The FAA says you become part of the U.S. aviation system when you fly your drone in the nation’s airspace.

You’re heading to the stores on Black Friday to buy that shiny new camera-equipped drone you’ve yearning for. You can’t wait to get into the sky and let loose your inner high-flying aerial photographer, right?

Did you know you’re also going to become a pilot?

When you fly your drone anywhere in the nation’s airspace, you automatically become part of the U.S. aviation system. Under the law, your drone is an aircraft. So while the rules for drones may be different, you have the responsibility to operate safely, just as a Cessna or 747 pilot does.

The FAA has developed this safety checklist that you, as a pilot, should use whenever you send drone into the Wild Blue Yonder. We want you to fly safe, fly smart – and have fun.

Source: FAA