What are drones and who can fly them? What to know amid mysterious sightings.

Drones have been thrust into the national spotlight amid increasing reports of mysterious aircraft whizzing around the skies above New Jersey and nearby states – freaking out residents and drawing the ire of elected leaders.

In recent weeks, witnesses have described clusters of lights they say look like drones hovering over populated areas around New Jersey. The reported sightings have more recently expanded to New York and Maryland as state officials and national lawmakers call for answers from the federal government.

President-elect Donald Trump even chimed in Friday, posting on social media: "Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge. I don't think so!"

It remains to be seen just exactly what accounts for the strange sightings.

But for those with questions about what precisely drones are, who can fly them and whether they can shoot them down, here's everything to know.

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What are drones?

Drones, a term comprising any uncrewed aerial vehicle piloted remotely, are widely used among hobbyists, commercial users and the military for a variety of purposes.

The aircraft are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, which has authority over U.S. airspace. Nearly 792,000 drones are registered with the FAA, about half of which are commercial drones and half of which are for recreational use.

While states do have laws of their own regarding the use of drones, the FAA's regulations tend to reign supreme and may even supersede any other conflicting rules.

Who can fly drones?

Those who want to fly a drone must register with the FAA and complete an online test known as The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST.)

The DroneZone is the FAA's official website for registration, which costs $5 and is valid for three years.

To fly a drone for commercial or newsgathering purposes, would-be operators who are at least 16 years old need a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) issued by the FAA and must pass another aeronautical knowledge test – this one at a designated center.

Of course, smaller drones and toy drones, such as ones for children (under about a half-pound) are exempt from registration requirements.

Drones weighing more than 55 pounds require special FAA approval.

What are the rules for flying drones?

Drone pilots are required to operate drones so they don't pose a hazard to people or property.

That means they must keep the drone within sight while it's airborne and must leave private property if asked to do so by the owner. Those who want to fly at night must have a drone pilot certificate and the drone must be equipped with required lights.

Drone operators are also required to mark the vehicles with the registration number on the outside and carry proof of registration when flying.

As of September 2023, pilots whose drones require an FAA registration number are also required to broadcast Remote ID, which refers to the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a signal.

Where can drones be flown?

Drones can be flown in most places, provided they remain under 400 feet in altitude. Drones can fly over private property, as homeowners and business owners are not considered to own the airspace above. However, if the drone pilot is standing on private property, owners can ask the pilot to leave.

There are a few restrictions of which drone operators should be aware:

• Flying within a controlled airspace, such as above an airport, is a strict no-no without FAA authorization;

• Same goes for the airspace above military bases, national landmarks, or designated national security sensitive facilities;

• Some airspace is covered by temporary flight restrictions, such as the ones the FAA implemented recently over the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research facility, and President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster following unauthorized drone sightings.

The FAA does grant waivers in some circumstances to those wanting to operate drones in highly-trafficked airspace or at higher altitudes.

Is it legal to shoot down a drone?

Trump and other officials have suggested that the military shoot some of these mystery drones out of the sky in order for authorities to determine what they are. Residents themselves have even indicated their willingness to take aim at the craft.

But even though no pilots are aboard, the FAA considers drones to be aircrafts – meaning that it is a federal crime for civilians take a shot at one.

Shooting a drone can also be dangerous. The aircraft could crash and cause damage to people or property on the ground or collide with other objects in the air, putting those who shot them down on the hook for civil damages.

But neither the law nor the danger has stopped people from trying.

A retired New Jersey fire captain recently faced criminal charges after he shot a drone whirring over his Florida home with his 9 mm pistol, according to reports. The drone, which he believed was spying on him. turned out to be making Walmart deliveries.

For those who believe a drone is violating the law, the best bet is to contact law enforcement or file a complaint with the FAA.

Contributing: Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times; Jessica Guynn, John Bacon, Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are drones? What to know amid mystery sightings over US