Help! Rules and laws of FPV

[MaxTheFliteFreak]

Hello, I am interested in getting into FPV, specifically sub 250 gram FPV planes so that I can fly it more or less wherever I want. I don't however, know too much about the laws and rules of FPV. Do I absolutely need to have a spotter? Can I really fly anywhere?Any information at all would help.

Thanks in advance, happy flying!

 

[CappyAmeric]

Right now, being sub-250 gets you almost no relief from any FAA regulations (not actual laws). To legally fly anything from the surface up to 60,000’ you almost need a lawyer. Of all the recreational flying FPV is actually the most restrictive by the FAA.

Recreational flying is what you are interested in. Go down that rabbit hole here: https://www.faa.gov/uas

 

[Shurik-1960]

 

[JasonK]

Hello, I am interested in getting into FPV, specifically sub 250 gram FPV planes so that I can fly it more or less wherever I want. I don't however, know too much about the laws and rules of FPV. Do I absolutely need to have a spotter? Can I really fly anywhere?Any information at all would help.

Thanks in advance, happy flying!

depends on where your at.

To your question -> if your in the USA, yes, you are required to have a spotter.

if your in the USA [if not in the US, you will need to look up your local rules]

• Take the trust training & carry your certificate with you: https://uavcoach.com/faa-recreational-drone-training/
• Use the B4YFly app/website to verify the location is ok to fly: https://www.aloft.ai/b4ufly/
• Follow a CBO's guide lines (Here is the FTCA's https://ftca.flitetest.com/safety-guidelines/. As of right now there is also the AMA [annoyingly strick] and FPV Freedom collection [haven't reviewed])
• Unless your FPV gear is FCC certified (Analog systems are not, not sure on the digital systems), you also need a HAM license to legally operate the Video transmitter on the plane [you only need a technician class license http://arrl.org/getting-licensed]

Extra bits that probably don't apply base on your question

• If your craft is 250g or more, you need to register with the FAA (and will need RID outside of a FRIA in about a year)
• if your flying for commercial uses (or specifically anything beyond personal enjoyment), you need a part 107 with the FAA, your craft has to be registered (and will require RID - not sure if only outside FRIA or always)

 

[MaxTheFliteFreak]

Thankyou all very much, there seem to be quite a lot of rules, and some parts don't make sense to me. Which rules do not apply to a UA under 250 grams? How exactly do I follow a CBO's rules, do I just read them and act accordingly or kust I register somewhere? Also, is anyone familiar with any of the Israeli rules for operating a UA?
Thanks in advance and happy flying!

 

[JasonK]

That list of rules really isn't that long, nor is it that complicated.

if your in Israel, none of what I said above applies. You would need to look up the local rules there.

this looks like a good spot to start for Israel: http://www.aeroclub.org.il/homesites/PageGen.asp?page=21852

 

[CappyAmeric]

Thankyou all very much, there seem to be quite a lot of rules, and some parts don't make sense to me. Which rules do not apply to a UA under 250 grams? How exactly do I follow a CBO's rules, do I just read them and act accordingly or kust I register somewhere? Also, is anyone familiar with any of the Israeli rules for operating a UA?
Thanks in advance and happy flying!

In the US, the only real rules that under 250 grams gives relief for is the registering and also for having a remote ID module after September 2023 unless flying in an FAA recognized flying area. All other rules apply - even for recreational fliers. If flying commercially (Part 107), sub-250 grams gets you nothing by most interpretations.

In the US, most FPV is not done without an assigned spotter - even though that is required. FPV folks tend to be a little less friendly to government interference, IMHO. After September 2023, I suspect that a lot of recreational fliers will be either ignorant of, or otherwise in violation of the FAA's rules for flying toys.

As for Israel, I know FPV is done, and even done without a spotter - but not sure if that is legal in Israel. Check out KremerFPV who does great reviews etc. and flying videos in Israel. He is very good, and might give you some insights into Israeli regulations.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KremerFPV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kremerFPV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kremerfpv

 

[MaxTheFliteFreak]

Thank you all very much!