Nighttime Drone Operations Permitted for Recreational and Part 107 Drone Pilots
In the ever-evolving landscape of drone legislation, significant updates have been made to the rules governing nighttime operations. These changes affect both recreational flyers and Part 107 certified commercial pilots.
As tested by Pilot Institute, the FireHouse Arc V, LumeCube Strobe, and FireHouse Arc 2 are currently the most visible anti-collision lights for drones flying at night. These lights, with their flashing patterns, are essential for ensuring visibility from at least three statute miles in all directions, as required by the FAA. Solid or continuous lights are insufficient for this purpose.
The updated Part 107 Made Easy course now includes topics on night operations to help prepare for the knowledge test. This is crucial, as from April 21, 2021, Part 107-licensed drone pilots can fly at night without a waiver, provided their drones are equipped with anti-collision lights that meet the FAA's requirements.
Recreational drone pilots, while previously not restricted from flying at night, must now ensure their drones are equipped with anti-collision lights. This is due to the introduction of CBO guidelines, which stipulate that surrounding lights must be bright enough to maintain line of sight with the UAS, but it is still recommended to use a strobe light to increase visibility from manned aircraft.
To fly at night in controlled airspace, a request for airspace authorization through the LAANC system is required, indicating the hours of operation. This system has been updated to accommodate night operations, applicable to both Part 107 drone pilots and Recreational Flyers.
Looking ahead, all drones operating in the national airspace (with exceptions) will need to be equipped with Remote ID modules by late 2023. All drones being sold in the US will need to have a Remote ID by the end of 2022. However, it's important to note that Remote ID is not directly related to the ability to fly at night, and drones can fly at night as long as they comply with night operation rules, even without Remote ID technology.
In conclusion, the FAA's support for the drone pilot community is demonstrated through updates like the ability to fly at night without waivers and the near-instant LAANC requests for controlled airspace. Drone pilots must comply with these rules to ensure that drone flight at night remains as safe as possible. The landscape of drone legislation is still in a state of rapid evolution, with updates and changes being made regularly.
Drone pilots, both Part 107 licensed and recreational, need to pay attention to the updated Part 107 course that includes topics on night operations, as it prepares them for flying drones at night without a waiver from April 21, 2021, given the flight becomes technological equipped with the required anti-collision lights. The FAA's support for drone flight at night is evident in the recent changes, ensuring safe operations for all involved in the drone technology community.
