7 rules you should know before flying a drone

Reuters

Consumer drones are here, and they are super rad. Just look how much fun this guy on the right is having!

Whether you just got a drone for Christmas or you plan to fly one in the new year, you should familiarize yourself with the rules that will not only keep you and others safe, but also out of trouble with the law. 

We took a look at some of the guidelines — from the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) — and narrowed down seven things you absolutely must know before flying a drone for the first time.

Of note: these are not the only guidelines proposed by the FAA or the AMA, but these are the ones most likely to keep you from hurting yourself or others. Oh, and to keep you from getting arrested.

Register your drone.

The first thing you need to do when you get a drone is to register it wi ith the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Registration is mandatory for all aircraft weighing between .5 pounds and 55 pounds. The process requires drone owners to share their name, email, and address with the agency. There is also a $5 fee, but you can avoid the charge if you register your drone by mid-January. 

If you choose not to register your drone with the government, know that you are subject to civil and criminal penalties, which could include fines up to $250,000 and/or up to three years of imprisonment. 

You can read more about the process here and you can register your drone on the FAA's website.

Familiarize yourself with any local laws about operating a drone.

Some cities have certain restrictions regarding drone flight. You'll want to check out any local regulations before operating an aircraft in your hometown, or before venturing elsewhere to fly your drone. Don't just go flying your drone all willy nilly.

For example, you cannot fly a drone within 30 miles of the Ronald-Reagan Washington National Airport.

You should also familiarize yourself with community-based rules such as those developed by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). You can find those rules here.

Do not fly your drone above 400 feet.

When flying the drone, be sure to keep it below 400 feet and below surrounding obstacles when possible.

This stuff is common sense, but bears repeating:

You should never fly the aircraft around sensitive infrastructure, including power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, government facilities, and well-traveled roadways.