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Hobby drones: regulations, recommendations and responsibilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Before going out and buying a personal drone, more formally known as an unmanned aircraft system, there are many safety guidelines and rules that might influence the decision to buy or not to buy.

The Federal Aviation Administration recently released Joint Order 7210.891 and Advisory Circular 91-57A that defines procedures on how to operate UAS within the National Airspace System. The FAA defines a small UAS as weighing less than 55 pounds and a large UAS as anything 55 pounds or more. 

UAS come in a variety of shapes and sizes and serves many purposes. Regardless of the size or a drone, or any other kind of aircraft, the responsibility to fly safely applies to unmanned aircraft operations just as much as manned operations.

"The purpose of the regulations put forth by the FAA is to protect the lives of aircrew and passengers who transition throughout our airspace," said Capt. Emma Carpenter, 92nd Operation Support Squadron airfield operations flight commander.

The FAA has partnered with several industry associations to promote "Know Before You Fly," a campaign to educate the public about using UAS safely and responsibly. Individuals flying for hobby or recreation should follow these safety guidelines.

GUIDELINES:
· Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible
· Keep your UAS in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed
· Remain clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times
· Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft - you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft
· Don't fly within five miles of an airport unless you contact the airport control tower and receive express approval before flying

While the FAA rules allow for a waiver to be obtained by hobbyists who wish to fly drones within five nautical miles of an airfield, Fairchild AFB currently "does not conduct UAS operations" per Fairchild Air Force Base Instruction 13-201, Airfield Operations, para 2.24, and therefore drone operations are prohibited within that radius.

In addition to the FAA rules, the Department of Transportation published new regulations regarding the registration of drones, the rules apply to all drones, irrespective of whether they are flown commercially or as a hobby.

Existing drones will have to be registered with the FAA no later than February 19, 2016, using a new Web-based registration and tracking system, which is scheduled to begin on December 21, 2015.

"UAS operations pose a significant hazard to the manned aircraft flight," said Carpenter. "Our goal is to mitigate this hazard by educating the public on safe practices and the appropriate notification procedures prior to UAS operations."

For more information on UAS operations in the NAS, visit the FAA at: http://www.faa.gov/uas/. or to register your UAS visit: http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/