Need clarification on rules for flying quadrocopter drones that weigh less than 250 grams

Store.HolyStone.com ^ | June 18, 2022 | E. Pluribus Unum

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I just ordered a Holy Stone HS175D GPS quadrocopter that weighs 215 grams.

https://store.holystone.com/products/hs175d

I chose one under 250 grams because there are less stringent regulations.

The regulations are extremely confusing because they intermingle commercial and recreational and sub-250 gram information so you're not sure what applies where.

All I want to do is fly it over my house so I can check the roof and look out over the woods behind my house.

I have compiled a checklist of what I need to do to fly it legally.

1. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).
2. Register the drone with the FAA on the FAADroneZone website.
3. Have a copy of the TRUST completion certificate when I fly.
4. It does not appear my house is in a restricted airspace zone: FAA UAS Data Map.
5. Stay below 400 feet Above Ground Level.
6. Have a visual observer who can see the UAV if flying FPV.

As I said, all I want to do is fly it over my house. I just want to make sure I don't have FAA cops showing up five minutes later.

Is there anything I missed?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

I would welcome any additional advice regarding personal drones you might have.

[kiryandil]

For reference, 454 grams is one pound.

Thanks for this post!

[cll]

I am a retired Army Aviator and certified commercial pilot in both helicopters and airplanes. All these years and I can’t still make sense of many FAA regulations.

Don’t feel bad, don’t take it too seriously, don’t bust any airspace, and enjoy your drone.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

According to this article, you don't have to register your drone if it is for strictly recreational purposes. It is so confusing.

https://pilotinstitute.com/sub-250-part-107/

If you’re flying a sub-250 drone strictly for recreational purposes, then there are just a few guidelines that you need to know. You will not need to register your drone but will have to comply with other rules under Section 44809. These are basic guidelines that include flying only within visual line of sight and not operating in controlled airspace without prior authorization.

[smokingfrog]

I think you’re good.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Looks like you need to label your drone too:

https://3dinsider.com/drone-labeling/

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Thanks. I am looking forward to it.

[UNGN]

The whole registering your drone thing has been butt stupid since it was implemented.

Nefarious actors aren’t going to register their killer drones, so when they take out a soft target, is the FAA going to come after them to slap their wrist?

Dumb when proposed, still dumb.

[myprecious]

Many years ago, I had the same nightmare several times. I dreamed there were flying discs swarming through the halls of my first grade school. I interpreted these as UFOs for many years. Since then, I have come to the conclusion that they were drones in a premonition.

In the dream, I realized it was a dream and looked for ways to awaken me. I found my red wagon and struck my head with the handle until I woke up.

Unnerving.

[Chickensoup]

Have they started to make the tiny DUNE bee- drones yet?

[SkyDancer]

Try FFA.gov and check the website for details.

[TexasGator]

“The regulations are extremely confusing because they intermingle commercial and recreational and sub-250 gram information so you’re not sure what applies where.”

Are you commercial? No

Are you under 0.55 pounds? Yes

Case closed.

[winterystorm]

If I can’t get the FAA to do anything about aerobatic bi planes practicing over my house- I think your safe not registering that drone.
The FAA is not concerned about that thing.
They sure were not concerned with my video of the Bi plane flying in the air space with an Emergency Hospital Helicopter flying by.

[null and void]

I can’t tell you, it’s classified...

[Yo-Yo]

Download the app “B4UFly” It will tell you based on your phone’s geolocation whether there are any restrictions.

[CodeToad]

Here are a few simple rules to follow and you’ll probably stay out of all trouble.

1. Stay away from other people and their property, including government property.
2. Stay away from airports.
3. Don’t fly where you think other air traffic is flying.

Do those three very simple things and you’ll probably never hear from anyone about your flying a drone.

[Deaf Smith]

If I choose to fly the drone I have, I will get that TRUST certification right after I get that FCC license I was supposed to have in the 70’s to operate a CB radio.

[drSteve78]

Just put a Biden Harris sticker on it and you’ll be fine.

[backwoods-engineer]

STOP TRYING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL RULES ON DRONES! People like you who comply are the reason we can’t have freedom.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

Here’s how I look at these things: The overwhelming majority of people most places I go these days are effing idiots. Like literal mongoloid level idiots.

I don’t follow any rules anywhere that don’t make sense. I just go about my business until someone says something. Then, I pretend I’m one of the idiots.

So, I’m going to fly my drone. (I actually do fly my drone) If I get static from someone, I’ll pretend to be one of the idiots.

I have yet to get any static.