10 April 2022

Flying a drone can be fun and useful - depending on whether you want to use it for recreational purposes or work and business. However, particular rules and guidelines should be respected if you're going to fly your drone in the United States of America. And on top of that, each state has its specific laws and regulations. Be sure to gather additional information before flying!

Can I Have A Drone In Idaho?

Idaho

Drones are allowed in the state of Idaho for both recreational and commercial purposes, subject to FAA rules and flight controls that are put in place by the local government. 

What Type Of Drones Does The Idaho Legislature Stand Behind?

In the state of Idaho, the definition of an Unmanned aircraft system refers to a crewless aircraft vehicle, remotely piloted vehicle, drone, remotely piloted aircraft, or remotely operated aircraft that doesn’t carry a human operator - meaning it can fly remotely or autonomously and can be recoverable or expendable.

Unmanned Aircraft System, or UAS for short, doesn’t include model flying airplanes or rockets. UAS may also be used in mapping or resource management.

The statute does prohibit surveillance or gathering evidence or information or any electronic or photographic evidence of “specifically targeted” individuals or private property without a warrant. However, an exception is made in the case of emergency response for safety, rescue or search missions, and controlled substance investigators.

Counties throughout the state of Idaho may have specific regulations and restrictions within their jurisdictions. We suggest checking with your local authorities if you want to be up-to-date about the latest rules and restrictions.

Recreational Drone Flying In Idaho

Drone flying over

You can recreationally fly your drone in the state of Idaho by respecting the Drone Laws defined by FAA regulations and guidelines. Also, your UAV has to weigh less than 55 pounds if you want to fly it for your enjoyment.

Recreational drone operations in the state of Idaho are approved under Federal law. Please be sure to check the specific state jurisdiction to learn about any additional licensing, permission, or clearance requirements.

When flying your UAV, keep it within the visual line of sight, or you can use a co-located visual observer in direct communication with you. Give way to and don’t interfere with crewed aircraft. Always fly the drone at or below 400 feet in controlled airspace with prior authorization. 

On top of that, you need to take TRUST - The Recreational UAS Safety Test. And don’t forget to carry proof of the test passage with you.

Do I Have To Register My Drone In Idaho?

FAA regulations in Idaho don’t require you to register a UAV if it weighs less than 0.55 pounds - you can recreationally operate your drone without registration.

Can I Still Get Penalties If I Use A Drone In Idaho?

Recreational drone operators could be liable for criminal and civil penalties if they intentionally violate any regulations and rules and operate their drone flight carelessly and recklessly.

What If I Want To Fly My Commercial Drone In Idaho?

Commercial drone operations in Idaho are approved under the FAA regulations and guidelines. If you have a small drone that’s less than 55 pounds, you can operate it for business or work by following the Drone Laws.

Commercial drone operators should never fly near airports due to the challenging detection of a drone from human-crewed aircraft. Keep in mind that the drone pilot must avoid crewed aircraft - and is held responsible for any safety hazard their UAV might create in an airport environment.

As a commercial pilot, you need to get your Drone License. You must be at least 16 years old and know English to be eligible to get your license.

Drone License

https://mavicmaniacs.com/get-the-faa-drone-license-make-money-legally-with-your-mavic

After taking and passing the Knowledge Test, you’re eligible to operate a drone as a commercial UAV pilot.

The last step is to register your drone - it costs only $5, and the registration lasts for three years. Once you’ve registered your UAV, ensure it’s marked with your registration number - it will help you in case your drone ever gets lost or stolen.


About the Author
 Ruan Nelio

When I'm not geeking out over the newest drones, I'm busy flying my DJI Mavic 2 Pro all over Oslo. The coolest part about this job is I get to keep some of the drones I review, which happens to be how I got my Mavic 2!

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