The Federal Aviation Administration is in charge of the airspace from the ground up in the United States and territories, and for that reason mandates aircraft and pilots all need some type of identification and certification, including drones and their operators.
All drone operations fall under Part 107 of the U.S. Code that allow for commercial operations, while a set of rules has been set out for recreational operations. Small "mini" drones weighing under 250 grams (about 8 ounces) do not require registration with the FAA unless used for commercial use. However, all recreational pilots must take a free online course called TRUST and carry that certificate with them.
Among the rules for all drone pilots, no flying: beyond visible line of sight of the drone (about 1000 feet depending on drone size), over 400 feet above ground, over people and moving vehicles, at dark without an attached 3 mile visible light, and no take off or landing in designated "no fly" zones.
All drones over that weight must be registered with the FAA ($5 for three years). If the pilot is flying for commercial use, they must pass a Part 107 exam ($175) and carry their FAA issued UAS Remote Pilot Certificate with them.
Beginning March 16, 2024 the FAA is enforcing and requiring all drones to have "Remote ID," a device that broadcasts the location of the drone. Newly manufactured drones have that built in, older ones have to purchase a small unit to attach to the drone. ($75 and up). The exception are drones under 250 grams (about 8 ounces) that are not registered with the FAA and are flying for recreational purposes only. The Remote ID serial number has to be registered with the FAA.
A warning to businesses and individuals using a drone pilot for any commercial benefit. The FAA says you must use only a pilot carrying an official FAA UAS Remote Pilot Certificate, as you can personally can be liable and fined for using for commercial benefit anyone without an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. Many real estate offices have been fined heavily for using unlicensed drone pilots.
Drone pilots now, beginning February 1, 2024, have several new apps and/or websites available to determine where it is safe or not safe to fly, and in some cases weather information, including the following:
opensky.wing.com
portal.airspacelink.com
airaware.aloft.ai
air.aloft.ai
autopylot.io (phone apps only - with weather)
avision.io (free for recreational, fee for commercial)
uasidekick.app (paid subscription service)
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