# Autonomous drone software FAQ

> Short answers on autopilot licences, Part 108 status, EU BVLOS routes, Remote ID, ground sample distance and planning autonomous drone flights.

- Canonical URL: https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/faq/
- Source: [USI, Part 108 status guide](https://www.flyusi.org/guides/get-108-ready)
- Checked: 2026-10-25

## Rules

**Can I fly BVLOS in the US under Part 108 today?**
No. Part 108 was still under final review in October 2026. You need a waiver or an exemption. See [Part 108](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/part-108-bvlos/).

**What is the simplest BVLOS route in the EU?**
The STS-02 standard scenario, by declaration, if you fly a C6-marked drone under 25 kg below 120 m over a sparsely populated area and within 2 km with observers or 1 km without. See [EU rules](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/eu-specific-category/).

**Do I need Remote ID?**
In the US, yes, for every drone flown under Part 107 and for recreational drones over 0.55 lb. See [Remote ID](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/remote-id/).

## Software

**Can I sell a drone with modified ArduPilot code without publishing my changes?**
No. ArduPilot's GPL licence requires you to share modifications when you distribute it. PX4's BSD licence does not. See [PX4 vs ArduPilot](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/px4-vs-ardupilot/).

**Which is better, PX4 or ArduPilot?**
It depends on your product and team. The picker asks four questions and explains its answer.

## Mapping

**What altitude gives 2 cm per pixel?**
It depends on the camera. With a 13.2 mm sensor, an 8.8 mm lens and 5,472-pixel images, about 73 m. Use the [planner](https://autonomousdronesoftware.com/ground-sample-distance/).

**Which focal length do I enter?**
The real focal length, not the 35 mm equivalent ([Pix4D](https://support.pix4d.com/hc/en-us/articles/202557469)).

**How much overlap should I use?**
The planner starts at 75% front and 65% side; adjust for your software and terrain.

## About us

**Do you sell software or drones?**
No. We do not sell anything and we take no commissions.

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Autonomous Drone Software · Contact: contact@autonomousdronesoftware.com