New Drone Laws in Pennsylvania (2024 Updated)

Drones are becoming more and more popular, with people using them for everything from recreation to business purposes. However, as drone use increases, so do the number of questions about how they can be legally used.

This is especially true in Pennsylvania, where there are a number of specific drone laws that must be followed.

Drones are essentially flying machines. People use them for all sorts of different things, like having fun or even working. They come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s amazing what these simple machines can do. People have a lot of questions about the legal ways to use drones.

Every state has laws about drones. This post will tell you some of the most important drone laws in Pennsylvania.

Drone Rules to Follow in Pennsylvania (2024)

Operating a drone is both a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember that there are different safety and legal considerations that must be taken into account.

• A drone operator must be at least 16 years old.
• Drones must be registered with the FAA.
• The operator should have obtained a remote pilot license from FAA.
• One must not fly in restricted airspace.
• Drones are not allowed to go beyond 400 feet of controlled airspace.
• Drones cannot fly near airports, military bases, or sensitive areas.
• Drones are completely prohibited from flying over prisons and correction facilities
• Drones are not allowed to fly near government and federal buildings.
• Do not operate a drone under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Always keep your drone in a visual line of sight
• Avoid Flying in crowded places, Stadiums, and sports events.
• Do not come in the way of rescue, emergency, and law enforcement activities.
• Respect people’s privacy, and do not take photos and videos of people without their permission.

Be a good drone community member and follow the rules and regulations. These are just some of the key things to remember when flying your drone in Pennsylvania.

Read Also: All New Drone Laws in Greece (Hellenic Republic)

Penalties or Offenses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has recently put into effect a series of laws that punish drone operators who break the rules. These new laws make it illegal to fly drones over stadiums, prisons, and other areas where they may pose a safety risk. Given below some details regarding penalties and offenses:

Criminal charges

In Pennsylvania, it is a crime to fly a drone in a way that endangers people or property. This law applies to both private and commercial drone operators. If you break this law, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense.

Confiscation of Drone

In Pennsylvania, it is now possible for law enforcement to confiscate drones that are breaking the law. This new rule came about after a number of incidents in which drones were used to interfere with police and firefighting efforts.

The new law allows police to seize drones that are being operated in a way that endangers public safety or violates the privacy of others. This is a welcome development for those concerned about the potential misuse of these devices.

Jailtime

Operators of drones that break the law in Pennsylvania can now be sentenced to up to several years in prison. The law applies to those who use drones to commit crimes and those who fly them in a way that endangers people or property.

Fines

The fines for breaking drone laws in Pennsylvania have also been increased. Operators of drones that are used to commit crimes can now be fined. Those who fly their drones in a way that endangers people or property can also be fined.

Read Also: 10+ Best Tips For Flying a Drone at Night

The Federal Aviation Administration(FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration is the primary governing body when it comes to drones. All commercial drone operators must obtain a license from the FAA.

The process to obtain a license is fairly simple and straightforward. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and pass a written exam.

In addition, all drones must be registered with the FAA. Registering a drone is a small fee, and the process can be completed online.

Recreational drone users are not required to obtain a license or register their drone but are subject to the same rules and regulations as commercial operators.

The FAA has strict guidelines in place to ensure that drones are operated safely and responsibly. Anyone who plans on operating a drone should familiarize themselves with the FAA’s rules and regulations.

FAA’s Part 107

In 2016, the FAA released its Part 107 rule, which outlines the requirements for flying a drone commercially in the United States.

The rule states that a licensed pilot must operate drones, and they must stay within the visual line of sight of the operator at all times. In addition, drones are not allowed to fly over populated areas or near airports.

The Part 107 rule has been generally well-received by the drone community. It provides a clear set of guidelines that commercial operators can follow in order to ensure that they are operating their drones safely and responsibly.

Remote Pilot License

In order to obtain a Remote Pilot License, applicants must be at least 16 years old and pass a written exam. The written exam covers topics such as Federal Aviation Regulations, crew resource management, aircraft performance, and flight planning.

Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of these topics in order to obtain a Remote Pilot License. In addition to the written exam, applicants must also take and pass a practical test.

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to safely operate an aircraft in order to obtain a Remote Pilot License.

Drone Registration

Before you can take to the skies with your drone, there are a few things you need to do. First and foremost, you must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This process is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes. You will need to provide your name, address, and email address, as well as the make and model of your drone.

Once you have registered your drone, you will be issued a unique registration number that must be displayed on the drone itself. You will also need to make sure that your drone is always operated in a safe and responsible manner.

Failure to do so could result in serious penalties, including fines and jail time. So if you’re planning on flying a drone, make sure you do it the right way by registering with the FAA first.

The UAS Commission

The Unmanned Aircraft System Commission is tasked with the development of regulations for the operation of unmanned aircraft within the United States.

The commission is made up of representatives from the aviation industry, government, and academia. Its goal is to create a set of standards that will ensure the safe and efficient operation of unmanned aircraft in US airspace.

The commission’s work is crucial to the drone industry’s growth, which is expected to generate billions of dollars in economic activity in the coming years. In addition to safety concerns, the commission also has to consider the privacy implications of drones.

As more and more businesses and individuals begin to use drones, there is a risk that personal privacy will be invaded. The commission’s work will help to ensure that drones are used responsibly and that people’s privacy rights are respected.

Read Also: New Drone Laws in Australia

Rules For The Recreational Use of Drones in Pennsylvania

The FAA’s rules for recreational use are much less strict than those for commercial use. Recreational users do not need a license or registration, and they are not required to stay within the visual line of sight of the operator.

However, they are still subject to some restrictions. For example, drones are not allowed to fly over populated areas or near airports.

While the FAA’s rules for recreational use are less strict, it is still important to operate your drone in a safe and responsible manner.

Failure to do so could result in serious penalties, including fines and jail time. So if you’re planning on flying a drone recreationally, make sure you do it the right way by following the FAA’s guidelines.

Rules for Commercial Use of Drones in Pennsylvania

The FAA’s commercial use rules are much stricter than those for recreational use. Commercial users must obtain a license and registration, and they are required to stay within the visual line of sight of the operator.

While the FAA’s rules for commercial use are more strict than those for recreational use, it is still important to operate your drone in a safe and responsible manner. Failure to do so could result in serious penalties, including fines and jail time.

No Drone Zone in Pennsylvania

A no-drone zone is an area where the operation of drones is restricted or prohibited. There are various reasons why these zones may be established, such as to protect sensitive areas from intrusion or prevent potential accidents.

In some cases, the restriction may only be temporary, such as during large events where drones could pose a safety hazard.

In other cases, the restriction may be permanent, such as around airports or military bases. No drone zones are typically well-marked, and violators can face stiff penalties, including fines and jail time.

As the popularity of drones continues to grow, it is likely that more no-drone zones will be established in order to keep the public safe and protect sensitive areas.

How to know about no drone zones?

The best way to know about no drone zones is to check the FAA website or contact your local law enforcement. The FAA has a great interactive map that shows you where you can and cannot fly your drone. It is always best to check on the side of caution and avoid flying in any area that may be restricted.

B4UFLY App

The B4UFLY app is another great resource that can be used to help you determine whether or not you are able to fly your drone in a particular area.

This app is free to download and provides users with up-to-date information on flying conditions, airport locations, and temporary flight restrictions.

As a drone operator, it is your responsibility to know the law. There are a variety of resources available that can help you stay up-to-date on the latest drone regulations.

The FAA website is a great place to start, as it contains a wealth of information on everything from registering your drone to flying in restricted airspace.

Read Also: Drone Laws in Canada, Penalty, Limit

Conclusion

Drones are a great way to have fun and even make money, but it’s important to remember that there are some rules and regulations that must be followed.

Violating these rules can result in stiff penalties, including fines and jail time. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the law before operating a drone, and always err on the side of caution when flying in unfamiliar territory.

Following these simple guidelines can help ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience when flying drones.