First time poster, but long time reader of weekly summaries. A great community and fascinating posts.
Read lots of discussion about restrictions in the National Park Service. Now is the time to ask for permission to fly on a limited basis. I suggest we request one day next year to fly in one Park. If we can demonstrate a responsible and popular event, the request can expand in coming years to more parks. The UAV community is large and can be powerful. If all of us focus on a reasonable request it will be hard to deny. As a new activity, mountain bikers had to work at getting access. Today biking is accepted with certain restrictions. I have mountain biked and observed their trail damage which is far greater than a drone flying overhead.
For this year, we should select one Park. This forum can explore the options. We should not request one of the big name Parks; Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Grand Canyon, Everglades, Great Smoky or Glacier. Drones will disturb the enjoyment for too many other people. NPS has beautiful, large parks with fewer visitors. The local superintendents might welcome the exposure. Others parks are Recreation Areas with less resource value. Parks near population centers have tradeoffs concerning our accessibility versus more visitors. Local issues can affect drone flight such as tree cover. Choosing a park requires thoughtful consideration and we must welcome the guidance of Park staff. Of course, its a big country and some will live a thousand miles away (or ten thousand). Keep the big picture in mind and work together. Maybe its worth a whole vacation week just for the one day opportunity!
Perhaps a nearby hotel with meeting rooms can host everyone. This creates a way to meet fellow pilots and learn something new.
After picking a site, the day of the event should get consideration. It must avoid sensitive wildlife activities, such as raptor nesting. Weather is essential. Avoiding cold or hot days, windy conditions and frequent precipitation should be a priority. Weather conditions are always uncertain yet we can improve our chances for success by picking the right day.
This forum could explore proper etiquette for the event. Are flights/paths coordinated? Notifying would be other visitors is important and NPS should participate. Wildlife harassment must be prohibited. We should discuss what constitutes harassment but that is for a different post.
The campaign involves multiple activities. It starts with the National Park Service. They may offer guidance on candidate parks. If a negative answer comes back, we talk to the selected Park's local Chamber of Commerce, media and even Congress. I am not the one to lead the effort, hope I am just a creative voice. A spokesman with experience in the matters should be identified. Someone with knowledge and tact. Perhaps a committee can offer strategy and guidance. Sounds messy, but maybe an existing organization takes the lead. We may not agree with their decisions, but success depends on a loyal community. Your opinion is important, then let the process take its course.
A successful effort will give the UAV community respect and standing.
My goal in 5 years is to have one day in each park. Imagine someday organizing a long trip visiting a different park each day.
Can't wait to see hundreds of videos of a park posted from all of you!
Read lots of discussion about restrictions in the National Park Service. Now is the time to ask for permission to fly on a limited basis. I suggest we request one day next year to fly in one Park. If we can demonstrate a responsible and popular event, the request can expand in coming years to more parks. The UAV community is large and can be powerful. If all of us focus on a reasonable request it will be hard to deny. As a new activity, mountain bikers had to work at getting access. Today biking is accepted with certain restrictions. I have mountain biked and observed their trail damage which is far greater than a drone flying overhead.
For this year, we should select one Park. This forum can explore the options. We should not request one of the big name Parks; Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Grand Canyon, Everglades, Great Smoky or Glacier. Drones will disturb the enjoyment for too many other people. NPS has beautiful, large parks with fewer visitors. The local superintendents might welcome the exposure. Others parks are Recreation Areas with less resource value. Parks near population centers have tradeoffs concerning our accessibility versus more visitors. Local issues can affect drone flight such as tree cover. Choosing a park requires thoughtful consideration and we must welcome the guidance of Park staff. Of course, its a big country and some will live a thousand miles away (or ten thousand). Keep the big picture in mind and work together. Maybe its worth a whole vacation week just for the one day opportunity!
Perhaps a nearby hotel with meeting rooms can host everyone. This creates a way to meet fellow pilots and learn something new.
After picking a site, the day of the event should get consideration. It must avoid sensitive wildlife activities, such as raptor nesting. Weather is essential. Avoiding cold or hot days, windy conditions and frequent precipitation should be a priority. Weather conditions are always uncertain yet we can improve our chances for success by picking the right day.
This forum could explore proper etiquette for the event. Are flights/paths coordinated? Notifying would be other visitors is important and NPS should participate. Wildlife harassment must be prohibited. We should discuss what constitutes harassment but that is for a different post.
The campaign involves multiple activities. It starts with the National Park Service. They may offer guidance on candidate parks. If a negative answer comes back, we talk to the selected Park's local Chamber of Commerce, media and even Congress. I am not the one to lead the effort, hope I am just a creative voice. A spokesman with experience in the matters should be identified. Someone with knowledge and tact. Perhaps a committee can offer strategy and guidance. Sounds messy, but maybe an existing organization takes the lead. We may not agree with their decisions, but success depends on a loyal community. Your opinion is important, then let the process take its course.
A successful effort will give the UAV community respect and standing.
My goal in 5 years is to have one day in each park. Imagine someday organizing a long trip visiting a different park each day.
Can't wait to see hundreds of videos of a park posted from all of you!
