Drone-rules glossary

CBO (Community-Based Organization)

A Community-Based Organization (CBO) is an FAA-recognized association whose safety guidelines satisfy the recreational drone rules requirement under 49 USC 44809. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is the most prominent CBO.

Drone registration (FAA)

Drones weighing more than 250 grams must be registered with the FAA before outdoor flight. Registration costs $5, lasts 3 years, and applies to both recreational and commercial pilots.

Drone rules in national parks

Drones are prohibited across all 423 units of the US National Park Service. The ban applies to launching, landing, and operating drones on or over NPS land. Adjacent USFS land usually permits drones with rules.

Drone rules in state parks

State park drone rules vary by state — most require a permit; many ban drone takeoff/landing entirely. Federal NPS land has a blanket no-drone policy. Always check the specific park before flying.

Drone weight classes

FAA drone regulations distinguish three weight classes: under 250 g (Category 1, registration-exempt for recreational use), 250 g to 55 lb (Part 107 small UAS), and over 55 lb (large UAS subject to different rules entirely).

LAANC

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA's automated system for granting drone pilots near-real-time airspace authorization in controlled airspace around airports.

Part 107

Part 107 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations is the FAA's Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems rule — the framework for commercial drone operation in the United States.

Part 107 recurrent training

Part 107 recurrent training is a free online course Remote Pilot Certificate holders must complete every 24 calendar months to maintain commercial flying privileges.

Recreational drone rules (49 USC 44809)

49 USC 44809 is the federal statute defining the rules for recreational (non-commercial) drone operation in the United States. It requires the TRUST test, follows FAA-recognized CBO guidelines, and limits flight to 400 ft AGL.

Remote ID

Remote ID is the FAA-mandated requirement for drones to broadcast identification and location information during flight — sometimes called the 'digital license plate' for drones.

Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)

The Remote Pilot Certificate is the FAA credential authorizing commercial drone operation in the United States, earned by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test.

Section 107.23 (hazardous operation)

14 CFR § 107.23 prohibits operating a small unmanned aircraft in a careless or reckless manner that endangers the life or property of others, or allowing an object to be dropped that creates undue hazard.

Section 107.25 (operations from a moving vehicle)

14 CFR § 107.25 prohibits Part 107 operation of drones from a moving vehicle, with one exception: operation over sparsely populated areas may be conducted from a moving vehicle.

Section 107.29 (night operations)

14 CFR § 107.29 governs Part 107 night operations. As of April 2021, night flight is permitted without a waiver if the pilot has completed updated training and the drone is equipped with anti-collision lighting visible from 3 statute miles.

Section 107.31 (visual line of sight)

14 CFR § 107.31 requires the remote pilot in command or a designated visual observer to maintain unaided visual contact with the small unmanned aircraft throughout flight.

Section 107.39 (operations over people)

14 CFR § 107.39 prohibits flying drones over uninvolved people or moving vehicles unless the operation falls into one of four FAA categories. The 2021 update created a path for routine over-people flight with categorized drones.

Section 107.51 (operating limits)

14 CFR § 107.51 sets the operating limits for Part 107 drone flight: maximum 100 mph groundspeed, 400 ft AGL altitude, 3 statute mile visibility, and minimum 500 ft below clouds, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds.

TRUST test

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is a free FAA online test required of every recreational drone pilot in the United States before flight.

UAS Categories 1–4 (over-people)

The FAA defines four categories of small unmanned aircraft for over-people operations under § 107.39. Each category has different weight, kinetic-energy, and operational constraints.

UAS waiver (Part 107.205)

A UAS waiver is FAA approval to deviate from a specific Part 107 operating rule. Submitted through FAA DroneZone, processed in 90+ days, granted only when the operator demonstrates an equivalent level of safety.

UASFM (UAS Facility Map)

The UAS Facility Map (UASFM) is the FAA's grid-cell map showing the maximum altitude at which automatic LAANC authorization is available in controlled airspace around airports.

Airspace classes (A through G)

US airspace is divided into six classes (A, B, C, D, E, G) by the FAA. Each class has different rules for entry, equipment, and pilot certification. Drone-relevant classes are B, C, D, E, and G.

Class B Airspace

Class B airspace is the controlled airspace surrounding the busiest US airports — typically reaching from the surface to 10,000 ft MSL in an inverted-wedding-cake structure. Drones require LAANC authorization to operate in Class B.

Class C Airspace

Class C airspace surrounds medium-traffic commercial airports — typically extending from the surface to 4,000 ft AGL in a two-tier structure. Drones require LAANC authorization in Class C.

Class D Airspace

Class D airspace surrounds smaller airports with operational control towers — typically a 4–5 nautical mile cylinder from the surface to 2,500 ft AGL. Drones require LAANC authorization in Class D.

Class E Airspace

Class E airspace is controlled airspace that exists everywhere above 14,500 ft MSL and in lower altitude shelves around airports. Most US airspace below 18,000 ft is Class E.

Class G Airspace

Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace — typically the layer from the surface to 700 or 1,200 ft AGL outside controlled airspace. Drones don't need LAANC authorization in Class G.

Controlled airspace

Controlled airspace is airspace where ATC provides separation services to participating aircraft. For drones, controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E surface areas) requires LAANC or waiver authorization before flight.

DC Special Flight Rules Area / Flight Restricted Zone

The DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) is a 30-nautical-mile circle centered on Reagan National Airport (DCA), with a 15-nautical-mile inner Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ). Drone operations are effectively prohibited in the FRZ; the SFRA outer ring requires individual authorization.

NOTAM

A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen, since 2021 'Notice to Air Missions') is a time-critical aeronautical advisory issued by the FAA. TFRs, runway closures, and other temporary conditions are distributed via NOTAMs.

Section 99.7 (special security instructions)

14 CFR § 99.7 is the FAA regulation creating standing security-related airspace restrictions, including the famous stadium TFR over major sporting events. Often the basis cited when you see 'no drones' signage at a venue.

Stadium TFR (§ 99.7)

The standing stadium TFR (14 CFR § 99.7) prohibits aircraft, including drones, from flying within 3 nautical miles of major sporting events, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the event, surface to 3,000 ft AGL.

TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is FAA-issued airspace that prohibits or limits aircraft operations within a defined area for a specified period — usually for security, disaster relief, sporting events, or VIP movement.

Uncontrolled airspace (Class G)

Uncontrolled airspace is airspace where ATC doesn't provide separation services — Class G in the FAA classification. Drone flight in Class G doesn't require LAANC, only standard operating rules.

Wildfire TFR

Wildfire TFRs are temporary flight restrictions issued during active wildfires. Drone flight in a wildfire TFR is a federal felony under 18 USC § 39A — penalties include up to 12 months imprisonment.

AGL (Above Ground Level)

AGL means Above Ground Level — altitude measured from the surface of the earth directly below the aircraft, not from sea level. Part 107 limits drones to 400 ft AGL for most operations.

BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)

BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations are drone flights where the pilot or visual observer doesn't maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft. Requires a Part 107.31 waiver in the US.

Drone weather tools (UAV Forecast, Altoa, etc.)

Drone weather tools surface drone-relevant atmospheric conditions: wind at flight altitude, visibility, cloud cover, Kp index. Most consolidate FAA TFR data alongside weather.

FPV (First-Person View)

FPV (First-Person View) drone operation uses a video link to goggles or a screen, letting the pilot fly from the drone's perspective. In the US, FPV requires a separate visual observer to satisfy the VLOS rule.

Kp index (geomagnetic activity)

The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity on a 0–9 scale. High Kp values (5+) can interfere with drone GPS, compass calibration, and radio transmission. Most consumer drones recommend not flying when Kp > 5.

METAR

METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) is the standard aviation weather report format. Issued hourly by airports worldwide; the source data behind most aviation weather tools.

Operating limits (general)

Operating limits for Part 107 drones include 400 ft AGL altitude, 100 mph speed, 3 statute miles visibility, daylight or civil twilight (with night exception), VLOS, and 55 lb maximum takeoff weight.

Right of way

Under 14 CFR § 107.37, drones must yield right of way to all manned aircraft. This is absolute — drones must give way regardless of position, altitude, or who 'saw whom first.'

Sectional chart

A sectional chart is the FAA's standard aviation map covering airspace, terrain, navigation aids, and obstacles in a given region. Drone pilots can use sectionals to identify airspace classes and obstacles, though most rely on simplified airspace tools.

UAS flight log

A UAS flight log records each drone flight: date, location, duration, conditions, and notable events. Not strictly required by FAA regulation but recommended for commercial pilots and required by some clients and insurance providers.

Visual observer

A visual observer is a person who maintains unaided visual contact with a drone during flight, working in voice contact with the remote pilot. Required for FPV operations and useful for any flight where the pilot's view may be obstructed.

VLOS (Visual Line of Sight)

VLOS (Visual Line of Sight) is the FAA requirement that the remote pilot or a designated visual observer maintain unaided visual contact with the drone throughout flight.

Wind at altitude (AGL wind)

Wind speed at flight altitude (typically 200–400 ft AGL) is generally 30–50% higher than ground-level wind because surface friction slows the lower air layer. Drone manufacturer wind-resistance specs are at sea level — they don't reflect actual flight conditions.

DJI GEO zones

DJI's GEO (Geospatial Environment Online) is the geofencing system built into DJI drones that restricts flight in airports, restricted airspace, and sensitive locations. Three zone categories: Authorization, Restricted, and Warning.

Geofencing

Geofencing is manufacturer-implemented airspace restriction that prevents drones from flying in restricted areas at the firmware level. DJI's GEO system is the best-known example. Geofencing supplements but doesn't replace FAA airspace authorization.

Intelligent flight battery

An intelligent flight battery is a drone-specific lithium polymer battery with onboard electronics for safety, charge management, and flight-time reporting. DJI's term is widely used; Autel and others have similar systems.

ND filter (neutral density)

Neutral density (ND) filters reduce light entering the drone camera, allowing slower shutter speeds for cinematic motion blur in bright daylight. Common values: ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64.

Return to home (RTH)

Return to home (RTH) is a drone safety feature that automatically flies the aircraft back to its takeoff point if signal is lost, battery is critically low, or the pilot triggers it manually.

Drone inspection

Drone inspection uses unmanned aircraft to capture imagery and data of structures and equipment that would otherwise require ladders, scaffolding, or rope access. Common for roofs, towers, bridges, and industrial facilities.

Drone insurance

Drone insurance covers liability and hull damage for unmanned aircraft. Required by some commercial clients and venues; optional but commonly recommended for serious recreational pilots.

Mapping / surveying drone

Mapping drones use unmanned aircraft to generate orthomosaics, digital surface models, and topographic data. Common in construction progress, agriculture, and surveying. Specialized equipment and software required.

Real-estate aerial

Real-estate aerial is the use of drones for property photography and videography. Requires Part 107 in the US. Roughly 30,000–60,000 US Part 107 pilots focus on this segment.

Real-estate drone photography

Real-estate drone photography is the largest commercial segment for small drones in the US — aerial stills and video of properties for listings, MLS, and broker marketing. Requires Part 107.

Wedding drone videography

Wedding drone videography is the use of drones for aerial wedding footage — typically integrated with a primary videography package. Requires Part 107 plus careful planning around venue rules and over-people considerations.

FAA civil penalties for drone violations

The FAA enforces drone regulations through civil penalties (fines), certificate action (suspension or revocation of pilot certificates), and in serious cases criminal referral. Routine violations carry $500–5,000 fines; severe violations exceed $30,000.

State drone surveillance laws

State drone surveillance laws prohibit using drones to capture images of private property or individuals without consent. About 30 states have such laws; the specific scope varies. Most apply criminal or civil penalties.