One rule that comes to mind is that you should not fly in the dark, another is to keep tje drone in sight, difficult to do in the dark.My "Agenda"? Just last night, while flying my Mavic in the dark, my neighbor and I were having the discussion of where they are legal and not. Nothing contentious, just 2 guys chatting. I told him about the NP ban and he asked "why?"
I told him of some case histories that led to the decision. He agreed with the decision. Then this today in my news feed. So, I'm pointing out an actual incident that backs up my agreement with the NPS decision.By the way, it's called an "opinion" not an "agenda" It's funny how it becomes an "agenda" when someone doesn't like what you're saying. Too funny.
I never said that all problems are equal.Congress prevented the FAA from regulating hobby flight. Flying over people is only called out as prohibited under Part 107, not Part 101, which most people haven't even heard of anyway.
The fact that you continue to insist on equating the problem of cell phone ring tones with the nuisance and danger of low flying drones makes it difficult to advance this discussion.
Drones are not universally antisocial and hazardous, but they are in some situations. Large numbers of people (crowds) at locations that are incredibly tempting to use drones is one such situation.
Nope not 107. No need for me. OK, here's reasons that work for me: Fire risk. Nuisance noise.Safety around crowds. Wildlife disruption. Wildlife harassment Environmental concerns. Resource usage. Law enforcement costs. Trying to figure out how to retrieve drones from a small lake full of boiling water. Shall I continue
Drones causing damage to the park itself
Tens of drones buzzing around people attempting to enjoy nature
People causing injury to another person while in the National Park
Drones harassing wildlife
I don't think this is a difficult problem to resolve. The National Parks can designate an area for a limited amount of drone flyers, who will buy a permit (helping with NP expenses.) This areas will be a distance from heavy tourist areas. The times this is allowed can also be limited.
Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah has a very similar policy which works quite well. Quoting from their web page:
Between November 1st and February 28th/29th of each year, drone use is permitted by permit only. Permits cost $10 and must be filled out at the visitor center (open daily 9am-5pm) before operating.
Permits are valid for one calendar day from 9am of the date of purchase until 9am of the date after. Additional permits must be acquired for more days.
Permitted operators must follow special regulations to respect the traditional visitor experience of Dead Horse Point State Park and protect sensitive wildlife resources. These regulations are:
The unmanned aircraft:
will not fly higher than 400 feet
must be kept in eyesight at all times
will not fly over people and vehicles (moving or parked) and remain a minimum of 25 feet from individuals and property
will not intentionally disturb or harass wildlife
will not be flown over park buildings or structures
will not be flown in high winds or adverse weather conditions
will not interfere with park rescue operations or programs
will not fly below the canyon rim
Park staff has the authority to enforce regulations and check permits at any time and violations of the rules can result in a revocation of permit privileges.
NOTE: Because of the high use by visitors and concentration of structures, drone operation at the main viewpoint of Dead Horse Point is illegal. Operators must hike at least a short distance and get away from the developed rim to comply with regulations.
Quite an intelligent policy. Tourists are kept away from the drones, and the noise. Drone operators get to take some pictures of the scenery. The park makes some money, because they will have some expense administering this.
I doubt drone flyers are any worse than pet owners, campers leaving litter and starting fires, etc etc. I think there's something rather nice about drone flyers being able to capture the wonder of our national parks from perspectives not usually seen. I could envision a program where the National Parks get to share the best videos to run in the Visitors Center.
As I say, this isn't all that complicated, and everyone would benefit. My $.02
That’s just silly. A drone isn’t following around some person at ear level. Screaming kids and airplanes flying over make more noise. Most drones have a sound frequency that isn’t annoying to most sane people or animals.
Please refrain from name-calling in posts on the forum.Well the idiotic drone operators shouldn’t be flying them at all. Those of us that are responsible and have thousand dollar drones that use them for photography should be exempt. Maybe there needs to be advocation for a “this drone pilot” certificate can fly in these areas.
Drones have no place in a National Park as people want to enjoy nature. In addition, drones can impact wildlife. Surprising that some disagree.
It seems that the pilot does not understand how national airspace works.I once read this blog that I wish I could find again from a professional helicopter pilot who began to fly a DJI drone as a hobby. She observed the irony that she was banned from flying a tiny drone that no one would even notice over a NP while no rule prevents her from taking a helicopter there, noticeable from a much higher altitude, other than the basic flight plan filing perhaps.
Gun ownership in the US is governed by the US Constitution.... last time I looked, drone use was not. So comparing the two is way off base. Not even close.In the US especially, just look at how we worship gun ownership. Sure we have a sky high shooting death rate but you are still allowed to carry or concealed carry into a lot of places, and people are managing not to kill each other more often than not. The hypocrisy of only respecting freedoms that matter to some is just too much.
Within a National Park I (and everyone) can see _everything_ a drone can see. The only difference is the perspective. Drones are not needed in order to enjoy all the beauty of National Parks.Have you ever flown a drone that has an amazing video camera on it and used it to see and enjoy stuff you would never be able to see other wise? I highly doubt it or you wouldn’t feel this way. Go out with someone that has a high quality one and fly it and experience it. You will change your mind.
In my view there's no reason small UAVs can't share the airspace over national parks or any public space with reasonable rules in place. Blanket ban is just the easy way out.
I once read this blog that I wish I could find again from a professional helicopter pilot who began to fly a DJI drone as a hobby. She observed the irony that she was banned from flying a tiny drone that no one would even notice over a NP while no rule prevents her from taking a helicopter there, noticeable from a much higher altitude, other than the basic flight plan filing perhaps.
It seems that the pilot does not understand how national airspace works.
The NPS has no authority over the airspace above the park. Again, it appears that the pilot you mention does not understand this. So they cannot make any ruling on what happens in the airspace above the park.
Gun ownership in the US is governed by the US Constitution.... last time I looked, drone use was not. So comparing the two is way off base. Not even close.
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