How do I know if I can legally fly my drone in a specific area?

Missed Part 1? Read my 7 quick and easy questions to consider before your first drone flight.

There are many spots in the U.S. (and around the world) where you cannot legally fly drones. That being said, there are many, many more places where you CAN legally fly drones!

Don’t be discouraged just because your local park bans drones or you can’t bring a drone with you on vacation. There are plenty of excellent places to fly! This guide will show you how to tell if your specific spot is legal or not.

General rules for flying drones in the U.S.

Rules in the U.S. vary from rules in other countries. Some rules even vary by state, city and down to individual parks!

The FAA regulates outdoor drone flights. However, individual land operators can have their own rules. While some flights might be okay with the FAA, they might not be okay by other entities. For example you’re flying in Class G airspace, but it’s a National Park, which is a no-no. Here’s how you can ensure your drone flight is legal:

Make sure it’s FAA compliant: Check with B4UFly service providers

The best way to verify whether your flight is okay with the FAA is by checking in with one of the FAA-approved B4UFLY service providers. The FAA-approved B4UFLY service providers include:

• Airspace Link
• AutoPylot
• Avision
• UAS Sidekick

(Note: Other popular aviation apps like Aloft’s Air Aware also offer robust airspace and terrestrial rule maps, though the four listed above maintain official B4UFLY designation status).

Each approved provider offers apps for iOS and Android, and most also offer desktop versions. While these platforms may offer paid commercial tiers, basic B4UFLY functionality is free, and the FAA mandates that logins cannot be required just to view basic airspace safety data.

What you can do with a B4UFLY app:

• View clear “status” indicators to see if a location is clear or restricted.
• Filter by types of flight or controlled airspace categories.
• Access real-time data on controlled airspace, special-use airspace, critical infrastructure, airports, national parks, military training routes, and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
• Search specific locations or drop pins to evaluate potential flight sites.
• Obtain instant, automated Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approvals to fly in controlled airspace under 400 feet.

If you fly a DJI drone: Understanding the shift in DJI’s GEO System

DJI previously enforced a strict “hard lock” geofencing system (GEO) that physically prevented drones from taking off in certain restricted zones without prior web portal unlocks.

DJI transitioned its Fly Safe framework away from automatic takeoff locks toward an “operator responsibility” model. Under this system, DJI drones display advisory warnings and in-app alerts regarding sensitive or restricted airspace, but the drone will no longer physically prevent you from taking off.

DJI retired its web-based GEO Unlock Request service, placing the legal and regulatory compliance burden entirely on the pilot.

While DJI’s in-app warnings are helpful prompts, you should always rely on an official FAA B4UFLY application or LAANC provider to confirm whether airspace is legally clear to fly.

Be aware of city-specific and local drone rules

While the FAA maintains exclusive jurisdiction over all U.S. airspace, state and municipal governments frequently regulate property access. Cities bypass federal airspace preemptions by passing ordinances that govern the ground—making it illegal to launch, land, or operate a drone from city-owned parks or property.

For example, San Francisco (home of Drone Girl headquarters) issues citations for taking off or landing drones in city parks. (San Franciscans, check out my guide to flying in our beautiful city here.)

Always check local city and park ordinances before flying. Search your city’s official municipal website for terms like “UAV,” “drone,” or “park rules” to review local regulations, and look for posted signage on site.

Community databases like FPVTrails also map user-submitted spots alongside FAA airspace overlays and FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) to help pilots find safe, legal locations. Always cross-reference user-submitted spots with an official B4UFLY app to ensure no new Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) have been issued.

Rules for flying legally in foreign countries

International drone regulations vary significantly by country. My friends at UAV Coach maintain a comprehensive master directory of international drone laws detailing registration, licensing, and import restrictions for travelers. Because aviation rules evolve rapidly, always cross-reference international laws with the destination country’s official civil aviation authority (CAA) website before packing your drone.

Other FAA rules for recreational drone pilots

If you fly purely for fun, you must follow these core FAA guidelines:

1. Any drone weighing 250 grams or more must be registered.  Registration costs $5 and lasts 3 years. Register with the FAA here.
2. You must have a completion certificate to prove you passed the Recreational Drone Pilot Safety test, which is called TRUST. Learn more about how to take (and pass) the FAA recreational drone test here.
3. Broadcast your Remote ID information (in most cases). There are a few exceptions, such as drones flown within a FRIA or drones that weigh under 250 grams. Learn more about drone remote ID here.
4. Adhere to the following guidelines:
   • Keep your drone in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed
   • Remain clear of manned aircraft
   • Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles. Remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property
   • Contact the airport and control tower before flying within five miles of an airport or heliport. (Read about best practices here)
   • 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.
   • Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property. That includes power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways or government facilities.
   • Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
   • Do not conduct surveillance. Similarly, don’t photograph people in areas where there is an expectation of privacy (without the individual’s permission).

Other FAA rules for commercial drone pilots

If you’re flying drones for commercial purposes (e.g. making money), you must operate under FAA Part 107 rules. We’ll dig deeper into this in Part 3, but the tl;dr is:

1. You must be at least 16 years old.
2. You must pass a written test, which is formally called the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test for UAS operators. You can take this at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center (there are hundreds around the country). Most people learn how to pass this test by enrolling in a Part 107 online test prep course.
3. Register your drone and broadcast your Remote ID information — just like the folks flying recreationally.

Read next: Part 3 of Getting Started with Drones: Flying drones commercially? How to get a drone pilot license