Flying a drone for work and recreation can be a rewarding experience. Make sure you understand the laws around flying your drone, as well as understanding how to make sure you are flying neighborly. Remember the motto: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Follow the link to some great pointers from the Federal Aviation Administration. Make sure you visit it to find out information about requirements for registering drones as taking tests.
FAQ's
Do I need to Register my drone if I am a private individual?
You do not need to register your drone with the State of Oregon if you are private individual. The only drones that need to be registered with the state are drones that are “public use” drones. For example, drones that are used by law enforcement agencies, state agencies, cities, or counties.
So where can I fly?
For airspace questions visit here:
Oregon also has let localities make their own rules on whether you can take off or land in their parks. Check in with your local parks to see if you can take off or land from their grounds. Oregon State Parks is also working on maps of where you can and can’t take off from. If you are visiting Crater Lake or the Painted Hills, you cannot take off from or land from National Park land. You also cannot take off or land in “Wilderness”. If you are flying on the coast, be careful of flying near rocks or near nesting bird areas. Also watch for craggy rocks where could be nesting raptors. You could get in a lot of trouble if you disturb wildlife.
What should I do if I am flying near an airport?
If you plan on flying near an airport, make sure you understand what you can and can’t do! It’s usually best to avoid flying near them, but if you need to, one of the best resources is the FAA’s B4UFly Desktop and Mobile Applications which can be found here:
If you are flying near an airport that is “LAANC” enabled, you have to submit for an “airspace authorization”. The B4UFly Apps will show you those airports. For flying near “uncontrolled airports” or “Class G” airports, make sure you are seeing and avoiding all planes and helicopters. If you plan on taking off and/or landing on airport grounds, you will need permission from the airport manager. For airports that have a control tower, do NOT call the tower as they cannot give permission. A few best practices for flying near airports-
- If you are flying near an uncontrolled airport, give the airport manager a call as a heads up. While not required, it’s always good to let them know.
- Buy an aviation radio. Learn about CTAF and listen in on the frequency for the airport for planes that may be flying in the area. Remember that you are not allowed to talk to planes using the radio unless you have what is called a ground station license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- Use a visual observer- someone who can watch for planes while you are concentrating on flying.