Project archive guide. Technical instructions are awaiting hardware-team review; consult the documentation for your exact equipment.
Responsible Drone Operation
Operating a drone comes with responsibility. Whether you're flying for fun or work, it's essential to follow local laws, respect others' privacy, and practice safe flying habits. This guide will help you understand your legal obligations and how to fly responsibly.
American Laws for Drones Over 250g/0.55lb
Registration
All drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA, regardless of whether they’re used for recreation or commercial purposes.
- Registration is valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiration.
- Registration number must be clearly marked on the drone.
- Register your drone with the FAA here (5$): https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/
Pilot Certification
Must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of completion when flying — either a digital PDF or printed certificate. Additionally, all drones over 250g must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be clearly marked on the drone’s exterior.
- Take the TRUST test and earn your certification here for free in 30 minutes: https://trust.pilotinstitute.com/
- Registration Number must be clearly marked on the drone (Label Maker, Sharpy, Etc.)
- Register your drone with the FAA here:
- Commercials operators: Must pass The Part 107
- Issued a Part 107 license
- Allows you to fly commercially for any reason within the United States
- Must do the reccurrent knowledge exam every 24 months
Flight Rules & Restrictions
Applies to all regardless of use case (recreational or commercial), you must:
- Fly below 400 feet AGL
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight (VLOS)
- Never fly over people or moving vehicles (unless properly certified under Part 107 waivers)
- Never fly at night without proper lighting (per FAA guidelines)
- Yield to manned aircraft at all times
- Not operate multiple drones simultaneously
Airspace Authorization
Master **tracking shots** by smoothly following a moving subject while adjusting altitude and distance.
- Class G (uncontrolled airspace): OK to fly under 400 ft
- Class B, C, D, E (controlled airspace): You must get authorization through LAANC or DroneZone
- Check airspace regulations with the B4UFLY app: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly
Canadian Laws for Drones Over 250g/0.55lb
Registration
All drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA, regardless of whether they’re used for recreation or commercial purposes.
- Registration is valid for 3 years and must be renewed before expiration.
- Registration number must be clearly marked on the drone.
- Register your drone with Transport Canada here ($10): https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/registering-your-drone
Pilot Certification
In Canada, Drone pilots must carry a valid drone pilot certificate at all times while operating their drone. A valid drone pilot certificate is a printed or electronic document issued by Transport Canada. No other form of certification will be accepted.
Depending on where and how you plan to fly, you must obtain one of the following:
1. Basic Pilot Certificate
- Fly in uncontrolled airspace
- At least 30 metres horizontally from bystanders
- No flying over people
2. Advanced Pilot Certificate
- Fly in controlled airspace
- Required license if flying near people
Click here to get your certification:https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/drone-safety/drone-pilot-licensing/getting-drone-pilot-certificate#complex
Operational Rules
These rules apply to all drone operators:
- Maximum altitude: 122 metres (400 feet) above ground level
- Minimum age: 14 for Basic Certificate; 16 for Advanced Certificate
- Must have visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
- No flying closer than 5.6 km from airports (unless Advanced certified and with Nav Canada permission)
- No flying over emergency scenes, moving vehicles, or private property without permission
- Night flying allowed only with lights
- One drone per pilot at a time
Airspace Restrictions & Tools
You must know where you’re allowed to fly:
- Use NAV Drone App or Drone Site Selection Tool to check airspace
- Authorization needed for flying in controlled airspace
- Do not fly near heliports, aerodromes, or restricted zones
- Drone Site Selection Tool: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/drone-tool/flightMap.php
Disclaimer
The rules and safety guidelines provided on this page are intended as general references for drone use in the United States and Canada. Regulations may vary based on location, drone weight, and purpose of flight. It is the responsibility of each pilot to verify and comply with the most current laws set by the FAA (in the U.S.) or Transport Canada (in Canada). Always check with your local aviation authority before flying.
General Practices of Safety
Privacy & Respect
Although drone flight is federally regulated, privacy laws are handled provincially and municipally.
- Do not record or photograph people without their consent.
- Avoid flying over homes or private land unless you have permission
- Be aware of provincial privacy acts, trespassing laws, and city bylaws.
Even if it's legal to fly in a certain area, respect the privacy of others around you.
Before Flying
Although drone flight is federally regulated, privacy laws are handled provincially and municipally.
- Inspect the drone (props, frame, wiring)
- Ensure firmware is up to date
- Fully charge batteries and transmitter
- Calibrate compass and sensors
While Flying
Although drone flight is federally regulated, privacy laws are handled provincially and municipally.
- Stay in visual line of sight
- Keep hands on the controller
- Monitor battery levels and weather conditions
- Avoid flying over people, traffic, water, or property you don’t own
Emergency Planning
Although drone flight is federally regulated, privacy laws are handled provincially and municipally.
- Know how to initiate an emergency landing
- ave a clear flight path to avoid flyaways