If Santa Brought a Drone, Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Fly
Did Santa send a drone to your house this year? Drones were expected to be on a lot of Christmas lists for 2014. Newegg published a gift guide on how to buy a drone for any skill level, and the Elf on the Shelf even rode on one.
We’re not sure how many unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) actually ended up underneath somebody’s tree—or circling it—but take heed. If you thought you escaped wading through instructions for this gift, think again. There are safety guidelines that need to be followed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in partnership with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Academy of Model Aeronautics, and the Small UAV Coalition, launched a new website and education campaign titled “Know Before You Fly,” timed to the holiday season.
According to the announcement,
The ease of acquiring UAS technology has led to a proliferation of unmanned flights, some of which are authorized and some of which are not. When it comes to unauthorized flights, many well-meaning individuals and prospective business operators want to fly and fly safely, but they don’t realize that, just because you can buy a UAS, doesn’t mean you can fly it anywhere, or for any purpose.
Here’s how to stay off the naughty list:
- Fly your unmanned aircraft below 400 feet
- Don’t fly your unmanned aircraft beyond your line of sight
- Do fly with local clubs
- Don’t fly near airports or any manned aircraft, people or stadiums
- Take a lesson before you fly
- Inspect your aircraft before you fly
- Don’t fly anything that weighs more than 55 pounds
- Fly for fun, not for payment or commercial purposes (unless you have FAA approval)
- Don’t be careless. You can be fined if you endanger people or other aircraft.
If you have any questions, watch the “Know Before You Fly” video.
Remember, fly your drone responsibly. And, perhaps we all need more eggnog.
