Can I be arrested for flying a drone in Michigan?

Someone asked us… Can I be arrested for flying a drone?

As we have seen … They can charge you and arrest you for whatever they want. 

But Can I Be Arrested or Fined for Flying a Drone?

Yes, you can be arrested or fined for breaking Michigan’s drone laws. Under MCL 259.322, it is illegal to operate a drone in a way that interferes with law enforcement or emergency operations. Flying a drone over prisons, for example, is strictly prohibited. Violating these laws could lead to arrest, fines, or both.

Additionally, you could be fined for invading someone’s privacy with your drone.

MCL 750.539j makes it illegal to use a drone to photograph or record people in places where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, like their home. The fine for this offense can vary, but violating privacy laws is a serious matter.

Can My Drone Be Taken Away?

Yes, if you are caught using your drone in a prohibited or dangerous manner, law enforcement may confiscate it.

For example, if you’re flying near critical infrastructure or in restricted airspace, your drone may be seized as “evidence” of the violation.

Do I need to Register my Drone?

FAA Drone Registration Requirements:

Drones Weighing More than 0.55 Pounds (250 grams): If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (25 kg), you must register it with the FAA before flying it outdoors. This applies whether you are flying for recreational or commercial purposes.

Drones Used for Commercial Purposes: If you’re flying your drone for commercial reasons, even if it weighs less than 0.55 pounds, it must still be registered under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations. Additionally, as a commercial drone operator, you will need a Remote Pilot Certificate.

Drones Weighing Over 55 Pounds: If your drone weighs more than 55 pounds, additional FAA regulations apply, and registration is mandatory.

Do I Need to Be Licensed?

If you’re flying a drone for commercial purposes, you must have an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. To get this, you’ll need to pass a knowledge test administered by the FAA.

If you’re flying for recreational purposes, you don’t need a license, but you must follow FAA safety guidelines, including flying below 400 feet and keeping the drone within your line of sight.

Do FAA Laws Supersede Local Laws?

Yes, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws take precedence over state or local drone regulations.

This means that federal rules about airspace, drone registration, and licensing apply across the country, including Michigan. However, local laws that don’t conflict with FAA rules—like those concerning privacy or property—can still apply.

Michigan State Laws:

In Michigan, there are no separate state registration requirements for drones beyond the FAA’s regulations. However, local ordinances may still apply, particularly regarding where you can fly the drone, so it’s important to check local rules.

Do I need to have a pilots license if I build a drone I can ride in?

The above question is really what triggered this article and the picture.

If you build a drone that you can ride in, you would most likely need a pilot’s license to operate it legally, because it would be considered an aircraft under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

The FAA categorizes any manned or unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying passengers as an aircraft, and specific rules apply depending on its size, weight, and purpose.

Key Points to Consider:

FAA Certification: If the drone is capable of carrying people, it falls under stricter FAA regulations than standard hobbyist or commercial drones. You would likely need to obtain a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) or another applicable certification, depending on the size and capabilities of the aircraft.

Aircraft Certification: Your personal drone would also likely need to meet the FAA’s certification standards for safety. This would involve testing, inspections, and possibly approvals for experimental aircraft if it is custom-built.

Operating Rules: Manned drones would have to comply with the same operating rules as other aircraft, such as airspace restrictions, altitude limits, and safety regulations. You would also need to follow air traffic control instructions when flying in controlled airspace.

Michigan Laws: In addition to FAA rules, you must comply with Michigan’s laws about aviation, such as MCL 259.80, which covers general aviation regulations in the state. These laws include provisions for safe operation, interference with other aircraft, and operating near public spaces.

Bottom Line:

Building and flying a drone that you can ride in is a serious undertaking that involves federal and state regulations. You would almost certainly need to be a licensed pilot and have your drone certified for safety by the FAA before legally flying it. Make sure to consult with aviation experts or the FAA for guidance on licensing and compliance.

Better call a fighting lawyer and prepare to pay for it. Could be more cost effective for your future and cheaper than sitting in jail.  You don’t make money there. They do.