Flying drones in the US as a foreigner

Seeking Help
1

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to the US for a holiday and bringing my DJI Avata and Mini 3 Pro. I’ve been trying to figure out what I need to do to fly legally, but the info I’ve found is a bit confusing.

Both drones are registered in the UK. Do I need to register them again in the US or take any additional steps?

I don’t plan on flying in cities—we’ll mostly be visiting places like Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and some desert areas.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

2

Check this site for official information: https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/foreign_operators

Just a heads-up, you’re not allowed to fly drones in US National Parks.

3

Kim said:
Check this site for official information: https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/foreign_operators

Just a heads-up, you’re not allowed to fly drones in US National Parks.

Thanks a lot for the info!

4

Kim said:
Check this site for official information: https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/foreign_operators

Just a heads-up, you’re not allowed to fly drones in US National Parks.

Quick question: Can you still take off from outside a national or state park and fly into it?

5

@Bali
It depends, but most national parks are so large that it’s unlikely you could legally make that kind of flight. Better to avoid it.

6

@Bali
Please don’t do that, even if it’s possible. It gives all drone operators a bad name.

7

@Bali
National Parks are classified as no-fly zones, so flying into them isn’t allowed either. Even if it was, it’s just not a good idea—don’t be that person who ruins it for everyone else.

8

Here’s a video about flying a foreign drone in the US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-Mu-CRvWPQ

Also, the FAA’s official info for foreign operators: https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/foreign_operators

Just so you know, flying over national parks is not allowed. Most of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley are in restricted airspace, so they’re off-limits too.

9

@Zya
Thanks! I’ll check out the video for more details.

10

You’ll need to take the TRUST test (it’s free and easy to do online). You’ll also need to register the Avata.

The Mini 3 Pro doesn’t require registration if you’re using the smaller battery, but as a foreign operator, you’ll need to comply with Remote ID (RID) requirements regardless of weight.

Download an app like Air Aware to check airspace restrictions and remember:

  • Stay below 400 ft
  • Avoid flying over people
  • Use lights if flying at night

That should cover it!

11

@Tavis
Just a note—foreign operators must register their drones and use RID, no matter the weight.

12

Finnian said:
@Tavis
Just a note—foreign operators must register their drones and use RID, no matter the weight.

Thanks for pointing that out!

13

@Tavis
Appreciate all the details, thanks!

14

Honestly, it’s more chill here than it might seem. Just follow the basic rules, check your airspace, avoid restricted areas, and you’ll be fine. If you’re respectful and have your TRUST certificate, you’re unlikely to run into issues. Most police officers probably wouldn’t even know what the TRUST certificate is, but it’s good to have just in case.

15

@Chen
The comments seem reasonable—OP mentioned National Parks, so naturally, people brought up restrictions.

16

Rowen said:
@Chen
The comments seem reasonable—OP mentioned National Parks, so naturally, people brought up restrictions.

Fair point.

17

Leave the drones at home.

18

Oli said:
Leave the drones at home.

Why?

19

Hunter said:

Oli said:
Leave the drones at home.

Why?

You can’t fly in National Parks, and registering them might be a hassle.

20

Hunter said:

Oli said:
Leave the drones at home.

Why?

Have you checked the airspace? Are you familiar with getting LAANC approval?