Is it OK to fly drones on Hilton Head & SC beaches? Here’s what FAA & state law says
If you’ve got a beach trip coming up and want to bring your drone, you might want to think again.
As technology continues to advance, drones have dramatically altered the field of aviation.
For both recreational and commercial use, drones can be used to shoot videos and photos, transport objects, search and rescue, construction, mapping, surveillance and more.
With the broad use of these devices, it’s good to know what’s what and how you can … and can’t use drones.
Here is a close look at the federal and state laws for South Carolina drone owners.
Federal drone laws
Drones are permitted in the United States for both recreational and commercial purposes, subject to the Federal Aviation Administration and local regulations.
The following list outlines federal drone laws that apply to every state in the US, including South Carolina.
If you are flying a drone for commercial or business purposes: You are required to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule (Part 107), which includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.
If you are flying a drone for recreational/hobby purposes: You are required by the FAA to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). You are also required to follow the FAA’s recreational model aircraft rules. It costs $5 to get it registered.
To fly a drone as a government employee (for a police or fire department): You may either operate under the FAA’s Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Recreational drone laws for South Carolina & TRUST
For those looking to fly a drone for recreational purposes anywhere in the US, the FAA requires all recreational drone pilots to pass TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test).
This is a free online safety test to help flyers understand basic drone safety and regulations.
Here is what to know about the exam:
Required for U.S. recreational flyers of drones
Launched June 2021 by the FAA
Takes about 30 minutes to complete
No prior drone knowledge needed
The test allows unlimited attempts to pass
If you want to fly a drone, you must carry proof of test passage when flying. Click here to visit the TRUST webpage and take the test.
Here are some additional recreational model aircraft rules from the FAA to keep in mind:
Must take and pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying & carry proof of completion.
Must register drones weighing over 0.55 lbs (250 grams) at faadronezone.faa.gov.
Mark your drone with your registration number.
Must fly within visual line of sight and at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace.
Cannot fly near airports, emergency response efforts or critical infrastructure.
Avoid flying over people, moving vehicles, and sensitive infrastructure.
Drone insurance is not required but recommended for hobbyists’ drone operations.
Fly during the day if you’re flying for fun or under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule.
For more information about recreational drone laws, click here.
Commercial drone use rules
If you are flying a drone for commercial use, different rules apply.
To fly commercially, you must:
Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under FAA’s Part 107 rule.
Pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) knowledge exam.
Must comply with Remote ID regulations
Have broadcast identification and location information for your aircraft
To take the exam, it costs $175 plus an additional $5 drone registration fee, which is valid for three years.
For more information on drone setup and operation, visit the FAA Part 107 Guide.
Remote ID for drone flyers
According to the FAA, all drone pilots who are required to register or have registered their drone must operate per the rule on Remote ID.
Remote ID allows drones that are in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal.
It is needed for flyers because it helps the FAA, law enforcement and other federal agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.
A remote ID for drones is required for hobbyists and recreational flyers.
For more information, you can watch this video from the FAA or click here to learn more.
So, where can you actually fly a drone in Hilton Head?
The FAA has a list of restricted airspace and prohibited areas that all drone operators, no matter their location, are prohibited to fly in.
These areas include:
Flying over people, stadiums, and national parks is generally restricted.
No flying when Temporary Flight Restrictions are in place for events, emergencies or security reasons.
In controlled airspace (near airports), you need authorization via LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) or the FAA DroneZone.
You cannot fly in restricted or prohibited airspace, such as near military bases or critical infrastructure.
Restricted areas on Hilton Head and surrounding areas in Beaufort County
Hilton Head Island
Drones are allowed on the island but not on the beach.
According to town ordinances, “the driving or operating of any motor vehicle of any kind or nature on the beach within the town” is prohibited, and drones fall into the vehicle category.
Under FAA rules, you cannot fly near airports or interfere with manned aircraft operations. This includes the Hilton Head Island Airport, MCAS Beaufort and Frogmore/Beaufort Executive Airport.
You also cannot fly over groups of people, public events or emergencies, per FAA.
Hunting Island State Park
Drone use is prohibited due to safety and visitor experience concerns.
Savannah & Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuges
No drone flights allowed.
Beaufort County & Other Local Municipalities
No special drone regulations beyond FAA rules.
If you’re ever unsure about where you can fly, use the FAA’s B4UFLY app to check airspace restrictions.
General drone flying rules
Here are some additional regulations that are applicable for both commercial and recreational drone pilots:
Drone operators must be at least 16 years old.
Drones with cameras must fly at least 200 feet away from any person, vehicle, building or structure.
You must fly your drone at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G).
All drones must be registered and should not weigh more than 55 pounds.
You must be aware of No Drone Zones, Airspace Restrictions and Temporary Flight Restrictions.
You must fly within the visual line of sight so that you can see the drone at all times.
Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What should you do if something goes wrong when flying?
All pilots must operate drones so they don’t pose a hazard to people or property.
If you see someone flying unsafely or something that poses an immediate threat, you should contact local law enforcement.
If a drone is over your property, you cannot shoot it down or provoke damage, as shooting an aircraft is illegal under federal law. It also creates a significant safety hazard to yourself, the pilot or other people and structures around you.
If you’re curious about the rules for flying drones in a neighborhood area, click here to learn more.
For more information on drone safety and use, visit https://www.faa.gov/ or the FAA Know Before You Fly webpage.
