🚁 Drone Altitude Limits: How High Can You Fly Legally in the US?

You’re ready to take your drone to new heights, but how high is too high? The FAA has set a 400-foot altitude limit for drone flight in the United States, but there are some exceptions to this rule. We’ll break down the regulations, explore the exceptions, and help you understand how to fly your drone safely and responsibly. We’ll also discuss the future of drone regulations and what we can expect in the years to come.

Key Takeaways

• The FAA has set a 400-foot altitude limit for drone flight in the United States. This applies to both recreational and commercial drone pilots.
• There are some exceptions to the 400-foot altitude limit. For example, you can fly your drone above 400 feet AGL if you’re within a 400-foot radius of a structure and not higher than 400 feet above the structure’s uppermost limit.
• You can apply for a waiver from the FAA to fly your drone above 400 feet AGL for specific purposes. However, these waivers are not easy to obtain and require a lot of paperwork and documentation.
• It’s important to understand the FAA’s regulations and to fly your drone safely and responsibly. This means being aware of your surroundings, staying within the legal altitude limits, and obtaining authorization before flying in controlled airspace.

👉 Shop for drones on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts
🚁 The History of Drone Flight Regulations in the US
🗺️ Understanding Airspace Classes
⚖️ What do the Part 107 rules say?
📏 What’s the basis for the 400-foot limit?
🏗️ Flying over structures in controlled airspace
📐 From what reference point should 400 feet be measured from?
🚀 Is it physically possible for drones to fly above 400 feet?
📝 Can I get a waiver for drone flight above 400 feet AGL?
🕹️ What about hobbyists?
🚁 Drone Flight Beyond 400 Feet: The Future of Drone Regulations
🧭 Final thoughts
🔗 Recommended Links
❓ FAQ
📚 Reference Links

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

You can legally fly your drone up to 400 feet above ground level (AGL) in the United States. This applies to both recreational and commercial drone pilots.

But wait, there’s more! There are some exceptions to this rule, and it’s important to understand them.

Here’s the quick rundown:

• Flying over structures: You can fly your drone above 400 feet AGL if you’re within a 400-foot radius of a structure and not higher than 400 feet above the structure’s uppermost limit. This means you can fly your drone up to the top of a skyscraper, but you can’t go higher.
• Controlled airspace: You’ll need to obtain authorization from the FAA to fly your drone in controlled airspace, which includes areas near airports and other critical infrastructure. The FAA may impose altitude restrictions in controlled airspace, which could be lower than 400 feet AGL.
• Waivers: You can apply for a waiver from the FAA to fly your drone above 400 feet AGL for specific purposes, such as research or aerial photography. However, these waivers are not easy to obtain and require a lot of paperwork and documentation.

Want to learn more about where you can fly your drone? Check out our article on where can I fly my drone.

🚁 The History of Drone Flight Regulations in the US

The FAA’s regulations for drone flight have evolved over time, reflecting the growing popularity of drones and the need to ensure safety in the airspace.

Here’s a brief timeline:

• 2007: The FAA issued its first guidance on the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which included a requirement for operators to obtain authorization before flying drones in controlled airspace.
• 2012: The FAA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the integration of UAS into the national airspace system.
• 2014: The FAA issued a final rule that allowed for the commercial operation of drones, but with strict limitations.
• 2016: The FAA released Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which established a framework for the safe operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for commercial purposes. This rule included the 400-foot altitude limit.
• 2018: The FAA launched the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system, which allows drone pilots to obtain near real-time airspace authorizations for flights in controlled airspace.

The FAA continues to refine its regulations for drone flight as the technology advances and the number of drone operators increases.

🗺️ Understanding Airspace Classes

The FAA divides the airspace into different classes, each with its own set of rules and regulations.

Here’s a breakdown of the different airspace classes:

| Airspace Class | Description

🧭 Final thoughts

So, how high can you legally fly your drone in the United States? The answer is 400 feet above ground level (AGL), but there are some exceptions to this rule.

It’s important to understand the FAA’s regulations and to fly your drone safely and responsibly. This means being aware of your surroundings, staying within the legal altitude limits, and obtaining authorization before flying in controlled airspace.

We hope this article has been helpful in answering your questions about drone flight altitude. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

🔗 Recommended Links

👉 Shop DJI on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay | DJI Official Website

👉 Shop Parrot on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay | Parrot Official Website

👉 Shop Autel Robotics on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay | Autel Robotics Official Website

👉 Shop Skydio on: Amazon | Walmart | eBay | Skydio Official Website

👉 Shop for books on Amazon: Drone Regulations | Drone Flying | Drone Photography

❓ FAQ

What are the FAA regulations for recreational drone flying in the United States?

The FAA has a set of regulations for recreational drone flying, which are outlined in the FAA’s “Know Before You Fly” guidelines. These guidelines cover topics such as:

• Registration: Drones weighing over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA.
• Altitude: Drones must be flown below 400 feet AGL.
• Airspace: Drones should not be flown near airports or other controlled airspace.
• Safety: Drones should be flown in a safe and responsible manner, and operators should be aware of their surroundings.

What are the FAA’s “Know Before You Fly” guidelines?

The FAA’s “Know Before You Fly” guidelines are a set of recommendations for recreational drone operators. These guidelines are not legally binding, but they are important to follow to ensure safety and compliance with FAA regulations. You can find the “Know Before You Fly” guidelines on the FAA’s website.

Read more about “What Are the Statistics for Drones? 15 Must-Know Facts (2025) 🚁”

Can I fly my drone over national parks and other restricted areas in the US?

No, you cannot fly your drone over national parks and other restricted areas in the US without obtaining permission from the relevant authorities.

These areas are often restricted for safety reasons, such as to protect wildlife or to prevent interference with aircraft operations.

You can check the FAA’s website for a list of restricted areas. You can also contact the park ranger or other relevant authority to inquire about drone flight restrictions.

How do I register my drone with the Federal Aviation Administration?

You can register your drone with the FAA online at the FAA’s DroneZone website.

You will need to provide your name, address, and email address, as well as the make, model, and serial number of your drone.

The registration process is simple and takes only a few minutes. Once you have registered your drone, you will receive a registration number that you must display on your drone.

What are the penalties for flying a drone higher than the legal altitude limit in the US?

The penalties for flying a drone higher than the legal altitude limit in the US can be significant.

The FAA can issue fines of up to $32,666 for each violation.

Repeat offenders may face higher penalties, criminal charges, and imprisonment.

It is important to note that these penalties can apply to both recreational and commercial drone operators.

Read more about “Where Can I Fly My Drone in My Area? 15 Top Spots & Tips (2025) 🚁”

Do I need a special license to fly a drone for commercial purposes in the United States?

Yes, you need a special license to fly a drone for commercial purposes in the United States.

This license is known as a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

To obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, you must pass a knowledge test and meet certain requirements, such as being at least 16 years old and having a valid driver’s license.

You can find more information about the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate on the FAA’s website.

Can I fly my drone at night, and are there any special rules I need to follow?

Yes, you can fly your drone at night, but there are some special rules you need to follow.

First, your drone must be equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible from at least three statute miles.

Second, you must obtain a waiver from the FAA to fly your drone at night for commercial purposes.

Third, you must follow all other FAA regulations for drone flight, including the 400-foot altitude limit.

What are the differences in drone flying regulations between recreational and commercial use in the US?

The FAA has different regulations for recreational and commercial drone use in the US.

Recreational drone operators are generally subject to the FAA’s “Know Before You Fly” guidelines, which cover topics such as registration, altitude, airspace, and safety.

Commercial drone operators are subject to the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which are more stringent and cover topics such as licensing, operating limitations, and safety requirements.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between recreational and commercial drone use in the US:

| Feature | Recreational Use