I’ve got a Mini 3 Pro and passed the TRUST certification. I haven’t registered it since it’s under the weight limit. What’s the deal with flying at night?
You’ll need to add an anti-collision strobe light to your drone, which has to be visible from 3 miles away. This helps other low-flying aircraft see you and makes it easier for you and any observers to keep sight of the drone. Just remember, adding the strobe might push your drone over the weight limit, so you’d need to register it.
@Quinn
And don’t forget, you need your Part 107 license to fly at night.
AerialArtisanAlex said:
@Quinn
And don’t forget, you need your Part 107 license to fly at night.
Actually, that’s outdated info. You can fly at night with lights as a hobbyist in the US now. Check this link: Flying Drone at Night.
@Daxton
I checked the official rules. Part 107.29 is only for Part 107 holders and not for recreational flyers. Official Rules.
AerialArtisanAlex said:
@Daxton
I checked the official rules. Part 107.29 is only for Part 107 holders and not for recreational flyers. Official Rules.
You’re reading only the Part 107 rules. Recreational pilots can fly at night with lights, no waivers needed. Both commercial and recreational flyers can now fly at night with anti-collision lights, starting April 21, 2021. Fly That Drone.
@Daxton
Just did some more research, and you’re right. Recreational pilots can fly at night with lights. The Part 107 comes in when flying in controlled airspace. Keeping up with all these rules can be confusing, but this was a helpful chat! I’m studying for my Part 107 and want to keep everything above board.
@AerialArtisanAlex
It’s definitely confusing. But yeah, no waivers needed for night flights anymore unless you’re in controlled airspace. Both Part 107 and recreational can fly with lights now. I’m a 3-year Part 107 pilot, by the way.
@Daxton
Thanks for the info! By the way, what’s a good strobe light for night flying?
Not a lot of clear answers here… but the main thing is you need anti-collision lights. Follow the same rules as daytime flying, and you’re good.
Yep, you can fly the Mini 3 Pro at night as a hobbyist in the US. Just make sure you’ve got anti-collision lights that can be seen from 3 miles away. No Part 107 needed, but stick to the usual FAA rules: stay below 400 feet and keep the drone in sight.
Some tips for night flying: avoid brightly lit areas, stay away from other aircraft, and make sure to use low-light mode for better footage. Be ready to land if your battery gets low or visibility drops.
Go have fun and fly safe!
@Rory
Thanks for the tips! Appreciate it.
I always check B4UFly and Aloft apps before flying. They give you real-time info on restrictions and FAA guidelines. One time, Aloft told me I couldn’t fly at night around 8:45 pm since I was near an airport.
As recreational pilots, we can’t fly in controlled airspace at night without a Part 107. If you’re in uncontrolled airspace with the proper lights, you’re good to go.
@Micah
> We are allowed to fly at night in uncontrolled airspace as recreational pilots if we use the proper lighting.
Roan said:
@Micah
> We are allowed to fly at night in uncontrolled airspace as recreational pilots if we use the proper lighting. Check out my comment below: [comment link]
Thanks for clarifying! My limitations are mostly because I’m close to an airport.
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The lights need to be visible from a mile away.
Hughes said:
The lights need to be visible from a mile away.
> Actually, it’s three miles for anti-collision lighting, plus navigation lights so you always know where your drone is. Adding these might push you over 249g, so you’ll need to register your drone, which costs $5.
@Roan
Thanks for clearing that up!
Hughes said:
The lights need to be visible from a mile away.
Thanks!