FPV Drones, or First Person View Drones, allow the user to view the images captured by the drone in real time from an in-flight pilots point of view. The video is captured by the on board camera and is able to be viewed remotely by the individual flying the drone on a computer screen or other device via radio frequencies. But, most people aren’t aware that they require a Ham radio license in order to legally fly these drones. So what is a Ham radio license, why do you need it, and what will happen to you if you don’t get one?
Why Do You Need A Ham Radio License for Flying FPV Drones?
To start with, a little background information is necessary to make sure that your drone is legal. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has tried to limit the types of FPV drones available on the US market today, as they believe that only drones with the capacity to operate on amateur radio frequencies are safe to use within the US.
It is always best to make sure that your specific FPV drone complies with the FCC’s regulations. It’s easy enough to find out, so don’t worry too much, checking your product label should tell you if it complies with FCC regulations. If it does, this generally means that your drone is only capable of transmitting over amateur radio frequencies, and it is a legal device. So, what now?
First of all, to novices in the radio license world, a Ham radio license for drones can sound a little bit disconcerting, but it’s easy enough to understand. A Ham radio license is required when your device is capable of transmitting on amateur radio frequencies. Essentially, if your device is capable of sending data, such as video footage (which FPV drones do), over amateur radio frequencies, then you are required to have a Ham license in order to legally use your device. The good thing is, that you only require the most basic type of Ham license, and it is easy enough to come by without much stress to yourself.
Getting your ham radio license
The Ham radio licence for flying FPV drones is known as the ‘Technician License’. In order to get this license you need to complete a pretty simple test of 35 questions, of which you only need to get 26 correct, and studying for the exam is simple enough. There are general trends to the questions asked and it is simple enough to find the pool of questions that they may ask you online.
Make sure you put in the effort to study though, because failing the test will result in you needing to retake it for the same price as your previous attempt. Study hard now, and you won’t need to keep taking the test again and again. Studying for the exam won’t take you too long either, and once you have your Ham technical license you will be free to continue using your FPV drone legally and without worry. The exam only costs $15 and there are plenty of places for you to take it, just do a quick search of your local area and you’re sure to find somewhere nearby that can assist you.
Take the test and pass, and you’ll be free to continue using your drone legally for the next 10 years, before your Ham license expires and you are required to renew it.
I know that studying for an exam and paying $15 might sound like a lot of trouble for an amateur FPV drone enthusiast, but believe me, it is necessary and it is the safest option. Flying an FPV drone without the proper Ham technical license can result in hefty fines. It makes sense to pay the $15 now and cover yourself, rather than find yourself in complications later on when you are facing a fine. It’s best to be cautious so that you can enjoy flying your FPV drone legally without having to fear legal repercussions.
In short, FPV drones are fun and safe devices to use, so long as you are obeying the law. Make sure your drone complies with FCC regulations by checking the product label, make sure you have your Ham technical license, and you really won’t have anything to worry about as you fly your FPV drone.
