Regulations on 'drinking and droning'

If you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of people expected to unwrap a drone this holiday season, be warned: no drinking and droning.

Orlando attorney Moses DeWitt told FOX 35 the Federal Aviation Administration has a rule against operating an aircraft recklessly. The FAA considers drones aircraft, "So operating a drone under the influence of drugs or alcohol would qualify as operating an aircraft recklessly or in a manner endangering property or another person,” DeWitt said.

The rule says no drinking or drugging, period.  "It's not the same as the DUI statute where there's a .08 limit where there's a threshold set,” DeWitt said. 

The FAA also lists the following guidelines for operating a drone:

  • Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
  • Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
  • Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
  • Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying
  • Don't fly near people or stadiums
  • Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs

As of December 21, the FAA will require drones that weigh more than .55 pounds to be registered.  The registration website can be found here.