Can I fly my drone at night?

Yes, as long as the drone has anti-collision lighting visible from 3 statute miles.

Yes, as long as it has anti-collision lighting visible from 3 statute miles. Learn the area in daylight first, use extra caution, and keep the drone within visual line of sight.

Why night flying needs extra care

Darkness changes the job, even for an experienced pilot. Depth and distance are harder to judge, obstacles like wires and bare branches nearly disappear, and a drone that is easy to follow at noon can become a blinking light you lose against the ground below. The lighting rule lets other aircraft see your drone, but keeping visual line of sight is still your responsibility.

What to do, step by step

1. Scout the location in daylight first. Note trees, poles, wires, and buildings, and pick a clear takeoff and landing spot you can find again in the dark.
2. Fit anti-collision lighting that is visible from at least 3 statute miles, charge it before the flight, and confirm it is actually flashing before you take off.
3. Check the airspace exactly as you would by day. Night does not change authorization rules, so get any approval you need before flying in controlled airspace.
4. Fly slower and higher above obstacles than you would in daylight, keep the drone within visual line of sight, and land if you lose track of its orientation.
5. Bring a small flashlight for setup and recovery, and lower your screen brightness so your eyes stay adjusted to the dark.