So You Wanna Be a Drone Dude (or Dudette) in California? Take Off With This Guide!
Ah, California. Land of sunshine, beaches, celebrities with questionable life choices, and...drones? Yep, drones. Those whirring little helicopters taking over our skies (not really, but some folks might say that). But before you strap a camera to a glorified quadcopter and take to the Californian air, there are a few things you, aspiring drone pilot extraordinaire, need to know.
Don't Be That Guy (or Gal): The No-Fly Zones of California
First things first, there are definitely some places where your drone is less welcome than a Kardashian at a library. Airports? Big no-no. Think about it, these are zones for metal birds the size of houses, not your toy with a selfie stick addiction. Military bases? Off-limits. They have enough things to worry about without a rogue drone crashing a high-stakes game of drone tetherball (it's a thing, look it up). National Parks? Check with the park service. Some allow drones, some don't, and nobody wants to be "that guy" who gets their drone confiscated by a park ranger with a serious case of RBF (resting ranger face).
Here's the key takeaway: Download the B4UFLY app (because seriously, who wants to get slapped with a fine for accidentally buzzing the White House?). This nifty app will show you airspace restrictions and keep you out of trouble.
You Gotta Get Licensed, Drone Dude!
Okay, so you've avoided the no-fly zones. Now it's license time! For recreational flyers (read: weekend warrior with a drone addiction), there's the TRUST test. It's pretty basic, kind of like the written portion of your driver's test, but for drones. Pass that, and you're good to go (as long as your drone weighs over .55 lbs, which is like, a hefty avocado). For commercial flyers (read: you're getting paid to fly that thing), you'll need a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. This involves a bit more studying and an actual test, but hey, don't you want to impress your friends with your fancy drone pilot license?
Remember: Always fly within your line of sight. No rogue drone missions to impress your crush. Keep it low, keep it slow. 400 feet is the legal limit, and nobody wants a rogue drone taking out a flock of migrating geese (sorry, Canadian friends).
Drone Do's and Don'ts: A Not-So-Scientific Guide
- Do: Respect privacy. Don't be a peeping Tom with a drone. Drones and weddings? Not always a match made in heaven. Get permission from the happy couple before you become the unwelcome party crasher with a camera in the sky.
- Don't: Harass wildlife. Birds don't appreciate having a whirring machine following them around. Let the animals enjoy their peace and quiet.
- Do: Be aware of your surroundings. Power lines are not jungle gyms for drones. Respect other flyers, both human and of the feathered variety.
- Don't: Fly under the influence. Droning and margaritas? Not a good combo. Keep your reflexes sharp and your judgement clear.
There you have it, future drone pilot of California! With a little know-how and a whole lot of common sense, you'll be soaring through the skies (responsibly) in no time. Now get out there and capture some epic California footage (without getting arrested, of course). Happy flying!
