Recreational Fliers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations
Step 1: Register Your Drone
Even if you’re only flying in your backyard, drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds must be registered.
1. Register your drone with the FAA – Visit faadronezone.faa.gov and select “Fly Model Aircraft under Section 336” to get started.
- You must be at least 13 years old to register your drone. If you are less then 13 years old, a responsible adult must register in your place.
- Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.
2. Once you’ve registered, mark your drone (PDF) with your registration number in case it gets lost or stolen.
Step 2: Review the Rules
It is important to review the rules for flying your drone, prior to your first flight.
- Fly only for fun or recreation
- Follow the safety guidelines of a model aircraft community-based organization
- Fly at or below 400 feet when in uncontrolled airspace (Class G)
- Fly within visual line-of-sight, meaning you as the drone operator use your own eyes and needed contacts or glasses (without binoculars), to ensure you can see your drone at all times.
- Never fly near other aircraft.
- Never fly over groups of people, public events, or stadiums full of people.
- Never fly near or over emergency response efforts.
If you want to fly more advanced drone operations, review the Part 107 operational waiver information.
Step 3: Where Can You Fly
Knowing where you can and can’t fly your drone will help to maintain a safe airspace for not only you, but others flying as well. You are responsible for flying within FAA guidelines and regulations. That means it is up to you as a drone pilot to know the Rules of the Sky, and where it is and is not safe to fly.
Be sure to download the B4UFLY app on your mobile device. This will assist you in being a responsible drone pilot.