Filming your ride with a drone
Drone footage of a rock crawl or a dune run is hard to beat. Getting it safely and legally means checking the weather, the airspace and the land rules before you launch. This guide covers the basics for riders in the United States.
The basic rules
In the US, drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Rules change, so check the FAA drone site for the current requirements. The main points for hobby flying are:
- Take the TRUST test. Recreational pilots must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test, a free online course, and carry proof of completion.
- Register drones over 250 grams. Mark the registration number on the drone. Registered drones must also meet the Remote ID requirements.
- Stay at or below 400 feet above ground level and keep the drone within your visual line of sight.
- Check the airspace. Controlled airspace near airports requires authorization, which is often available instantly through LAANC. The FAA's B4UFLY service shows what applies where you are.
- Flying for money is different. If you are flying for a business or are paid for the footage, you generally need a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Where you can launch
Land rules are separate from FAA rules. Launching or landing drones is prohibited in national parks, and designated wilderness areas do not allow drones to take off or land. Many state parks and private off-road parks have their own policies. Bureau of Land Management and national forest land outside wilderness is often open to recreational flying, subject to FAA rules and temporary restrictions. Never fly near a wildfire: firefighting aircraft are grounded when a drone is spotted, and doing so can bring heavy penalties.
Weather limits
| Condition | Why it matters | X4D flags it at |
|---|---|---|
| Wind and gusts | Many consumer drones are rated for winds around 20 to 25 mph. Gusts near ridges and dune crests are often stronger than the forecast. | Caution at 18 mph gusts, no-fly at 28 mph |
| Rain | Most drones are not waterproof. | Caution at 30% chance, no-fly when likely |
| Cold | Lithium batteries lose capacity quickly in the cold. | Caution at 32°F or below |
| Heat | Batteries and electronics can overheat. | Caution at 100°F or above |
| Low visibility | You must keep the drone in sight. | Caution under 3 miles |
| Geomagnetic storms | Can degrade GPS accuracy and compass reliability. | Caution at Kp 5 or higher |
Filming tips for riders
- Use a spotter. The pilot should not also be riding.
- The FAA advises not flying over people or moving vehicles. Frame shots from the side or behind instead.
- Launch from a clear, flat spot away from dust; rotors kick up sand and grit that wears motors and gimbals.
- Watch for raptors in canyon country. They sometimes attack drones.
- Golden hour light, just after sunrise and before sunset, makes rock and sand glow. The sky panel on each area page shows sunrise and sunset times.