Drone Operation

• Registration: Recreational drone pilots whose drones weigh more than .55 pounds and less than 55 pounds must register their drone online with the FAA prior to flying it. For more information visit: FAA How to Register Your Drone
• Rules/Laws: All drone operators must follow the rules/regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the State of California, local city, and county. Violation of any FAA safety requirements, and/or operating in a careless or reckless manner, violators could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties. For more information visit: FAA Recreational Flyers
• Flying in Controlled Airspace: SBA participates in Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). This system provides drone operators with automated permission to fly in controlled airspace at altitudes and locations determined to be safe by the FAA. If your requested altitude exceeds what is available through LAANC manual coordination is required with the Air Traffic Control Tower. For more information about LAANC visit: FAA UAS Data Exchange

Additionally, if your Part 107 operation requires a waiver (i.e flying a UAS over person/people) you cannot coordinate through LAANC, to coordinate visit: FAADroneZone

• Registration: All Certified Remote Pilot’s drones used for commercial operations must be registered with the FAA. For more information visit FAA How to Register Your Drone
• Rules/Laws: Commercial drone operators must be in compliance with FAA Part 107 rules at all time. For more information visit FAA Certificated Remote Pilots
• Flying in Controlled Airspace: SBA participates in Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). This system provides drone operators with automated permission to fly in controlled airspace at altitudes and locations determined to be safe by the FAA. If your requested altitude exceeds what is available through LAANC manual coordination is required with the Air Traffic Control Tower. For more information about LAANC visit FAA UAS Data Exchange

Additionally, if your Part 107 operation requires a waiver (i.e Flying a UAS over persons/people) you cannot coordinate through LAANC, visit FAADroneZone to coordinate.

It is the responsibility of the drone operator to remain in compliance with the latest FAA guidance and regulations and this page is not intended as a sole source of information.

Government use of drones must follow the rules outlined above for commercial drone pilots, Part 107. However, they may request  with prior coordination (at least 60 days or more), for a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA). For more information regarding COAs please visit the FAA at: FAA Certificates of Waiver or Authorization

Drone restrictions and regulations are changing rapidly. Should you have an issue with a drone operator these rules are the minimum that operator should be following FAA Recreational Flyers. Should the operator be a commercial operator, operating for business or for hire, they must abide by these rules and are subject to more stringent rules.

Some rules a drone pilot must follow include:

• Fly your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground
• Keep your drone within your visual line of sight, or within the visual line-of-sight of a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
• Do not fly at night unless your drone has lighting that allows you to know its location and orientation at all times.
• Do not operate your drone in a careless or reckless manner.

• Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
• Do not fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain well clear from individuals and vulnerable property.
• Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
• Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the UAS.
• Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.
• Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
• Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission