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Can You Fly a Drone in the United States of America?

The United States is comprised of 3.797 million square miles of land spread out across 51 states in North America.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 331.9 million people live in the US as of 2021, while Condor Ferries^[1] knows 2.29 billion people travel here every year.

Since it’s such a happening space, can you fly a drone in the USA?

You can fly a drone in the USA, as all 51 states in the country (and Puerto Rico!) permit drones under the FAA. However, once you break it down to a statewide and local level, drone laws can prohibit pilots from going where they wish.

Whether you already live in the US and have just gotten into drones or you’re visiting here from another part of the world, this guide is for you.

Ahead, we’ll break down further where you can operate a drone in the USA and where you can’t, so don’t miss it!

Can you fly a drone in the US?

The FAA is the aviation authority in the United States. The agency permits drone operation throughout the US on a commercial and recreational basis.

» MORE: Drone Laws in the United States

Since the FAA is a federal entity, its law reigns supreme.

However, each state in the US has its own statewide laws. While those laws can’t supersede the FAA’s, state laws can legally prohibit drone use.

Many states in the country also implement local ordinances and rules. These apply on a village, city, town or county-wide level but can further restrict drone operations.

As a general rule, here are some places in the US where you can’t use a drone.

Airports

Here’s a hard and fast rule to remember when launching and landing a drone across America.

No matter which state you visit or call home, you cannot fly closer than five nautical miles from the nearest airport.

The FAA instituted this rule to protect the manned aircraft that use airports all the time. Drones can damage manned aircraft, possibly knocking the aircraft off-course.

That would put all the passengers at risk.

Even if the only person in the manned aircraft was the pilot and their crew, their lives would still be in danger if you flew your drone too close.

You can sometimes enter airspace near an airport, but you must have authorization to do so.

Without that authorization, you’re committing a federal crime and could receive a fine and/or jailtime.

It’s difficult to fly around airports when visiting a smaller state or city in the US, but it’s what you have to do.

Military bases

Another area where you’re restricted from flying in the US is around or over a military base.

The same rule applies as when flying over an airport. That is, you cannot use your drone within five nautical miles of a military base.

You never know if the staff at a military base are conducting flight training or otherwise using equipment that your drone could possibly collide with or interrupt if you got too close.

That’s why the FAA wants you to stay five miles away.

It’s a federal crime to fly over a military base. The same punishments as above would apply, but now your drone is at risk of getting shot down.

State parks

Not every last state park in the US strictly outlaws drones, but most do.

That prohibits pilots from accessing 14 million acres of US land, as the country has 6,600 state parks in all.

If you find a state park that allows drone pilots, always be respectful and courteous when operating your drone.

Look for signs designating drone use, rely on a drone map, and follow FAA guidelines.

Wilderness Areas

The US has its fair share of Wilderness Areas, with 803 of them scattered across the country.

They altogether make up 111.7 million acres of land in all, so Wilderness Areas take up even more of the country than state parks.

The very nature of Wilderness Areas make them off-limits to drones.

Created under the 1964 Wilderness Act, Wilderness Areas are designed to resist industrialization and give wildlife and plant species a safe place to grow and thrive.

More than drones cannot enter Wilderness Areas but most vehicles.

Protected zones

From Wildlife Management Areas to other protected zones, if you come across one of these when exploring this great country with your drone, know that you’re usually not allowed to fly in these areas either.

They’re protected by various government-managed entities.

Populated cities  

Another place where drones cannot often fly in the US is populated cities.

This varies on a case-by-case basis, but if you can think of a major city in this country, the chances are good that said city has an ordinance prohibiting or limiting drone usage.

For example, you can’t fly in Las Vegas’ most popular spot, the Strip. You also can’t launch or land a drone in Times Square in New York City (or the rest of NYC, for that matter!).

How do I know where I can use a drone in the US?

As the last section proves, the US is comprised of varied places with different drone laws. What applies in one part of the country might not apply in another, so how do you know where you can fly your drone?

The safest and most surefire method is to use a drone map. If you haven’t already downloaded an app with a real-time map showing restricted and unrestricted zones, do yourself a favor and change that.

These maps come in handy because they also display temporary flight restrictions, which government entities like the FAA or the National Park Service can institute on a short-term basis.

To complement the intel you got from the drone app, you should also look for signs in the area mentioning whether you can or cannot use drones.

We also put together a comprehensive guide of all the drone laws in the US right here on the blog. You can search for your state and read up.

Make sure you study the state and local ordinances, especially if your city or town has an ordinance.

An ordinance isn’t always a blanket ban. Sometimes, the ordinance prohibits certain drone usages, and in other cases, prohibits certain types of pilots from engaging in drone use.

For example, if you’re using a drone commercially but not recreationally, you might be allowed to operate it in certain ways.

FAA guidelines for flying a drone in the US

Since FAA rules are federal law, no matter where in the US you fly your drone, the following rules always apply.

Be ready to show your license and registration

The FAA only allows pilots to operate a drone if they have a license, either the TRUST license or the Remote Pilot Certificate.

The former is for hobbyists and the latter for commercial pilots.

You must pass a knowledge exam to hold either license. The TRUST license does not expire while the Remote Pilot Certificate does.

If you’re a commercial pilot carrying an expired Remote Pilot Certificate, that’s just as bad as not having brought a license at all.

You should also register your drone if the FAA requires it. Under their laws, you must register a drone if using it commercially. Hobbyists must register drones weighing 0.55 pounds or over.

Only fly by day (unless you have permission)

If your drone has bright enough illumination and you’ve received permission, you can launch at night. By default, though, you can’t, so you should plan to only fly your drone from sunrise to sunset.

Do not ascend beyond 400 feet

Whether you’re sticking to an idyllic countryside or the urban streets during your drone exploration, you cannot ascend beyond 400 feet.

Follow VLOS rules

VLOS stands for visual line of sight. You must always be able to see your drone when operating it, as that’s how you maintain control.

If you need a spotter or observer to work with you, that’s allowed under the FAA.

Do not use your drone in poor conditions

If you can’t see two feet in front of you because it’s an overcast, foggy day or it’s pouring down rain, it’s not the best time to use your drone. The FAA prohibits drone operations in low visibility and inclement weather.

Don’t fly over people or moving vehicles

The FAA has two laws–Operations over People and Operations over Moving Vehicles–that limit your drone usage around both.

Under the Operations over People law, unless you have a drone that weighs 0.55 pounds, you cannot fly over or around people unless those people consent to your drone use.

The Operations over Moving Vehicles law makes it illegal to use your drone over a moving vehicle.

The United States is an exceptional place to fly a drone. In one country, you can experience a rich variety of landscapes.

Stay abreast of state and local laws, use a drone map to confirm restricted airspace, and follow FAA guidelines and you’ll be ready to explore the country!

References:
1. Condor Ferries (link)

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Can You Fly a Drone in Switzerland?

Switzerland is beloved for its tall peaks, quaint villages, crystalline lakes, and ski resorts.

Whether you want to explore cities like Lausanne, Geneva, or Zurich, can you bring your drone with you on your travels?

Under the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation, Switzerland’s drone authority, you can legally fly a drone in Switzerland. You must follow all FOCA rules and guidelines from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about flying a drone in Switzerland, from the permits and registration required to the drone laws and what happens if you violate them.

There’s lots of great information coming your way, so don’t miss it!

Can you fly a drone in Switzerland?

The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation or FOCA is Switzerland’s leading drone authority. Under FOCA regulations, drones can enter and operate in Switzerland.

Since Switzerland is part of the European Union, it additionally follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency guidelines, enforcing those rules on drone pilots.

Drone permits in Switzerland

Before you take flight, you might need a permit, so make sure you have one if required.

Let’s begin by discussing which parties don’t require a permit. If your drone weighs 30 kilograms or less, you don’t have to apply for a permit.

However, FOCA expects you to follow these rules at all times when operating your drone:

• Do not use your drone over a closed nature reserve
• Do not endanger animals or people
• Do not lose visual contact with the drone
• Always respect others’ privacy
• Fly no higher than 120 meters in altitude

Drones that weigh more than 30 kilograms must have a permit.

Drone registration in Switzerland

EASA requires pilots to register their drones in a European Union country before flying within the EU.

Therefore, if you’ve visited other countries in the EU lately and registered your drone there, you shouldn’t have to register it again in Switzerland.

However, if you’ve only ever used your drone in the United States, you should register in Switzerland.

EASA categorizes drones into Open, Certified, and Specific classes according to their weight. Most drones registered with EASA meet Open category requirements, so let’s focus on those.

A drone in the Open category weighs under 55 pounds or 25 kilograms at takeoff.

You should have owned it since before January 1^st, 2023, and the UAV has a class identification label of 0 through 4.

You never use the drone to fly too close to people (unless it’s lightweight enough that it’s permitted to do so), you always maintain VLOS when flying, you never transport or drop dangerous items, and you always fly at the required altitude.

Switzerland drone laws to learn for your stay

Besides the above requirements, all pilots operating drones in Switzerland must also follow these FOCA drone laws.

Do not fly near military buildings and private and public facilities

Pilots cannot operate a drone near, within, or over any private and public facilities, archaeological sites, public utility installations, and military installations throughout Switzerland.

Public air events have different rules

While drone operation usually requires FOCA approval before you launch, the exception is during public air events. You don’t need approval if you only operate a model drone or model airplane while the event is ongoing.

Never use your drone at night

In some countries, you can obtain permission from a drone agency to fly your UAV after dark. That’s not the case in Switzerland.

Under no circumstances can you operate your drone after sunset and before sunrise.

Learn the municipal and canton rules

Drones as a whole can operate in Switzerland, but local laws vary. Municipalities and cantons can restrict or even prohibit drone usage.

Geneva is one such example of a popular canton with rules limiting drone use.

Do not use your drone near heliports and airports

Pilots must maintain distance from the nearest airport or heliport when flying in Switzerland.

You can operate no more than 3 kilometers or 1.86 miles from heliports and 8 kilometers or 4.97 miles from airports.

You’re on the hook for damages when operating a heavier drone

If your drone weighs over 1.1 pounds or 500 grams, FOCA requires you to pay 1 million francs (or more) for damages you cause should you choose to launch your drone.

That guarantee doesn’t apply to lighter drones.

Maintain your distance from animals, vehicles, people, and some buildings

FOCA rules require your drone to operate no closer than 500 meters from structures and isolated buildings. You must also fly the same distance from animals, vehicles, and people.

Do not fly over crowds

If you encounter a crowd when exploring Switzerland with your drone, you cannot fly any closer than 100 meters or 328 feet from them.

Create a safety buffer in residential areas

You can fly a drone in a residential part of Switzerland, but FOCA recommends making a safety buffer zone that’s at least 1 kilometer. You can expand the radius of your safety buffer if you wish.

Follow the Data Protection Act when taking drone photos

Switzerland drone law permits pilots to take photographs with their drones, but not over military installations. 

You must also operate within the parameters of the Swiss Data Protection Act, an act designed to safeguard the personal data of natural persons in the country.

Maintain VLOS on your drone within 500 meters

FOCA limits your drone operating distance at 500 meters. You should be able to see your drone at that distance the entire time it’s flying.

You’re allowed to use drone automation if the drone stays in your field of vision. However, you must have control over the drone and be capable of stopping it as needed.

You can also use FPV goggles under VLOS flying rules, but you will need a visual observer with you the entire time.

You cannot use a drone in protected areas for birds

Switzerland has reserves throughout the country for protecting migratory and water birds. You cannot operate your drone in these areas or bird hunting areas.

Do not exceed 50 meters in altitude

If your drone meets Open classifications per EASA’s rules, you cannot fly it higher than 50 meters or 170 feet over the ground.

What happens if you violate a drone law in Switzerland?

Switzerland enacted these drone laws for the safety of pilots and non-pilots alike. Violating the laws comes with stiff penalties, including fines.

For example, if you go against the Swiss Data Protection Act provisions, you could receive a fine of 250,000 CHF, which is approximately $272,652.25 USD.

Misusing your drone can lead to fines of 20,000 CHF or $21,812.18 USD. Interestingly, even if someone uses your drone without you knowing, since it’s your UAV and not theirs, you’re still on the hook for fines.

Most of the time, drone pilots get hit with smaller fines than 20,000 CHF.

You’re fined 150 CHF or $163.59 USD for flying your drone without visual contact.

You’ll also receive a fine of the same price if you operate your drone close to an airport or heliport and if you exceed the altitude requirements of 120 meters.

Should you fly closer than 100 meters of a crowd, you’ll receive a larger fine of 300 CHF or $327.18 USD.

Switzerland is an enchanting country to visit. You can see many incredible sights, from Rhine Falls to the Chapel Bridge and Chillon Castle.

FOCA, the drone authority in the country, permits pilots to use drones in Switzerland.

You’re also subject to EASA’s drone laws.

It all basically boils down to having a permit and registration if required, respecting others’ privacy but limiting your drone distance from crowds and private property, avoiding flying close to military installations and airports, and maintaining a visual line of sight on your drone.

Switzerland does not hesitate to dole out fines for pilots who disobey the rules.

Even though most fines are only for several hundred dollars, others are heftier in the five figures. Violating the Swiss Data Protection Act carries the heaviest fine yet at six figures!

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Can You Fly a Drone in Santorini?

On the Aegean Sea is Santorini, part of the Cyclades Islands. Known for the towns of Oia and Fira, its beaches, and its gorgeous cubiform homes, Santorini undoubtedly has its own unique flavor.

Can you fly a drone in Santorini, Greece?

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority permits drones in Santorini. However, before you can launch, you must have HCAA approval and prior drone registration. You must also clear your flight plans with the authorities. Follow all HCAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency rules when flying.

If you plan to visit Santorini for either business or pleasure, you can’t miss this informative guide.

We’ll talk further about operating a drone along the Grecian coast, where you can fly, and what kinds of fines you might incur for violating the rules.

Let’s get started!

Can you fly a drone in Santorini?

The HCAA creates the rules for drone flight in Greece. Under their jurisdiction, drones are permitted throughout Greece, including in Santorini.

Since Greece is a part of the European Union, the country also requires drone pilots to follow the European Union Aviation Safety Agency rules.

Keep reading for EASA categorization requirements, as we’ll talk about them later.

It’s not as easy as arriving in Greece, unpacking your drone, finding a place to fly, and launching. Before you can fly, you must first register your drone, then receive approvals.

Registering your drone

Where do you have your drone registered? If you’re a well-traveled pilot and you’ve registered with another country within the European Union, you can skip this section, as you’re good to go.

However, if you’ve only registered in the United States under the FAA or registered your drone in a country outside of the European Union, you must register in Greece.

The registration isn’t for your drone but for pilots. The HCAA wants to know who’s flying drones in Greece and make them accountable for any illegal usage (more on that to come!).

Not every pilot must register their UAVs.

If your drone has a camera or microphone and doesn’t fit the classification of a toy drone, and if the drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds and can achieve speeds of over 55 miles per hour, you must register it.

Plan to register before you fly to Greece. To get the process underway as a non-European Union resident, email HCAA at a2.d@hcaa.gov.gr.

It can take at least three days for the HCAA to get to your request and potentially even longer, so plan accordingly.

This HCAA page details the registration process.

If the HCAA approves your registration request, you’ll receive a registration number. Affix that to your UAV.

Although each registration number is unique, you still only get one, even if you have a fleet of drones. You should use the same number for each drone you own.

Remember, it’s your registration number, not your drone’s!

Applying for flight approval

Once you’ve registered your drone in Greece, you’re still not ready to take it to the Santorini skies.

Commercial pilots, non-European Union residents with a new European registration, and European residents touring Greece must obtain flight approval.

You’ll have to contact HCAA, this time using the email address info.dagr@hasp.gov.gr.

You also must include the following information:

• A copy of your Remote Pilot Certificate
• A copy of your active drone registration
• Insurance information (commercial pilots must have insurance, while recreational pilots only need insurance if their drone exceeds 4 kilograms in weight)
• A flight area map of where you plan to use your drone (that doesn’t mean you’ll receive approval for those exact usages)
• A drone map of each flight you plan to take with a hand-drawn route (you can use the DAGR website, then Draw Mode to create said route)
• A print screen of your flight area map using a 1,000 or 2,000-meter scale sent as an attachment in your email
• Map coordinates (you can create map coordinates by going to the DAGR website, choosing the Flight Manager option, and inputting coordinates)
• The dates you plan to use your drone and several alternative dates in case your first dates aren’t available

Keep in mind that you must include the above information for each flight path you plan to take unless said paths are the same.

You’re also required to include these details:

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• Your nationality
• Your hotel address (or whatever your lodging option is) while in Greece)
• Your phone number
• Your email address
• Drone brand, model, and type
• Drone serial number
• Drone weight in kilograms with camera equipment (as applicable)
• Geofencing details
• Open category or any subcategories
• Insurance certificate

What are the fines for violating Santorini drone rules?

Drone laws don’t exist to be broken, at least not unless you don’t mind paying substantial fines.

If you fly your drone in Santorini without going through the above protocols for flight authorization, you will receive a fine.

You’ll have to pay at least 500 euros, with higher fines of up to 250,000 euros. That’s $539 USD to $269,542 USD, so the fines are quite serious!

Greece drone laws to know for your trip to Santorini

You went through the correct channels and registered for your trip to Santorini. You also obtained flight permission.

Before you fly, don’t miss these Greece drone laws, which are all enforceable by the HCAA while flying in Santorini.

Your drone must meet Open specifications

EASA organizes drones into one of three categories: Certified, Specific, and Open according to how a pilot uses the UAV and how much it weighs.

Your drone meets Open specifications if it’s categorized with an identification label between 0 and 4.

You must have purchased the UAV before January 1^st, 2023, and it cannot weigh more than 25 kilograms or 55 pounds.

You also cannot use your drone over people unless it weighs under 250 kilograms or 0.55 pounds.

You must not use your UAV for transporting hazardous goods, and you can’t drop anything you carry on your drone.

Further, you must meet altitude and VLOS requirements as established by the HCAA.

Do not fly your drone more than 122 meters in the air

If you’re a registered pilot, you can fly your drone 122 meters or 400 feet high and 500 meters or 1,640 feet of distance.

Unregistered pilots can only fly within 50 meters.

You must maintain VLOS

Visual line of sight or VLOS must be your top priority when operating your drone in Santorini.

You should always be able to see your drone using your natural sight, glasses, or contacts. If you can’t, you need to either return it to home or ask a visual observer to watch it for you.

Do not fly your drone close to crowds

In Santorini and greater Greece, you cannot use your drone close to other people.

Avoid airports, military properties, private properties, and other critical infrastructure

The list of where you cannot fly a drone in Greece is vast. You must stay 8 kilometers from any airport.

You’re also prohibited from using your drone in or over military bases, private property, and sensitive areas like government facilities, hospitals, and prisons.

If you’re using your drone around private property that doesn’t belong to you, you must have permission from the property owner first.

Do not use your drone at night

Operating a drone after sunset in Greece so don’t try it!

Do not operate your drone over 55 pounds

Check the weight of your drone before lifting off. It’s illegal for your drone setup to weigh more than 55 pounds and fly, as you’re a flight risk.

Santorini is a gorgeous place to visit, and it’s even more fun to use a drone.

The villages of Akrotiri and Oia permit drone use, as does much else of Santorini, but you’re subject to HCAA and EASA rules.

When flying in a new country, always use a drone map. You can download a drone app with real-time maps so you can track restricted zones, warning zones, and temporary flight restrictions.

Have fun and safe flying!

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Can You Fly a Drone in Rome?

Rome is a city that needs no introduction. It’s also on many travel bucket lists, perhaps including yourself.

If you visit Rome, can you bring your drone with you?

According to the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, drones are permitted in Rome. Your drone must meet the Open or Specific categorization per the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and is limited to 400 feet of altitude.

This article will tell you everything you need to know when flying a drone in Rome, including more on where you can fly and what the rules are.

Make sure you keep reading!

Can you fly a drone in Rome?

The Ente Nazionale per l’Aviazione Civile–or, in English–the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, establishes the rules for aviation in Italy. Under ENAC, drone pilots can bring their UAVs into Italy, including Rome.

You’re must also meet Specific or Open category criteria according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Countries that are part of the European Union, such as Italy, enforce EASA rules.

For as many places as you can fly a drone in Rome, there are many more where you can’t. Let’s talk more about those.

Infrastructure

ENAC prohibits drone pilots from flying near or over private or public facilities, archaeological sites, public utility installations, and military installations throughout Rome and greater Italy.

Heliports and airports

When planning your drone adventures in Rome, you mustn’t fly any closer than 3 kilometers or 1.86 miles from heliports and 8 kilometers or 4.97 miles from airports.

Tourist destinations

Some of the more popular architectural tourist destinations throughout Rome also prohibit using drones on the premises.

They include the:

• Spanish Steps
• Trevi Fountain
• Vatican City
• Colosseum

Bringing your drone to Italy

Now that you know you can fly a drone in Rome, you’re probably frantically booking your tickets and planning your itinerary, right? Let’s not put the figurative cart before the horse, though.

Before you can launch a drone in the gorgeous Italian countryside, you must get your drone to Rome first.

Here’s some information to help you do it.

You must register your drone ahead of time

If you must register your drone (it’s required under Italian law if your drone weighs more than 250 grams), you should have your registration completed before you touch down in Rome.

Insure your drone

Italy requires drone pilots to have active insurance for any drone they fly. It doesn’t matter if you’re enjoying the drone recreationally or flying it commercially.

In this case, the drone’s weight also doesn’t matter.

Keep your batteries in your carry-on or checked luggage

When traveling with a drone, you often have to take the batteries out of your UAV. The question becomes, where to carry them?

We’d recommend a dedicated battery compartment within a checked bag or carry-on. Make sure your bag meets the weight threshold your airline requires.

Check your airline’s policy about lithium-ion batteries

If your drone runs on lithium-ion batteries, you should additionally confirm with the airline if you can bring those types of batteries on the plane.

Since batteries can heat up and potentially explode, many airlines have restrictions about battery types permissible on a plane.

Italian drone laws to know for your trip to Rome

Your plane just touched down in Italy. You have so much you want to do, and you’re excited to get started.

To keep your trip running smoothly, check out these EASA and ENAC rules, as you must follow them when operating your drone.

Your drone must meet Open or Specific category criteria

EASA requires drones to fit into Certified, Specific, or Open categories. If operating your drone in Italy, it can meet the criteria of the latter two categories.

We’ll begin with the Open category. For your drone to fit into this category, it must:

• Be registered with the country within the European Union where you’ll use your drone
• Have a class identification label 0 through 4
• Never fly over 400 feet or 120 meters
• Weigh less than 55 pounds or 25 kilograms

The Open category has several subcategories of A1 through A3. Here’s what you need to know.

A1 Open drones:

• Do not fly over crowds
• Do not fly faster than 42 miles per hour or 19 meters a second
• Have a C0 or C1 label
• Are registered with EASA if a C1 drone
• Don’t weigh more than 250 grams or 0.55 pounds if a C0 drone
• Don’t weigh more than 900 grams or 1.98 pounds if a C1 drone

A2 Open drones:

• Don’t fly closer than 98 feet or 30 meters from crowds
• Don’t weigh more than 8.81 pounds or 4 kilograms
• Are registered with EASA
• Are only flown by drone operators 16 or older
• Have a class identification label 2

A3 Open drones:

• Do not fly more than 492 feet or 150 meters from urban areas or crowds
• Don’t weigh more than 8.81 pounds or 4 kilograms
• Are registered with EASA
• Are flown by drone operators 16 or older
• Have a class identification label 3 or 4

A drone that’s classified as Specific has a greater risk since it doesn’t pass the criteria above. These drones:

• Are flown by pilots with a Light UAS Operator Certificate
• Must have a predefined flight risk assessment performed before operating

You must not fly at night

In Italy, drone pilots cannot launch their UAVs once the sun goes down and until sunrise the next day.

Stick within your altitude limits

Whether you’re a commercial or recreational pilot determines your allowed altitude when operating a drone in Italy.

Commercial pilots cannot ascend more than 492 feet or 150 meters from the ground, and recreational pilots can’t fly higher than 230 feet or 70 meters.

Avoid large events with your drone

For as many flight freedoms as Italy permits you, you’re restricted from operating your drone around large events.

They include concerts, sporting events, and any other type of event that attracts a sizable crowd.

Limit your distance from urban areas

In busy urban areas, you cannot fly your drone closer than 492 feet or 150 meters. You must also stay 164 feet or 50 meters from crowds for their safety and privacy.

You must have a visual line of sight on your drone

VLOS or visual line of sight is an acronym drone pilots must know when flying in Italy. Under ENAC law, pilots must always be able to see their drones when flying them.

If your drone ventures beyond a point where it’s visible to you, it becomes a flight risk.

Don’t fly too close to residential areas

Pilots must create a safety buffer when flying a drone in a residential area of Rome or greater Italy. That buffer zone should be at least 1 kilometer but can be greater if you wish.

Your drone must have an identification plate

Pilots must also affix an identification plate to their UAVs and over the remote ground pilot station. The plate must include operator and system identification information.

Further, you need an Electronic Identification Device label if you’ll use your drone for real-time data transmission. This is in addition to the identification plate.

Respecting these rules is taken seriously in Italy.

Unfortunately, stories abound online of drone tourists who arrive in Rome and use their UAVs irresponsibly, which harms the reputation of drone pilots as a whole and could take away flight rights for everyone down the line.

Be a good example of what a drone pilot looks like, especially one from outside of the country. Use a drone map and operate your drone responsibly.

Rome is a beloved city in Italy that most people dream of visiting. If you’re finally making your dream come true, know that you can bring your drone with you to Italy.

You’re required to follow both ENAC and EASA rules.

You’ll likely have to register your drone before your trip, and you must have your UAV insured whether you’re flying it commercially or only for fun. Keep your distance from crowds, airports, and busy events.

Good luck and have fun!

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Can You Fly a Drone in Seattle?

In the Pacific Northwest on the Puget Sound is Seattle.

The city that gave us grunge and Microsoft is a famous place to visit today for sites like the Seattle Art Museum, the Seattle Great Wheel, Pike Place Market, and the Space Needle.

Can you fly a drone in Seattle?

Drones are allowed in Seattle but must follow all FAA regulations. Some excellent spots in Seattle to take your drone for a spin include the Marlow Andersen RC Field and 60 Acres Park.

In today’s article, we’ll break down all the drone rules in Seattle and further recommend some awesome places to use your drone in this city.

Let’s begin!

Can you fly a drone in Seattle?

Although the weather isn’t always the warmest or sunniest (the city is known for its rain), Seattle is still a very popular city that welcomes large numbers of tourists each year.

Part of the attraction is drone flight. The FAA allows drones to operate in Seattle and greater Washington subject to the rules and regulations we’ll discuss later in this article. Make sure you check those out.

According to the Seattle government website, if operating your drone commercially and using it for filming and/or photography, you may in some cases require a City of Seattle Master Film Permit.

The city requires the permit if you launch or land your drone on city property such as a park, building, sidewalk, or street.

If your flight requires you to temporarily control of city property, including pedestrian traffic or a holding vehicle, you also need a permit.

If you’re operating your drone on private property or flying over waterways, you can forego the City of Seattle Master Film Permit.

That’s also true if you’re using your drone for a commercial construction or real estate project and only photographing aerially.

To apply for your City of Seattle Master Film Permit, create a username and password with the Seattle government Film Permit Application Portal, completing all information-gathering modules (there are six).

When you do that, you’ll receive a confirmation email letting you know your request was received.

In addition to your application, you need $2 million in drone aviation liability coverage, including a certificate of insurance and an insured policy endorsement CG 20 26 or CG 20 12.

You must also include a copy of your drone registration and a copy of your Remote Pilot Certificate.

Further, you must have a site plan that details your flight path, where you’ll take off, where you’ll land, and ground control, traffic, and pedestrian areas.

The city government says it takes them 10 days to process drone requests, so make sure you apply with enough time if you have a tight itinerary.

You will pay $25 for a film permit for each day of use. You are allowed to head to different locations on the same day under one permit and you won’t pay an additional fee.

If you need to reserve parking for your drone project, you’ll spend $15 per day per metered space.

You might also have to pay extra if you need staffing from the Parks Department or Seattle Police Department.

The 5 best places to fly a drone in Seattle

Are you ready to take your drone out for a fun flight in Seattle? Here are five places you should certainly explore during your time here!

1. Marlow Anderson RC Field

The Marlow Anderson RC Field is managed by the Lake Sawyer Hawks. No matter how much (or little) drone experience you have and  your age, you’re allowed to join in, so the RC field is very inclusive.

As a member of the club, you gain access to flight instructions, demonstrations, and even model exhibitions, not to mention a chance to feel like a part of Seattle’s bustling community.

2. 60 Acres Park

In King County is 60 Acres Park, a sizable recreational area and park with restrooms, a covered picnic space, and over 20 fields.

The park is split into two areas, 60 Acres South and 60 Acres North, and you can use both.

Between the two, 60 Acres South has more drone activity, so you should plan to start your day there when visiting the park.

Crowds can gather here in droves, especially when there’s soccer or another sports game going on, so make sure you plan your drone use accordingly.

3. Marymoor RC Airfield

Plan to spend a day in nearby Redmond at the Marymoor RC Airfield managed by the Marymoor Radio Control Club. You will be required to join said club before you can use the airfield.

However, the Marymoor Radio Control Club is part of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

Membership also grants you access to club-only events and activities, pilot instruction training, informative programs, regular members-only meetings, and club picnics and cookouts.

4. Shoreview Park

The eponymous Shoreline Park is a sunny greenspace with unpaved trails, tennis and soccer fields, a playground, picnic areas, pickleball courts, open spaces, natural areas, and softball and baseball fields.

This park is worth visiting for Seattle’s waterfront views, including a hidden lake that should have fewer crowds than the other areas.

5. Luther Burbank Park

Luther Burbank Park is another spot to add to your list when exploring Seattle with your drone. This 73-acre park on Mercer Island showcases the beauty of Lake Washington.

You’ll see anglers, boaters, and swimmers out in the lake when the weather warms up.

The park is also beloved for its wildlife, including 50 rabbit, tree frog, muskrat, beaver, raccoon, and waterfowl species and 135 bird species.

You’ll find the creatures predominantly on the park’s south and north ends in the wetland regions.

Luther Burbank Park also has walking trails, an amphitheater (don’t operate near there with your drone), a swimming beach, a public fishing pier, a public boat dock, three tennis courts, and group picnic areas.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep

Peltier has quite the experience, making him qualified to teach about photography and drones in separate courses. He was a part of the U.S. Air Force as an F-15E flight instructor for a decade.

Enroll in this Course

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Washington state drone laws to remember before flying a drone in Seattle

Before you take your drone to one of the above fantastic areas to fly, brush up on these FAA and state drone laws.

You must have a drone license and registration

The FAA requires all drone pilots to have a license no matter how they use their drones. You also must have a license if you need a permit, as you’re required to provide a copy of your license.

Commercial pilots need the Remote Pilot Certificate. Once you turn 16 years old, you can apply for your license, but you’ll have to take the FAA’s Part 107 exam first.

This 60-question, multiple-choice exam isn’t easy to pass, so make sure you use our blog resources to help you study.

Once the FAA issues you the Remote Pilot Certificate, it’s valid for two years. You can now recertify the license by taking a free online exam.

Hobbyists need the TRUST license. The FAA has its own exam for hobbyists called The Recreational UAS Safety Test.

You can’t fail this exam, as the test shows you your incorrect answers before you submit it, and you can change any answers you want.

You shouldn’t need to retake the TRUST exam unless you lose your license. Otherwise, it’s good for life.

Commercial pilots must always register their drones, but hobbyists don’t have to unless their UAV weighs more than 0.55 pounds.

» MORE: What is the TRUST Test? (Everything You Need to Know)

No drones in state parks

According to Washington state law WAC 352-32-130, “No aircraft shall land on or take off from any body of water or land area in a state park not specifically designated for landing aircraft.”

While agency drone pilots can freely use state park land, commercial and recreational pilots cannot without written permission from a director or designee.

No drones in Seattle parks

None of the parks in the last section were in Seattle proper is because the city’s municipal law bans drones in parks.

Here’s what the law says:

“City law prohibits drones and other remote-controlled aircraft in parks. Drones have injured people by crashing into them and alarmed people by nearly crashing into them. Drones have annoyed people with their noise, and people have expressed privacy concerns about drone use. Drones have also harmed wildlife, in at least one instance causing an osprey to abandon the eggs in its nest.”

Seattle has some staunch views on drone usage, that’s for certain!

Seattle, Washington is a popular city on the Puget Sound. If you want to see the Space Needle and the Seattle Great Wheel with your drone in tow, the good news is you can.

While Seattle outlaws drones in all the standard places such as airports and military bases, and while you can’t fly in Seattle’s parks or any of Washington’s state parks, the area has a lot of great places for drones, including several RC clubs.

Remember to follow FAA rules when flying and you’ll have a great trip!

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Can You Fly a Drone in St. Lucia?

St. Lucia is in the Eastern Caribbean. The coastal island boasts fishing villages, luxury resorts, reef diving, volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches aplenty.

You’ve never been, but you’ve always longed to go, and you’d love to take your drone with you. Can you fly a drone in St. Lucia?

You can fly a drone in St. Lucia per the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. When you get there, you have to declare your drone. You must also have flight approval from the MCTA.

Today’s article will tell you everything you need to know about operating a drone in St. Lucia, including what to do before launching, the rules to follow when in the sky, and where you can fly.

You won’t want to miss it!

Can you fly a done in St. Lucia?

St. Lucia has some truly breathtaking sights, from the Tet Paul Nature Center to Pigeon Island, Gros Piton, and the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens & Mineral Baths.

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation regulates drone usage in this country. Under the MCTA’s rules, drones can enter St. Lucia and fly within the established parameters.

For instance, when your plane touches down in St. Lucia, don’t forget to declare your drone to customs there.

You should also declare that you’ll bring your drone home when you leave (well, you hope you will, and if you fly safely, you certainly should).

Further, you must have approval from the Ministry of Economic Development, Urban Renewal, Housing, Transport and Civil Aviation to launch your drone.

You can’t use your drone until you contact the Civil Aviation Department and receive approval.

If you operate your drone anyway, that’s considered illegal use, and you could face fines or other punishments.

It’s always best to err on the side of caution when visiting another country, so don’t start your trip to St. Lucia on a sour note by illegally using your drone.

The best way to get approval is to email the Civil Aviation Department directly at cemmanuel@gosl.gov.lc. You must CC denis.regis@govt.lc and eustace.cherry@govt.lc in the email.

If you have the time for snail mail, you can send a letter to the Permanent Secretary, Department of Economic Development, First Floor, Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, St. Lucia.

Even though you’re not completing a formal application, you should still include information like:

• Your full name
• Your contact information like a phone number and email address
• The information for any other drone pilots you’ll travel with

Also mention why you want to use the drone (for recreational or commercial purposes), its make and model, its serial number, where you’ll fly your drone, and for how long.

Given that you’re emailing or mailing your application request, set aside ample time to hear back from the Civil Aviation Department.

You should send the application ideally a few weeks in advance or even a month or two before your trip so you get the approval in time.

The 4 best places to fly a drone in St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a gorgeous island, but you cannot fly freely throughout. The following are places where legal drone use is permitted.

Beaches

You can’t go wrong at any beach in St. Lucia, as each offers a perfect slice of paradise. Sugar Beach is popular for drones, as many pilots have captured photographs and video footage of its rolling seas.

If a beach has a resort in the vicinity, such as the Anse Chastanet Resort, you cannot use drones on that beach or the entirety of the property.

That said, different resorts may have varying policies, so read up before you fly.

Even if you find a beach in St. Lucia that allows for drone usage, you should still take precautions to avoid crowds.

Fly earlier or later in the day, or plan your trip on an overcast day, during the offseason, or in the middle of the week when fewer crowds will gather. 

Enbas Saut Trail

St. Lucia is beloved for its waterfalls, and the Enbas Saut could be the most popular on the entire island.

The trail leading to the waterfall in Soufriere is approximately 1.4 miles long. It takes about an hour to hike it at a moderate pace.

The trail is considered easy to traverse, so even if you’re not so athletically inclined, you should still get across without too much difficulty. Once you’re there, you can take gorgeous shots of the incredible falls.

Just limit your distance to the waterfalls, as you don’t want your drone to get splashed or soaked. It could incur damage and even break!

The Pitons

St. Lucia is home to the Pitons, dual mountainous volcanic spires. Petit Piton is 2,438 feet, and Gros Piton is 2,618.9 feet, so both are tall and stately.

The Piton Mitan mountain ridge connects the two mountains.

Since the Pitons are World Heritage Sites, you might not be able to fly across the entire 7,190 acres, but you can get close enough that you should be satisfied with the quality of your footage.

Choose a clear day for flying across the Pitons so they’re not obscured in fog.

Tet Paul Nature Trail

One way you can see the Pitons without exploring them directly is to take the Tet Paul Nature Trail. This southern St. Lucia trail by Soufriere is a loop that takes about 45 minutes to traverse.

Much of the route takes you through a plantation farm, but you’ll see more than farmland and the aforementioned volcanic mountains.

The trail also allows you to witness much of St. Lucia’s beauty.

St. Lucia drone laws to know before you go

You received approval to fly your drone in St. Lucia. Now that you’re up in the air, keep these drone laws in mind for the duration of your stay here!

Do not fly around airports without permission

As is tradition in countries worldwide, St. Lucia doesn’t want drone pilots lingering around its airports. You put manned aircraft at risk when you do.

The Castries has the George F.L. Charles Airport and Vieux Fort the Hewanorra International Airport. You cannot pilot a UAV within three miles of either airport.

The only exception to the above rule is having Air Traffic Control permission for the specific airport that’s part of your flight route.

While requesting permission, you must share pertinent flight details with Air Traffic Control, like how long you’ll fly your drone and precisely where.

You also have to include the drone usage purpose (like recreational or commercial use), the make and model of the drone, the drone’s serial number, and your name and contact information.

You need insurance

To use a drone in St. Lucia, you should have third-party insurance to protect yourself and any other parties with whom you’ll use your drone.

You must have your qualifications on your person

Any licenses, registration, or written approvals you acquired to fly a drone in St. Lucia should stay safe and sound with you.

Don’t leave this documentation of your qualifications back in your hotel room in case you’re asked to produce it.

If possible, translate the documentation to Patois, which over 90 percent of the St. Lucian population speaks.

This is a French Creole language. If you can’t, don’t stress too much, as many people here also speak English.

No flying over moving vehicles in most instances

The laws in St. Lucia allow pilots to fly a drone over a moving vehicle, but only in those areas that are very sparsely populated.

Do not fly over people unless you have permission

Whether a small crowd or a larger one, you’re prohibited from flying your drone over people in St. Lucia unless you ask for permission first.

This rule is designed to maintain the privacy of tourists and residents.

Avoid nature reserves and parks

St. Lucia drone law prohibits pilots from accessing nature preserves and parks. Use a drone map to determine these key locations and keep your distance.

Keep your drone in sight when using it

You must follow VLOS rules when operating your drone in this part of the Caribbean.

If your drone ventures out of your line of sight, you must return it to where you can see it immediately, or you risk a fine.

Only fly during daylight hours

You cannot use your drone after sunset and before sunrise during your travels to St. Lucia. Plan your itinerary accordingly.

St. Lucia is a Caribbean paradise with oceans, volcanoes, and waterfalls.

You can bring your drone here for a friendly flight (or to get some work done), but make sure you declare the drone at customs, have flight approvals, and follow drone usage rules.

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Can You Fly a Drone in Tulum?

Tulum is a Mexican town on the coast of the Caribbean that’s an exceptionally popular tourist destination. It contains Mayan ruins and exquisite beaches.

There’s so much to capture here with a drone, and you’re positive you could get some awesome footage.

Can you use a drone in Tulum?

According to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency, drones are permitted throughout Mexico, including in Tulum, but only for citizens. You might also need permission to record and take photographs in parts of greater Mexico.

Today’s article will tell you everything you need to know about flying a drone in Tulum, including what’s off-limits.

Make sure you keep reading, as you won’t want to miss it!

Can you fly a drone in Tulum?

The Agencia Federal de Avacion Civil, better known as the Federal Civil Aviation Agency, establishes the rules for drone flights in Mexico.

According to AFAC, drones can fly throughout Mexico, including in Tulum.

» MORE: Can You Bring a Drone to Mexico?

We have one important caveat to that: you must be a Mexican citizen to use your drone.

This is majorly disadvantageous if you’re only taking a trip to Mexico . You’d have to apply for citizenship, which would take so much time (and possibly money) that it’s not worth it for your short-term stay.

Even if you wanted to obtain citizenship in Mexico to use your drone (you had been thinking of relocating anyway), it’s still not that easy.

We’ll talk more about this later, but Mexican drone law requires all pilots to have a license.

One of the eligibility requirements for the license is to be a Mexican citizen by birth.

So you could obtain citizenship to use a drone in Mexico, but you wouldn’t be able to get the license you need to fly. It’s a tough spot to be in!

Taking your drone to Tulum

Before you can launch a drone, you need to get it to Mexico. Unfortunately, Mexican law prohibits the entry of drones into the country. It appears you can buy a drone in Mexico, but you can’t pack up your current drone and take it with you.

By the way, there’s no getting around this. You have to go through the TSA before flying into Mexico.

The agents know where in the world you can bring your drone and where you can’t, so there’s no way they’ll approve it.

Let’s say you somehow miraculously managed to sneak your drone on the plane.

Once you land in Mexico, you still need to go through their airline agents and customs. Your drone would get confiscated because it’s not supposed to be with you.

Moreso, you will receive a fine.

That’s no way to start a vacation or a business trip.

Traveling into a new part of the world with different cultures and another language than yours is already difficult enough. Don’t further complicate matters by trying to bring your drone with you illegally.

Okay, so what if you buy a drone in Mexico? Can you take that drone with you if you leave the country?

More than likely, you can’t, as customs won’t allow the drone on a plane.

Therefore, if you must purchase a drone, make sure it’s not a fancy DJI or another expensive model. Go with a cheap drone so you can leave it behind with only a little remorse.

Mexican drone laws to know before you go

Should you find yourself in a position to fly a drone in Tulum, AFAC has many drone laws you must know. Let’s review them now.

You need a drone license

Since late 2018, the Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics has required pilots to obtain a license before operating a drone in Mexico.

The DGCA mandates that pilots obtaining a license be Mexican by birth. You must be 18 or older, in good physical standing, and have a high school diploma and a military release card.

You may need authorization to record and photograph

Tulum and greater Mexico have so many wondrous sights, yet you could need permission first depending on which you want to see.

The National Institute of Anthropology and History demands that any drone pilot commercially recording and photographing around INAH museums and monuments obtain authorization.

You must complete Form INAH-01-001 and include a dummy sketch, storyboard, or script with your application.

Further, you need to provide a project synopsis and documentation to the National Coordination of Legal Affairs.

The fees for recording and photographing are around $10,905 Mexican pesos per day, which is $581 USD.

Follow resort and hotel rules

Mexico has many resort towns, with Tulum being one of them. If you stay at a hotel or resort, read the drone policy.

Most lodging options across Mexico have instituted their own drone rules to protect the peace of their customers.

Do not use a drone to drop items

You can legally carry items on your drone in Mexico. However, when flying around Tulum or elsewhere in the country, you cannot drop items that could harm property and people.

Keep items like smartphones, external cameras, or additional accessories securely affixed to your UAV.

Know your max operating speed

You drone has a max operating speed according to how much it weighs. You must know this speed and monitor your drone settings to ensure you don’t surpass the allowable speed.

Do not fly within five miles of aerodromes

Tulum has a handful of aerodromes or airports, including the Tulum Airbase. Pilots cannot fly within five nautical miles or 9.2 kilometers of any airport throughout Mexico.

Use a drone map to determine your distance from an airport. It could save you a pricy fine!

No flying over animals or people

To protect the animals that call Tulum home, you’re prohibited from flying your drone over them.

Likewise, you cannot operate your drone over people. Some countries have exceptions to this law, such as if your drone is a certain weight, but that doesn’t appear to be the case in Mexico.

Plan to use your drone at off-times that attract fewer crowds or in less populated areas.

Don’t fly higher than 400 feet

According to AFAC, drones in Mexico must stay approximately 400 feet from the ground at all times.

Do not fly your drone more than 1,500 feet away

Mexican drone law permits you to fly your drone within 1,500 feet of where you stand. It’s considered in your visual line of sight at that distance.

Only use your drone during daylight hours

You cannot explore the beauty of Tulum after dark, nor any other part of Mexico. The drone laws in this country outlaw drone operations after sundown and before sunrise.

Register your drone

If your drone exceeds 0.55 pounds or 250 grams, you must register it in Mexico. You can go through the DGCA for the registration process.

Like you need Mexican citizenship to obtain a drone license in Mexico, that also applies to registering a drone. You’ll have to provide an ID, so there’s no way to get around the citizenship issue.

What’s the punishment for violating drone laws in Tulum?

We already talked about how you can receive a fine if you try to bring your drone through customs into Mexico, but that’s not the only trouble you can face.

You could receive a fine if you use your drone illegally in this country. Moreso, you could have your drone confiscated or even receive jailtime depending on the crime and how a judge prosecutes you.

You absolutely cannot fly a drone in Tulum unless you’re a Mexican-born citizen.

There are no loopholes to exploit, as Mexico has enforced this rule to keep its citizens safe while still allowing them to enjoy the fun of flying a drone.

Don’t try to bring you drone to Tulum if you’re from another country.

Tulum is a town in Mexico beloved for its stunning beaches. Unfortunately, unless you’re a Mexican citizen, you can’t get the registration and license needed to fly a drone here.

That leaves non-citizens out in the cold.

You also can’t fly a drone into Mexico. If you were permitted to fly here, you’d have to purchase a drone in Mexico. It’s unclear if you can take the drone home with you.

Mexico has a lot of drone rules under AFAC. You must stay away from people, animals, and aerodromes. You also cannot fly near protected buildings.

A drone map will come in handy for determining restricted airspace!

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How I Passed Part 107 (And the Course That Helped Me Do It)

If you want to use a drone for business use of any kind, whether it’s for real estate photography, utility inspections, or even posting drone videos on YouTube, you need to have a Remote Pilot Certificate.

In the industry, it’s more commonly known as a Part 107 License.

I recently went through the process of becoming a licensed drone pilot, so I wanted to share my experience with getting a Part 107 License.

If you’re facing the task from the other side, rest assured, it’s not impossible. But don’t take things too easy, either. The test requires a lot of knowledge that takes intentional study. You won’t waltz in and pass the test without putting in some effort.

The route I chose to take to pass the knowledge test is, of course, not the only way. Many people have passed by following a variety of strategies.

Whatever way you choose, keep in mind that it’s worthwhile to learn from the successes and failures of others.

To take a course, or not to take a course?

The most obvious question prospective Part 107 pilots face is whether or not to invest some money in a prep course. There are a number of ways to look at this question.

If it’s a question of money, remember that you’re looking at becoming a Commercial Drone Pilot. This means that you plan to use your drone to earn money.

So the cost of a course can be considered a business expense that should offer a good ROI.

If it’s a question of time, perhaps you think that a course would take longer to get through than just studying up on your own with whatever resources you can find on YouTube.

While a good course may include as much as 20 hours of instructional time, it saves you the time spent searching out the information you need. It’s all laid out right there, step by step.

Also remember that time is money.

If you’re taking longer to learn the information you need, you’re using up time that could better be spent actually working on your flight skills, or out there drumming up business that will pay your bills once you’ve got the license in hand.

I took a course and very much enjoyed the experience. My husband kept laughing at my nerdy side coming out through the whole process.

But more than just geeking out with the fun of taking a course, I enjoyed the ease of learning with a guide, rather than the headaches and confusion of trying to figure out what to study on my own.

Which course to take?

The next obvious question, if I’ve convinced you that a training course is worth your time and money, is which course is the best.

Here’s the part where most people will probably be biased toward whichever course they took. We tend to have loyalties like that, barring some particularly bad experience.

So that said, there are numerous options of really good courses for preparing you for the Part 107 knowledge exam.

Some are better than others, but if they get the job done, well, it’s a success story.

So the best course for you may depend on your budget, learning style and previous background.

We have numerous articles here on Droneblog reviewing our top recommended Part 107 courses, and I definitely recommend you take a look at those courses.

But, since this is about my experience passing the knowledge exam and getting my remote pilot certificate, I get to talk about the course I took from Pilot Institute.

It was an excellent choice, and one I’d make again.

My experience with Pilot Institute

I have only good things to say about my study experience with Pilot Institute. And bottom line, after studying with the training course, I passed the exam easily, only missing 4 questions.

That’s the point of all this, right?

My study timeline was not aggressive at all, taking about two and a half months to get through all the teaching videos before feeling ready to book my exam.

And the video format worked well for that, although it would have worked just as well for someone trying to finish the course in much less time.

I believe there are about 15 hours of instructional videos, so that could easily be broken down into several hours per day for a week or two.

The instruction

My initial impression as I started the course is that it is very professionally done. Greg Reverdiau, the instructor is a manned flight instructor with loads of experience in teaching.

Not only does he know his subject inside and out, but he also has a real knack for explaining complicated ideas in ways that are easy to understand, even for the uninitiated.

The course is well organized and laid out in a very easy to follow order.

I especially like that the topics are introduced in a well thought through manner, with a few of the “easier” topics at the beginning, to help ease you into it.

The videos are presented in short segments within each topic. This worked really well for me, since I don’t often have hours together to get through anything.

So it didn’t feel like I had to try to get through a large chunk of teaching. Instead, it felt like I could breeze through a whole bunch of shorter videos if I had the time, or just a few if I didn’t.

If you’re someone who’s in a hurry, I can also suggest that you may want to skip the chapter overview in each unit. It’s there as a preview of topics to be covered, but you won’t miss much in glossing over those.

The format

I really was able to learn the material well, having the video lesson format. Some courses lean more heavily toward written/reading format, which may work well for certain learning styles.

But I liked the auditory learning aspect, in addition to the visual learning. Hearing the concepts explained really helped me to grasp the concepts, as well as to solidify them in my memory.

Greg also offered suggested reading from numerous technical handbooks to go along with many of the topics. To be perfectly honest, I read exactly none of those suggested readings.

When he gave the list of supplemental materials at the beginning of the course, I did go ahead and download most of them, but never once cracked them open after I got into the videos.

So I guess I’m not that much of a nerd after all. You could probably skip downloading them, unless you have plans to become a manned pilot.

Each unit, or chapter, had one or more practice quizzes as an aid to assess your learning and retention.

I found these very useful, and if I failed one of these, definitely knew I needed to go back and watch the videos in the section a few more times.

After completing all of the video instruction, you get at last to the practice exam.

This exam you can take as many times as you want, and it will offer a mix of the same or new questions each time. This is also a very helpful tool to assess your learning.

Each time I took the practice test (I took it three times, spread over two weeks), I wrote down the topic areas for the questions I had gotten wrong, and went back to watch those sections over again.

Another useful resource that was a great aid for review was the cheat sheet.

This document gave a summary of all the most essential information, and I used that for several hours of review after completing all the videos and taking the practice exam several times.

One tool that is available that I didn’t use is the flashcard app.

I think if I found I was having trouble with the practice tests, I may have dipped into that resource, but I did find that the concepts were sticking pretty well without it.

The knowledge exam testing experience

Once I had finished watching all of the instructional videos and had taken (and passed – with 80%) my first practice exam, I went ahead and booked my UAG: Unmanned Aircraft General – Small Exam for two weeks out.

I felt that this would give me adequate time to review the areas I was weak, and firm up on everything else before taking the test.

To schedule the exam, you have to go to the FAA IACRA page and create an account. You must have the FTN from this account before you will be able to select and schedule an exam.

Note: You won’t have an airman certificate number in the first section. You can skip to filling in the information below.

Once you’ve created your IACRA account, you can go here and login in to select your location and schedule your exam.

Be sure to choose Unmanned Aircraft General – Small for the test you want to take. It’s all the way at the bottom of the list of test options on the page.

The testing experience itself was fairly straightforward, but then I don’t suffer from test anxiety.

The staff were helpful and friendly, and got me in ahead of time, which was helpful because I had the husband and kids in tow, waiting for me to finish.

I brought along a Driver’s License, calculator and ruler, but I the last two items were also available to me at my testing location.

The test went along smoothly, with the only hiccup being that the mouse on my computer quick working halfway through the test. The proctor changed the mouse batteries, and I continued on my merry way.

While many of the questions were different, either in wording or precise content, than the practice questions on the Pilot Institute practice test, the knowledge was the same.

And I was tickled to notice a few questions (including chart images) were exactly the same as ones I had already seen.

But bottom line, I knew the information, and the knowledge I had gained through the course exactly lined up with what I needed to know to pass the test with flying colors.

And hubby and kids very impressed with my score. 🥳

What happens after the test?

Go out for lunch of course.

Or celebrate some other way. Then go home and log back in to IACRA to link your test with your application for a Remote Pilot Certificate.

The application should be approved within seven days, and you will have a temporary certificate available to you within the IACRA system.

Then within 30 days, you should get your permanent certificate in the mail.

• TheDroneBlog
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How I Passed Part 107 (And the Course That Helped Me Do That)

If you want to use a drone for business use of any kind, whether it’s for real estate photography, utility inspections, or even posting drone videos on YouTube, you need to have a Remote Pilot Certificate.

In the industry, it’s more commonly known as a Part 107 License.

I recently went through the process of becoming a licensed drone pilot, so I wanted to share my experience with getting a Part 107 License.

If you’re facing the task from the other side, rest assured, it’s not impossible. But don’t take things too easy, either. The test requires a lot of knowledge that takes intentional study. You won’t waltz in and pass the test without putting in some effort.

The route I chose to take to pass the knowledge test is, of course, not the only way. Many people have passed by following a variety of strategies.

Whatever way you choose, keep in mind that it’s worthwhile to learn from the successes and failures of others.

To take a course, or not to take a course?

The most obvious question prospective Part 107 pilots face is whether or not to invest some money in a prep course. There are a number of ways to look at this question.

If it’s a question of money, remember that you’re looking at becoming a Commercial Drone Pilot. This means that you plan to use your drone to earn money.

So the cost of a course can be considered a business expense that should offer a good ROI.

If it’s a question of time, perhaps you think that a course would take longer to get through than just studying up on your own with whatever resources you can find on YouTube.

While a good course may include as much as 20 hours of instructional time, it saves you the time spent searching out the information you need. It’s all laid out right there, step by step.

Also remember that time is money.

If you’re taking longer to learn the information you need, you’re using up time that could better be spent actually working on your flight skills, or out there drumming up business that will pay your bills once you’ve got the license in hand.

I took a course and very much enjoyed the experience. My husband kept laughing at my nerdy side coming out through the whole process.

But more than just geeking out with the fun of taking a course, I enjoyed the ease of learning with a guide, rather than the headaches and confusion of trying to figure out what to study on my own.

Which course to take?

The next obvious question, if I’ve convinced you that a training course is worth your time and money, is which course is the best.

Here’s the part where most people will probably be biased toward whichever course they took. We tend to have loyalties like that, barring some particularly bad experience.

So that said, there are numerous options of really good courses for preparing you for the Part 107 knowledge exam.

Some are better than others, but if they get the job done, well, it’s a success story.

So the best course for you may depend on your budget, learning style and previous background.

We have numerous articles here on Droneblog reviewing our top recommended Part 107 courses, and I definitely recommend you take a look at those courses.

But, since this is about my experience passing the knowledge exam and getting my remote pilot certificate, I get to talk about the course I took from Pilot Institute.

It was an excellent choice, and one I’d make again.

My experience with Pilot Institute

I have only good things to say about my study experience with Pilot Institute. And bottom line, after studying with the training course, I passed the exam easily, only missing 4 questions.

That’s the point of all this, right?

My study timeline was not aggressive at all, taking about two and a half months to get through all the teaching videos before feeling ready to book my exam.

And the video format worked well for that, although it would have worked just as well for someone trying to finish the course in much less time.

I believe there are about 15 hours of instructional videos, so that could easily be broken down into several hours per day for a week or two.

The instruction

My initial impression as I started the course is that it is very professionally done. Greg Reverdiau, the instructor is a manned flight instructor with loads of experience in teaching.

Not only does he know his subject inside and out, but he also has a real knack for explaining complicated ideas in ways that are easy to understand, even for the uninitiated.

The course is well organized and laid out in a very easy to follow order.

I especially like that the topics are introduced in a well thought through manner, with a few of the “easier” topics at the beginning, to help ease you into it.

The videos are presented in short segments within each topic. This worked really well for me, since I don’t often have hours together to get through anything.

So it didn’t feel like I had to try to get through a large chunk of teaching. Instead, it felt like I could breeze through a whole bunch of shorter videos if I had the time, or just a few if I didn’t.

If you’re someone who’s in a hurry, I can also suggest that you may want to skip the chapter overview in each unit. It’s there as a preview of topics to be covered, but you won’t miss much in glossing over those.

The format

I really was able to learn the material well, having the video lesson format. Some courses lean more heavily toward written/reading format, which may work well for certain learning styles.

But I liked the auditory learning aspect, in addition to the visual learning. Hearing the concepts explained really helped me to grasp the concepts, as well as to solidify them in my memory.

Greg also offered suggested reading from numerous technical handbooks to go along with many of the topics. To be perfectly honest, I read exactly none of those suggested readings.

When he gave the list of supplemental materials at the beginning of the course, I did go ahead and download most of them, but never once cracked them open after I got into the videos.

So I guess I’m not that much of a nerd after all. You could probably skip downloading them, unless you have plans to become a manned pilot.

Each unit, or chapter, had one or more practice quizzes as an aid to assess your learning and retention.

I found these very useful, and if I failed one of these, definitely knew I needed to go back and watch the videos in the section a few more times.

After completing all of the video instruction, you get at last to the practice exam.

This exam you can take as many times as you want, and it will offer a mix of the same or new questions each time. This is also a very helpful tool to assess your learning.

Each time I took the practice test (I took it three times, spread over two weeks), I wrote down the topic areas for the questions I had gotten wrong, and went back to watch those sections over again.

Another useful resource that was a great aid for review was the cheat sheet.

This document gave a summary of all the most essential information, and I used that for several hours of review after completing all the videos and taking the practice exam several times.

One tool that is available that I didn’t use is the flashcard app.

I think if I found I was having trouble with the practice tests, I may have dipped into that resource, but I did find that the concepts were sticking pretty well without it.

The knowledge exam testing experience

Once I had finished watching all of the instructional videos and had taken (and passed – with 80%) my first practice exam, I went ahead and booked my UAG: Unmanned Aircraft General – Small Exam for two weeks out.

I felt that this would give me adequate time to review the areas I was weak, and firm up on everything else before taking the test.

To schedule the exam, you have to go to the FAA IACRA page and create an account. You must have the FTN from this account before you will be able to select and schedule an exam.

Note that you won’t have an airman certificate number in the first section. You can skip to filling in the information below.

Once you’ve created your IACRA account, you can go here and login in to select your location and schedule your exam.

Be sure to choose Unmanned Aircraft General – Small for the test you want to take. It’s all the way at the bottom of the list of test options on the page.

The testing experience itself was fairly straightforward, but then I don’t suffer from test anxiety.

The staff were helpful and friendly, and got me in ahead of time, which was helpful because I had the husband and kids in tow, waiting for me to finish.

I brought along a Driver’s License, calculator and ruler, but I the last two items were also available to me at my testing location.

The test went along smoothly, with the only hiccup being that the mouse on my computer quick working halfway through the test. The proctor changed the mouse batteries, and I continued on my merry way.

While many of the questions were different, either in wording or precise content, than the practice questions on the Pilot Institute practice test, the knowledge was the same.

And I was tickled to notice a few questions (including chart images) were exactly the same as ones I had already seen.

But bottom line, I knew the information, and the knowledge I had gained through the course exactly lined up with what I needed to know to pass the test with flying colors.

And hubby and kids very impressed with my score. 🥳

What happens after the test?

Go out for lunch of course.

Or celebrate some other way. Then go home and log back in to IACRA to link your test with your application for a Remote Pilot Certificate.

The application should be approved within seven days, and you will have a temporary certificate available to you within the IACRA system.

Then within 30 days, you should get your permanent certificate in the mail.

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Can DJI Avata Fly Backward? (Explained)

You need control over all flight directions to capture fantastic video recordings with a drone, including DJI Avata.

You may need to get your drone out of a place where changing directions is risky, hence the question, can DJI Avata fly backward?

DJI Avata can fly backward in Normal, Sport, and Manual Modes, as well as with the FPV Remote Controller and motion controller with head tracking. To fly backward with Avata is not ideal due to the lack of avoidance sensors and difficulties in controlling the drone.

There are a few more reasons why you should not fly backward with Avata and some tips to consider if you want to do it, so make sure you check out the information we have for you ahead!

Flying DJI Avata backward – What you need to know

DJI Avata is an FPV drone. A standard drone may be able to fly backward with no issues in any direction, but with FPV drones, it’s a bit trickier.

The Avata’s advantage is that you can use Normal and Sport Modes on top of Manual Mode (acro), where things get more complicated to fly backward 

You can fly backward two ways with Avata: Using the standard remote controller and the motion controller, but only with the head tracking option from the DJI Goggles 2.

You cannot fly backward with only the motion controller or with the motion controller and the DJI FPV Goggles V2.

How to fly DJI Avata backward with the FPV Remote Controller

On the FPV remote controller that you use to fly the DJI Avata, you have (on Mode 2) on the left side the throttle and yaw, and the right joystick adopts pitch and roll.

The pitch will perform as flying forward when you push up on the right joystick and will fly backward when pulling toward you. 

Of course, with a good combination of throttle and yaw/roll, you can create a smooth, unique cinematic video with your Avata while flying backward.

It all relates to different drone flying techniques in Normal/Sport Modes. 

As for flying in Manual Mode backward, that’s a different story.

Flying DJI FPV backward with the motion controller + head tracking

With a motion controller, you can fly only in the directions you face the drone, hence moving forward.

You need to activate the head tracking to fly sideways and, most importantly, backward.

• Before you take off with your drone, go to settings > camera > EIS and set to HorizonSteady.
• After you take off, turn on the head tracker from your DJI Goggles 2. 

Flying the DJI Avata backward in Normal, Sport, and Manual Modes

The Avata is similar to other DJI drones when flying backward in Normal and Sport Modes. 

Maybe we’re looking at different drone stability or camera leveling, but nothing out of the ordinary compared to the Mini 3, for instance, when you want to fly backward.

Flying the Avata backward in Normal Mode may be the ideal approach with the remote controller or motion controller with head tracking.

If you want to fly your Avata backward in Sport Mode, please remember that you face much higher flight speeds, putting your drone at risk if you fly in places with many obstacles.

But what about flying the DJI Avata backward in full Manual Mode (acro)? 

This is a highly complicated technique for flying an FPV backward.

It can be done, but you must ensure you know how to fly an FPV well before attempting to fly it backward. But why?

You must fly at a specific speed forward when you set a camera angle for your Avata drone to fly in Manual Mode–for instance, 20 degrees–to center your horizon line. 

The higher the angle, the faster you will fly.

If you want to hover or land your Avata, your horizon level will go way down, and you will see mostly the sky.

This is because we attempt to level the drone to zero degrees to hover while the camera angle remains at 20 degrees.

Now, pushing the drone to fly backward will result in an even higher inclination opposite to the camera angle you had set to your Avata to fly manually.

Easier it would be to set the camera angle to zero degrees when flying manually, then you can pitch backward and fly backward.

But beware, at this time, your flight control will be the opposite of flying forward in Manual Mode. This will put your drone at risk of crashing if you don’t have experience in a simulator to fly backward.

For this reason, we recommend you first try to fly an FPV drone backward in Manual Mode in a simulator.

Why else we don’t recommend flying the DJI Avata backward?

The DJI Avata has no proximity or avoidance sensors, neither frontal, on sides, or backward. 

If you fly backward with your Avata, you will not know your surroundings and what is behind your drone.

Your visual field will be restricted to only observing forward, and there is no way to automate this function as with standard drones.

Note: And we do have to mention one more time, to attempt flying the DJI Avata backward in Manual Mode, you will likely crash the drone if you don’t have the required experience and knowledge to do so.