400' Altitude Limitation - New Info from the FEDS (US)

[FLYBOYJ]

This was sent to a member of a FB page yesterday. It seems the administrator considers hobbyist operations over 400' a hazard to the NAS. First time I seen this in writing. I contacted the Feds as well asking where this is indicated as regulation. I'll post their response (not holding my breath)

 

[msinger]

Flying above 400 feet is not illegal per US law. However, if you do something that endangers other aircraft/people, you could certainly be fined under US law. The same goes for doing dangerous things below 400 feet too.

 

[MATTSPARK1975]

Correct. It is in fact a guideline, not a statute. "Give way to manned aircraft" is the only mandate.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

An update to this post - when asked to clarify an official from the same office that put out that original correspondence stated the 400' altitude limit was a guideline. 2 different responses from 2 different FAA officials.

 

[KD Action Photo]

Always remember if I recall correctly, it is 400' from your current elevation.

 

[beachcombing]

Always remember if I recall correctly, it is 400' from your current elevation.

The guideline is 400 feet above the ground elevation. This means the ground elevation directly below wherever the drone is currently located at anytime during its flight.