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AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/drone-structure-exception

Inspecting a 600-foot tower, how high may a Part 107 drone fly?

Up to 1,000 feet AGL, staying within 400 feet of the tower.

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  1. Up to 1,000 feet AGL, within 400 feet of the tower ✔
  2. Only up to 400 feet AGL
  3. Up to 600 feet AGL, no higher

Why: Part 107 lets you go above 400 feet AGL if you stay within a 400-foot radius of a structure. You may not fly more than 400 feet above its top, so 600 plus 400 is 1,000.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA says these operating limits help the remote pilot spot encroaching aircraft and people on the ground.

The dad joke
The tower told the drone, you can come up and see me, but do not get above yourself.
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References

Answer: Up to 1,000 feet AGL, within 400 feet of the tower. Part 107 lets you go above 400 feet AGL if you stay within a 400-foot radius of a structure. You may not fly more than 400 feet above its top, so 600 plus 400 is 1,000.

  1. 14 CFR 107.51 Operating limitations (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-107.51
    Is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and (2) Does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.
    Checked 2026-10-07.

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