Do the same height restrictions apply to civilian flight here in the US. In particular can I as a civilian fly my drone up to 400' above my communities water tower, providing I have permission from my local water department?
That very question has been hotly debated by many people over the last couple years across multiple forums. While the Part 107 is very clear about altitude restrictions, there has not been any absolute clarification from the FAA with regards to hobby flying outside of deferring to CBOs rules (other than the guidance provided listing a 400ft. AGL limit.) However, it seems the general consensus is that hobbyists do not have a set altitude limit unless they are within 3 mi from an airport as per AMA guidelines. If the AMA is the CBO you are following and you are a hobbyist, you don't strictly have an altitude limit and are probably ok to fly up to +400ft. above the tower. However, that only applies if you are 100% following the safety rules set forth by the AMA. In addition to the permission of the municipality involved, you should check a sectional to ensure that you will not be busting any controlled airspace when flying at that altitude. All that being said, I always recommend that people get the Remote Pilot Certificate (to fly Part 107) as preparing for it provides knowledge that can be critical when sharing airspace with other aircraft.
Do the same height restrictions apply to civilian flight here in the US. In particular can I as a civilian fly my drone up to 400' above my communities water tower, providing I have permission from my local water department?
That very question has been hotly debated by many people over the last couple years across multiple forums. While the Part 107 is very clear about altitude restrictions, there has not been any absolute clarification from the FAA with regards to hobby flying outside of deferring to CBOs rules (other than the guidance provided listing a 400ft. AGL limit.) However, it seems the general consensus is that hobbyists do not have a set altitude limit unless they are within 3 mi from an airport as per AMA guidelines. If the AMA is the CBO you are following and you are a hobbyist, you don't strictly have an altitude limit and are probably ok to fly up to +400ft. above the tower. However, that only applies if you are 100% following the safety rules set forth by the AMA. In addition to the permission of the municipality involved, you should check a sectional to ensure that you will not be busting any controlled airspace when flying at that altitude. All that being said, I always recommend that people get the Remote Pilot Certificate (to fly Part 107) as preparing for it provides knowledge that can be critical when sharing airspace with other aircraft.
Good video.
Many will have an information and idea in how to fly a drone in a good way.
#god bless