Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported they learned post flight they flew in excess of 400 feet AGL without authorization.

Date: 2023-12 · Aircraft: Small UAS (At or above 0.55 lbs and less than 55 lbs) · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: airspace-violation-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-far|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-unauthorized-flight-operations-uas

Synopsis

Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported they learned post flight they flew in excess of 400 feet AGL without authorization.

Narrative

I recently filmed some drone footage at sunset from my property in a remote area of Northern Minnesota (CLASS G Airspace / cleared for flight with B4UFLY FAA App). I reached altitudes that broke the 400 foot maximum; as well as broke through some low level clouds at around 700 feet. I was unaware of the 400 ft. max flight level as well as the regulations around low clouds (500 feet below) until another pilot called these to my attention. It was then I realized I hadn't been up to speed on drone regulations.I'm a recreational [UAS] pilot - a photographer who shoots landscapes - and have been flying drones infrequently for a few years now; but have failed to keep up with FAA Regulations. This is no excuse; I know.Since I was alerted to my errors; I have done my due diligence and gotten everything squared away with the FAA - remote ID; registration + stickers; TRUST Certification and Community Base Organization Alignment; as well as taking courses to get my CLASS 107 and to learn the ins-and-outs of drone safety and flight parameters. I'm sure you've heard this before; but for me; I am terrified about my missteps and want to assure you that this will never happen again.

NASA callback

The Reporter indicated they were completely unaware of FAA regulations prior to being made aware by other UAS pilots. Reporter has completed the TRUST certification and is now taking Part 107 classes.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.