What Are The Rules For Drones in Sioux Falls and South Dakota

There's been a lot of talk about drones lately. Most recently the unidentified drones flying over the east coast of the United States. Whose drones, where they are from and what are they up to are a few of the questions being asked.

The recent stories got me wondering, what kind of rules are in place for drones here in Sioux Falls and around South Dakota. Here's a list....

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• There are Federal Laws. Drones need to follow federal aviation administration (FAA) requirements and state laws. 
  
• You have to register your drone: Yep, it needs to be registered. Drones must be registered with the FAA. There are exceptions though, hobbyists must register drones that weigh more than 0.55 lbs. 
  
• You have to take tests. Yep, just like a drivers license hobbyists have to take a test. If your flying commercially, there's even more testing. 
  
• Yes, privacy is an issue. There are some rules here. Most have to do with privacy. Drones cannot be used to intentionally record or transmit images in a location where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. 
  
• How high can you fly?  They can only fly so high, in Sioux Falls and South Dakota, drones must fly below 400 feet. 
  
• You have to keep an eye on your drone! Drones must fly within visual line of sight. 
  
• What time of day can you fly your drone?  Here's the big one. Drones must fly only during daylight. I know, you've probably seen them flying at night. Long and short, that's probably a no-no. 
  
• Where can you fly your drone? Drones should not fly over people or groups of people, near other aircraft, or in a manner that causes serious public inconvenience. Where I live, on South Dakotas' east side, you see planes coming in over the city to land almost every 10 minutes during the evening hours. 
  

It's a trend, it's the future and were going to see and hear more and more about drones. What are they? Where are they from? Those are the drone that authorities are curious about. And so am I.