Fact Check: Are First-Person-View (FPV) drones legal?

Are First-Person-View (FPV) Drones Legal?

The legality of First-Person-View (FPV) drones in the United States is a topic of considerable interest among drone enthusiasts and operators. FPV drones allow users to fly from a first-person perspective using a camera mounted on the drone, which transmits live video to the pilot's goggles or screen. The claim under examination is whether FPV drones are legal to operate in the U.S., and if so, under what conditions.

What We Know

1. Federal Regulations: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the operation of drones in the U.S. under Part 107 regulations, which require that drone operators maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with their aircraft. However, the use of FPV technology is permitted as long as the operator has a visual observer (VO) who can maintain VLOS with the drone 29.

2. State and Local Regulations: In addition to federal regulations, state and local laws may impose additional restrictions on drone operations. The FAA provides guidance for state and local governments to help them regulate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which includes FPV drones 1.

3. Recreational Use: For recreational users, the FPV Freedom Coalition states that flying FPV is legal if a spotter is present to maintain visual contact with the drone 7. This aligns with the FAA's guidelines that emphasize the importance of situational awareness when using FPV technology 3.

4. Commercial Use: For commercial operations, drone pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. This certification includes knowledge of regulations, airspace classification, and operational limitations, which also apply to FPV flying 6.

5. Safety Considerations: The use of FPV can limit the operator's situational awareness, making it crucial to have a VO. The FAA's Advisory Circular (AC 91-57C) outlines safety guidelines for model aircraft, including those that use FPV technology 3.

Analysis

The claim that FPV drones are legal in the U.S. is supported by multiple sources, including official FAA documentation and advocacy groups. However, the interpretation of legality is nuanced and depends on adherence to specific regulations.

• Source Reliability: The FAA is the primary regulatory body for aviation in the U.S., making its guidelines 21 highly credible. The FPV Freedom Coalition 7 is a dedicated advocacy group for FPV enthusiasts, which may introduce a degree of bias in their interpretation of the laws, but they provide useful insights into community practices and safety guidelines.

• Conflicting Information: Some sources, like Sky Eagle Drone 4, assert that FPV flying is legal for both leisure and commercial purposes, but they do not elaborate on the necessity of a VO, which is a critical component of the legality under current regulations. This omission could mislead inexperienced operators regarding the requirements for safe and legal FPV flying.

• Methodology Concerns: The methodology for determining the legality of FPV drones often relies on interpretations of existing regulations rather than new legislation. This can lead to confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with the nuances of drone law.

• Need for Additional Information: While the current regulations provide a framework for the legality of FPV drones, additional information regarding state-specific laws and recent changes to federal regulations would be beneficial. Understanding how local jurisdictions enforce or adapt these regulations could provide a clearer picture for drone operators.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that FPV drones are legal to operate in the U.S. is substantiated by federal regulations, specifically those set forth by the FAA, which allow for FPV flying under certain conditions, such as the presence of a visual observer. This conclusion is supported by credible sources, including the FAA and advocacy groups like the FPV Freedom Coalition, which provide guidelines for safe operation.

However, it is essential to recognize that the legality of FPV drones is nuanced and can vary based on state and local regulations. While the federal framework permits FPV flying, operators must remain aware of additional restrictions that may apply in their specific jurisdictions.

Moreover, the interpretation of these regulations can sometimes be complex, and there may be gaps in public understanding, particularly regarding the necessity of a visual observer. As such, while the evidence supports the legality of FPV drones, operators should be diligent in ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding drone regulations and stay informed about any changes that may affect their operations.

Sources

1. Federal Aviation Administration. "Updated Fact Sheet on State and Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems." FAA Fact Sheet.
2. Federal Aviation Administration. "Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations (Part 107)." FAA Regulations.
3. FPV Freedom Coalition. "Safety Guidelines." FPV Freedom Coalition.
4. Sky Eagle Drone. "Is FPV Legal in the US? (5 FAA Rules)." Sky Eagle Drone.
5. Mepsking. "What are the FPV Drone Laws and Safety Issues in FPV Flying?" Mepsking.
6. Drone U. "New Drone Laws in the USA [Updated in 2025]." Drone U.
7. FPV Freedom Coalition. "HR 302 FAQ." FPV Freedom Coalition.
8. Rock Robotic. "Understanding FAA Regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Drone Operations." Rock Robotic.
9. Pilot Institute. "Federal Drone Laws in the United States (FAA)." Pilot Institute.
10. Drone Blocks. "Understanding FCC Part 15 Regulations for FPV Drones." Drone Blocks.