Drones are relatively easy to pilot, and their size makes them excellent tools for surveillance. They have built-in cameras and thermal sensors that let them observe and record people, crowds, and environments. 

However, flying during the day is different from flying at night. Pilots need to be more careful to avoid obstacles and comply with regulations. In this article, we’ll explore the following:

• Can You Fly Drones at Night?
• What You Need to Fly Surveillance Drones at Night
• How to Use Drones for Surveillance at Night
• Tips for Conducting Drone Surveillance at Night

Is It Legal to Fly Surveillance Drones at Night?

Yes. You can legally fly drones at night without signing a form in the US. However, keep in mind that specific laws for flying drones at night vary based on where you are. 

For example, the UK and Australia have different regulations for flying at night. Additionally, drone pilots in Canada need special training and licenses to do so.

Surveillance police drones at night also require different permits and licenses in the US. To get you started, here are a few rules set by the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) to remember before flying: 

1. Meet the Necessary Requirements

As a drone pilot, you need a special certification for flying at night. Drone pilots certified before 2021 need additional online training or take an updated knowledge test as a quick refresher.

2. Understand What the FAA Considers “Night”

The FAA has set specific definitions about what is considered “nighttime.” It officially starts 30 minutes after sunset and ends 30 minutes after sunrise, which is called “civil twilight.” 

3. Keep Your Drone Visible

Drones that fly at night, especially drone surveillance at night, require anti-collision lights. These lights must be visible from at least three miles (4.8 kilometers) away. On top of that, they must also flash at adequate intervals.

How to Use Drones for Surveillance at Night

Flying a drone at night offers numerous benefits for public safety. Many drone models have built-in standard and thermal cameras for different purposes. These can range from surveillance to search and rescue. 

However, some risks come with flying at night. The most significant risk is that drones are more likely to crash into obstacles like power lines and tree branches. If you’re not careful, these can cause considerable damage to other persons and property.

Compact drones like the Mini 5 Pro can be particularly effective for night operations, as they tend to feature Nightscape mode for clearer low-light imaging and omnidirectional obstacle sensing to reduce the risks of collisions. This combination tends to make them a practical choice for professionals who require reliable and safe nighttime surveillance.

Here’s how you can conduct drone surveillance at night without crashing into objects: 

1. Familiarize Yourself With Local Regulations

The first step is to check in with local drone laws and regulations for flying at night. While these can vary depending on location, you must be certified for night flying.

On top of that, your drone’s lights must be visible for at least three miles (4.8 kilometers). You should also check if you are flying in restricted airspace, which many apps can help.

2. Plan Your Flight in Advance

Start by defining your surveillance objective: monitoring a perimeter, observing wildlife, or counting vehicles. Survey the area in daylight to better understand and identify potential obstacles.

When flying surveillance drones at night, pre-program your flight path is also a good idea. Many drone models today come with software that makes this pre-programming easier. 

3. Prepare Your Drone

You want to use a drone with good night vision or thermal cameras when flying at night. Make sure the drone’s obstacle avoidance sensors are working properly. 

Preparing your surveillance drone for flying at night also includes things like its firmware, GPS, and battery are ready. You should pay special attention to its firmware and GPS for any updates and debug potential issues.

4. Practice Night Flying Techniques

Finally, remember the following techniques for flying police surveillance drones at night:

• Fly More Slowly Than During the Daytime – Flying more slowly during the nighttime is crucial since it gives you more time to avoid obstacles. 
• Manual vs. Autonomous – Operating the drone manually gives you more control. However, automated flights for mapped terrain can save you plenty of time.
• Use A Spotter – Having someone else observe your drone while you fly ensures it stays within line of sight. It also helps you avoid obstacles you might miss.
• Allow Your Eyes to Acclimate – It takes thirty minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark fully. You can avoid accidental exposure to bright lights using red gels and sunglasses.

Final Tips for Flying Surveillance Drones at Night

Flying drones at night empowers pilots to do more tasks across various industries, especially security. Among the benefits they offer include reduced air traffic and extended operational hours.

However, there are always a few more tips to optimize nighttime flights. Here are a few final tips to ensure that your drone flies smoothly after sunset:

1. Maintain Your Drone’s Anti-Collision Lights

The answer to “What do surveillance drones look like at night?” is that they look like visible dots of light. Some drones may emit flashing red or green dots that are visible for miles.

These are called anti-collision lights, which are crucial for flying at night. Testing them beforehand ensures your drone meets local regulations for your mission. 

2. Know Your Aircraft’s Altitude and Movement

You need to look at your drone’s directional lights to know its altitude and movement. They show you which direction your drone is heading and often come pre-installed.

On top of that, pay attention to your on-screen indicators to track your drone’s altitude. You can also set your maximum altitude lower than daytime to keep your drone visible.

3. Prepare Extra Batteries

Be sure to bring extra batteries when flying your surveillance drone at night. Having them ensures you can keep flying longer since additional lights and sensors often consume more power.

4. Prepare Your Emergency Landing Zone/s

Like all flights, you also want to prepare your emergency landing zone/s. If your drone runs out of battery or gets damaged, having a visible landing zone can make a difference.

The Bottom Line

Drones are versatile tools that are relatively easy to pilot. On top of that, flying surveillance drones at night can offer many benefits. 

However, flying at night comes with challenges, most notably visibility. Keeping your drone visible, flying slowly, and complying with local laws and regulations ensures smooth nighttime operations.

Ready to optimize your nighttime surveillance operations? Explore ZenaDrone to learn more about our intelligent drone solutions.