I was gifted a used Mavic Mini (1st gen) for my birthday, and I just passed my TRUST test today. Now I’m wondering, do I need to register it? Do I need Remote ID? The FAA website mentions dates in 2023, and most answers I’ve found are a few years old. Can I post drone photos on Instagram, or does that require a Part 107? Is getting a Part 107 really worth it?
The FAA website isn’t outdated. Everything you need to know is still current and was probably covered in the TRUST test.
Alix said:
The FAA website isn’t outdated. Everything you need to know is still current and was probably covered in the TRUST test.
I tried looking for info specifically about the Mini, but I couldn’t find anything clear. TRUST said registration is optional, but it also mentioned Remote ID is required after 2023. So, I’m confused about what applies and what doesn’t.
@Page
Remote ID is only required if your drone needs to be registered or if it’s already registered. Since the Mini is under 250 grams, you don’t have to register it.
Alix said:
@Page
Remote ID is only required if your drone needs to be registered or if it’s already registered. Since the Mini is under 250 grams, you don’t have to register it.
Got it! Looks like I’m all set then. Thanks for the help!
@Page
Just to add, if your drone isn’t registered and doesn’t have Remote ID, you can only fly in designated FRIAs. If you register and add Remote ID, you can fly almost anywhere under recreational rules. It’s worth considering if you want more flexibility.
@Page
Did you actually search, or did you just ask this forum? All this info is super easy to find online.
Technically, you’re not supposed to use drone footage for anything that benefits you without a Part 107. That includes posting to Instagram if it’s tied to making money or promoting something.
Part 107 is for flying commercially, like making money, media work, or helping someone with their drone needs. Even doing something for free could require it if it’s not purely recreational. But honestly, unless you’re drawing a lot of attention to yourself, it’s unlikely anyone will bother you about it.
Oh, just to mention, I have a family member with a Part 107 who gave me the drone. He’s been helping me learn the ropes. I’m pretty tech-savvy, so this is more about making sure I’m good on the rules.
Since the Mavic Mini is under 250 grams, you don’t need to register it or have Remote ID unless you’re doing commercial work under Part 107.
Just fly below 400 feet, stay in Class G airspace, and don’t cause any problems. The government is already looking for reasons to make things harder for drone pilots, so don’t be the one to ruin it for everyone.
Go out and fly it, man!
Kiran said:
Go out and fly it, man!
That’s the plan! Heading out tomorrow.
As long as you’re not making money from your Instagram posts, you should be fine. Just don’t post anything illegal, like flying in restricted areas, because people will call you out for it.
Jin said:
As long as you’re not making money from your Instagram posts, you should be fine. Just don’t post anything illegal, like flying in restricted areas, because people will call you out for it.
No worries, I’m just taking some sunset pics for fun. Honestly, with all the weird big drones flying around NJ, I doubt anyone cares about my tiny Mini.
Jin said:
As long as you’re not making money from your Instagram posts, you should be fine. Just don’t post anything illegal, like flying in restricted areas, because people will call you out for it.
It’s not about making money. It’s about the reason for the flight. If you’re flying for fun or to share pictures without expecting anything in return, you’re fine under recreational rules.
Here’s a good example: a guy in California was flying his drone for fun when he found an abandoned RV on a hillside. The police asked him to fly down and check for victims. Since his original flight was just for fun, and the second was at the police’s request, he wasn’t breaking any rules. If he had flown there intending to search for stuff, he would’ve needed a Part 107.
Jin said:
As long as you’re not making money from your Instagram posts, you should be fine. Just don’t post anything illegal, like flying in restricted areas, because people will call you out for it.
That’s not quite right. If you share photos publicly, even on Instagram, you technically need a Part 107.
For example, if your friend asks you to take pictures for them, even for free, you need a Part 107. Instagram is a business, and posting there supports that platform, so it could count as needing a Part 107 too.