Montana Drone Laws 2023: What You Need to Know Before Flying

Drones are becoming more popular and accessible for recreational and commercial purposes. However, drone operators need to be aware of the laws and regulations that govern their use in different states. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on Montana drone laws, covering both federal and state-level rules, as well as some tips and resources for flying safely and legally in Montana.

Federal Drone Laws in Montana

Before we dive into the specific drone laws in Montana, let’s review some of the general rules that apply to every state in the U.S., including Montana. These are created by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is the national authority responsible for drone safety.

Recreational Drone Laws

If you want to fly a drone for fun or pleasure in Montana, you are considered a recreational flier. As such, you are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which is a free online course that covers basic safety rules and best practices for drone operation. You can take TRUST at any of these approved test administrators.

You are also required to follow the FAA’s recreational model aircraft rules, which include:

• Registering your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250 g) and less than 55 lbs (25 kg). You can register online at https://faadronezone.faa.gov/ and pay a $5 fee for a three-year registration. You will receive a registration number that you must display on your drone.

• Flying only for recreational purposes and not for compensation or business purposes.

• Following the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community Based Organization (CBO), such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) or the Drone User Group Network (DUGN). You can find a list of CBOs here.

• Flying within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) of the person operating the drone or a visual observer co-located and in direct communication with the operator.

• Flying at or below 400 feet above ground level (AGL) in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). If you want to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E), you must obtain an airspace authorization through LAANC or DroneZone before flying.

• Never flying near other aircraft or over people or moving vehicles.
  
• Never flying near emergency response activities, such as wildfires, law
   
• enforcement operations, or disaster relief efforts.
  
• Never flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Commercial Montana Drone Laws

If you want to fly a drone for work or business purposes in Montana, you are considered a commercial operator. As such, you are required to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule (Part 107), which include:

1. Obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center. You can find more information on how to prepare for and take the test here.
   
2. Registering your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs (250 g) and less than 55 lbs (25 kg). You can register online at https://faadronezone.faa.gov/ and pay a $5 fee for a three-year registration. You will receive a registration number that you must display on your drone.
   
3. Conducting a pre-flight inspection of your drone before each flight to ensure it is safe and functional.
   
4. Flying only during daylight hours or civil twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise or after official sunset) with appropriate anti-collision lighting.
   
5. Flying within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) ofthe person operating the drone or a visual observer co-located and in direct communication with the operator.

1. Flying at or below 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or within 400 feet of a structure in uncontrolled airspace (Class G). If you want to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E), you must obtain an airspace authorization through LAANC or DroneZone before flying.
   
2. Flying at a maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots).
   
3. Flying under a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or within 400 feet of a structure.
   
4. Yielding the right-of-way to all other aircraft and avoiding flying over people or moving vehicles.
   
5. Never flying near emergency response activities, such as wildfires, law enforcement operations, or disaster relief efforts
   .
6. Never flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you want to fly your drone in ways that do not comply with these rules, you must apply for a Part 107 waiver from the FAA. You can find more information on how to apply for a waiver here.

State Drone Laws in Montana

In addition to following the federal drone laws, you also need to be aware of the state drone laws that apply specifically to Montana. These laws are created by the Montana Legislature and enforced by state and local authorities.

Wildfire Suppression Law

This law prohibits using drones to interfere with wildfire suppression efforts. Anyone who violates this prohibition is liable for the amount of money equivalent to the costs of their interference. This law also prohibits local governments from enacting an ordinance addressing the use of drones in relation to a wildfire.

This law was enacted in 2017 as House Bill 644 and can be found here.

Privacy Protection Law

This law limits when information gained from the use of drones may be admitted as evidence in any prosecution or proceeding within the state. Only information that was obtained with a search warrant, or through a judicially recognized exception to search warrants, can be used as evidence. This law also requires any government agency that uses drones to adopt policies and procedures regarding their use and retention of data.

This law was enacted in 2013 as Senate Bill 196 and can be found here.

Tips for Flying Drones Safely and Legally in Montana

Now that you know some of the basic drone laws that apply to Montana, here are some tips and resources that can help you fly your drone safely and legally in this state:

• Check your drone’s battery level, propellers, camera, gimbal, and other components before each flight. Make sure everything is working properly and securely attached.
  
• Check the weather conditions before flying. Avoid flying in high winds, rain, snow, fog, or low visibility. Also avoid flying near power lines,cell towers, airports, stadiums, or other sensitive areas. You can use apps like B4UFLY, AirMap, or Kittyhawk to check for any airspace restrictions or hazards near your location.
  

• Respect the privacy and property rights of others. Do not fly over private land without permission or over people who are not directly involved in your drone operation. Do not capture or share any images or videos that may violate someone’s privacy or personal data.
  
• Be courteous and responsible when flying your drone. Follow the drone community’s code of conduct and avoid disturbing wildlife, livestock, crops, or other natural resources. Do not fly near or over any emergency response activities, such as wildfires, law enforcement operations, or disaster relief efforts.
  
• Have fun and enjoy the beauty of Montana from a new perspective. Drone Laws Montana has many scenic and diverse places to fly your drone, from mountains and valleys to rivers and lakes. Here are some of the best places to fly your drone in Montana:Can you fly drone in national parks?

Drones For Public Safety: Enhancing Security And Emergency Response

Best Places to Fly Your Drone in Billings

Billings is the largest city in Montana and a hub for culture, commerce, and entertainment. It is also surrounded by natural wonders that offer great opportunities for drone photography and videography. Here are some of the best places to fly your drone in Billings:

• Acton Recreation Area: This area north of Billings offers 3,800 acres of diverse terrain with hills, flatlands, open fields, and thick forests. It is a great spot for flying your drone over different landscapes and capturing stunning views of nature.
• Coulson Park: This park near downtown Billings is a more accessible spot for flying your drone over the Yellowstone riverfront. There are plenty of trees here if you prefer having shade over you while flying a drone. The industrial area right beside Coulson Park also makes for some unique photo compositions.
• John H. Dover Memorial Park: This park has nearly three miles of riverfront along the Yellowstone River. It is one of the best spots to fly your drone if you want to capture images of the water and its wildlife. You can also fly over land with its wide open fields and long walking trails.
• Moss Mansion: This historic house museum was built in 1903 by a prominent businessman named Preston Moss. It is an architectural marvel that showcases the elegance and style of the early 20th century. You can fly your drone around this mansion and admire its intricate details and design.
• South Hills Motorcycle Area: This area south of Billings offers an aggressive terrain that appeals not just to dirt bikers but also to hikers and mountain bikers. The wide open area right beside the Yellowstone River is also a prime spot for drone flight. You can also offer to take action shots of and mountain bikers the bikers in the area – there’s a good chance that they would bae up for it.

Best Places to Fly Your Drone in Helena

Helena is the capital city of Montana and a historic destination with many attractions and landmarks. It is also nestled among mountains and valleys that offer spectacular views and scenery for drone enthusiasts. Here are some of the best places to fly your drone in Helena:

• Crow Peak and Elkhorn Peak: These twin peaks are part of the Elkhorn Mountains and offer a challenging hike with rewarding views. You can fly your drone over these peaks and capture stunning images of the surrounding landscape. Just be mindful of strong winds and changing weather conditions before flying your drone.
• Lake Helena: This lake in the Helena Valley is a large body of water that was created by the construction of the Hauser Dam. It is a popular spot for fishing and biking around the surrounding trails. There are many excellent spots to fly your drone here, as well as a great vantage point for photographing the mountains to the north.

Final Thoughts on Where to Fly Your Drone in Montana

Montana is a state that offers endless possibilities for drone photography and videography. With its diverse and scenic terrain, you can find many places to fly your drone and capture amazing images and videos. However, you also need to be aware of the laws and regulations that govern drone use in this state, as well as respect the privacy and property rights of others. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy flying your drone safely and legally in Montana.

We hope this article has given you some useful information on where to fly your drone in Montana, as well as some tips and resources for flying your drone in Montana.

Deerc D20 Mini Drone For Kids FPV Camera

Best Drone for Aerial Photography

If you are looking for a drone that can capture stunning aerial images and videos, you need to consider several factors, such as camera quality, flight performance, battery life, portability, and price. There are many drones available on the market that can suit different needs and budgets. Here are some of the best drones for aerial photography that we recommend: best drone for real estate

• DJI Air 2S: This drone is one of the best all-rounders for aerial photography. It has a 20-megapixel camera with a 1-inch sensor that can shoot 5.4K video at 30 fps or 4K video at 60 fps. It also has a three-axis gimbal that stabilizes the footage and a four-directional obstacle avoidance system that enhances safety and reliability.
  
  The DJI Air 2S can fly up to 31 minutes on a single charge and has a maximum range of 12 km (7.5 miles). It also supports various intelligent modes and features, such as ActiveTrack 4.0, Point of Interest 3.0, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, FocusTrack, and more.

• DJI Mini 3 Pro: This drone is one of the best compact and lightweight drones for aerial photography. It weighs only 249 grams (8.8 ounces) and folds up to fit in your palm or pocket. It has a 12-megapixel camera with a 1/2-inch sensor that can shoot up to4K video at 30 fps or 2.7K video at 60 fps.
  
  It also has a three-axis gimbal that stabilizes the footage and a two-directional obstacle avoidance system that enhances safety and reliability. The DJI Mini 3 Pro can fly up to 38 minutes on a single charge and has a maximum range of 10 km (6.2 miles). It also supports various intelligent modes and features, such as ActiveTrack 4.0, Point of Interest 3.0, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, FocusTrack, and more.
  
• DJI Mavic 3: This drone is one of the best professional drones for aerial photography. It has a dual-camera system that consists of a 20-megapixel camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor that can shoot up to 5.1K video at 50 fps or 4K video at 120 fps, and a telephoto camera with a 12-megapixel sensor that can shoot up to4K video at 30 fps or 1080p video at 60 fps.
  
  It also has a four-axis gimbal that stabilizes the footage and a six-directional obstacle avoidance system that enhances safety and reliability. The DJI Mavic 3 can fly up to 46 minutes on a single charge and has a maximum range of 15 km (9.3 miles). It also supports various intelligent modes and features, such as ActiveTrack 5.0, Point of Interest 4.0, MasterShots, Hyperlapse, FocusTrack, and more.
  
• DJI Inspire 2: This drone is one of the best professional drones for aerial photography. It has a modular camera system that allows you to swap between different cameras and lenses according to your needs. You can choose from the Zenmuse X4S (20-megapixel camera with a 1-inch sensor), Zenmuse X5S (20-megapixel camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor), Zenmuse X7 (24-megapixel camera with a Super35 sensor), or Zenmuse XT2 (thermal imaging camera).
  
  The DJI Inspire 2 can shoot up to6K video at 30 fps or 4K video at 60 fps in CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes formats. It also has a two-axis FPV camera that allows you to see what the drone sees while flying. The DJI Inspire 2 can fly up to 27 minutes on a single charge and has a maximum range of 7 km (4.3 miles). It also supports various intelligent modes and features, such as Spotlight Pro, TapFly, ActiveTrack, Point of Interest, Waypoint, and more.
  

These are some of the best drones for aerial photography that you can buy right now. Of course, there are many other drones that can suit your needs and preferences. You can check out our drone reviews section for more options and recommendations.

Conclusion

Montana is a state that offers endless possibilities for drone photography and videography. With its diverse and scenic terrain, you can find many places to fly your drone and capture amazing images and videos. However, you also need to be aware of the laws and regulations that govern drone use in this state, as well as respect the privacy and property rights of others. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy flying your drone safely and legally in Montana.

We hope this article has given you some useful information on where to fly your drone in Montana, as well as some tips