Flying Close to Radio Towers

Getting Started Topics Drone Regulations
1

I live near some tall radio towers (300 meters, on top of a hill) and hold a Part 107 certification. I know that technically I can fly within 400 feet of a structure and go above 400 feet AGL, but I have two questions:

  1. Does this rule apply even if I’m not conducting work on the tower (I just want to capture a city view from that height)?
  2. Aside from collision risks, are there any signal interference concerns when flying near presumably high-powered radio towers?

Additional Info:

  • The area is uncontrolled airspace
  • My drone is rated for much higher altitudes
2

The 400ft extension rule applies as long as you’re within 400ft laterally of the structure, even if you’re not performing work on it.

Regarding interference risks, your drone likely operates on 2.4GHz, which is unlikely to overlap with the tower’s transmission frequencies. However:

  • Some internet antennas and dish antennas on the tower could cause signal disruptions.
  • Dishes can reflect signals, creating unexpected interference.
  • To be safe, maintain a few hundred feet of distance from those antennas.

Most modern drones can handle temporary interference, but be ready to react if you experience any unexpected disconnects.

3

@Keegan
Is there a way to visually identify internet antennas on the tower? I assume dishes are easy to spot.

4

Jordan said:
@Keegan
Is there a way to visually identify internet antennas on the tower? I assume dishes are easy to spot.

Yes, typically they look like small box-like antennas mounted on the tower. However, if you stay a few hundred feet away, you’ll likely avoid any interference. Just be aware of potential signal drops and prepare accordingly.

5

Jordan said:
@Keegan
Is there a way to visually identify internet antennas on the tower? I assume dishes are easy to spot.

You can estimate the antenna’s frequency based on size:

  • Long antennas (~2 meters): Typically lower-frequency bands (e.g., public safety, emergency services).
  • Short antennas (few cm): Likely higher-frequency, such as cellular and internet.

If you spot a lot of short antennas, there’s a chance they’re broadcasting on frequencies closer to your drone’s operating band.

6

You’re allowed to use the 400ft extension under Part 107, even if you aren’t working on the tower.

However, signal interference could be an issue—especially since you’re near multiple towers in a cluster.

7

@Blakeley
Yeah, my main concern is the cluster of towers increasing interference risk.

8

The FAA regulation 107.51(b) does not specify that you have to be inspecting the tower to use the 400ft extension rule.

9

You can check whether specific towers might interfere with your signal:

:mag: FCC Tower Database: FCC ASR Search

Certain frequencies can produce harmonics that disrupt your drone’s connection.

10

One thing to check: state laws on critical infrastructure.

In Oklahoma, there’s a law requiring drones to stay 400 feet away from telecommunications towers (coincidentally the same as the FAA’s lateral distance rule). You might want to double-check your state’s drone laws before flying too close.

11

@Bao
Interesting—so would state law override FAA rules? If your state requires staying 400 feet away, then you wouldn’t even be able to use the FAA’s 400ft extension rule?

12

Jem said:
@Bao
Interesting—so would state law override FAA rules? If your state requires staying 400 feet away, then you wouldn’t even be able to use the FAA’s 400ft extension rule?

Exactly. In my state, you must stay away entirely unless you have special permissions.

FAA rules govern the airspace, but state laws can restrict where you take off and land. So in some cases, state rules can limit your flight operations even if the FAA allows it.

13

I fly over a golf course with a sheriff’s station nearby that has multiple antennas. I’ve noticed signal drops when I get within 150 yards of their antennas.

No fail-safe activations yet, but the interference happens very quickly—be cautious!