What is the maximum altitude recreational drone pilots are allowed to fly?

Recreational drone pilots in the United States are allowed to fly their drones at a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level. This regulation is established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to maintain safety in the airspace and to reduce the risk of collisions with manned aircraft, which typically operate at higher altitudes.

Flying at or below this altitude allows recreational users to enjoy their hobby while not interfering with commercial aviation traffic. Drones flown within this limit can typically be operated without complicating air traffic management, as the majority of manned aircraft do not operate below 500 feet in uncontrolled airspace.

In addition to altitude limits, recreational pilots are also required to follow other regulations, including flying within visual line of sight, not flying near other aircraft, and avoiding flying over people. Understanding these rules is crucial for pilots to ensure compliance and safety while operating their drones. The other altitude options provided exceed the maximum limit set by the FAA for recreational pilots, which is why they are not applicable.