This page post is focused on twin cities drone aerial sunrise sunset night views including still photography along with videos. Most of the aerial sunrise sunset night views are from around the twin cities metro area there are a few from around Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and North Dakota.
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 1 Drone Video
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 2 Drone Video
2025 World Snow Sculpting Day 4 Drone Video
Winter Sunrise Stillwater Minnesota Video
New for 2021 northside of Stillwater Lift Bridge Lit Up
Hyperlapse time lapse downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Ice Maze From Construction Until Gone
Winter Week In Stillwater Minnesota Aerial Views Aerial Night View Ice Maze Stillwater Zephyr Theatre
Flying unmanned air systems (UAS), also known as unmanned air vehicles (UAV), aka Drones early morning and evening as well as night, has many challenges and opportunities.
The opportunities include capturing sunrise and sunsets from different vantage points in some cases when the air is calmer, clearer, and with fewer clouds. Likewise, there is less traffic (people, vehicles, and birds, or at least sometimes) than in the daytime, and, if configured properly, you can see your aircraft further. On the other hand, challenges include not seeing everything in the dark, other drones in the area that are not properly lit, or authorized to be in the airspace.
A challenge for hobby/recreational flyers who are not looking to go out and take photos and then sell them is getting night access to controlled airspace. For hobby and recreational drone operators whose intent is to go out and capture photos or videos to post and sell or promote, you should get your FAA part 107 certificate and then your daylight waiver. If you are already part 107, take the next step and get a daylight waiver so you can fly at night.
On the other hand, if you are looking to hire or have somebody do night time drone photos or videos, engage with a professional who is FAA Part 107.29 (daylight waiver), as well as MnDOT Aeronautics licensed, registered, insured and experienced. The key for nighttime, early morning, and evening drone flying is mitigating risk, being prepared, flying smart, and safe.
A couple of other tips and reminders include the night is considered the time from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Maintain situational awareness of your drone’s altitude, direction, where it is, and where it is going while maintaining a visual line of sight (e.g., not staring at your phone). Another tip is to have high visibility lights that can be seen from several miles away. The lights help you see your drone and for others to see it (if they are watching). When you are going to fly at night, or even early morning or evening, get to know the area ahead of time while it is light out, where are trees, powerlines, and other obstacles.
The reason I mention the above is that having an FAA part 107.29 daylight waiver as well as being MnDOT licensed drone operator is to demystify and provide insight into night drone flying. If you want to know more about night drone operations or how to get your daylight waiver as well as airspace authorizations and related topics, get in touch with us.
Its Sale Time, Black Friday Before and Beyond
It’s here, Our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday Savings, Cyber Monday, Townie Tuesday, Wednesday Wall of Savings and, Thank You Thursday sale is going on now. We have stock images from around, on the ground and above the Stillwater, St Croix River Valley, Western Wisconsin, Twin Cities and adjacent areas. Browse, Shop, Buy and enjoy savings of 30% (or more) on Prints, Mounts and Wall Art including Metal prints from Tuesday November 24 through Tuesday December 1, 2020 at our online store (here).
Above, early November fall colors downtown Stillwater Minnesota with call waters of the St Croix river reflections of old and new bridges. Below sunrise downtown St. Paul Minnesota.
Late Fall Downtown Stillwater Lights Sunset Night Flight Views
Stillwater Friday Night Lights
Downtown Stillwater Sunset Opera On The River (view more here)
Washington County Fair Ground Sunset Views
Night View Washington County Fair
Stillwater Fireworks View From Wisconsin (view more here)
Drone aerial video views of 2024 veterans Day Event Veterans Memorial Stillwater Minnesota on a windy November Monday morning.
Click on the following image to view additional views from 2024 Veterans Day and others of the Veterans Memorial Stillwater MN.
Veterans Memorial Stillwater Minnesota (Click above to view more images)
Afton Minnesota Drone Light Show
2024 Withrow Area Classic Car and Tractor Show
2024 Withrow Classic Car and Tractor Show video
2024 9/11 #343run Afton MN #neverforget
Stagecoach Overpass I94 Afton Minnesota
Click on above image to view more.
2024 St Croix Valley Opera On The River video views
Stillwater Evening Hot Air Balloons
2023 St Croix Valley Opera On The River video views
Stillwater Chamber 2024 Food Truck Extravaganza
Stillwater Chestnut Plaza Dine Here Dance Here Event
2024 Op 23 to Zero Boots On The River Event
2024 Winterfest Fireworks Stillwater MN
2024 Hot Air Affair Hudson Wisconsin Aerial Video
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 4
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 3
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 2
2024 World Snow Sculpting Day 1
Views from 2023 Stillwater MN Tree Lighting Event
Aerial Video Views 2023 Tree Lighting (above), Photos below.
2023 Veterans Day Event Stillwater MN
Thank You To All Veterans
2023 Stillwater Armory Open House
2023 Stillwater Harvest Fest Pumpkin Drop
#smashinggoodtime Stillwater MN Harvest Fest Pumpkin Drop
Lake Elmo Animal Inn Dog Agility
Fall 2023 Dog Agility Training Lake Elmo MN
2023 TC Marathon Finish Line St Paul MN
2023 Withrow Classic Car & Tractor Show
Short Recap of 2023 15th Annual Withrow Car and Tractor Show Event
2023 9/11 #343run Hudson Wisconsin #neverforget
Union Park St Paul Minnesota
2023 Downhill Derby Stillwater Minnesota
2023 4th July Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
2023 Food Truck Extravaganza Washington County Fairgrounds
Spring St Croix Valley Foraging
Spring St Croix Valley Foraging
Adventures With Ava Mighty Drones FPV Race Course
Thanks to The Mighty Drones FPV Race Club for allowing Ava (Avata Cinewhoop FPV Drone) a few minutes to fly some gates at their course before a recent event. If you are not familiar, The Mighty Drones Minnesota FPV Race Club is a group that does FPV races (indoors and outdoors). Learn more about The Mighty Drones FPV Race Club (here), their event schedules, and check out their races which are fun to watch, or sign up to race.
Operation 23 to Zero Boots On the Ground
April 25, 2023 Stillwater MN
Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views
St Croix Falls Taylers Falls St Croix River
Spring 2023 St Croix River Flood Views
Winter Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Fireworks Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Downtown Minneapolis Views
Winter Downtown Minneapolis Views
Winter Downtown Stillwater MN
Winter Downtown Stillwater MN
Photogrammetry 3D Model Demo
Old Washington County Courthouse Stillwater MN
2023 World Snow Sculpting Championship
#WSSC 2023 World Snow Sculpting Championship Video
2022 Demo Reel Indoor Outdoor Aerial Video Views
2022 Twinkle Event Stillwater Minnesota
December morning timelapse video view St Croix River Valley
Drone Virtual Tour Halloween House Stillwater MN
FPV Fly Through Virtual Tour FMC Stillwater Minnesota
First United Methodist Church Stillwater MN
Highway 36 Manning Ave Interchange Time lapse Hyper lapse Video
Late Summer Evening Stillwater River Boat Aerial Views
FPV School Campus Virtual Tour
Woodbury Minnesota Construction Aerial Views
Candle Light Vigil For Isaac Schuman 8/3/22 #isaacstrong
We were asked by event organizers on short notice to capture some images of the candle light vigil for Isaac Schuman August 3, 2022. 17 yr old Isaac Schuman died as a resulting of a stabbing incident a few days earlier while on the Apple River in Somerset Wisconsin. This event was held near the 14th hole at Oak Glen Golf Club Stillwater Minnesota with attendees wearing orange, and location reflecting Isaacs love of golf. It was our honor to be asked and able to capture some images including the following video. #isaacstrong
July 4th 2022 Stillwater Fireworks Aerial Video
Video Views Lumberjack Days 2019 Stillwater Minnesota
2022 Food Truck Event Washington County Fair Grounds
Video of Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Food Truck Extravaganza Event June 18, 2022 held at Washington County Fairgrounds near Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Lake Elmo Minnesota.
Stillwater Fire Department 150 Year Anniversary Event
Time lapse video and aerial views of Stillwater Fire Department 150 year anniversary event celebration Stillwater Minnesota June 3 2022.
Operation 23 to Zero 2022 Boots on the Ground Stillwater Minnesota
Drone aerial video of Operation 23 to Zero 2022 Boots on the Ground Boots on the River event. Learn more about Operation 23 to Zero at www.op23tozero.com
Car Left Parked Out On St. Croix River
Video Winter Epic Kart Ice Racing February 2022
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
Harvest Fest Giant Pumpkin Drop #smashinggoodtime
Making Snow For 2020 World Snow Sculpting Championship
Preparations are underway downtown Stillwater Minnesota for the upcoming World Snow Sculpting Championship (WSSC) event in mid January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow being made on January 6th for the event that starts on January 18th.
Aerial Video Views Withrow 2021 Classic Car and Tractor Show Event
Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Upper Midwest Region Grand Classic
Time lapse Mama Mia Opening Night Outdoors Stillwater Minnesota
June 2021 Chamber of Commerce Event Coverage
360 Interactive Fast Video Tour St Croix Bike Loop
June 2021 Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce Events Lake Elmo MN
Spring Kite Flight Air to Air Video Views
2021 Youth Bike Rodeo Stillwater Minnesota
Operation 23 to Zero Boots on The River Stillwater Event April 9, 2021
East Metro February March early April Aerial Video Views
Hyperlapse Spring Sunset Ice Flow St Croix River Stillwater Minnesota
Early Spring Morning Boating Aerial View St Croix River
Winter Sunset Downtown Stillwater
Winter Week In Stillwater Minnesota Aerial Views
Downtown Stillwater Fire & Ice event and Winter Ice Cream Social
Twin Cities November December 2020 Aerial Video Views
Wintertime in Stillwater Minnesota Holiday Lights
Its Sale Time, Black Friday Before and Beyond
It’s here, Our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sunday Savings, Cyber Monday, Townie Tuesday, Wednesday Wall of Savings and, Thank You Thursday sale is going on now. We have stock images from around, on the ground and above the Stillwater, St Croix River Valley, Western Wisconsin, Twin Cities and adjacent areas. Browse, Shop, Buy and enjoy savings of 30% (or more) on Prints, Mounts and Wall Art including Metal prints from Tuesday November 24 through Tuesday December 1, 2020 at our online store (here).
Aerial Video – Stillwater House Halloween Decorations – Pirate Theme
Twin Cities and St Croix Valley Fall Aerial Views
360 Interactive View 2020 Withrow Area Classic Car Show Wishes and More Wish Granting
Our name and brand identity is Pictures Over Stillwater however we also do videos and short films across the greater twin cities metro Minneapolis St Paul and upper midwest areas.
River Valley Charities New Richmond 2020 Pro-Am Event
Our videos are shot in 4K resolution at 23.9 to 60 fps, or 1K at up to 120 fps (among others) depending on project, client request or conditions. We are FAA part 107 certified along with part 107.29 (daylight waiver) meaning we can legally fly 24 hours a day.
Revisiting June 2019 Aerial Video Views St Croix Valley
Congratulations Stillwater Area High School Class of 2020
Stillwater Minnesota St Croix River Valley Week of May 20th 2020
Stillwater St Croix River Valley Spring Morning
Minnesota Air National Guard Fly Over Lakeview Hospital Stillwater
Minneapolis St Paul Oak Park Heights Stillwater Views March 2 to 4 2020
St Croix Valley Aerial Views March 30 to April 1 2020
#BeTheLight #BeTheLightMN April 6 2020 Stillwater Area High School
St Croix River Valley Downtown Stillwater March 23-27, 2020
Mid March 2020 Aerial View St Paul Skyline
Spring Minneapolis Mississippi River Views
Mid March Stillwater St Croix River Valley Ice Out
Early March 2020 Aerial Interactive 360 Video View Downtown Stillwater
Spring 2020 St Croix River Valley Views
360 Interactive Video Virtual Tour Candyland Stillwater
July 2019 Aerial video views
Bayport Fire Department Training Burn January 2020
February Stillwater Winter Corn Harvest
Just Another St Croix Valley Saturday January 25 2020
Just Another St Croix Valley Saturday January 25 2020 including capturing images of Bayport Minnesota Fire Department controlled practice training burn in Oak Park Heights, Winterfest outdoor curling on Lilly Lake in Stillwater, and downtown Stillwater along St Croix River winter ice cream social and fireworks. Big thank you to the Bayport Fire Department and home owners for permissions, coordination and access to capture images of the training exercise along with others including Stillwater Fire Department, Lake Elmo Fire Department, South St Croix Valley fire and Rescue along with Lakeview EMS among others. Thank you to all of them for keeping us safe.
Greater Stillwater CoC 2019 Year In Review Aerial views
January 2020
Happy New Years
December 2019
Downtown Stillwater Lights Holiday Twinkle party
The following video is an example of what happens when you dont get your boat out of the water in the fall and winter freeze comes early. This is near the DNR public boat launch ramp north of Stillwater on St. Croix River near Wolf Marina view looking south.
Late Fall Downtown Stillwater Lights Sunset Night Flight Views
Visit our virtual image store powered by SmugMug where you can shop for photos and videos including physical prints as well as downloads in various sizes.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online.
Upcoming Free Webinar 7PM Central 2/26/25 Pro Tips for UAS – Drone Pilots Flying Above the Stigma – FAASafety.gov [GL13134806] Sponsored by LAS, MKE & MSP FAA FSDOs Learn more and register here.
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 1: Fundamentals, Learn more and register here. Monday February 24, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 2: Aerial Photography & Video, Learn more and register here. Monday March 10, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 3: Aerial Photo & Video Advanced, Learn more and register here. Monday March 24, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 1: Fundamentals, (Check back for registration) Monday April 14, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 2: Aerial Photography & Video, (Check back for registration) Monday April 28, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 3: Aerial Photo & Video Advanced (Check back for registration) Monday May 12, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Ella Baker School
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 1: Fundamentals (Check back for registration) Monday June 24, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Justice Page School
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Ed Drones Fundamentals (Check back for registration) Saturday June 7, 2025 9:00AM-Noon, SAPS High School/PAC
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Ed Drones Beyond Basics (Check back for registration) Saturday June 14, 2025 9:00AM-Noon, SAPS High School/PAC
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Ed Drones Aerial Photo & Video (Check back for registration) Saturday June 21, 2025 9:00AM-Noon, SAPS High School/PAC
Stillwater Area Public Schools Adult Community Ed Drones Aerial Photo & Video Advanced (Check back for registration) Saturday June 28, 2025 9:00AM-Noon, SAPS High School/PAC
Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Community Education Drones 2: Aerial Photo & Video (Check back for registration) Monday July 16, 2025 6:00-8:30PM Dowling School
Pictures Over Stillwater In Person Training and Consulting
Picture Over Stillwater also provides in-person custom one on one, and group UAS, UAV, Drone classes, seminars, coaching and consulting. Give us a call or send an email to learn more about our drone school, custom education, training, consulting and other drone service offerings.
On Thursday February 6, 2025 Pictures Over Stillwater Founder Greg Schulz (me) was an in the KSTP TV studio guest for a live segment on Minnesota Live with Megan Newquist, Chris Egert and Ken Barlow.
Our conversation included how I got into doing drone aerial photography and video, as well as ground based photos & video, drone safety, covering and capturing events, drone community education and more.
During the conversation several video and photo images appeared from around the twin cities metro area along with Stillwater and St Croix River Valley. Catch the replay here at Minnesota Live.
Courses are lead by Pictures Over Stillwater founder and chief remote pilot Greg Schulz. Greg is an professional FAA Part 107 certified (e.g. licensed) commercial drone operator (e.g. Remote Pilot In Command RPIC). In addition to being FAA Part 107, Greg is also MnDoT aeronautics licensed and insured. His drone flight experience includes having a 107.29 daylight waiver for night flights, 107.39 (Operating Over People e.g. OOP), 107.145 (Operating Over Moving Vehicles e.g. OOMV) along with various 107.41 airspace authorizations to fly in “0” or no fly zones as well as above published altitudes with FAA approval. Greg has accumulated hundreds of drone hours in the air, flown over a thousand drone air miles, spanning thousands of drone flights. As a professional drone operator Greg does projects involving aerial photography, video, FPV, thermal, photogrammetry (2D/3D model map image survey), inspection and other activity for construction, real estate, events among others, including indoor flights. Greg is also an FAASTeam DronePro representive for Minneapolis region.
Click on above to view more World Snow Sculpting Images
Click on above to view Stillwater Harvest Fest images #smashinggoodtime
2022 Food Truck Event Washington County Fair Grounds
Video of Greater Stillwater Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 Food Truck Extravaganza Event June 18, 2022 held at Washington County Fairgrounds near Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and Lake Elmo Minnesota.
Stillwater Fire Department 150 Year Anniversary Event
Time lapse video and aerial views of Stillwater Fire Department 150 year anniversary event celebration Stillwater Minnesota June 3 2022.
2022 Fire and Ice Event
2022 Fire and Ice Event Downtown Stillwater Minnesota
2022 World Snow Sculpting Championship #wssc
Preparations are underway downtown Stillwater Minnesota for the upcoming World Snow Sculpting Championship #WSSC event in mid January 2022. The following is a short video showing snow being made on January 6th for the event that starts on January 18th.
Ice Palace Maze Season Two Opening Night January 15 2022
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Recreational drone hobbyists will gain information on basic operations and a foundation for expanding to commercial operations. You will learn basic safety, rules of the road and air, registration, certification, types, when, how and where to fly (or avoid).
Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations including hobby recreational FAA test (TRUST), insurance, practical tips, techniques, and trends. Weather permitting, an instructor-only demonstration flight may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to register with an adult.
Click here or on the following to learn more as well as view links for registrations, times and locations.
Spring Drone School SAPS Beginner Class Demo Flight
Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies. If you or somebody you know have a drone, want one or need to learn more about them, this course is for you.
Anoka Hennepin Community Education Drone School Demo Flight
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. This course is for those who want to learn more about drone based aerial photography and video (recreational and commercial). Topics covered include rules of the road for aerial photography and video, license and registration, where to fly (and not fly), flight planning and weather, autonomous and manual modes, equipment, hardware, software and other tools.
Also covered are drone and camera photo and video modes, settings, time lapse and hyper lapse, panoramic, automatic vs manual settings and much more. Additional topics include what type of drone and camera equipment are best as well as accessories, along with post processing tools. Students aged 12-17 may attend with an adult. Weather permitting a demonstration flight will be flown. Click here or on the following to view more information including registration, dates and locations.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Recreational drone hobbyists will gain information on basic operations and a foundation for expanding to commercial operations. This course moves beyond the basics looking at drone decision making, flight planning, how to prepare for your FAA Part 107 (commercial) and TRUST (hobby recreational) among other certifications.
Also covered are basic tools, simulators, apps, cameras, commercial considerations, new and emerging regulations, insurance, practical tips, techniques, trends to be aware of. Weather permitting drone demonstration flights may be held. Students ages 12-17 are welcome to attend with an adult. Don’t be a dummy, learn to fly drones safely. Click here or on the following to learn more as well as view links for registrations, times and locations.
Pictures Over Stillwater is involved with Community Education presenting UAV UAS Drone classes at various venues around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area as well as online. Learn more here or click on the link below to view class schedules, locations along with registration information.
There are many different things to consider when buying a drone besides how much does it cost, how high and how far can it fly. Some considerations among others include:
Some of the topics and considerations include among others: ✓ Whats your budget ✓ Size and form factor ✓ Build DiY or buy turnkey ✓ What are you going to use it for ✓ How are you going to use it (how portable do you need) ✓ Who makes what, who are the vendors ✓ Weight Matters (Registration, Operating Over People OOP) ✓ AI and Obstacle Avoidance ✓ Remote ID (RID) capabilities ✓ Fixed or removable cameras ✓ RGB, IR/Thermal or other cameras ✓ Precision mapping/measuring ✓ App supported devices (e.g. ios, android) ✓ Software app functionality and camera modes ✓ Photo and Video speeds/feeds ✓ FPV or non FPV flying (indoor, outdoor or both) ✓ How much can you afford to lose or crash ✓ Camera resolution, 1K, 2K, 4K, 6K, 8K, 12MP, 20MP, frame rates) ✓ Battery life or how long can you fly ✓ Upgrades, accessors, spares ✓ Warranties and service policies ✓ Insurance costs
Not sure what drone is best for you or your needs, give us a call or email, tell us what you are looking to do and we will provide you with our perspectives. Keep in mind that the best drone is the one that fits and meets your needs and budgets vs someone else’s.
The following is information about UAS UAV sUAS sUAV Drone Safety Fundamental Regulations. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Small UAV (sUAV), Small UAS (sUAS) also known as “drones” are growing in popularity and capabilities. Drones are used by recreational hobbyist, commercial, non-profit, government, and public safety agencies among others.
In the United States, once your drone takes flight leaving the ground it is considered to be in the National Air Space (NAS) which is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Some considerations when flying a drone recreational for fun as a hobbyist, or as a commercial (e.g. part 107), or for other purposes is where your feet are on the ground, and where in the air is your drone.
Common Drone Safety Questions
Q: Why are there so many rules, regulations and restrictions for drones? A: For Safety
Q: What is the difference between recreational hobbyist and commercial? A: Hobby recreational drone operators are flying just for fun, not for commercial or any benefit to self or from others (monetary or other benefit).
Q: Who has to register drones with the FAA? A: For hobby recreational drone operators 13 years and older with drones weighing less than 55 lbs and greater .55lbs you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years and you can register multiple drones with your account number. Note that drones registered for hobby recreational can not be flown for part 107. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
For commercial part 107 operators if your drone weighs less than 55 lbs (including less than .55lbs) you have to register via FAA DroneZone website (here is the link). Cost is $5 for three years per aircraft (each drone requires a unique registration number). Note that drones registered for commercial part 107 can be flown as recreational. Also note that registration number needs to be clearly visible on the outside of the aircraft (drone).
Q: What if your drone weighs 55 lbs or more? A: For drones weighing more than 55 lbs, or, you want to qualify for sUAS operations outside the US, you hold title to an aircraft/drone in trust, the sUAS owner uses a voting trust to meet U.S. Citizenship requirements use this FAA link for registration.
Q: What are the recreational hobby rules: A: Check your local regulations for any restrictions on where you can legally fly drones outdoors among other rules. FAA recreational drone rules (e.g. 44809) are found here.
You Are Responsible For Knowing The Rules
Recreational drone operators should also be aware and know that if they intentionally violate safety regulations, and/or operate a drone in a reckless, or careless manner, they could be liable for civil and/or criminal penalties. In addition to knowing the FAA regulations, also know what your local restrictions and rules are. Saying that you did not know the rules is not a viable excuse, you as the drone operator are responsible for knowing where and how to fly safely.
✓ Register your drone with its registration number visible on outside of aircraft and carry proof of registration with your. ✓ Fly only for recreational purposes. ✓ When flying, keep your drone at or below 400 feet above the ground when in uncontrolled airspace (e.g. Class G).
Note that recreational flyers are not allowed to fly above 400′ by combing the height of a man made structure plus 400′ when within 400′ of the structure (this is something that part 107 operators can do).
✓ Obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D and E) via Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) and/or DroneZone.
NOTE: Flying drones in certain airspace is not allowed. Classes of airspace and flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app.
Also note that some federal, state, county and local parks as well as other locations have regulations on flying from (take off, landing) their land or waters. Know where your feet will be on the ground and aircraft in the air.
✓ Keep your drone aircraft (drone) within Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS), or within VLOS of an Visual Observer (VO) who is physically next to you to, and in direct communications with you.
Hint, if you or your VO can no longer visually see the drone without using displays, its out of VLOS, and your are flying Beyond VLOS (BVLOS).
✓ Unless your drone has lighting that allows you to know where it is, its direction and orientation, do not fly at night. ✓ Give way to and do not interfere with manned aircraft. ✓ Do not fly over a person or crowd of people or over a moving vehicle. ✓ Never interfere with emergency response activities including accident response, law enforcement activities, fire fighting, hurricane recovery efforts among others. ✓ Dont fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ✓ Dont operate your drone in a careless or reckless manner.
Q: Is there a training test for recreational hobby drone flyers? A: Not yet, its in the works, visit the FAA recreational website to learn more.
Q: What are the categories of drone operators? A: Part 107 commercial, 44809 recreational hobbyist.
Q: If you do not get any money to fly a drone, are you still commercial? A: It comes down to your intent to fly, and benefit (not just money) to you. If you are are flying a drone with intention to just have fun and not do things on behalf of others (even if you do not get paid) or that benefits you in any way, then you do not have to be commercial part 107. Put another way, if you operate a drone within the carve out exceptions for hobby recreational, then you do not have to be part 107. However if you go outside the regulations for hobby recreational, then you would fall under part 107 regulations and need to be part 107 certified. Note that in Minnesota you also need to be licensed by MnDoT (also aircraft/drones registered with them) to perform drone activities on behalf of others.
Q: If Im not getting paid, just taking some photos or video for a friends business, club, association, church group or as a volunteer at a non profit to help with their fund raising or website do I need to be part 107? A: Yup
Q: If Im just taking photos and using a drone for my own recreation activity, not doing things for others, may be sharing my photos however not selling them, or benefiting someone, do I need to be part 107? A: Probably not, it comes down to what is/was your intent and derived benefit.
Q: If I am not going to fly drones for commercial, why get a part 107? A: Additional experience, get access to additional airspace among other things
Q: How much money can you make flying drones? A: Like many things it depends, keep in mind your costs of equipment, spare batteries, apps, licenses, registration, insurance among other costs will impact what your earnings will be.
Q: How far can your drones fly? A: As far as I can maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) on them
Q: Drones are fully automated, why learn how to manually fly them? A: Its not if, rather when technology fails, or when you get into a situation where knowing how to fly and land manually become important. For example when an automated flight app encounters poor or loses GPS coverage and requires a manual or assisted landing.
Q: Can FPV drones be flown outside? A: Yes, absolutely, however they require at least one other person adjacent to the FPV pilot operator functioning as a Visual Observer (VO) maintaining a direct visual line of sight on the drone, as well as following other FAA drone, uas, uav regulations.
Q: Have you ever flown FPV, what do you think about them? A: Yes, I think they are great for those who like the FPV gaming experience, virtual reality and action type things. Keep in mind if you are going to fly FPV outdoors you will need to have a Visual Observer (VO) standing next to you watching the aircraft (drone).
Q: Whats different from flying indoors vs outside? A: Besides obstacles, biggest difference is you may have poor to no GPS coverage that can impact automated flight modes, in other words, you want to practice your heads up and stick flying skills (or learn to fly FPV).
Pictures Over Stillwater drone school are held at various education venues presenting UAV UAS Drone related topics. These safety and awareness education and outreach activities include introduction, basic, beyond the basics, as well as advanced topics such as aerial photography videography, among others topics.
Education and awareness sessions range from large adult community education, high school, individual custom training along with STEM programs around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area and online. Click here to learn more about Drone Education and upcoming events.
Pictures Over Stillwater drone school are held at various education venues presenting UAV UAS Drone related topics. These safety and awareness education and outreach activities include introduction, basic, beyond the basics, as well as advanced topics such as aerial photography videography, among others topics.
Education and awareness sessions range from large adult community education, high school, individual custom training along with STEM programs around the greater Minneapolis St Paul Twin Cities metro area and online. Click here to learn more about Drone Education and upcoming events.
