Overview
More than 11,000 people hold a remote pilot rating with the Federal Aviation Administration that allows them to fly drones in Pennsylvania skies. Since we'll only be seeing more of them, it's important to know what we can expect.
Nighttime Flying
We're all still getting used to drones being in the skies. It's understandable that seeing one, especially at night, might be unexpected.
It is important to remember that nighttime flying is legal, with some restrictions:
- Drones need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA.
- They must have a flashing anti-collision light (white or red) that is visible for at least 3 statute miles.
- They need to remain within line-of-sight of the remote pilot on the ground.
- They need to transmit a remote identification signal that can be received by a number of free mobile phone applications (unless being flown in a FAA-Recognized Identification Area ).
- They need to be no greater than 400 feet above the ground, unless flying in the vicinity of a building or structure; then, they can be flown to a height of 400 feet above the height of the structure.
- No flying over people, moving vehicles, or in the vicinity of critical infrastructure. This includes prisons, airports, helipads, military installations, nuclear power plants, water treatment facilities, etc.
- Drones cannot interfere with crewed aircraft operating in the area.
- Drones may not be flown in a reckless or dangerous manner.
Any drones not being flown in accordance with the above information should be reported to local law enforcement.
