When talking with drone pilots, many will say they can only fly up to 400 feet. Why? What is so special about 400 feet? And what does 400 feet even look like?
400 feet is the maximum altitude the F.A.A permits a sUAS (small unmanned aircraft system), or drone, to operate at so as not to interfere with other aircraft in the sky. This keeps drones a safe distance away from airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft systems and helps prevents collisions.
What does 400 feet look like?
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Your next questions are probably, “well, how high even is 400 feet? What does it look like from up there?”
We sent our pilot to the field to show you exactly what 400 feet looks like. We captured aerial photos from a range of heights to compare how the different altitudes look and to put 400 feet into perspective.
Here you can see a baseball diamond captured at 50ft, 100ft, 150ft, 200ft, 300ft, and 400ft.
Here is the same location looking horizontally at the landscape.
And here is what a residential property looks like.
Is 400 feet high enough for my project?
As you can tell from the photos, 400 feet is plenty high enough for a wide variety of drone projects, including residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction progress updates, and more. It provides a wide view of the land below and an excellent view of the landscape and terrain. In fact, for some projects it may even be too high. Often times our pilots rarely need to go to the 400 foot limit, and can instead capture great aerial imagery much closer to the subject.Flying at or close to 400 feet remains best for commercial real estate projects where the client wants to show off large buildings or properties.
Is it possible to fly above 400 feet?
The next question: is it possible to fly above 400 feet? The answer is yes. Drone pilots are allowed to fly 400 feet above the top of the tallest structure within a 50 foot radius of their operation. So to fly above 400 feet, a pilot would need to be standing near a reasonably tall structure, such as a building or cell tower.
How to stay within the 400 foot limit.
For drone pilots, it is important to respect the F.A.A. regulations and keep their sUAS operating below 400 feet. We recommend setting an altitude limit of 390 feet to make sure your drone stays within the operating limits. Fortunately, setting an altitude limit for all DJI Drones within the DJI Go 4 application. To set an altitude limit, launch DJI Go 4, enter your device, tap the 3 dots in the upper right hand corner, tap on the drone icon at the top, scroll down to Set Max Flight Altitude, and enter in your desired limit. Keep in mind the units are in meters. We recommend setting a max flight altitude limit of 118 meters, or close to 390 feet. You can always change this limit if you are flying near a tall structure.
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Stetson is an Ithaca College alum and a certified drone pilot. He has been flying the DJI Mavic Pro since it first came out and loves finding new ways to improve his aerial photo and video quality. Stetson is from Acton, Massachusetts, and when not in the air he enjoys playing board games, producing YouTube videos, and watching Stranger Things.About the Author
Stetson Doggett
I've been deeply immersed in the drone industry for years, gaining hands-on experience and keeping pace with regulations and technological advancements. The FAA's guidelines, particularly the 400 feet altitude restriction for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), stem from safety measures to prevent aerial collisions with manned aircraft.
This limit ensures a safe distance between drones and planes, helicopters, and other airborne vehicles. The visual representation of altitudes through aerial photography, like those showcasing a baseball diamond at various heights, offers a tangible perspective on what 400 feet looks like compared to lower altitudes. This knowledge is crucial for drone pilots assessing the ideal height for diverse projects like real estate photography or construction monitoring.
Moreover, exceeding the 400 feet limit is permissible under specific conditions: piloting up to 400 feet above the tallest structure within a 50-foot radius of the operation. Implementing altitude limits, even slightly below the maximum, is advised to maintain regulatory compliance and safety. Platforms like DJI Go 4 facilitate this by allowing pilots to set altitude boundaries within the app, ensuring adherence to regulations without constant manual monitoring.
For those aiming to commercialize drone operations, obtaining Part 107 certification becomes essential. Courses like the Dronegenuity Part 107 Test Prep cover crucial topics outlined by the FAA, from regulations to weather conditions, preparing aspiring commercial drone operators for the certification exam.
Stetson Doggett, a certified drone pilot with a strong background in aerial technology, brings expertise to this domain. His experience with drones like the DJI Mavic Pro, coupled with a commitment to refining aerial photography and videography, offers practical insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Whether exploring aerial vistas or delving into regulations and technological nuances, continuous learning remains vital in this dynamic field. Dronegenuity's training courses and social media channels serve as valuable resources for enthusiasts and professionals seeking to delve deeper into the world of drones and aerial technology.
