South Carolina Drone Laws [Latest] All the Information You Need

Drones are becoming more widely used and more affordable for both commercial and leisure purposes. But owning a drone and taking off are not the same thing. To ensure safety and legality, you must abide by certain laws and guidelines. Everything you need to know about South Carolina drone legislation, including federal and state rules, registration requirements, airspace restrictions, insurance alternatives, and recommended practices, will be covered in this article.

South Carolina Drone Laws Federal

In the United States, all facets of aviation, including drones, are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Depending on the use and size of the drone, the FAA has devised a set of regulations.

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Recreational Drone Laws

In South Carolina, if you fly a drone for amusement or as a hobby, you are regarded as a recreational drone operator. 

• Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry documentation of test success if you want to use a drone for fun in South Carolina.
• If your drone weighs greater than 0.55 lbs (250 g), you must register it with the FAA and label it with your registration number.
• Observe the recreational model airplane rules set forth by the FAA, including
  • Only use the air for leisure.
  • Fly close to the drone operator or a nearby visual observer who is in close proximity to and in direct communication with the operator.
  • In uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, fly 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or less.
  • The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system or DroneZone must be used to obtain permission before entering regulated airspace (Class B, C, D, and E).
  • Observe all temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and airspace restrictions.
  • Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or other aircraft.
  • Never take to the skies while intoxicated.
  • Never fly recklessly or carelessly.

Commercial Drone Laws

In South Carolina, if you use a drone for labor or company, you are regarded as a commercial drone pilot. In order to operate a drone for hire in South Carolina, you must:

• You can either hold a valid Part 61 pilot certificate and finish a recurrent online training course, or you can obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA by passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing facility.
• If your drone weighs greater than 0.55 lbs (250 g), you must register it with the FAA and label it with your registration number.
• Observe the small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) Part 107 regulations set forth by the FAA, such as

• Only fly at or below 400 feet AGL and with a payload that weighs no more than 55 pounds (25 kg).
• Fly inside the remote pilot in command’s or a visual observer’s line of sight.
• Fly only during civil twilight or daylight, with proper anti-collision lighting, from 30 minutes before official dawn to 30 minutes after official sunset.
• Before utilizing LAANC or DroneZone to fly in regulated airspace, get permission.
• Observe all TFRs and airspace limitations.
• Flying above people or moving objects should never be done without an FAA waiver.
• Unless you are in a sparsely populated region and have a waiver from the FAA, never fly from a moving car.
• Never take to the skies while intoxicated.
• Never fly recklessly or carelessly.

You can apply for a waiver from some of the Part 107 rules using the DroneZone website.

State Drone Laws in South Carolina

South Carolina has passed some state-specific drone legislation that are in addition to the federal regulations and are applicable to all drone owners operating within the state. Act No. 184, which forbids flying drones close to correctional facilities, is the primary statute in South Carolina that governs drone use.

Act No. 184 

The South Carolina General Assembly passed Act No. 184 in 2016, and it was revised in 2018. It states: 

• Without the express permission of the Department of Corrections Director, no individual shall fly a drone within a horizontal distance of 500 feet or a vertical distance of 250 feet from any Department of Corrections institution.
• The punishment for breaking this statute is a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $500 and a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail, or both.
• The Department of Corrections has the authority to seize and dispose of any drone that has been used in violation of the law.

All drone operators are subject to this rule, regardless of the use or size of the drone. Its goal is to stop drones from delivering illegal items like drugs, weapons, or cell phones to prisoners in detention institutions.

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Local Drone Laws in South Carolina

There aren’t any regional, municipal, or county-level drone regulations in South Carolina at the moment. Before flying in a new region, drone pilots should always check with the local authorities to see whether any temporary or permanent limitations or permissions are needed.

Airspace Restrictions in South Carolina

You should research the airspace classification and any airspace limitations that might have an impact on your flight before flying a drone in South Carolina. You can plan your flight and get permission if necessary with the help of a number of information and tools provided by the FAA.

App B4UFLY

Recreational drone pilots can use the B4UFLY app, a free mobile app, to find out where they can and cannot fly. The software offers interactive maps with data on aircraft restrictions, alerts, and airspace. The software also enables users to schedule a flight and, if necessary, get LAANC authorization.

System LAANC

Drone pilots can request and obtain approval to operate in regulated airspace in almost real time using the automated LAANC system. A number of authorized service providers, including AirMap, Kittyhawk, Skyward, and UASidekick, offer the technology. Additionally, the system offers airspace data such as grids, altitudes, and maps of UAS facilities.

Website for Drones (DroneZone) The DroneZone website is the FAA’s online hub for drone registration, waiver requests, and requests for airspace authorization. The website allows drone operators to register their aircraft, submit Part 107 waiver requests, and ask for airspace authorization in regions not covered by LAANC.

Insurance for drones in South Carolina

In South Carolina, drone operators are not required to get insurance, but doing so is strongly advised if they wish to safeguard both their personal assets and the assets of their drones. Liability and hull are the two primary factors that drone insurance can cover.

• Liability insurance protects you in case your drone causes third parties bodily harm or property damage. This kind of insurance can shield you against legal action and other problems that might result from the use of drones.
• Your drone’s physical loss or damage resulting from accidents, theft, vandalism, or other reasons is covered by hull insurance. In the event of accidents, this kind of insurance might assist you in replacing or repairing your drone.

Depending on your requirements and interests, South Carolina offers a variety of drone insurance options. Several options include:

• joining an insurance-provided club for remote-control aircraft. For instance, for a $75 annual subscription, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) offers its members personal liability coverage of $2.5 million and $25,000 in medical coverage.
• acquiring a yearly drone insurance plan from an expert source. For instance, BWI Fly offers annual drone insurance covers starting at $500 per year with liability coverage up to $25 million and hull coverage up to $10,000.
• acquiring a mobile app-based on-demand drone insurance plan. For instance, SkyWatch.AI provides on-demand drone insurance covers starting at $5 per hour with liability coverage up to $10 million and hull coverage up to $5,000.

You can compare different drone insurance providers and plans using online tools and resources, such as DroneInsuranceReviews.com.

Registration of Drones in South Carolina

Drones are becoming more widely used and more affordable for both commercial and leisure purposes. However, you must be informed of the drone laws and guidelines that apply to you before flying your drone in South Carolina. Here is an exhaustive guide on registering a drone in South Carolina.

Does South Carolina require me to register my drone?

Whether you are using your drone for work or for enjoyment will determine the answer.

You are regarded as a hobbyist or recreational drone pilot if you use your drone for enjoyment. In this situation, you are exempt from registering your drone with the state of South Carolina; but, if your drone weights more than 0.55 lbs (250 g), you must register it with the FAA. For a $5 cost, you can register your drone online at FAADroneZone. You will be given a registration number, which you must prominently display on your drone.

You are regarded as a commercial drone pilot if you use your drone for professional purposes. In this situation, you must register your drone with both the FAA and the state of South Carolina. For a $5 cost, you can register your drone online at FAADroneZone. You will be given a registration number, which you must prominently display on your drone. The FAA will also require you to complete a background check and aeronautical knowledge test before they will issue you a remote pilot certificate. The FAA Part 107 website has more details on how to become certified.

Best South Carolina locations for Drone Photography

South Carolina is a stunning state with a variety of natural features and tourist attractions. The following are some of South Carolina’s top locations for drone photography:

Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston is a gorgeous and historic city with many of options for drone photography. The gorgeous architecture, the vibrant homes, the coastline, and famous sites like the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, the Battery, and the Fort Sumter National Monument may all be captured in photographs.

Myrtle Beach is a well-liked vacation spot with a long, sandy beach, a bustling boardwalk, and many of activities like the SkyWheel, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and Ripley’s Aquarium. You can use your drone to take aerial photos of Myrtle Beach’s fun and beauty.

Hilton Head Island: A resort island, Hilton Head Island provides a tranquil and beautiful retreat. The immaculate beaches, the verdant golf courses, the marinas, and the wildlife, including dolphins, alligators, and birds, may all be photographed using a drone.

Greenville is a bustling, up-to-date city with a downtown area filled with stores, eateries, museums, and parks. You can use your drone to take pictures of the metropolitan environment, the Liberty Bridge, and Reedy River Falls.

Congaree National Park :The biggest unbroken area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States is preserved in Congaree National Park, a natural wonder. Stunning trees, marshes that are covered in swamps, and a wide variety of fauna can all be photographed using a drone.

Best Practices for Flying a Drone in South Carolina

Besides following the federal and state drone laws in South Carolina, you should also follow some best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. Here are some tips to help you fly responsibly and respectfully in South Carolina:

• Always fly with caution and common sense.
• Always respect the privacy and property rights of others.
• Always avoid flying near airports, helipads, military bases, power plants, stadiums, schools, hospitals, or other sensitive or crowded areas.
• Always check the weather conditions and the battery level of your drone before flying.
• Always keep your drone in sight and under control at all times.
• Always yield the right-of-way to manned aircraft and emergency vehicles.
• Always follow the drone community’s safety guidelines, such as the Know Before You Fly campaign and the Drone Code.

Conclusion

As long as you abide by the laws and guidelines that concern your drone operation, flying a drone in South Carolina may be enjoyable and rewarding. You can guarantee a safe and legal flight in South Carolina by being aware of and abiding by the country’s and state’s drone regulations. Check out some of South Carolina’s top drone-flying locations, such Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Greenville, or Columbia. A happy flight!

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