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DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro: How to Register (Video)

One of the appealing things about the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro is that they are both sub-250g drones. This is great for countries that might require hobbyists to fly drones in this weight class.

In the United States, sub-250g drones are wildly popular because it means hobbyists do not need to register them. If the Mini 3/ Mini 3 Pro is being used commercially, it must be registered.

This article and the included YouTube video will serve as a step-by-step guide, going through the entire drone registration process, for both recreational flyers and commercial drone operators.

When to Register

As mentioned, the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro do not need to be registered if you are flying them for recreational purposes only, as many hobbyists do.

However, there are those that choose to register their Mini drones, regardless if registration is needed or not.

Then there are those that must register the Mini 3 Pro. These are those individuals that are planning to use the Mini 3 for commercial purposes:

• All drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers.
• Drones registered under part 107 may be flown for recreational purposes as well as under part 107.
• Drones registered under the Exception for Recreational Flyers cannot be flown for Part 107 operations.

Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)

In short, if the Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro is going to be flown commercially or for the furtherance of business, it will need to be registered under the umbrella of the owner’s Part 107 certificate.

» MORE: FAA Part 107 for Commercial Drone Pilots (Step-by-Step Guide)

» MORE: Can the DJI Mini 3 Pro Be Used Professionally?

How to Register the Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro

Step 1: On a PC or Mac, open an internet browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox).

Step 2: In your web browser’s search bar, type in FAA Drone Zone and choose FAADroneZone Access – Home. You will be brought to the FAAs drone-related page.

STEP 3: On the left side of the screen you will see Register Your Drone, click on Create Account.

STEP 4: After being brought to the Create Account screen, enter all of your pertinent personal information, including a working email (as this will be used for login purposes) and a strong password for the account.

You will be sent a verification email to the email address used to create the Drone Zone account.

STEP 5: Log in to the email account you used to open your DroneZone account, then open the email from UAS.FAADroneZone@faa.gov. Click on Verify Account. You will be brought back to the FAA Drone Zone site.

STEP 6: After verification is successful, click on Back to Login.

STEP 7: Log in to the FAA Drone Zone site, using the verified account credentials you set up earlier. You’ll now be brought to the FAADroneZone Services page, where you can select various services.

STEP 8: Press +Add a Service, then select the Drone Owners and Pilots Service button. Now press the Add Service button at the bottom of the screen.

You’ll be brought back to the main FAADroneZone Services screen, with the Drone Owners and Pilots service populating your Service box.

STEP 9: Press the Launch Drone Owners and Pilots Dashboard button.

You’ll be brought to the Account Types area, where you can register your drone under either a Part 107 or Recreational Flyer account.

For Part 107 Registration

STEP 10: If you will be registering your Mini 3 or Pro under a Part 107 account, choose Set Up Part 107 account. You will be asked to fill in your Part 107 Profile. If you are registering as a hobbyist, scroll down for the For Recreational Flying instructions.

After the Part 107 profile section is completely filled out, select Proceed to Dashboard at the bottom of the page.

STEP 11: On the Dashboard, select Manage Device Inventory on the Inventory portion of the dashboard on the left-hand side of the screen.

You’ll see your Shopping Cart and Registered Inventory are both empty.

STEP 12: Press Add Device on the upper right-hand side of the page. Here you will input all of the information for your Mini 3. After this is entered, press Add Device.

You’ll then get a message that the device has been added to your shopping cart and you’ll be brought back to your shopping cart.

STEP 13: At the Shopping Cart screen, Press Checkout.

STEP 14: On the next screen, Acknowledgement of FAA Requirements, check the small box at the bottom and hit Next.

This will send you through the steps to make your payment for the registration, which is $5 and is valid for three years.

For Recreational Flying

If you are registering as a hobbyist, choose Set Up Recreational Flyer Account.

STEP 11: Completely fill out the Recreational Flyers Profile and press Proceed to Checkout.

STEP 12: On the next screen, Acknowledgement of FAA Requirements, check the small box at the bottom and hit Next.

STEP 13: You’ll now be brought to an Inventory page. You’ll see your Inventory is empty. Press Add Device.

STEP 14: Input all of the information for your Mini 3. After this is entered, press Add Device.

You’ll receive an acknowledgment that a device has been added to your inventory.

STEP 15: Press Next while on the Inventory Page.

This will send you through the steps to make your payment for the registration, which is $5 and is valid for three years.

After these steps have been taken, whether as Part 107 or as a Recreational flyer, you can freely go into the FAADroneZone site dashboard and manage, add/or delete drones as you buy and sell them, as well as view lots of other drone-related information tied to your specific account.

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Can You Fly a Drone in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is the biggest city in Iceland and its capital. You can learn about the Icelandic Vikings at its museums, marvel at the architecture of its domes and churches, or soak in a spa.

You’d love to visit Reykjavik with your drone.

Can you fly a drone in Reykjavik?

According to the Icelandic Transport Authority, you can fly a drone in Reykjavik. However, you have to follow European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Icelandic Transport Authority rules.

If you’re soon planning a trip to Reykjavik and want to learn all the pertinent drone laws, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide will explore where you can fly and when, so make sure you check it out!

Can you fly a drone in Reykjavik?

As mentioned in the intro, the Icelandic Transport Authority establishes drone flight rules in Iceland.

That’s in consultation with the Environment Agency and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which countries in the European Union abide by.

Under those drone rules, commercial and recreational pilots can operate a drone in Reykjavik.

You must follow the appropriate drone rules when in the sky. We also recommend using a drone app, especially when traveling to another country.

You could experience language barriers on your travels, but you’re still expected to know the pertinent Icelandic drone laws, nevertheless.

A drone app with real-time maps will indicate where you can fly versus where you can’t without the need to know a word of Icelandic.

Remember, red areas denote no-fly zones, and yellow areas are warning zones. If you see any blue bubbles spaced across the map, you likely cannot fly there either without authorization.

Where to fly a drone near Reykjavik

The whole of Iceland affords so many incredible, unforgettable drone flight opportunities.

We’ve narrowed it down to several places no further than two hours from Reykjavik for you to explore with your drone.

Loads of fun await!

1. Westfjords

The Westfjords region of Iceland is an administrative district. This part of northwestern Iceland has a low population count, so you never have to stress about large crowds.

Situated on the Denmark Strait, Westfjords is a heavily mountainous region named after its fjords or cliffside inlets.

Before you plan your visit, be aware that harsh weather like snow and ice can cause parts of Westfjords to shut down for months at a time.

Moreso, land communications can be iffy due to the fjords, so prepare accordingly before visiting with your drone.

2. Landmannalaugar

In the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland’s Highlands is Landmannalaugar, which is very close to Reykjavik.

The area connects to the Laugavegur hiking trail on its northern side, the same spot where the Iceland Touring Association hosts hikers.

Thus, you can expect Landmannalaugar to be more much populous than the Westfjords especially.

If you’re renting a car in Iceland, you cannot take rented vehicles on the roads to Landmannalaugar that allow motor vehicles. Since these are classified as F roads, you’d need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

3. Bruarfoss

About an hour and a half from Reykjavik is Bruarfoss, a part of Iceland esteemed for its waterfall.

Nicknamed Bridge Falls, Bruarfoss isn’t the biggest waterfall in Iceland, but it’s still a beautiful one. It’s no wonder another name for Bruarfoss among the locals is Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.

Keep in mind that Bruarfoss is another more remote part of Iceland, although not quite as much so as the Westfjords.

Still, charge up your drone and bring everything you need and maybe a few backup modes of communication to be safe.

You can take a rental car to Bruarfoss, which makes it more accessible to tourists like yourself.

4. Reykjanesfolkvangur

Only 40 minutes from Reykjavik is Reykjanesfolkvangur, a countryside region and reserve that safeguards the Reykjanes ridge volcano’s lava formations.

This area has a lot to see, including Krysuvikurberg, which has the biggest bird cliffs in the Southwest. Seltun is an active geothermal zone, while Kleifarvatn is a mineral lake and beach with black sands and hot springs.

The rusticism and remoteness of the area will give you peace and quiet to fly your drone, so don’t miss it.

5. Nauthusagil

Just under two hours away from Reykjavik is Nauthusagil in South Iceland. The ravine near the Eyjafjallajokull volcano and Stora-Mork farm grows rowan trees from which the trademark ravines come.

Across the ravine are waterfalls. While you can walk through the falls, make sure to use the ropes and chains around the ravine so you don’t slip and fall. Operate your drone cautiously to keep it dry.

Iceland drone laws to know before your trip

Before you schedule your flight to Iceland, make sure you study up on these drone laws. They’ll help you when flying around Reykjavik.

Your drone must be in the European Union’s Open category

You’ll recall that the Icelandic Transport Authority works with EASA as a European Union member. Thus, you must meet EASA’s criteria to operate a drone in the Open category.

That means your drone meets class labels 0 through 4, and you bought it before January 1^st, 2023.

The drone must not ascend beyond 400 feet or 120 meters, it must not fly over people unless it weighs less than 0.55 pounds or 250 grams, and it must not weigh more than 55 pounds or 25 kilograms at takeoff.

Additionally, you cannot use your drone to drop any goods, you must keep a visual line of sight on your drone, you cannot transport dangerous materials with your drone, and you must keep your distance from crowds.

You must mark the drone with identifying information

The Icelandic Transport Authority requires drone pilots in the country to properly identify their UAVs. On your drone, mark down your phone number, full name, and address.

Do not interfere with other vehicles

Whether it’s motor vehicles, ships, other unmanned vehicles, or manned aerial vehicles, your drone flight path cannot get in the way of any of them.

Reroute your coordinates if necessary to avoid manned aircraft especially.

Keep in mind that if your drone causes damages of any kind when in Iceland, you have to pay for them. That’s a large cross to bear!

Maintain a visual line of sight

EASA requires drone pilots to keep a visual line of sight on their UAVs, as does the Icelandic Transport Authority.

VLOS allows you to watch your drone when wearing glasses or contacts (as well as your naked eyes), but visual augmentation aids like binoculars are not allowed.

Don’t fly close to public buildings

To preserve the beauty of its architecture, Icelandic drone laws forbid pilots from flying any closer than 492 feet or 150 meters from any public building in a rural environment.

The rules change if you’re in an urban environment. Then you can’t fly within 164 feet or 50 meters. That’s quite a significant difference, so know your area before you launch.

Avoid drone use near airports

The Icelandic Transport Authority prohibits drones within 1.24 miles or 2 kilometers of an international airport and 0.93 miles or 1.5 kilometers of other airports throughout the country.

Don’t fly over large groups of people

If you see a crowded environment, be it one of the tourist destinations from the last section or elsewhere in Reykjavik, you mustn’t operate your drone over the crowd.

Limit your altitude

In Iceland, a drone’s max altitude over the ground is 394 feet or 120 meters, not 400 feet like you might be accustomed to.

Insure heavier drones

If your drone exceeds 44 pounds or 20 kilograms or weighs thereabouts that much, drone laws require you to insure the UAV before you can legally fly it.

Recreationally, the Icelandic Transport Authority requires drones to weigh 55 pounds or 25 kilograms or under in a rural environment and 15.5 pounds or 7 kilograms or under in an urban environment.

As for commercial drones, the rural weight limit is the same, but a drone flying in an urban environment cannot weigh more than 6.61 pounds or 3 kilograms.

Reykjavik is a beautiful part of Iceland that permits drones.

However, you must follow the European Union’s drone rules and those established by the Icelandic Transport Authority.

Good luck and happy flying!

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Evolving through Disruption: The DroneUp Way

_{By John Vernon (Chief Technology Officer for DroneUp)}

One of the things that I love about DroneUp is the experience of connecting with people that have a common zeal for drone technology and development and the potential for opportunities to serve our communities. When tech companies can “build a thing” that enhances the quality of life for everyone, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires transformation.

Tech disruption in the 21st century is not so different from the disruptions of new inventions in the early days of The American and European Industrial Revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries. The challenges and obstacles, as in the days of Ford and Carnegie, are much the same today. Among them, the acceptance of technology evolution. As societal demands change, the need for more safe, exceptional, and complex solutions will drive innovation; and thus, disruption of human paradigms and biases about new technology.

For DroneUp, we believe in a culture that places high value on Doing the Right Thing. This necessitates our leadership to reflect the importance of effective communication. This high level of communication is truthful, honest, and transparent and requires fortitude and courage; both from our leaders and our team members. Additionally, having the right people in the right place.

Leadership through digital disruption presupposes that there is a general acceptance of new ideas and models.  Presumption occurs when we assume formal company communication will act as a tool to motivate employee buy-in;  and think that they actually will!  The truth: Disruption is more complicated and nuanced. It’s ugly, frustrating, and beautiful at the same time! The challenge for transformational leadership is rigorous and rugged Change Management. Having the right people in the right roles minimizes the need to keep people motivated. Motivated people thrive in disruption and they embrace change. For companies and firms to evolve in the midst of a digital transformation, the people involved must resonate with what the leader envisions, communicate the cause with the same passion that the leader has, and be intentional about the outcomes. This includes our Way of Working; processes, practices, and daily execution of activities.

Doing the right thing is so much more easily said than done and this is especially true when driving disruption requires rapid decision-making and an ongoing commitment to digital literacy and evolution. Developing a culture that can move from storming to norming quickly and frequently is critical to success. It’s exactly this process of breaking and setting that yields stronger bones and people that can adapt to new ideas and changes easily. Without this as the culture, we are doomed to address all problems through the lens of the past and not focus on how we turn problems into opportunities.

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A drone could save your life – Medical emergency drones’ European roadshow

When we hear about drones, often the focus is on the negatives, such as worries about privacy and noise. It is rare that we stop to think about the substantial benefits they will bring in the future: in the best-case scenario, they will be saving human lives.

From 7 March to 12 April, a European drone roadshow is set to present medical emergency drones designed to transport medical equipment and passengers as part of the EU-funded AiRMOUR project.

“Transport system pain points become clear in rescue operations. They are particularly well highlighted when it comes to difficult-to-reach places and emergency situations, where every second counts,” explains Forum Virium Helsinki Project Manager Renske Martijnse-Hartikka.

EMERGENCY FIRST AID VIA DRONES

Picture this: you are out hiking in the middle of a forest, on an island or atop a hill. From out of nowhere, a snake bites you or something in your snack bar causes a life-threatening allergic reaction, but the ambulance or helicopter cannot get to you quickly. Sometimes help does not arrive until it is too late.

Now let’s imagine the same situation, but in a few years’ time. This time, help arrives promptly. So, what has changed? Emergency medical services now use drones, which are able to fly cortisone, an EpiPen, or a first aid kit to challenging locations. Larger drones can even fly doctors to the scene to help. Innovations don’t get much more revolutionary!

LIFESAVING DRONES IN EUROPE – COME AND SEE

The roadshow events will showcase the drones’ features and how they operate, allowing attendees to either see them in flight or attend presentations on the drones’ benefits and challenges. The public and the media can come and see the drones up close and, if they wish, participate in public surveys.

Roadshow schedule:

• KASSEL (GERMANY): 7 March 10am–4pm drone flight open to all.
• KASSEL: 8 March workshops for medical and city stakeholders.
• LUXEMBOURG: 10 March 10am–6pm drone validation flight open to all at Place de l’Europe.
• LUXEMBOURG: 13 March 10am–5pm at Eurocontrol Learning Centre for medical and governmental stakeholders.
• HELSINKI (FINLAND): 4 April 10am–5pm drone flight to Suomenlinna island. For media, medical and city stakeholders, as well as the general public.
• HELSINKI: 6 April 10am–4pm medical emergency drone and passenger drone on display for the media and general public in Kansalaistori square, in front of Helsinki Central Library.
• STAVANGER (NORWAY): 12 April, save the date, more details to be announced.

For more information and registration instructions: airmour.eu/airmour-roadshow-events-spring-2023.

WHY DRONES AND WHY NOW?

Global population growth has been pushing traditional infrastructure to its limits. In particularly densely populated areas, traffic planning has become increasingly difficult. In the European Union alone, traffic congestion is estimated to cost society EUR 100 billion a year.

The AiRMOUR project is increasing Europe-wide understanding of the kinds of activities that will be required in the near future from cities, decision makers, researchers, the business sector and aviation operators. Additionally, lessons learnt during the project will be condensed into practical tools and training programmes for the sector. Forum Virium Helsinki is responsible for communications for this EU-funded project.

“Our task is to support cities with testing medical emergency drones and increasing public awareness of this new innovation, the responsibility it bears, and potential challenges. Taking first aid up into the airspace requires the overhaul of aviation legislation and urban and transport planning, to name just a couple of hurdles. In order to ensure public acceptance, the drones must be not just safe, but also quiet and reasonably priced,” Martijnse-Hartikka points out.

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SkyBound Rescuer is hiring

SkyBound Rescuer is a funded startup passionate about the use of drones in public safety. We have three exciting opportunities for individuals needed over the next few months, with a strong fit for our organisation and culture, self-motivated flexible individuals who understand that in joining our small team they will become significant contributors to the success of our business and will enable us on our lifesaving mission.

We have three exciting positions in the Operations Team, these are:

Mission Coordinator – As a SkyBound Network Mission Co-ordinator you will be creating missions using our software from initiation to launching the UA on the mission, monitoring the flight along with telemetry of other inputs to landing and completing a post-flight report. Competitive salary depending on experience plus benefits. You must already hold a GVC, and experience within the wider Emergency Services or Military is preferred.

Mission Coordinator hybrid-role (training and flight safety) – As a SkyBound Network Mission Co-ordinator hybrid role (training and flight safety), you will be creating missions using our software from initiation to launching the UA on the mission, monitoring the flight along with telemetry of other inputs to landing and completing a post-flight report. In addition to the coordinator duties, you will also be assisting the Flight Safety Manager with flight training and Air Safety Management. Competitive salary depending on experience plus benefits. You must hold a GVC, and experience within the wider Emergency Services or Military is preferred. Due to the nature of this hybrid role, you must also have a training and safety background.

Safety Operator – As a SkyBound Network Safety Operator you will be acting as a safety person stood by the Automated Drone Station, whilst carrying out VLOS or EVLOS flights with a standby Ground Control System. This role will re-role in the future to a more technical role whereby employees will be attending the ADS at location and carrying out servicing and test flights. Competitive salary plus benefits. You will already hold a GVC with experience of operating UAS VLOS.

All three positions will be based out of the Southampton office so your location will be rather important in the decision-making process. You will need to be able to travel to Southampton on a regular basis if not daily.

We welcome anyone that is interested in joining SkyBound Rescuer to send their CVs to [email protected] along with answers to these 2 questions: what are you most passionate about in life? What value would you like to bring to SkyBound Rescuer

SkyBound Rescuer is an equal opportunities employer and we actively encourage an inclusive culture within the business.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Can You Fly the DJI Mini 3/Mini 3 Pro at Night? (Explained for Beginners)

Is it legal to take that night flight? Worried about your DJI Mini 3’s performance at night? Or are you more concerned about its picture quality?

It is legal to fly the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro at night if you are a recreational flyer. Commercial drone pilots can fly these drones at night if it is equipped with a strobe light to make it visible for 3 statute miles. The image quality is usually very nice with either the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro in low-light conditions.

Before taking off for that night flight, the significant things to take into consideration before flying your drone are the legality and safety of the flight and the capabilities of your drone, with regard to what you’re actually planning the flight for.

Night flying rules and requirements

The first thing to look at is the legality and safety of flying the DJI Mini 3 Pro.

As far as the laws in the US go:

“(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system at night unless –

(1) The remote pilot in command of the small unmanned aircraft has completed an initial knowledge test or training, as applicable, under § 107.65 after April 6, 2021; and

(2) The small unmanned aircraft has lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.

The remote pilot in command may reduce the intensity of, but may not extinguish, the anti-collision lighting if he or she determines that, because of operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to do so.

(b) No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system during periods of civil twilight unless the small unmanned aircraft has lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision.

The remote pilot in command may reduce the intensity of, but may not extinguish, the anti-collision lighting if he or she determines that, because of operating conditions, it would be in the interest of safety to do so….”^[1]

Simply put, in the US, the law requires every drone user to have completed a knowledge test or training. In the case of recreational flyers, this is The Recreational UAS Safety Test (known as TRUST).

For commercial flyers, this is the Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107).

For night flights, a strobe light that can also be viewed from at least 3 statute miles is required.

Does the DJI Mini 3/Mini 3 Pro meet these requirements?

Unfortunately, the position lights which come with the DJI Mini 3 Pro do not meet the criteria for flying at night.

The position lights they come with are not strobe lights, and even if they were, the lights are not clearly visible for up to 3 statute miles on all sides.

To solve this issue, you can buy and attach strobe lights to your Mini 3, but you should take care to make sure you don’t purchase attachments or designs that will overload your drone and adversely affect the performance of your drone in flight.

It is important to note also that adding a strobe light will most definitely increase the weight of the drone, and therefore take it over the 250-gram limit for Small UAS.

This means you will have to register your drone as per FAA requirements.^[2]

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Most strobe lights can be stuck on using velcro. Watch the video below for some options.

For our International drone pilots, we recommend following these same protocols should you plan to fly your drone beyond 1-2 km from your line of view.

The lights which come with the Mini 3 are not the brightest, and it will be best for your safety and traffic in the sky.

It would be best to adopt the FAA standards and attach a strobe light (an FAA-approved strobe like the ones recommended above).

This may seem like a hassle, especially since the added weight may mean that you have to register your drone as well as take the basic operator’s certificate test, depending on the laws.

Still, these are usually simple steps that can mostly be done online, and the safety precautions, as well as the knowledge gained, are really worth the effort.

Night flying capabilities

Now for the fun part; when it comes to performance at night, barring any adverse weather, which legally must be avoided whether in the US, the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro are well equipped to handle most normal weather conditions that would be encountered at night.

They both have a Level 5 wind resistance, which according to the National Weather Service, is the equivalent of wind speeds of between 19 to 24mph.

This is good to take note of when making pre-flight checks prior to takeoff.

We recommend downloading a UAV forecast and taking note of the weather conditions before flight, including wind speeds, temperature, probability of precipitation, and so much more.

You can set the parameter limits based on the conditions and laws of your area, and it will automatically give you a fit to fly or not indication, which makes pre-flight a lot easier.

Night Flight Image Quality

When it comes to image and video quality, the DJI Mini 3 drone does not disappoint in any way.

The new 1 ⅓ inch CMOS sensor, as well as the larger F stop, that is, the camera’s f/1.7 aperture, records crisp, clear details.

The Mini 3 drone has a larger sensor and aperture (in fact, the f/1.7 aperture is larger than that of even large DJI drones) than its predecessor, allowing it to capture more light and present exceptional imagery in low-light or night scenarios.

The added 4x zoom feature is another handy feature that allows you to properly fix in on your desired object, as well as help you scout a scene before shooting.

They can both shoot in 4k, with the Mini 3 shooting up to 30fps, while the Mini 3 Pro can shoot up to 60fps. Both are of amazing quality, but the video on the Mini 3 Pro will be smoother.

The still shots are at 12MP for the Mini 3 and 48MP for the Mini 3 Pro.

To take advantage of these features while flying at night, here are a few tips

• Lock the gimbal and switch the mechanical shutter off to help reduce the chances of getting blurry images.

• Switch the front LED off to reduce the chances of the red-eye/light effect.

• Shoot in RAW always. It can be a hassle because it takes so much space, but you’ll be grateful, especially in post-production, since it captures way more detail.

• Switch the aspect ratio to 4:3 as opposed to 16:9 so as to capture more content in your frame.

• First, switch from auto in your DJI fly app to pro (manual basically) and set your shutter speed and ISO manually.

  Remember the Aperture for the Mini 3/Mini 3 Pro is fixed at f1.7, which is good enough for you to only need to adjust the ISO (the camera’s sensitivity to light) and shutter speed.

• For night flying, you will need to reduce your shutter speed. The shutter speed refers to how long the shutter remains open.

  The longer the shutter is open, the more light gets in.

  You can experiment with that to start with. This will help determine the best settings for your environment.

• By increasing the ISO, you will make the sensor more sensitive to light.

  This can help you use higher shutter speeds but will add noise to the image, which to some degree, can be removed in post-production.

  We advise limiting your ISO to between 100-300 max, depending on how much external lighting you have at night.

• For still shots, switch to tripod mode. These also help in capturing light trails and for long exposure shots.

  The drone movements will be restricted, but you will get steadier, crisper shots and smoother movements.

• For light trails, slower your shutter speed to between 1/50 to 4s.

Final tips for flying your DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro at night

These are extra general tips that I believe will help lead to a safer and more productive flight.

Be aware of your situation

Always take note of your surroundings, the weather, the rules and regulations regarding your location, and your flight objective.

Know your drone

Always remember that flying at night is more hazardous than during the day. Make sure to get fully accustomed to your drone, its capabilities, and camera settings before taking off.

This would make things much easier when you actually fly because proper pre-flight checks were performed.

Get acquainted with the other features and settings, such as the Return-to-Home features and Obstacle avoidance (available on the DJI Mini 3 Pro).

Get accustomed to them and their settings, and set parameters that match your environment and the obstacles around you.

For example, if you set out to fly, scan the area, and see that the highest obstacle in your flight path is around 80ft, set your RTH height to 110ft or more to give yourself enough room should you lose connection to your drone.

Set obstacle avoidance on DJI Mini 3 Pro to brake

For the Mini 3 Pro users, you may want to set your Obstacle avoidance protocol to Brake, as opposed to Bypass when recording videos.

This is just to help keep your shot smooth in an event where obstacle avoidance may be needed.

Remember, there is a speed limit for which the obstacle avoidance sensors will function.

Most of your shots will not need the drone to be moving at any high speeds anyways, and a lot can be done in post-production to speed up shots, so go slow and steady.

In conclusion, night flying, for whatever reason, can be a lot of fun, and the image quality is usually very nice with either the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 3 Pro.

These drones are definitely equipped to tackle the night skies, but always be mindful of applicable laws and rules with regard to your flight.

Make sure to properly prepare yourself to have a safe and productive flight. Be careful and have a great flight!

References:
1. Federal Register (link)
2. FAADroneZone (link)

• TheDroneBlog
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Can You Fly a Drone in Las Vegas?

The Gambling Capital of the World needs no introduction. Las Vegas attracts about 30 to 40 million visitors a year with all its promises of glitz, glamor, and maybe some gambling money.

Perhaps you’ve been before, or this will be your first time, but you want to bring your drone with you on your adventures.

Can you fly a drone in Las Vegas?

You can fly a drone in Las Vegas, but you’re prohibited from using it on public streets and parking lots, in city parks, on the Las Vegas Strip, near any airports, and in any other areas marked as restricted airspace.

In today’s article, we’ll review what constitutes allowable airspace in Vegas vs. what doesn’t and the consequences of breaking the rules.

If you have a trip to Las Vegas on the itinerary, the information ahead will be hugely useful!

Can you fly a drone in Las Vegas? All the places you’re prohibited from using a UAV

The state of Nevada, under the FAA, permits drone use. Even in Las Vegas, you’re allowed to fly a drone, albeit with a lot of restrictions.

Let’s review where you can’t use your drone throughout Las Vegas.

The Vegas Strip

Everyone knows that all the action in Vegas goes down on the Las Vegas Strip.

This 4.225-mile stretch of the city, resplendent in all the neon lights you can shake a stick at, features casinos and gambling floors, restaurants, performance venues, and hotels.

It’s the heart of Vegas and among the city’s biggest draws. Unsurprisingly, the entire stretch of the Vegas Strip is restricted airspace.

» MORE: Can You Fly a Drone on the Las Vegas Strip?

If you stop and think about it, this makes a lot of sense. The Las Vegas Strip attracts record-breaking crowds, so using your drone would always pose a risk due to all the people milling about.

On top of that, you’re five miles from the Harry Reid International Airport, formerly the McCarran Airport.

Five miles is a drone’s peak distance from an airport, so if you ventured too deep into the Strip, you’d already violate an FAA rule.

Public Parking Lots

Our Nevada drone laws article discussed the 2010 Las Vegas City Parks municipal ordinance.

Under this ordinance, in Chapter 13.58 – Aircraft Launching and Landing, the city makes it illegal for drone pilots to launch or land a drone on any public parking lot.

» MORE: Drone Laws in Nevada

It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking a full parking lot or an empty one. You can’t do it unless you have to make an emergency landing that would “protect life and property.”

A few other exceptions exist too. If you have City Council permission to use your drone in a parking lot, then you can, and government aircraft need not follow this rule either.

Public Roads

The same municipal ordinance from 2010, right down to the same section, bars drones from operating on public rights-of-way, highways, and streets throughout Las Vegas.

Las Vegas might not be the City That Never Sleeps, but it does tend to attract its fair share of around-the-clock action. You’ll be hard-pressed to find the roads deserted enough to consider flying a drone.

Besides, even if you wanted to, the FAA’s Operations Over Moving Vehicles law forbids it in most circumstances.

Near Airports

Besides Harry Reid, Las Vegas also has North Las Vegas Airport, although that’s a good ways away from the Vegas Strip.

Of course, Nevada as a whole contains plenty of airports too, and the rule stands on every single one. You can’t fly any closer than five miles.

In State Parks

Although Las Vegas and state parks don’t sound like they’d gel, Vegas has the Ice Age Fossils State Park. The Nevada State Parks system contains 26 more state parks across the state.

We know that most people who visit Vegas do so to capture the glimmering cityscape, but if you hoped for a change of pace and wanted to film greenery instead, you can’t do it, at least not at state parks.

Nevada State Parks makes that much clear on its website, stating:

“Use of drones is prohibited in Nevada State Parks unless in an area designated for that use by a park supervisor or by issuance of a special use permit for use of an unmanned aircraft.”

If you’re curious, you can likely fly a drone in a public park throughout Vegas, but the policies differ by the park.

You should contact a parks and rec representative or visit their website before bringing your drone to the park.

In Restricted Airspace

The above areas should be classified as restricted airspace, but other restricted airspace could abound in Vegas that would also prohibit drone use.

Use a resource like FLYSAFE (link) or your favorite drone app to determine where you’re forbidden from flying, where you can fly with LAANC authorization, and where you can fly without authorization (such as Class G airspace).

What happens if you break a drone law in Las Vegas?

Nevada has a lot of state and local laws that we recommend you brush up on before your trip, as the punishments for violations can be quite steep. Let’s go over some of those consequences now.

Flying near a critical facility

State law NRS 493.109 prohibits drones from venturing too close to any state critical facility.

You can’t use your drone 250 vertical feet or 500 horizontal feet from power lines, jails and prisons, mines, waste or water treatment centers, oil pipelines, chemical manufacturing plants, and petroleum refineries unless the owner gives you written permission.

If you break this law, you could receive a fine of up to $1,000 or spend six months behind bars.

Flying near an airport

We’ve stressed how you can’t use your drone closer than five miles from an airport. If you do so, it’s a misdemeanor charge.

Once again, you’re looking at a fine of $1,000 or six months of imprisonment.

Those restricted areas on drone maps are red for a reason!

Flying in federally restricted airspace

Nevada has a variety of military sites, including the:

• Nevada National Security Site
• Tonopah Test Range
• Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center
• Stead Air Force Base
• Creech Air Force Base
• Hawthorne Army Depot
• Naval Air Station Fallon
• Nellis Air Force Base

You’d violate 49 U.S. Code 46307 by flying too close to a Nevada military base and incur much more severe punishments.

You could have to pay a $250,000 fine or spend a year in federal prison.

Flying in prohibited places

From flying in other restricted airspace to areas with temporary flight restrictions such as during a chemical spill or wildfire, Nevada law takes it all very seriously.

The penalties for this crime include a fine of $250,000 or a year in federal prison.

Depending on the extent of the crime, you could also receive charges for violating privacy, drone trespass, and even terrorism.

Nevada drone laws to follow

Before we wrap up, let’s recap Nevada drone laws so you don’t end your Las Vegas trip behind bars or having to pay a substantial fine.

Remember, like all states in the United States, Nevada follows FAA guidelines.

Have your drone license and registration handy

All pilots need a drone license, including hobbyists and commercial pilots. These licenses include the TRUST certificate and Remote Pilot Certificate, respectively.

The FAA issues official drone licenses, and you can’t just get one.

Either way, you’re required to take a test, although the commercial drone exam is far more challenging than the recreational pilot exam. It’s also a paid test.

Make sure you’re carrying a current license. The TRUST certificate never goes out of date, but the Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for two years from the date it’s issued.

If you don’t recertify within that timeframe, your license will expire, and you’ll have to retake the Part 107 test.

In most instances, you must also register your drone.

That’s required for any UAV that weighs 0.55 pounds and up. The FAA issues drone registrations for three years at a time.

You need a current registration to legally fly.

Don’t operate drones over the weight threshold

An unmanned aircraft ascending the skies cannot weigh more than 55 pounds.

That can include the weight of your drone out of the box (or case, if you’ve owned it for long enough) or with additional accessories.

You can always reduce a heavier drone’s payload, but if your drone weighs 55 pounds without payload, it’s not sky-worthy under the FAA. You’ll have to fly a lighter drone instead.

Don’t fly over people

The FAA’s Operations Over People law prohibits all but the lightest drones from flying over people.

You’re supposed to stay 25 feet from crowds.

The Operations Over People law does allow you to fly closer to people you know who voluntarily participate in your drone usage.

Don’t use your drone when under the influence

Las Vegas is a party city. If you let the good times roll, have the judgment to decide whether to use a drone.

You cannot legally operate a drone when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, so don’t try it.

Avoid drone use in inclement weather

Las Vegas weather is predominantly hot, but the city can experience rain and wind with the best of ‘em. In inclement weather, plan to wait to fly your drone another day. It’s the law!

Give manned aircraft the right of way

If you’re abiding by other FAA rules, you shouldn’t find yourself too close to manned aircraft. In case it ever does happen, you’re legally required to give them the right of way.

Only fly 400 feet over the ground

The peak legal ascension rate for drones in Nevada and the rest of the US is 400 feet. Don’t fly your drone higher than that and don’t use it lower so it’s at risk of colliding into buildings or power lines.

Conclusion

You can legally fly a drone in Las Vegas, just not in as many places as you were probably expecting. Sin City prohibits drones around airports, national parks, parking lots, public roads, and the Las Vegas Strip.

You should also use a drone app to watch for any other restricted airspace and temporary flight restrictions.

You could face a steep punishment for violating a drone law in Nevada, so save those gambling earnings and fly on the right side of the law!

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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• TheDroneBlog
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Can You Fly a Drone in Key West?

A broader part of the Florida Keys, Key West is the furthest point south in Florida and about 90 miles from Cuba. The island city has gorgeous pastel homes, breathtaking coral reefs, and beaches that attract plenty of snorkelers and divers.

You’d love to capture all the wonders from your drone camera, but can you fly a drone in Key West?

You can fly a drone in Key West, but you have to stay within five miles of Key West International Airport and follow all drone guidelines established by the FAA. Since Key West is a small island, using a drone here becomes easier said than done.

This guide will help you clearly distinguish where you can use a drone in Key West versus where you can’t, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Can you fly a drone in Key West?

In our article on Florida drone laws, you’ll see no mention of Key West in the local regulations. So does that mean the city freely permits drones?

Well, not exactly.

» MORE: Can You Fly a Drone in Florida? (And Best Places to Fly)

You see, you can fly a drone in Key West, but determining where becomes the problem.

Key West is a tiny island measuring only 7.209 square miles. It’s 3.977 miles long.

Okay, so what’s the issue? Well, Key West International Airport^[1], the major airport in the city, prohibits drone pilots from flying within five miles of the airport.

That’s the entire length of Key West and then some!

To further complicate matters, not too terribly from the airport, you’ll find the Naval Air Station Key West. As military airspace, you surely can’t fly there either.

So that leaves us with the question, where can you fly in Key West?

Well, you have to kind of go the long way.

Venture out to Wisteria Island, which some people call Christmas Island. It’s about 10 minutes from Key West. The island is opposite Key West’s bay.

There, you can see views of Key West without technically venturing onto the lands of Key West. You’ll have lots of picturesque blue waters surrounding you as well as fantastic aerial views of the island.

Of course, if you’re intimidated by the thought of flying over so much water, then perhaps this part of Florida shouldn’t be on your shortlist.

Even if you could fly closer to Key West like you wanted to, you’d still have water all around you.

When navigating tight parameters as you must if you want to fly in Key West, we have to talk about using a drone app.

The real-time maps these apps include will let you see the military airspace from the airport and how far out each restricted area expands.

Note: Don’t leave home without a drone app downloaded on your phone!

Should I fly in Key West if I own a DJI drone?

As most readers know, DJI drones have more advanced protections designed to keep pilots in uncontrolled airspace.

If you’re approaching a restricted zone, a DJI drone won’t even fly.

Considering the high cost of most DJI drones and the fact that your drone could end up grounded at any point (and you’re surrounded by all that water), unless you plan to use it well outside of restricted airspace, maybe reconsider bringing it with you to Key West.

What happens if you fly a drone illegally in Key West?

Key West has alluring beauty but throwing the law aside to try to capture photos or videos of this part of Florida with your drone is inadvisable.

If you go through with it, you could incur the following punishments.

Fines

The FAA mandates that drones should stay a reasonable distance from airports.

Violating FAA rules means breaking federal law, so the fines you’ll receive are much costlier than the smaller $1,000 fines you might have read about.

For each incident, the FAA could fine you $32,666.

The oddly specific sum aside, that’s a huge amount of money. Having a fine like that hanging over your head could lead to dire financial consequences, especially if you can’t afford the full fine.

Keep in mind that the FAA will charge you that amount each time you fly fewer than five miles from Key West International Airport.

Imprisonment

Drone crimes can sometimes include imprisonment as well. The FAA seems likelier to fine you than put you behind bars, but you can never say never.

The terms of imprisonment for drone crimes start as low as 30 days and can last for months and sometimes even a year.

This punishment would be a severe imposition on your life, especially if you have to spend substantial time behind bars.

Drone loss

Although civilians can’t legally shoot down drones, the military can, especially if your drone crosses into military airspace and puts operations at risk.

Your drone could potentially be confiscated as well. Either way, you’re losing your drone, and possibly permanently.

Florida drone laws to know before your trip to Key West

Key West feels like its own tropical slice of paradise separate from the rest of the world, but it’s still within the United States, so you’re under the jurisdiction of the FAA.

As such, you have to follow these drone laws when you fly.

Carry your drone license

Before flying in Florida or elsewhere in the US, you must have a valid drone license issued by the FAA.

Recreational pilots should carry the TRUST certificate, and commercial pilots the Remote Pilot Certificate.

You can obtain either license by taking an exam, although the scope of the exams looks vastly different.

The TRUST exam is taken entirely online, with fewer questions and the option to correct any wrong answers before submitting your test.

The Part 107 commercial drone exam is an offline test with more questions and no option to see wrong answers until you get your test results.

Another difference? The duration of your license. A TRUST certificate never expires, whereas the Part 107 license lasts only two years.

You used to have to schedule another Part 107 exam, but now the FAA lets you recertify your Remote Pilot Certificate by taking a short, free online exam.

It’s a far better option for staying current so you can enjoy Key West.

Register your drone if required

Unless you pilot a toy drone, then the FAA mandates that pilots register their drones. If you own several drones, make sure you register each one.

FAA registration lasts for three years and costs $5 per drone.

Keep your drone within your line of sight

We’re sure you don’t want to risk it anyway considering all the open waters of Key West, but even still, you’re legally required to always have eyes on your drone.

If it ventures outside your line of sight, the drone becomes a significant risk to everyone around you.

Only use your drone during daylight hours unless you have lights

Waking up with the sun just feels natural in Florida, but you need sufficient daylight to use your drone.

You can enjoy flights until the sun sets, but once dusk hits, it’s time to pack it in and plan another day of flying tomorrow.

The FAA allows pilots to fly past dark if the UAV has anti-collision lighting visible from three statute miles. You must also enroll in ongoing online training or take another knowledge test.

Do not fly higher than 400 feet

The FAA requires all drone pilots to adhere to the altitude limit of 400 feet. You can fly lower than that if you wish (and if it’s safe) but not higher.

Keep your distance from crowds

The FAA’s Operations Over People law from 2021 prohibits all but Category 1 drones from flying over crowds. A Category 1 drone weighs 0.55 pounds or under.

If you see a substantial crowd, such as at a beach, and you don’t have anyone’s permission to use your drone in their vicinity, then don’t do it, especially if you’re a Category 2 or 3 drone.

Don’t use your drone in inclement weather

Florida weather vacillates between sunny, balmy days and rain, often in an unpredictable fashion.

When you see a downpour on the horizon, keeping your drone in safe, dry conditions is best until the weather passes.

At least that usually happens quickly in Florida!

Conclusion

You’re prohibited from flying within five miles of the Key West International Airport in Florida.

Considering that’s about the entire stretch of Key West, you’ll have to fly around this city rather than directly in it unless you can find permissible uncontrolled airspace.

If you’re looking for other areas around Florida where you can safely launch a drone, we recommend Sugarloaf Key, Scout Key, and Cranes Roost Park. Happy flying!

References:
1. Key West International Airport (link)

• DroneLife
• Posted By

Drones on Mars: Skypersonic on the Drone Radio Show Podcast with Randy Goers

Giuseppe Santangelo, CEO and Founder of Skypersonic, talks about its innovative Skycopter, the Simulated Mars Mission and the role that the company will play in the providing drones that will one day fly on Mars.   Listen to Giuseppe Santangelo with host Randy Goers.

This episode of the Drone Radio Show Podcast, hosted by Randy Goers, features Giuseppe Santangelo, CEO and Founder of Skypersonic.   Skypersonic is a leader in the use of drones for industrial inspections and first response emergency situations.  Their flagship product is the Skycopter: a drone with a tiltable video camera that is designed to work in extreme conditions and ultra-tight spaces. Skypersonic also invented the first-ever worldwide civil real-time remote piloting system that allows piloting in first-person view any drone, not just the Skycopter, located anywhere via the internet.  

 Skypersonic is a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, a provider of drone-based products, services, and solutions for the enterprise, military, and consumer markets.  Other companies within the Red Cat Holdings include Teal Drones, Fat Shark and Rotor Riot.  

Giuseppe is a mechanical engineer and has spent nearly all of his professional career in the aerospace industry.  He is a part-time professor at Wayne State University and collaborates at Lawrence Technology University as adjunct professor for the UAV Artificial Intelligence and Space System Engineering courses. He has been researcher and contract professor at the University of Catania of Italy in the Industrial Engineering Department. 

Giuseppe has been responsible for the development of projects on behalf of the European Space Agency at Thales Alenia Space in Turin. He participated in the engineering design and development of several equipment for the International Space Station with NASA. 

In 2022, Skypersonic delivered to NASA the hardware and software for a rover and drone system that the crew members of NASA’s Simulated Mars Missions will use to remotely explore Martian-like terrain around Earth – all from their 1,700-square-foot simulated Martian habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. 

In the Simulated Mars Missions, crew members will spend one year living and working in a habitat at Johnson Space Center that has been designed and built to simulate life on the Red Planet. The Skypersonic drones and rover will be taken to an area on Earth that is similar to Martian terrain – such as a desert or mountainous region – where they will be controlled remotely by crew members in Houston. The exercise is designed to test the ability of astronauts on Mars to remotely explore the planet with drones and rovers.  

Giuseppe talks about Skypersonic, its innovative Skycopter, the Simulated Mars Mission and the role that the company will play in the providing drones that will one day fly on Mars. 

Missed the last one?  Catch up:

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

• TheDroneBlog
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Can You Bring a Drone to Paris?  

I have been thinking about traveling to Paris and wondered if bringing my DJI Mavic 3 drone would be permissible. However, as much as I would love to capture the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe from 100m, I don’t want to at the expense of a hefty fine or incarceration.

And better yet, I want to know the limitations of bringing a drone to Paris. This article discusses the restrictions and rules on bringing a drone to Paris and how to do it legally.

Can I legally bring a drone to Paris?

A drone can be legally brought into France, and this means you can also bring it with you to the city of Paris. But flying the drone in Paris is a different issue.

Essentially, the entire metropolitan area of Paris has been declared a “No Fly Zone” with possible fines or detainment for infractions.

Always refer to the No Flight Zones in France map to identify restricted drone flight areas. In addition, to avoid imprisonment or possibly paying up to a €75,000 fine, it is advisable to adhere to the following laws:

• Respect the privacy of others when flying a drone
• Avoid flying drones over large crowds or people
• Drones must not fly over areas where aircraft are operating or airports (8km/5 mi radius)
• Drones should be flown only during daylight hours if weather conditions are good.
• Flying drones in areas like military or government facilities or using drone cameras in restricted areas are prohibited.

How to legally bring a drone through Customs to Paris

You can bring a drone to France with very little difficulty, but we must adhere to their drone laws before attempting to enter the country. However, we can take several steps to ensure compliance when entering France or Paris.

Tips on how to comply with drone laws in France

To ensure compliance with the laws of France for drones, these are some helpful tips on entry:

1. Do I have to register my drone?

When entering France or any other country, make sure and register the drone and follow the rules for the country visiting. If the country’s drone rules are ignored, it could lead to stiff fines, drone confiscation, or incarceration time.

2. What agencies do I need to register my drone with when visiting France?

Make sure and register the drone with the following agencies in France:

• European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) – Establishes rules for all operators of drones in countries comprising the European Union.
• French Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA) – Drone rules that apply only to drone operators in France require registration at Alpha Tango. The site will issue a unique ID upon registering, and it must be attached to the drone.

3. European Union registration exemptions for unmanned aircraft

There are some exemptions for registering certain types of unmanned aircraft in the EU, including:

• Any unmanned aircraft that qualifies as a toy per the interpretation Directive 2009/48/EC
• An unmanned aircraft weighing less than 250 grams and not equipped with a camera or other means of capturing personal data
• A control line aircraft with a takeoff weight of no more than 1 kg

Avoid penalties by understanding drone rules categories

Drone rules are grouped into three different categories. These categories include drones’ level of risks, weight, and intended method of operation.

The three categories for drone registration are:

1. Open category

Drones qualifying for the open category weigh 25kg or less and do not exceed flying at 120m. If the drone falls within these parameters, it does not have to be declared or have prior authorization since it falls within the low level of risk.

2. Specific category

Specific categories require authorization since they do not meet the open classification category and are considered moderate-level risks. In addition, this category requires a declaration to the FCAA if the planned operation falls under a standard scenario.

3. Certified category

This category is the most restrictive and requires a remote pilot license and a drone certificate based on the implied danger of the flight. The Certified category typically involves larger drones and is more challenging than the other categories.

Basic flying rules for drones in France

Once it has been decided on what category fits your drone flying, some basic rules exist. These rules include the following:

• If the drone is in the open category, fly the drone 50 meters above the ground, or 120 meters in the specific category.
• Be cautious of flying a drone in populated or residential areas, as disruptions may create repercussions.
• Maintain a 500-meter buffer zone from isolated animals, people, buildings, or other structures. If this isn’t possible, then make sure to have consent from individuals or owners.
• Have a one-kilometer buffer zone around residential areas.
• Keep the drone in constant eye contact within the 500-meter distance limitation.
• Maintain an eight-mile distance from airports or five miles for helicopter sites.
• Avoid flying drones at night, regardless of flight classifications.
• Avoid flying drones near military installations, archeological sites, or public facilities.
• When flying a drone for recreational purposes, never broadcast any aerial photos or videos without the subjects’ permission, and do not sell them for commercial use.

Specific Paris rules for flying drones

The Paris metropolitan area is designated as a No Fly Zone for drones. Anyone caught flying a drone can be punished with up to a €75,000 fine, confiscation of the drone, or imprisonment.

With such severe penalties, it is imperative to know the basic laws for flying drones in Paris and adhere to their rules and regulations.

A useful tool for reference is the Map of No Flight Zones in France if you are feeling adventurous.

There are some specific rules for flying drones in the environs of Paris, including:

• Avoid flying the drone over large crowds and people.
• Respect privacy when flying a drone.
• Avoid airports and areas of operating aircraft (five mile/8 km radius).
• Only fly in good weather during the day and keep the drone in view.
• Avoid flying around government, military, and other restricted facilities.
• Do not take photos or videos in restricted areas.

Register your drone with DGAC

You must register your drone with DGAC (French Civil Aviation Authority) to comply with Paris and France’s drone rules. Your information must be on file at DGAC before your drone can be registered with governing bodies.

To register with DGAC, you will have to provide the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Email address
• Photo

All drones must have liability insurance

To comply with Paris drone laws, operators must have drone insurance.

Paris drone insurance requirements

1. You must have insurance if your drone weighs over 800 grams (1.7 pounds). This rule applies to all drones, whether professional or toy drones.
2. Insurance can be acquired from third parties or the drone manufacturer if available. There may be different levels and costs for coverage depending on the intended use and flying time.
3. Before flying your drone, you must have insurance and carry proof of insurance while flying the drone. If requested, either by authorities or fellow drone pilots, you must show your insurance papers for proof of coverage.

Fly drones in daylight hours only

Except for some exceptions, you can only fly a drone during daylight hours. These exceptions include the following:

1. Licensed pilots
2. Those with special permits
3. Model aircraft
4. Commercial drones with an installed lighting system turned on

Maintain line of sight with the drone at all times

Drones are required to be flown within line of sight at all times. If your drone is out of sight, it can not be controlled and is, therefore, illegal in France and Paris. This rule also pertains to flying drones on cloudy days or around tall obstructions like office buildings.

It is illegal for any drone operator, including licensed pilots, to fly drones without having a clear view of the drone. In addition, flying drones out of visual range is unlawful unless the appropriate governing agency gives special permission.

Flying drones over people, public events, or urban areas is prohibited

When flying drones near Paris, it is crucial to understand applicable drone laws. With over 2 million citizens, Paris prohibits flying drones over groups of people or any urban areas.

In addition, flying drones over public events or demonstrations is illegal and forbidden due to security considerations. Any flights over public congregations or facilities without permission should be avoided.

Flying drones within eight kilometers of airports is strictly forbidden

Flying drones within eight kilometers of airports/heliports is forbidden and illegal. The exception is acquiring a special permit for flying within the eight-kilometer restriction. Also, it is required to keep in constant contact visually with the drone at all times.

To receive authorization, one must adhere to the following requirements:

• Not exceed 150 meters in height
• Stay within 500 meters of the drone
• Be within a maximum of 400 meters AGL (Above Ground Level)
• Not hovering over buildings or other infrastructure

It is prohibited to fly drones in restricted areas

It is illegal to fly drones in restricted areas without special permission or authorization.

To obtain authorization, email DGAC with the drones to be used, models, and serial numbers. In addition, include the following:

• Name and address
• Schedule of flights with dates and times
• People other than yourself who are involved with the intended flights

Flying a drone in Paris requires meeting a lot of rules

If you want to fly your drone in Paris, there are several regulations and rules you need to understand and follow first.

Among these rules is the prohibition of flying a drone above 120 meters (400 feet) without prior French authorization.

In addition, it is imperative to know the limitations of flying around airports and urban or public areas. The limits for each are:

1. Airports – Do not fly within 50 meters without special authorization/permission.
2. Public buildings – Do not fly within 150 meters of urban buildings or public access areas like museums.
3. Unauthorized public gatherings – Do not fly over people without authorization to participate in the drone flight or any subsequent videos/photos.

Keep up to date on rules for flying drones in Paris

When visiting Paris, check for any rule changes or updates. As the rules are frequently changed, or new ones are introduced, we must be fully aware of current rules and regulations for flying drones in Paris and France.

References:
EASA (link)