4 ms·

In the US, the only “benefit” of weighing less than 250g, is that recreational pilots don’t need to register the drone. All other regulation applies.

by gpt5 5y ago

causi 5y ago
Almost, but not quite. In the US you're legally beholden to fly according to the guidelines of a "community-based organization", which often include generic guidelines like "don't fly wrecklessly" and "don't pose a danger to people, vehicles, animals, or disturb the peace". Should someone call the police on you, it's easier to argue your compliance when your drone is tiny than when it's big. Smaller also tends to be quieter, so you disturb people less and are less likely to get in trouble in the first place.
- wizardofaz 5y ago
  “Smaller tends to be quieter” Not true in this case. Smaller tends to have higher pitched prop noise which is much more noticeable and annoying to the people around. The larger mavics have larger props that produce a lower pitch noise which blends in much more easily.
- teeray 5y ago
  > In the US you're legally beholden to fly according to the guidelines of a "community-based organization" Only when flying recreationally under USC 44809. Part 107 is free from CBO requirements (but, of course, has others). There’s also a reckless operation catch-all in 107 too.
Steltek 5y ago
You also escape future Remote ID requirements. For commercial drone pilots, I think you also escape qualifying the drone for certain operations but I'm not sure. I don't have the commercial license yet.
- teeray 5y ago
  You cannot under Part 107. Any sUAS that requires registration under Part 48 also requires Remote ID once Part 89 takes effect in September 2023. The only escape for Remote ID for Part 107 flights will be to fly in a FRIA (FAA Recognized Identification Area). However, sub 250g drones with prop guards can qualify as Category 1 drones (subpart D) allowing you to fly over open-air assemblies of people (e.g. concerts) once equipped with Remote ID.

In the US, the only “benefit” of weighing less than 250g, is that recreational pilots don’t need to register the drone. All other regulation applies.

by gpt5 5y ago

In the US, the only “benefit” of weighing less than 250g, is that recreational pilots don’t need to register the drone. All other regulation applies.

causi 5y ago

Almost, but not quite. In the US you're legally beholden to fly according to the guidelines of a "community-based organization", which often include generic guidelines like "don't fly wrecklessly" and "don't pose a danger to people, vehicles, animals, or disturb the peace". Should someone call the police on you, it's easier to argue your compliance when your drone is tiny than when it's big. Smaller also tends to be quieter, so you disturb people less and are less likely to get in trouble in the first place.

wizardofaz 5y ago
“Smaller tends to be quieter” Not true in this case. Smaller tends to have higher pitched prop noise which is much more noticeable and annoying to the people around. The larger mavics have larger props that produce a lower pitch noise which blends in much more easily.
teeray 5y ago
> In the US you're legally beholden to fly according to the guidelines of a "community-based organization" Only when flying recreationally under USC 44809. Part 107 is free from CBO requirements (but, of course, has others). There’s also a reckless operation catch-all in 107 too.

Steltek 5y ago

You also escape future Remote ID requirements. For commercial drone pilots, I think you also escape qualifying the drone for certain operations but I'm not sure. I don't have the commercial license yet.

teeray 5y ago
You cannot under Part 107. Any sUAS that requires registration under Part 48 also requires Remote ID once Part 89 takes effect in September 2023. The only escape for Remote ID for Part 107 flights will be to fly in a FRIA (FAA Recognized Identification Area). However, sub 250g drones with prop guards can qualify as Category 1 drones (subpart D) allowing you to fly over open-air assemblies of people (e.g. concerts) once equipped with Remote ID.