I recently bought some land in Pennsylvania. Part of it is across a creek, and it’s not easy to get over there on foot. I’m thinking of using a drone to fly over and check the land, but I’m not sure if I need an FAA license for that. The drone wouldn’t go higher than the trees and I’d keep it on my land. Any advice?
So when you say ‘survey,’ do you just mean flying around to look at things? Technically, you need a Part 107 license for anything beyond just fun flying, even on your own property. But if you’re just checking things out for fun, you still need to take the TRUST test. If your drone is over 250g, you have to register it on the FAA’s site. And remember, always keep the drone where you can see it.
@Ocean
Yeah, just making sure everything is good – trees, animals, things like that. It’s mostly to save time from having to drive around the creek to walk it.
Milan said:
@Ocean
Yeah, just making sure everything is good – trees, animals, things like that. It’s mostly to save time from having to drive around the creek to walk it.
You could rephrase it a bit like this: ‘I’m flying for fun, but I might notice some trees or animals along the way.’ That way, it’s more in line with what the FAA considers recreational use.
@Blaise
Flying drones for fun and noticing trees—sounds like a great way to relax, doesn’t it?
Milan said:
@Ocean
Yeah, just making sure everything is good – trees, animals, things like that. It’s mostly to save time from having to drive around the creek to walk it.
Getting the TRUST certificate and registering your drone is pretty straightforward. Just look it up online, easy stuff. I know people are saying you need a Part 107, but if you’re just flying for fun, that’s recreational. The Part 107 is for business or if you’re doing it for someone else, even without pay. For what you’re doing, I think it’s fine to consider it recreational flying.
Milan said:
@Ocean
Yeah, just making sure everything is good – trees, animals, things like that. It’s mostly to save time from having to drive around the creek to walk it.
You should be good, but definitely take the TRUST test and register the drone if it’s over 250g.
@Ocean
Wait, so if my drone is less than 250g, I don’t need to take the TRUST test?
Kai said:
@Ocean
Wait, so if my drone is less than 250g, I don’t need to take the TRUST test?
No, you still need to take the test no matter what the drone weighs.
Kai said:
@Ocean
Wait, so if my drone is less than 250g, I don’t need to take the TRUST test?
No, you still need to take the test no matter what the drone weighs.
If your drone is under 250g, you don’t need to register it or take the TRUST test.
@Keaton
Actually, you still need to take the TRUST test to fly recreationally. It’s right on the FAA’s website.
Ocean said:
@Keaton
Actually, you still need to take the TRUST test to fly recreationally. It’s right on the FAA’s website.
No way! If it’s under 250 grams, you don’t need to do anything. No test, no registration. That’s how it works for recreational flying.
@Keaton
You’re confusing registration with the TRUST test. You still have to take the test, even for recreational flying. Here’s the link to the FAA’s info: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates
Kai said:
@Ocean
Wait, so if my drone is less than 250g, I don’t need to take the TRUST test?
Exactly, you only need to register if it’s over 250g, but everyone has to take the TRUST test for recreational flying.
Milan said:
@Ocean
Yeah, just making sure everything is good – trees, animals, things like that. It’s mostly to save time from having to drive around the creek to walk it.
You’ll be fine. The FAA isn’t watching you fly over your own property. It’s not like you’re selling the footage or anything.
@WingWhisperer
Yeah, you’re probably right, but technically, anything that’s not purely for fun falls under Part 107 rules. Even if you’re just looking at your land, it could be considered a non-recreational flight. The FAA doesn’t seem to care much about small flights, though. Just be aware of the rules and fly safely.
@Riley
Just to be clear, I’m not trying to scare anyone—just sharing the rules as they are. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how to fly.
@Riley
The idea that just checking your own land requires a Part 107 seems silly. He’s not running a business or making money off it, so it should be fine.
Jordan said:
@Riley
The idea that just checking your own land requires a Part 107 seems silly. He’s not running a business or making money off it, so it should be fine.
Part 107 applies to all drone operations unless they’re purely recreational. It doesn’t have to be for business to need a license. But like you said, they’re pretty lenient about enforcement.
@Taliesin
But the rule literally mentions ‘commercial operators.’ If you’re not running a business, you’re flying recreationally.