Best Practices and FAQs

Drone Best Practices for Operators in Tennessee

  • Always fly below 400 feet above ground level (AGL).
  • Always keep the aircraft in visual line of sight (VLOS), unless you have a waiver.
  • Always give way to manned aircraft.
  • Know the airspace you are flying in and any FAA restrictions that pertain to it.
  • Do not fly in controlled airspace (B, C, D, or E) without a certificate of authorization.
  • For flights over people or at night, be sure to fly in accordance with FAA’s Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People final rule.
  • Never fly a sUAS while impaired.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need a license to fly a drone?
If you are flying a drone for commercial purposes, you must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational pilots do not need a license but must pass the FAA’s Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST).

Do I need to register my drone with the FAA?
Yes, most drones must be registered with the FAA. Any recreational drone weighing more than about a half-pound (0.55 lbs) and all drones flown under Part 107 must be registered with the FAA. The drone’s registration number must be displayed on the exterior surface of the drone. Registration is done through the FAA’s DroneZone website.

Can I fly my drone at night?
The Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People final rule allows routine operations of small UAS, beginning April 21, 2021, at night under two conditions: (1) The remote pilot in command must complete an updated initial knowledge test or online recurrent training, and (2) The small unmanned aircraft must have lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least three statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision. Refer to the final rule general overview:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people.

Recreational flyers flying at night must operate in accordance with a community-based organization’s (CBO) set of safety guidelines that have night procedures detailing required lighting.

Can I fly my drone over people or moving vehicles?
No, unless specific conditions are met. There are certain requirements under which a remote pilot can fly a drone over people or moving vehicles. Refer to the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People final rule. A general overview can be found here:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people

Are there privacy laws related to drone use?
The FAA does not regulate privacy, but local privacy laws may apply to drone operations. Drone operators should follow local privacy laws and avoid flying over private property without permission.

Can I shoot down drones above my property?
No. Per the FAA, it’s illegal under federal law to shoot at an aircraft. A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard. An unmanned aircraft hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or it could collide with other objects in the air. Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges from federal, state or local law enforcement. Penalties for intentionally damaging aircraft can be found here: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/32

Where can I learn more about safe drone operations?
The FAA’s website is a great place to start and is full of great information! Start here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started

FAA’s Frequently Asked Questions About Drones:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/faqs