Can I Fly RC in my Back Yard?

Can I Fly RC in my Back Yard?

Can I fly RC in my back yard? This is a common question asked by radio control (RC) modelers for their RC airplanes and drones. In this video I will go over all the considerations of flying an RC model aircraft in your back yard to include property rights, neighbor considerations and FAA airspace concerns.

This video is primarily concerned with recreational use of RC planes, with a focus on RC planes that are easy to fly, as these are best suited to flight in your back yard.

The FAA has a very easy to use app for your smart phone that should be used before you fly a remote control airplane, and this is called B4UFLY. I will provide a demonstration of this free, easy to use program.

As our electric RC airplanes become more prevalent we can see new areas to fly such as public parks, national parks, national forests and the beach. All of these public use areas have differing rules for UAS flights, and I discuss this as well.

Here is a link to my YouTube Channel:

Many thanks in advance for a post of this video on Facebook, it truly helps the channel a lot!
Regards,
Tim

Stevens Aero Quick Oats:

Guillow Aeronca:

Chapters

00:00 - Intro
00:23 - Overview
03:05 - Airspace discussion
05:30 - Controlled and uncontrolled airspace
09:20 - TFT discussion
10:36 - B4UFLY app
13:20 - Local law enforcement
13:47 - Fly at parks and beach
17:53 - Conclusions

[GarysOutdoors]

Great Info! Great for flyers to learn. I use the apps as you mention. I also contact local municipal authorities to make sure some police is not going to take away my drone. Most local/municipal authorities just ask me not to fly over any residential areas. No problem as they're not to focal point of my flight. Thanks! 👍

[kentbarnes]

Thanks for a well structured and presented series of answers to questions. I'm a Part 107 holder, and at one time was also a Fixed Wing RC hobbyist. I''m planning to begin flying fixed wing recreationally again soon...and am looking at purchasing some land in farming country. I'm very interested in larger RC (big scale planes etc), and am considering building a landing strip on said property. I'm 99.99% certain it would be in Un-restricted airspace. There is a nearby RC club (that I was part of years ago when I previously lived in the area). They obtained permission from the local city (population about 4K) to setup an RC airstrip...at the local Airport (a non-tower controlled field). The stipulation being IF a full size aircraft enters the area...all RC activity must cease (land as quickly as possible). I'm an AMA member, but the club is NOT an AMA organized club (only about 10 to 12 of us). I doubt they (we) would ever be able to get our "local" RC strip designated as a FRIA. 2023 will be an interesting year (I just ordered one of the new commercial DroneTags to "hopefully" comply with Remote ID on my Yuneec H520 that a I fly when operating as a commercial drone pilot. I hope it works as advertised.) Thanks again.

[KipH]

Thanks Tim. . As others have indicated, really great and clear info for us fixed wing recreational fliers. I have acreage (26) to fly that is in uncontrolled airspace. I feel very fortunate in that regard but do have several birds that exceed the 250g limit. I am not looking forward to remote ID. It really stinks that this is something i will have to worry about. Not to mention the fact that a couple of my large gliders are just under the 250g limit and any remote ID module will for sure take the over that weight mark. Not to mention the issues with fit and balance in this kind of plane. Sorry for whining. Thanks again.

[jasonhurdlow]

Tip: use low Kv motors. They are much quieter than high Kv motors and thus go largely unnoticed. People don't complain about something they don't notice.

[jhuff]

Great video Tim! I sent out a package for you USPS, you should have it by the middle of next week. Cheers Tim have a great day!

[ishigamiyu]

Very beautiful models! Good video! loved the 3 ounce mini model.

[denniszeller]

Hi Tim, Thank you for the video! The good news is you have reached overseas! Another good news is EASA is very close to the FAA regulations. But some details might be different. Just wanted to mention to the pilots be aware of your local circumstances. Thank you very much for your great videos!

[Coops]

Thanks Tim. An excellent video full of great information. My only regret in the whole thing is the loss of many privileges in the fixed wing RC community. Experienced RC recreational pilots are now forced to register and use remote ID for models larger than 250g to fly in their own backyard or their local park. Sub 250g is the way to go now if you can't afford to join a club.

[lonceysphotosandfilms]

Cheers so much such time plus hassle saving info

[rms]

Tim I absolutely love your channel. I was wondering if you use or have a dx6e and if you could do a video about set up etc. You have a great cadence for teaching. Well done

[Luckless_Pedestrian]

I'll admit I'm probably not up to date on the status of "remote ID", but how is that going to impact ones ability to fly in their backyard?... My "backyard" is a lake. Technically my property line is at the water's edge so I guess my situation is more like flying in a park. Rarely are my models (traditional fixed wing) flown over the treeline, or more than 200 meters from the end of my dock... and always line-of-site. The airspace is uncontrolled, although I occasionally share it with a couple of full scale amphibious aircraft. So, starting in Sept. 2023, am I going to be required to outfit my amphibious planes with a remote ID device?... Thanks in advance for your comment.

[rva]

I am in the process of picking a design for a backyard model. Something with a 80cm (31in) wingspan, 50cm (20in) length. The first model you hold in your hand ("N4079"), nice one, what is that?
The motor (with built-in ESC) + receiver + servos + batt weight 75 grams (2.7 oz.)
The motor is rated for models up to 200 grams (7 oz.)
I use 3mm to 5mm foamboard and lately cover the models with packaging color tape.
I'd appreciate your advice, thanks in advance!

[luigigangsonicgamernumbertpc]

what app can I use now that b4youfly is not working because I'm thinking of flying an rc airplane in new jersey then move to Florida Orlando

[jasonhurdlow]

Also note that controlled airspace will not have an even 400ft allowance. It will vary from 400ft to 0ft depending on how close you are to the airport. The apps will tell you what the max is once given FAA approval to fly. Don't assume it's just 400ft. Many areas in my town are 0ft because of hills and proximity to the airport. So no flying there period. 😕

[michaelrouser]

Tim, can you recommend small slow RTF or BNF park flyer planes? I want to get into RC flying with a slow plane that is already built.

Mike

[larzhillbot]

i can only fly at day break at a local ball field way before most people get up lol other wise all my old places where i use to fly has got to busy from urban growth so sad All my big gliders have been collecting dust for past few years

[davidsantiago]

Had no idea, I have 15 rc planes just sitting. Brand new!

[stevemartin]

If I jump high enough on my trampoline and there is a TFR over my house… do I need to call the FAA and turn myself in?

[stevec]

I'm gonna guess most of the people who fly in their backyards are going to continue doing so. FAA can't even keep up with what's going on in full scale.

[mitchelfisher]

According to the faa drone site it's actually 30 dollars to register because they make you buy a physical card