I don’t really get how some of these rules are enforced. If I have a drone under 250 grams, like a Neo, and I fly it around different places, how would that lead to an NYPD response? For example, if I fly it at night, on a roof, or out of line of sight, would that be an issue?
Try it and let us know how it goes. Just be careful.
Brogan said:
Try it and let us know how it goes. Just be careful.
Lol, I’m genuinely asking. I’m not looking for a loophole. I was reading on ChatGPT about FAA regulations for drones, and it says you need a TRUST certification. Does that apply to drones under 250g?
@Vesper
Using ChatGPT as a source for real information isn’t the best choice. You might want to check Euphoric_ad’s post for better info.
@Vesper
Yes, if it’s under 250g and you’re flying for fun, you need the TRUST cert. Also, use apps like AutoPylot to check where you can fly. But make sure you still check local laws. For example, in LA, FAA rules are fine, but local laws may have restrictions.
@Vesper
Local, state, and federal laws all apply. New York made a law that all drone flights need approval from the NYPD.
In NYC, you need a permit from the NYPD to fly anywhere in the city.
Emil said:
In NYC, you need a permit from the NYPD to fly anywhere in the city.
They can detect your drone using radio frequency-based detectors. DJI drones are especially easy to track because they send out a specific Remote ID (called DJI Drone ID) even if they’re under 250g.
I’m not trying to make anything work. I just want to figure out what I need to do to fly legally. If it’s a permit, I’ll get one. I’m not posting to waste time.
Vesper said:
I’m not trying to make anything work. I just want to figure out what I need to do to fly legally. If it’s a permit, I’ll get one. I’m not posting to waste time.
You’ll need a Part 107 certificate and a $150 fee every time you apply for a permit to fly outside specific model aircraft fields in NYC.
NYC is trying to make drone flights a permitted process with the NYPD, where you can fly in specific areas at certain times for $150 per application. If they deny it, you might be able to pay another $150 fee to try again. Sometimes you’ll even need an FAA waiver. It’s a pretty crazy system.
I’m in Queens.
I want to clarify my intent. I just want to follow the law and fly my small drone. I’m new to this, and I’m trying to learn. I read on the FAA website about recreational flying for drones under 250g. It says I need a TRUST certification. I’m taking the test now. Once I have this cert, do I just need to check the airspace around me using their app?
@Vesper
You also need to check local laws, which is where the issue with city regulations comes in. The FAA controls the airspace, but local authorities can restrict where you can launch, land, and operate. That’s what the city has done. And the NYPD has equipment that can detect drones. There are five parks in NYC where you can fly freely, but you should check if you’re within those areas.
Stop trying to make it work. You keep asking the same question. You can’t fly without a permit, plain and simple.
Got it. But when I connect my DJI Neo to the Fly app, how does it let me take off without a certificate? That’s the part that’s confusing for me.
Vesper said:
Got it. But when I connect my DJI Neo to the Fly app, how does it let me take off without a certificate? That’s the part that’s confusing for me.
The DJI Fly app has its own no-fly zones that are not based on laws. It’s a system made by DJI. Some places are locked in the app even though it’s legal to fly there, and other areas might be unlocked but illegal to fly in. You need to know the local laws yourself.
Vesper said:
Got it. But when I connect my DJI Neo to the Fly app, how does it let me take off without a certificate? That’s the part that’s confusing for me.
DJI only shows federal airspace restrictions and sometimes the app isn’t even accurate. I don’t know if it blocks areas where flying is illegal, but the app will often ask you to click an ‘I understand’ box or send you a code to enter. It doesn’t always show local restrictions, though.