Drones have rapidly become an essential tool for various industries such as real estate, agriculture, and cinematography. However, the use of drones is not as simple as buying one and taking to the skies; it involves understanding both Federal and State regulations to operate them legally and safely.
Getting a drone license in Kansas involves meeting certain prerequisites and successfully completing an FAA-administered exam. Once certified, you can operate a drone for recreational or commercial purposes within the jurisdiction of Kansas law.
Kansas has its own set of regulations that complement Federal laws. Failure to comply can lead to legal repercussions, making it crucial for operators to be well-versed with the state’s drone laws and the licensing process.
Kansas Drone Laws
Drones are governed by a combination of Federal and State laws. While Federal laws act as a broad framework for drone usage across the United States, specific laws in Kansas offer additional guidelines.
FAA Regulations vs. State Laws
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the general rules and guidelines for drone operation in the U.S. These include age limits, flying altitude restrictions, and no-fly zones.
- Kansas State Laws extend the FAA regulations by adding specifications such as restrictions on drone usage near correctional facilities and critical infrastructure.
Specific Kansas Legislation
In Kansas, drone usage is further regulated by laws that are unique to the state. These include:
- Restrictions near Airports: Within a 5-mile radius.
- Privacy Rules: Prohibition against capturing images where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Pre-Requisites for Licensing
Acquiring a drone license in Kansas involves fulfilling specific pre-conditions before you even start the application process. These criteria ensure that drone pilots meet the minimum qualifications for responsible and safe operation of unmanned aircraft.
Age Restrictions
For both recreational and commercial drone operation, age plays a crucial role:
- Recreational License: The minimum age requirement is 13 years. This is to ensure that the operator has a basic understanding and the necessary maturity to fly a drone responsibly.
- Commercial License: For commercial purposes, the minimum age requirement is 16 years. The added years provide a safety cushion, assuming that older operators would have better judgment and skills.
Citizenship and Residency
This criteria is essential for national security reasons:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident to apply for a drone license in Kansas.
- Documentation such as a birth certificate, passport, or Green Card will be necessary during the application process.
- This policy is aligned with FAA regulations and is consistent across all states.
Mental and Physical Fitness
Ensuring that a drone operator is fit both mentally and physically is paramount for public safety.
- A comprehensive medical exam by an FAA-approved physician is mandatory for all applicants.
- Conditions such as epilepsy, severe vision impairment, and certain psychiatric conditions could disqualify an applicant.
- If medications are used to treat a condition, that will be evaluated for its potential impact on the safe operation of a drone.
Types of Drone Licenses
Flying a drone in Kansas isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. Different licenses cater to different needs, primarily broken down into recreational and commercial purposes. However, there are also special permits available under specific circumstances.
Recreational License
A recreational license is your gateway to flying drones for fun or personal enrichment. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes or racing drones with friends, a recreational license is a must.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: As mentioned, you must be at least 13 years old.
- Residency: A U.S. citizen or a legal resident. This ensures that the federal and state governments can exercise jurisdiction over the drone operator.
- Health: You should be certified fit by an FAA-approved physician. This medical certificate becomes part of your application portfolio.
Application Process
Obtaining a recreational drone license involves several critical steps:
- Register on the FAA Website: This is the initial step to enter the system. You’ll need to provide personal details and information about your drone.
- Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test: This is a test to gauge your understanding of basic drone operation and safety rules.
- Document Submission: After passing the test, you’ll need to submit identification documents and your medical certificate.
Cost Factor
- FAA Registration Fee: A nominal fee of $5 is required for registering your drone with the FAA.
- Test Fee: This can vary depending on the location and specific test but expect to pay around $150.
Commercial License
If you’re planning to use your drone to make money, you’ll need a commercial drone license. This could be for anything from aerial photography for real estate listings to agricultural surveying and more.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: A minimum age of 16 is required. This reflects the increased responsibility and expertise needed for commercial operation.
- Residency: As with a recreational license, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident. Verification documents will be required.
- Health: You will need to undergo a more rigorous medical examination for commercial licensing, often requiring an ECG and a comprehensive vision test.
Application Process
- FAA Website Registration: The first step in obtaining a commercial drone license is registering yourself and your drone on the FAA’s official website.
- Aeronautical Knowledge Test: This is a more stringent version of the recreational test and covers additional topics relevant to commercial drone usage.
- TSA Background Check: Given the sensitive nature of commercial operations, you’ll undergo a thorough background check by the TSA.
- Document Submission: This includes your identification, residency verification, and medical certificate along with your test scores and TSA clearance.
Cost Factor
- Registration Fee: The FAA charges a $5 fee for drone registration, similar to the recreational license.
- Test Fee: The commercial test fee is generally higher than the recreational one, typically costing around $160.
Special Permits
Kansas also allows drone pilots to apply for special permits under certain conditions.
Night Flying
- To fly a drone at night, you’ll need to apply for a special waiver.
- Additional training may be required, and you’ll likely need to demonstrate your capability to operate the drone safely in low light conditions.
Near Airports
- Flying within 5 miles of an airport generally requires special permission.
- The request will usually need to include a safety plan and might require additional training or equipment, such as transponders.
Over People
- Operating a drone over crowds or private property is usually not allowed without a special permit.
- Proof of extra safety measures such as a parachute system might be needed.
Steps to Apply
To sum up, here’s a step-by-step guide for applying for a drone license in Kansas:
- Register on the FAA website: Input your details and those of your drone.
- Prepare for and take the exam: Use study material and perhaps a training school to prepare.
- Submit the required documents: ID, medical certificate, and any other relevant papers.
- Wait for TSA clearance: This could take a few weeks.
- Pay the required fees: Usually $5 for registration and around $150-$160 for the exam.
Training Schools in Kansas
While not a requirement, many aspiring drone pilots find it beneficial to attend a training school. Training schools offer practical experience and thorough preparation for the exams.
Online Schools
- Pros: Flexibility, often cheaper
- Cons: Lack of hands-on training
- Recommended Platforms: Drone Pilot Ground School, King Schools
Offline Schools
- Pros: Hands-on training, instant feedback
- Cons: Usually more expensive, less flexible
- Locations in Kansas: Several flight schools offer drone training, including some located in Wichita and Overland Park.
Common Pitfalls
Mistakes can slow down or even derail your licensing process. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Incomplete Applications
- Common Mistakes: Missing documents, incorrect information
- Solution: Double-check all information and ensure all required documents are submitted.
Exam Failures
- Reasons for Failure: Lack of preparation, misunderstanding the material
- Retake Policy: You can retake the exam after a waiting period, usually 14 days.
Regulatory Violations
- Frequent Issues: Flying in restricted zones, not renewing licenses
- Legal Consequences: Fines, revocation of license
Renewal Process
Drone licenses do expire and must be renewed to continue legal operation.
- Renewal Criteria: Generally, a simpler version of the original application process including a lesser exam.
- Application Steps: Similar to the initial application but usually quicker.
- Renewal Costs: These can vary but expect to pay a fee for the renewal exam and another registration fee.
FAQ
What is the age requirement for a commercial drone license?
The minimum age requirement for a commercial drone license is 16 years.
How long does it take to get a drone license?
The duration can vary but generally expect a few weeks to a couple of months for the entire process, including TSA clearance.
Are there any drone training schools in Kansas?
Yes, there are both online and offline drone training schools. Some notable locations for offline training are in Wichita and Overland Park.
Conclusion
Acquiring a drone license in Kansas is an involved but straightforward process. It’s crucial for public safety and legality. Always remember that the regulations are in place to make the drone-operating environment safe and secure for everyone.
While there are costs involved, they are relatively minimal compared to the potential legal ramifications of operating without a license. Make sure to renew your license and stay updated on both federal and state laws as they can change.
Whether you aim to fly drones recreationally or plan to monetize your skills, a drone license is a necessity. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and credentials, and the sky is literally the limit.