IOW it is like the government telling us not to break the rules, but not telling us how those rules apply in those muddy, middle of the road situations unless *they* decide it is *after* the fact.

[@jordan-ramblinaround2323]

Selling it. They have absolutely killed this hobby. I was so excited to get into this and fly. But the FAA clearly hates drones and has too much authority. We need to do something about the amount of overreaching they do. Im a gun owner, and i have had a harder time flying a 249g drone legally than getting a firearm. It's insane.

[@millionmilerclub]

Yay, I haven't broken any of them.

[@uavcoach]

Awesome!!

[@ST19859]

I ve been saying for years now there are two types of drone pilots those who fly beyond VLOS and those who lie about it. In this day and age with the current tech the VLOS rules are mostly nonsense, most current drones arent visible more than 1 - 200 yards away and no one is buying these things to fly in such a pointless way, you could use a selfie stick and get a similar shot. I ve been flying for almost 9 years now and have never had a craft not return to me on loss of signal, as long as you are being cautious away from crowded areas and maintaining below the 400 AGL limit there should be zero danger from going beyond sight, and with the current requirement of remote ID is all the more reason you dont need to have eyes on it all the time. If anything I would argue that flying line of sight is far more dangerous than FPV as your orientation and sense of direction is so much worse than from the camera

[@mountainskyaerialphotograp3921]

Based on the FAA's recent issue in NJ, I really don't care what the FAA says.

[@jeffparisse4202]

Flight Club doesn’t have any rules except one.

[@Rob-BC]

Don't talk about the flight club...

[@dhansel4835]

Visual line of site sucks. You can see where the drone is by looking at the controller. More airplanes crash because of pilot error.

[@chriscapune7873]

#1 ✅ #2 ✅ #3 ✅ #4 ✅ #5✅. 🐾🐈‍⬛🐝👍

[@uavcoach]

Nice!!

[@baddogastro]

You are missing FAA keywords and exception about flying over people or moving vehicles. You did not take into consideration the FAA's mention of open air assemblies and sustained flight over people or vehicles. Category 1, 2, and 4 UA Prohibited from operating a small UA as a Category 1, 2, or 4 operation in ***SUSTAINED*** flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets the requirements for Standard Remote ID or Remote ID Broadcast Modules established in the Remote ID Final Rule Category 3 UA *Must not operate the small UA over open-air assemblies of humans *May only operate the small UA above any human if operation meets one of the following conditions: *The operation is within or over a closed- or restricted-access site and anyone located within that site must be on notice that small UA operations may take place within the site *The small UA does not maintain ***SUSTAINED*** flight over anyone unless that person is directly participating in the operation of the small UA or located under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle that can provide reasonable protection from a falling small UA Category 1,2, and 3 ***Operations Over Moving Vehicles*** Must be Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 eligible to operate over people May not maintain *SUSTAINED*** flight over moving vehicles Transit operations only.

[@drakejdf]

Rules for me but not for thee

[@fededabz]

most these rules can EAD

[@felixruiz2838]

VLOS everyone breaks so people DON'T LIE 😂😂😂😂😂 these UAV are made that way

[@sashabagdasarow497]

f these stupid rules

[@DannyFyffe]

You said you MUST pass the TRUST test. Not true. How so? You cannot fail the test so it is 'passed" before you ever start it. You can be dumb as a rock and click every answer until you hit the right one. So you are not being tested and hint, if you have zero risk of failing, neither can you pass as it isn't a test. So let's be honest, the TRUST test is a joke at best. Yes, I have my TRUST cert on me, but it is a joke.

[@johnkeo358]

I think it's one of those scenarios where you cant claim ignorance if you violate some kind of law because you have the cert

[@jimmccandless4307]

Liberty Blacks Law dictionary as used by the framers of our Great U.S. Constitution : Exemption from extraneous control. The power of will in its moral freedom, to follow the dictates of its unrestricted choice, and to direct the external acts of the individual without restraint , coercion, or control from other persons.Civil Liberty is the greatest amount of absolute liberty which can, in the nature of things, be equally possessed by EVERY citizen in a state.

[@michaelfarley9938]

Flying over people needs more explanation. You are allow to "transverse" over people. You just can't hover, aka "sustained flight", over people, without meeting one of the exception qualifications, or have a FAA waiver. And where exactly does it say in the FAA regulations that a person can't fly over a road or highway with cars? Please state the section.

[@michaelfarley9938]

107.145 Operations over moving vehicles. No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft over a human being located inside a moving vehicle unless the following conditions are met: (2) Must not maintain sustained flight over moving vehicles.

[@chrissmith1234]

1) Visual Line of Sight has different definitions depending on who you talk to at the FAA. Some at the FAA define as visually see your drone and be able to determine pitch, yaw, and which way it's facing without use of the camera. 2) Even if you have a Part 107, you need the TRUST Certificate. From an FAA attorney, recreational flying is an EXEMPTION to Part 107. If you have your Part 107 and not flying for a commercial purpose, you are then flying as recreational/hobbyist and need the TRUST Certificate.

[@adrastos123]

U dont need trust

[@uavcoach]

The FAA requires recreational drone pilots to pass TRUST. You can read more here: www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates

[@DroneUpp]

Anyone wanting to fly drones need to be educated first! The rules are not hard to understand and surely there are still folks that have not heard about the TRUST exam and I don't know why. It is well known that taking the exam, which is not hard, is a requirement. And it's FREE so no excuses folks.

[@uavcoach]

Yep! Most of the rules are pretty simple and straight forward and if you're at least looking into them, that's better start than most!

[@MysticalDragon73]

and most like myself refused to abide by the trust overreach.

[@Anon54387]

@@MysticalDragon73 It really is ridiculous, and as far as the commercial license, it is ridiculous what the FAA classifies as commercial use, as is so typical with government their definitions have nothing to do with reality. When RC planes were a niche hobby there was so little in the way of red tape, but the popularity of drones has destroyed that hands off approach. Whenever a hobby gets popular the brainless get involved, things go wrong that shouldn't, and it just means all kinds of bureaucratic hassles for the sensible among us. I fear for the hobby of photography as well for similar reasons. The digital cameras have attracted so many to photography that wouldn't have bothered with film, and we have people going around taking flash photography two inches from someone's nose on city streets.

[@MysticalDragon73]

@Anon54387 for sure. I actually stopped flying my mini 3 because I refused to accept the overreach of trust. but then the non profit i work for wanted me to fly drones to document the work we do. to protect them, and my other certificates I was strong armed into getting my 107. its absurd. anything the size of a mavic 3 shouldn't need anything. its just a bloated government taking control and infringing on things they shouldn't be involved with. all to justify their jobs and money

[@vonheise]

I can't see how anyone could not know these unless they bought a drone and started flying it totally ignorant!

[@uavcoach]

Unfortunately, a lot of people do this when they first buy a drone, plus some of these regulations are not well advertised.

[@vonheise]

@@uavcoach Surely there is information in the drone package, however I suppose I didn't look myself as I was following Pilot Institute and 51 drones prior to getting my first drone, a Mavic Platinum.

[@beticusmagnus8673]

3:20 Sustained flight. Transitioning airspace does not count.

[@michaelfarley9938]

Exactly. He is misleading people with his interpretation.

[@WFORacer]

So if the drone goes to 1620 feet in altitude that’s a no no I assume ? 🤣🤣🤣

[@uavcoach]

Haha yes, drones must be flown at or below 400 feet AGL, unless within 400 feet of a structure and most drones will stop at 400 feet in altitude.

[@WFORacer]

@ interesting. Is 400 foot limit a country defined limit? 🤔

[@michaelfarley9938]

By the way. The rule regarding flying higher than 400ft, when within a 400ft diameter of a structure, up to 400ft above that structure rule, is only for part 107 holders.

[@gualganus]

All of these violations are covered by the TRUST curriculum. These can be averted by ensuring all drones sold come with documentation clearly stating the requirement to obtain a TRUST certificate prior to flight. Perhaps even a decal on the packaging stating 'TRUST Certificate required to operate!'

[@uavcoach]

Yep, unfortunately, it's not advertised that much and might be in small print when looking through the instruction manual, but we try and educate recreational drone pilots as much as we can to get that certificate.

[@MysticalDragon73]

trust needs done away with as its more government overreach. stop catering to the bs

[@JimmyJohnson-uq6um]

It's a toy

[@felixruiz2838]

I wish these rules applied to NYPD cause they always break these rules. All these rules people break all the time 😂😂😂😂😂 FAA just don't get it I wish them Luck 😂😂

[@MysticalDragon73]

of course the bluecoat gestapo would have special rules for themselves and ignore rules in place. does that surprise you?

[@felixruiz2838]

@@MysticalDragon73 no

[@lstavenhagen]

There is no way to operate an R/C drone for its intended purpose in the US without breaking at least one of these rules. The typical flight unavoidably breaks more than one and often all of them

[@bjbhoosier]

Haha, the idea of “unavoidably” flying over people while in controlled airspace and in a moving car, without a certificate all at the same time really cracks me up.

[@JohnnyBGood1970]

Always laugh when I see the Beyond visual line of sight rule. Everyone I know that owns a drone breaks that rule almost every time they fly (Including me) and that's all I'm going to say. Who the hell wants to fly within line of sight anyways?? It's literally the purpose of the Drone to go further than that.

[@akush55]

game bird don't they altimeter turn on 🦆, at 1000ft 1 goose more visible..drone falling wildlife 🦊🦝🐿🐻option 🦤. that if on Going Bill does kill part 107 or new drone without the geofencing goof up air wave

[@Anon54387]

1,000 feet? I think you aren't supposed to fly more than 400 AGL.