What is the minimum horizontal distance from bystanders for basic recreational drone operation?

What is the minimum horizontal distance from bystanders for basic recreational drone operation?

• A. 3 meters
• B. 6 meters
• C. 10 meters
• D. 5.5 meters

Answer: (D)

Keeping people at a safe distance from the drone during basic recreational flights reduces the risk of injury from rotor blades or any sudden drone motion. The minimum horizontal distance of 5.5 meters provides a practical safety buffer that accounts for rotor reach, potential drift, and a rare control hiccup, helping ensure bystanders stay out of the danger zone. Flying closer increases the chance of contact or being struck if the drone behaves unexpectedly, while more space is always safer, especially around crowds or in windy conditions. This 5.5-meter figure is a commonly taught minimum in basic recreational safety guidelines, though you should follow local rules and adapt the distance based on drone size and the environment.

Keeping people at a safe distance from the drone during basic recreational flights reduces the risk of injury from rotor blades or any sudden drone motion. The minimum horizontal distance of 5.5 meters provides a practical safety buffer that accounts for rotor reach, potential drift, and a rare control hiccup, helping ensure bystanders stay out of the danger zone. Flying closer increases the chance of contact or being struck if the drone behaves unexpectedly, while more space is always safer, especially around crowds or in windy conditions. This 5.5-meter figure is a commonly taught minimum in basic recreational safety guidelines, though you should follow local rules and adapt the distance based on drone size and the environment.