More and more people are using drones, which means more people are noticing them in the sky. The FAA gets a lot of questions when people spot drones in their communities so we’re answering some of the most common ones about drone use and safety.

Who can fly a drone?
It is legal to fly a drone in most locations but there are rules.
Generally speaking, people must fly their drone as a recreational flyer or under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule, and follow all the applicable provisions.

If you’re just flying for fun as a recreational flyer, you’ll need to take a basic safety knowledge test. You also have to follow some simple rules including flying below 400 feet, keeping the drone in sight, avoiding all other aircraft, and not causing a hazard to any people or property.

If you’re flying for any other purpose, like videography or news gathering, you need to have a drone pilot certificate and follow the provisions or our Small UAS Rule. 

Where can you fly a drone?
You can fly drones in most locations below 400 feet. Flying near airports usually requires authorization from the FAA.

Where can’t you fly a drone?
You can’t fly within the controlled airspace around an airport without FAA authorization; over designated national security sensitive facilities; and certain military bases, infrastructure and national landmarks; or in airspace covered by Temporary Flight Restrictions, which the FAA typically implements at the request of law enforcement for safety or security reasons. More information on restrictions is available here.

When can you fly a drone?
You can fly during the day if you’re flying for fun or flying under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule. If you want to fly at night, your drone must be equipped with required lights. 

Where can you land a drone?
You can land a drone anywhere provided the landing area is safe and is not prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Can you fly multiple drones at the same time?
A drone pilot needs a waiver to fly more than one drone at the same time.

Do drones need to be registered with the FAA?
Yes. Any recreational drone weighing more than about a half-pound 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.

Does the FAA look into reports of drone sightings?
The FAA investigates all reports of unsafe operations. However, you don’t need specific authorization from the FAA to fly drones in most locations.

What happens if a drone is over your house?
Pilots must operate drones so they don’t pose a hazard to people or property. If you think someone’s flying unsafely and it poses an immediate threat, you should contact local law enforcement. The FAA does not regulate privacy, but local privacy laws may apply to drone operations.

Can you shoot down drones above your property?
No.  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.