AC 91–57() is an FAA
Advisory Circular (AC) (Subject: ''Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft'' ) that provides interim safety guidance to individuals operating
unmanned aircraft
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which includes adding a ground-based controller ...
, commonly known as drones, but inclusive of
flying model aircraft, for recreational purposes in the
National Airspace System of the United States.
Summary
In 1981, in recognition of the safety issues raised by the recreational operation of
RC model aircraft, the FAA published this brief AC, then entitled ''Model Aircraft Operating Standards'', for the purpose of providing guidance to persons interested in flying drones and model aircraft as a hobby or for recreational use. This guidance conveys FAA expectation of good judgment on the part of unmanned aircraft operators so that persons on the ground or other aircraft in flight will not be endangered. The AC contains among other things, guidance for site selection. Users are advised to avoid noise sensitive areas such as parks, schools, hospitals, and churches. Hobbyists are advised not to fly in the vicinity of spectators until they are confident that the model aircraft has been flight tested and proven airworthy. Model aircraft should be flown below 400 feet above the surface to avoid other aircraft in flight. The FAA expects that hobbyists will operate these recreational model aircraft within visual line-of-sight.
Non-applicability to commercial operations
Some commercial operators of
unmanned aircraft systems
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which includes adding a ground-based controlle ...
have mistakenly used this AC as a basis for commercial flight operations. However, under FAA policy, AC 91–57 only applies to modelers, and thus specifically excludes its use by persons or companies for business purposes.
References
External links
*
49 USC 44809:
"FAA AC 91–57C"(PDF). Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (October 20, 2022)
* ''Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft''
* {{cite web, url= https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-57A_Ch_1.pdf , title=FAA AC 91–57A Change 1 ''Model Aircraft Operating Standards''
Regulations & Policieson the FAA website
Aviation in the United States
Federal Aviation Administration
Regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles
Model aircraft