If you're flying a drone like one from the Potensic ATOM series, knowing local altitude and flight laws is crucial for safe and legal operation. From the U.S. to Europe and beyond, altitude restrictions and legal requirements can vary widely—and understanding them helps you get the most out of your flights while avoiding penalties.
Why Altitude Limits Matter
Altitude limits are put in place to avoid interference with manned aircraft and protect public safety. Flying above these limits can be illegal and dangerous. Most countries cap recreational drone flights at a maximum altitude between 120m (400ft) and 150m.
Altitude and Flight Rules by Region
🇺🇸 United States (FAA)
- Max Altitude: 400ft above ground level
- Registration: Required for drones over 250g or for commercial use; not required for Potensic ATOM series if used recreationally.
- Flight Zones: Avoid airports and restricted airspace unless authorized
- Line-of-Sight: Required
The FAA’s B4UFLY service shows where recreational flyers can and cannot fly. For more questions about flying a drone in the us, please find via FAA
🇨🇦 Canada (Transport Canada)
- Max Altitude: 400ft (122m)
- Drone Registration: Required for drones over 250g
- Line-of-Sight: Required; You can fly at night if you have lights on your drone
- Flight Zones: Away from bystanders, at a minimum horizontal distance of 30 metres for basic operations; away from emergency operations and advertised events; away from airports and heliports; Don’t fly anywhere near airplanes, helicopters and other drones
For more, please visit Transport Canada
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
- Max Altitude: 120m (394ft)
- Open Category: Potensic ATOM Drones drones fall into this beginner-friendly C0 category; fly in VLOS (visual line of sight) and below 120 m
- No-Fly Zones: Varies by country; local apps like DroneMap help
- Registration: Required if the drone has a camera, including all Potensic ATOM models
For detailed requirements, please find the answer via EASA
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
- Max Altitude: 120m (400ft)
- Operator ID: Required for drones with cameras (like Potensic ATOM series)
- Fly Responsibly: Maintain line of sight, avoid crowds; Do not fly near to airports, airfields, spaceports or other aircraft unless you have permission
For more drone safety rules in the UK, please find via UK Civil Aviation Authority
To check more regional regulations, please visit: Potensic Flight Regulations Guideline.
Choosing the Right Potensic Drone for Legal Flying
Potensic’s sub-250g drones—like the ATOM 2, ATOM, ATOM SE, and ATOM LT—are designed to help users fly responsibly and stay compliant across many regions. Because they weigh under 250g, these drones typically avoid strict registration rules in the U.S. and Canada, and are ideal for beginner pilots looking to explore aerial photography legally and safely.
Tips for Staying Compliant
- Always check local flight regulations before traveling
- Use official airspace maps or apps to avoid restricted areas
- Fly below the legal altitude limit in your country
- Keep your drone within line of sight at all times
- Respect privacy and avoid flying over people or private property without permission
Potensic drones combine performance with portability, making them ideal for compliant flying worldwide. Whether you choose the advanced ATOM 2 with 4K HDR and AI features or the beginner-friendly ATOM LT, staying informed about local drone laws ensures a smooth and legal flight experience wherever you go.