How high should drones fly? Why flying at both 200 and 400 feet is the key to DFR success

This article was originally published by Axon and is reposted here for our readers. You can view the original article here.

Public safety agencies across the country are integrating drones into real-time operations to respond faster, safer and with greater situational awareness. As Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs scale, one question stands out: What’s the ideal altitude: 200 feet or 400 feet?

The right answer? Neither.

The key to success isn’t choosing between these approaches—it’s giving agencies the capability to do both seamlessly.

The altitude debate: Why flexibility matters for DFR operations

The optimal flight altitude for DFR operations depends on a range of factors, including mission type, environmental conditions, and tactical priorities. Some missions require low-altitude flights under 200 feet for close-range visibility and precise maneuverability, while others benefit from flying at 400 feet to increase coverage area and situational awareness.

Both approaches offer advantages, and agencies should have the altitude flexibility to adapt to each mission’s unique tactical considerations.

No other solution matches Axon Air DFR’s altitude capability. By combining the Skydio X10’s autonomous flight capabilities with DedroneBeyond’s advanced detect-and-avoid technology, agencies can confidently fly at any altitude—from low-level urban navigation to high-altitude situational awareness. Whether the mission calls for close-range visibility or broad aerial coverage, Axon Air DFR gives public safety teams the tools to handle any scenario.

Mastering urban airspace: The power of flying under 200 feet

Axon Air DFR uses Skydio X10 drones equipped with onboard autonomy, allowing agencies to fly at or below 200 feet and within 50 feet of structures while staying within FAA guidelines. The FAA refers to this as Shielded DFR Operations, where the proximity of buildings naturally shields the drone from potential conflicts with manned aircraft, which wouldn’t typically operate close to structures.

Powered by Skydio’s AI-driven autonomy, the drones dynamically map and adapt to complex urban environments in real time, ensuring precise navigation around buildings and terrain. This onboard intelligence allows drones to safely fly close to structures without risk of collision, enhancing both operational safety and mission effectiveness in crowded, unpredictable environments.

Key benefits include:

• Urban Airspace Compliance – Shielded operations meet FAA guidelines for flying close to structures in densely populated areas.
• Close-Quarters Visibility – Lower altitudes provide detailed views inside vehicles, around buildings and into hard-to-reach areas.
• Precision Navigation in Urban Environments – AI-powered autonomy enables safe flights through tight, obstacle-rich spaces like alleyways and parking garages.

Setting the standard: shielded DFR operations at 200 feetThe New York Police Department (NYPD) was the first agency to secure an FAA waiver for shielded DFR operations up to 200 feet, allowing drones to operate within 50 feet of structures in one of the most complex airspaces in the country. However, these operations were initially limited to areas with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) coverage.Now, agencies are pushing shielded DFR operations even further. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and Oklahoma City Police Department (OKCPD) recently secured FAA approvals that eliminate the visual observer requirement and expand operations into both controlled and uncontrolled airspace—even over congested areas. These approvals demonstrate that shielded flights can be safely integrated into dense urban environments while reducing staffing needs and simplifying mission logistics.

Elevating DFR operations: Unlocking the power of flights at 400 feet

Axon Air DFR supports broader situational awareness by combining Skydio X10’s autonomous flight capabilities with DedroneBeyond for safe and effective BVLOS operations—without the need for a visual observer. This integration gives agencies the altitude capability to fly from ground level to 400 feet, adapting seamlessly to any mission.

DedroneBeyond surpasses radar-only solutions through advanced sensor fusion, combining RF analysis, visual confirmation and radar tracking to reduce false alarms and enhance detection of non-cooperative aircraft.

Key benefits include:

• Broader Situational Awareness – Higher altitudes provide a broader view for monitoring moving subjects during pursuits and managing large-scale incidents.
• Mixed Fleet Utilization and Efficiency – Agencies can safely leverage existing drone fleets that lack autonomous capabilities for shielded operations, enhancing operational safety and efficiency at higher altitudes.
• Awareness and Endurance – Detect-and-avoid technologies enhance awareness of nearby aircraft, while optimized flight patterns extend battery life.

Leading the way: Campbell PD’s groundbreaking BVLOS waiver

High-altitude DFR operations are transforming public safety today. Campbell Police Department secured the first-ever FAA waiver for 24/7 BVLOS DFR operations at 400 feet, leveraging DedroneBeyond’s detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology for safe, extended-range operations.

With this waiver, Campbell PD can deploy drones over larger areas, monitor unfolding incidents in real time and maintain continuous oversight for officers on the ground, all while staying compliant with FAA regulations. Their success signals a shift toward wider BVLOS adoption, paving the way for departments nationwide to expand their drone programs.

Beyond altitude: How Axon Air DFR transforms real-time operations

Altitude capability is just the beginning—Axon Air DFR delivers a comprehensive ecosystem that transforms drones from isolated tools into critical components of real-time public safety operations. With seamless integration into Axon Fusus and Axon Evidence, agencies gain a real-time intelligence network that improves situational awareness, strengthens command decisions and streamlines response efforts.

By integrating live drone feeds into a single pane of glass through Axon Fusus, agencies can consolidate data from Skydio drones, DedroneBeyond, body-worn and in-car cameras, community cameras, CAD and other mission-critical systems. This unified command center gives law enforcement a complete operational picture, improving resource allocation, inter-agency coordination and response times.

Recorded drone footage is automatically routed into Axon Evidence, where agencies benefit from unlimited, secure storage, ensuring mission-critical video is always accessible, protected from tampering and compliant with evidence management standards.

The future of DFR is here

As DFR programs continue to evolve, agencies need technology that adapts to their mission—not technology that limits their potential. Axon Air DFR is built for that capability, giving agencies the real-time intelligence and autonomy they need to manage complex incidents and improve safety in every scenario.

Whether flying low for tactical insight or high for comprehensive situational awareness, Axon Air DFR ensures officers have the right information when and where it matters most. From mitigating risk in critical incidents to building public trust through greater transparency, Axon Air DFR is more than just a drone solution—it’s a vital asset for safer, smarter communities.

With Axon Air DFR, the future of emergency response isn’t coming—it’s already here. Schedule a live demo today and see firsthand how your agency can elevate its operations.