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1. Do I have to register my drone?

The FAA requires all drones weighing more than .55 pounds or more to be registered with the FAA.  Registration can be done through the FAA Drone Zone web site:  www.faadronezone.faa.gov

2. Do I have to be a licensed drone pilot to fly my drone?

No.  If you are going to fly your drone for a commercial purpose, i.e. to make money for yourself or someone else or for advertising purposes etc. you must possess a Commercial Drone Pilots License.

If you just flying for fun you do not have be a licensed drone pilot but you are required by the FAA to follow certain rules and fly under the rules of a community based recreational flyer & modeler organization.  More information can be found at:  www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/

3. How high and far can I fly my drone?

All drone flights are limited to no higher than 400 feet, without a waiver to fly higher granted by the FAA, when flying in Class G airspace and must remain within line of sight of the pilot. 

When flying within 5 miles of an airport, (Class B, C, D and E airspace), the FAA requires the pilot to obtain airspace authorization and limits the maximum height a drone can be flown without a waiver. 

4. Can I fly my drone at a York County School or over a school sporting event?

No.  The York County School prohibits the flying of drones from school property without permission from the School Board.  Flying from school property without permission could result in being charged with trespassing.

It is a violation of FAA regulations to fly any drone over people without a waiver authorizing flight over people issued by the FAA.

5. Can I fly my drone on York County property?

No.  York County Code prohibits the flying of a drone from county property without permission from the proper authority.  Currently, York County has no formal process to obtain permission to fly a drone from County property.

6. Can I fly my drone at the Yorktown Beach?

No.  The Yorktown Beach is York County property.

7. Can I fly my drone from National Park Service Property?

No.  The National Park Service prohibits the flying of drones from all National Park Service property.

8. Can I fly my drone over people?

No.  It is a violation of FAA regulations to fly a drone over people without a waiver to fly over people granted by the FAA.

9. Can I fly my drone at night?

No.  The FAA prohibits flying drones during periods of civil twilight as determined by the air almanac without an FAA granted waiver.  

10. How do I become a licensed drone pilot?

Unless you are already a licensed airplane pilot, you must be at least 16 years of age and be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language and be in a physical mental condition to safely fly a drone.  Finally you must pass the initial aeronautical exam at an FAA approved Knowledge Testing Center.  The exam covers many topics such as rules and regulations, aviation weather, loading and performance, emergency procedures, radio communications, airport operations and more.  For more information on becoming a licensed drone pilot go the FAA’s Drone Zone web site.