Drone Regulations: How to Check Permits and Restricted Zones Using Public Records

Although drones are permitted in the United States for recreational and commercial purposes, their use and operation are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities. These regulations ensure that drone operators comply with the safety and privacy standards of the country's airspace laws and protect citizens and critical infrastructures from abuse by drone users.

Drone laws vary by country, region, and state. As such, determining the laws applicable in your region before operating a drone is in your best interest. This article discusses drone regulations in the U.S. and how to verify drone permits using public records.

Do You Need a Permit to Fly a Drone?

Generally, the type of drone and the purpose of flying a drone in the country determine whether you need a permit. There are two purposes for flying drones: recreational and commercial purposes.  Recreational flying means operating a drone as a hobby for enjoyment, education, or research purposes. All drones weighing less than 55 pounds are categorized as recreational drones. On the other hand, commercial flying means operating a drone for other purposes besides recreation, enjoyment, or education.  It also means operating a drone under the FAA part 107 regulations. As such, you need a permit or part 107 license issued by the FAA or your local authority for flying a commercial drone.

In contrast, you do not need a license or permit for recreational flying. Nevertheless, you must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test to fly a drone for recreational purposes. This test proves you have the requisite skill and knowledge to ensure you do not comprise the airspace.

How To Apply for a Drone Permit?

A part 107 license allows its holder to fly drones legally for commercial purposes. To obtain this license, you must first meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria require that the applicant is at least 16 years old, in good physical and mental condition, and can read, speak, and write. It is also an added advantage if the applicant has scheduled or taken the aeronautical knowledge exam (Unarmed Aircraft General exam).

To apply for a part 107 license, applicants must take the following steps:

• Visit the FAA website and create a profile. 
• Click on the Start New Application and follow the application prompts 
• Obtain an FAA Tracking Number. You can do this by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). 
• Schedule an appointment with any FAA-approved knowledge testing center. 
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test.
• Complete the remote pilot certificate application form using the IACRA. Provide a valid government-issued ID and relevant online course completion certificates.  
• Enter the 17-digit knowledge test exam ID.
• Submit the application

Drone Regulations By State

Drone laws vary by state in the United States.  While some states have set up committees, advisory boards, and task forces to regulate the use of drones within their air spaces, others do not. At least 19 states in the United States have some form of regulations and restrictions on the use of drones. Some of these states include but are not limited to Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Oregon, and Rhode Island. While there is no law regulating drone use in Alabama,  unlawful operation of a drone in Arizona is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, three years probation, and a $2,500 fine. In Kentucky, operating a drone in a way that causes serious injury or damage to a property is a class A misdemeanor or a class D felony if the drone causes severe disruption to the safe travel of an aircraft.

How To Check State and Local Drone Regulations 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates unmanned aircraft, including all drones. The FAA outlines specific regulations concerning the registration and use of drones across the United States. Interested persons can visit the FAA website to view rules concerning the use of drones. 

In addition,  some states have committees, advisory boards, and task forces that regulate the use of drones within their air spaces. As such, interested persons may also contact these local bodies to find out local regulations concerning the use of drones in their jurisdiction. 

Finally, most states in the U.S. have a public records act that allows residents to inspect public records, including rules and regulations. You may contact your local public records office for access to drone regulations in the state.

Restricted Zones: Where You Can and Cannot Fly?

Although flying a drone is not prohibited in the country, there are areas where operating drones are either banned or subject to strict rules and regulations. Drone activities in these areas are restricted due to their nature or the limitations they could impose on aircraft operations.  Some restricted areas in the US include stadiums, airports, and prisons.

Drones can pose a danger to critical infrastructures and public safety. As such, the FAA restricts the use of drones within three miles of the stadium one hour before and one hour after an event. In Delaware and Texas,  drone use is prohibited near stadiums. Furthermore, the FAA requires recreational operators to notify airport operators and air traffic control towers if they fly within 5 miles of an airport. 

How To Check For No-fly Zones 

Anyone interested in flying a drone can look up no-fly zones in the area by visiting the FAA website.  Here, you can find out if there are restrictions in your area and if the FAA set a fixed point for safe flight in this area. Alternatively, you can use the unmanned aircraft system facility maps the FAA maintains to find where to fly your drone safely. 

Additionally,  you may contact your local public records office for a comprehensive list of no-fly zones in your state. You may also download some drone apps, such as Kittyhawk,to see whether drone use restrictions exist in your area.

Temporary Flights Restrictions (TFRs)

TFRs are temporary restrictions placed on designated areas of the country's airspace due to a major sports event, an emergency,  or a natural disaster by the FAA. The restriction prohibits aircraft from operating without permission in a specific area for a limited time, and it is communicated to pilots through notice to airmen. Drone pilots must look at the published TFRs list to ensure they do not operate their drones in restricted airspace. Violating the TFR may lead to revocation of the individual's license.

How To Verify Drone Permits and Restrictions 

Before flying a drone, you should always take precautionary measures such as verifying your pilot license and checking if the FAA does not restrict the area you want to operate your drone. This will help you avoid sanctions, fines, or imprisonment.  You can also verify your license and check for restricted areas by contacting the FAA, your local public records office, or by using local drone apps.

Using Online Mapping Tools for Airspace Restrictions 

While the FAA and your public records office can provide you with information on restricted areas, it is also advisable to use online tools and apps such as FAA's B4UFLY app and DJI's Fly Safe, which offers interactive maps that provide daily no-fly zone information.

Checking Local and State Drone Regulations 

Many states have local drone regulations requiring residents to fly drones within their airspace. Failure to comply with these regulations typically attracts fines and possible jail terms. You can ensure you do not pay fines or face charges by researching the drone regulations in your area.

Penalties for Violating Drone Regulations 

Violating drone regulations is an offense that is punishable by a fine and jail term. It may also lead to the revocation of the individual's license and a ban on the use of drones anywhere in the state.

Best Practices for Safe and Legal Drone Operation

Whether you are flying a drone for recreational or commercial purposes, there are tips to follow to ensure that you do not endanger the public or violate any drone regulations:

• Take relevant training to obtain the requisite skills to fly your drone 
• Register your drone and get a drone pilot license 
• Research and stay updated on drone regulations 
• Avoid restricted zones
• Contact your public records office to find out everything about drone use in your locality.

Flying a drone safely begins with obtaining the requisite skills and license to operate the drone and contacting the FAA or your local public records office to see restricted areas and other applicable rules and regulations. Complying with drone rules and regulations guarantees your safety and the safety of everyone within your access area and protects you from strict penalties and legal consequences.