Uncover the skies' limits in our guide on 'How High Can a Drone Fly'
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Drones have slowly but surely become a constant present in our lives. From our agricultural fields to their use in capturing breathtaking aerial photography, they are everywhere. But as we peer into the vast expanse above us, the question, “How High can Drones fly?” often sparks a blend of curiosity and technical pondering. It is certainly a crucial question that needs to be answered. Without knowing just how high can you fly a drone, you cannot ensure the safe use of your device.
Now, it would not be surprising if many readers are already asking about the necessity of such information. After all, the freedom of piloting a drone seems boundless. Yet, this freedom comes with a responsibility – to fly responsibly. And this comes through with knowing the limits.
Here’s why altitude awareness is paramount:
Now that we have covered the importance of knowing drone altitude limits, the next step is naturally understanding what these limits are.
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In the US, there is a strict drone altitude regulation that drone users must adhere to. FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Part 107 rules cover the rules for both commercial and recreational drone operations.
FAA Part 107 – What does it say?
Rules laid out in the 14 CFR Part 107 clearly underline the use of drones on US soil, under the section titled ‘Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft.’ Here are the crucial points about the section that you need to familiarize yourself with.
Drones must not exceed 400 feet above ground level (AGL), with two exceptions.
The aim of this rule is to strike a balance between operational freedom and controlled airspace management. Note that the 400-foot rule is not absolute, as exceptions are often waived under a COA (Certificate of Waiver or Authorization), but that often happens only for certain research and educational institutions.
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It is also worth noting that certain critical areas, such as airports, military bases, and places that come under the designated ‘no-fly zones’ have additional restrictions on drone altitude. These restrictions are in place to address security and operational concerns.
Flying a drone is not just about understanding the machine’s capabilities and legal restrictions that determine how high it can go. Several environmental factors have a significant impact on this, and knowing these factors ensures that you can fly your drone in a safe manner. Here is what you need to keep in mind:
Wind Conditions
Safety should always be the top priority of any drone user. It is recommended that users adhere to the best practices. By doing so, they would not only comply with the regulations but also minimize risks to themselves, their drones, and the public.
But what are these ‘best practices’? Here are some of them:
Flying a drone above 400 feet is not advised as it goes strictly against the FAA guidelines. Doing so could lead to regulatory penalties. Flying above 400 feet also breaches the buffer between drone operation and minimum cruising altitude for manned aircraft, creating an unnecessary safety risk that is better avoided.
No, typical consumer drones do not come with the ability to fly at 60,000 feet, as it is well above the drone’s max altitude. However, that does not mean no drone can do so. Military drones, such as RQ-4 Global Hawk (one of the highest flying drone), are more than capable of flying at such height. Consumer drones lack the necessary propulsion, battery life, etc., to withstand low pressure and extreme pressure found at such altitudes.
For commercial operations, folks can apply for a Part 107 waiver through the FAA’s Drone Zone. Only after approval can they cross the recommended drone max altitude.
If you are on the quest to conquer the skiers, it is crucial first to understand and respect the drone’s max altitude and other limitations. These boundaries are not set to curtail the thrill of piloting the craft but to ensure the safety of all airspace users and the people below. So adhere to safety practices and regulations and fly responsibly!
At Brownspace, we write about what matters most to the audience. We do well-researched work to provide in-depth knowledge of drones. Additionally, we interview people using drones to ensure the credibility of the drones used and offer real-life user experience to our readers.
Hi, drone enthusiasts! Born with a natural curiosity for the skies, I developed a love for drones early in life. I began flying drones in 2017 and have since piloted some of the best drones available, such as the Yuneec Typhoon, DJI Mini, Mavic Pro, Hover Camera, and Phantom 3. With passion for drones and expertise gained over the years, I would love to share my knowledge of drones at Brownspace. Stay tuned for an insider’s perspective about drones.