Maybe you received a drone for Christmas and want to take it out for a spin to get some photos or video of one of our beautiful Huntington Beach sunsets. Before you do, be sure you check out the FAA website on drone safety to ensure you are flying it in an area that is permissible and that you are doing so safely.
Drones are known by their official FAA title, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Before you fly recreationally, it is recommended that you take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) offered for free by more than a dozen FAA approved administrators.
There are some common-sense recommendations when flying your drone recreationally:
- Keep your drone within the visual line of sight or use a visual observer who is next to you and in direct communications with you when flying.
- Drones are not permitted to fly in restricted airspace.
- It is illegal to fly your drone over or near a protected wetlands including the Bolsa Chica Wetlands or Huntington Beach Wetlands.
- Never fly your drone near an airport.
- FAA rules also prohibit you from flying your drone over people or over moving vehicles.
If you decide to use your drone for commercial purposes rather than just recreational, please go to the FAA website here to learn more about the steps you need to take to get your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and to register your drone.
