Most UAS fly below 400 feet above ground level. That is the standard legal ceiling for commercial drone operations under Part 107, and most consumer drones are programmed with this as a hard limit.
The 400-Foot Rule
The FAA sets 400 feet AGL (above ground level) as the ceiling for small UAS operations. This keeps drones well below the 500-foot floor where manned aircraft typically fly. The separation protects both drone operators and airplane pilots.
DJI and other manufacturers build this limit into their firmware. You can fly up to 400 feet but the software will not let you go higher without special configuration.
Exceptions to 400 Feet
You can fly above 400 feet when inspecting a structure. The rule allows flights up to 400 feet above the structure itself, as long as you stay within 400 feet horizontally of it. A 300-foot tower means you could theoretically fly 700 feet AGL while inspecting it.
Waivers from the FAA can also authorize higher operations, though these require demonstrating that you can operate safely at altitude and avoid conflicts with manned aircraft.
Physical Limits
Consumer drones can physically fly much higher than 400 feet. Some can reach thousands of feet before battery or signal limitations stop them. But operating above legal limits risks significant fines and certificate revocation.
High-altitude operations also face thinner air, which reduces lift and stresses motors. Most commercial work happens well below 400 feet anyway, so the legal limit rarely creates practical problems.
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