State Park Flying?

[-MavicMiniPilot]

I am a bit iffy on what to do if you want to fly in state parks. I am aware that you can fly over state parks but it depends which one if you are taking off or landing. The only thing I can find out through the internet is that you should contact the park manager about it. (No response from him yet) I am planning the fly at Blackwater Falls state park. I will not fly there until I am sure it is legal to do so. I am also flying recreationally. Does anyone know anything about flying At state parks or Blackwater falls?

 

[Ty Pilot]

Just do a search for "can you fly a drone in 'pick a state' state parks" and you'll get pretty straight forward responses. I just did a quick check for West Virginia (this is where Blackwater Falls is), and this was the return. . . . .


Drone operators who want to fly in any West Virginia State Park must first seek permission from the Park Superintendent and agree to full responsibility. Approved applicants must then register with the State Park superintendent, who then provides the pilot with set rules and regulations. That typically includes maps of any prohibited areas and times permitted to fly.

Here is a link to read the full text.

 

[Ty Pilot]

Also, keep in mind, different states have different rules. For instance, here in Florida all state parks are off limits to drone flight while your state; Pennsylvania, has no drone flying in all but six designated parks. That link I provided has all the states listed.

 

[-MavicMiniPilot]

Just do a search for "can you fly a drone in 'pick a state' state parks" and you'll get pretty straight forward responses. I just did a quick check for West Virginia (this is where Blackwater Falls is), and this was the return. . . . .


Drone operators who want to fly in any West Virginia State Park must first seek permission from the Park Superintendent and agree to full responsibility. Approved applicants must then register with the State Park superintendent, who then provides the pilot with set rules and regulations. That typically includes maps of any prohibited areas and times permitted to fly.

Here is a link to read the full text.

I had read that and contact him. Thanks for the help!

 

[Ty Pilot]

I had read that and contact him. Thanks for the help!

Good luck, hopefully you'll hear back soon.

 

[EpicFlight]

Here's the most important ruleset: Get to know the Rangers in the park are you plan to fly. Be respectful, friendly, cooperative. Follow whatever the Rangers advise, suggest, or mandate. They're in charge. Importantly, they also have discretion.

Without going in to detail, I've found Park authorities can be very flexible and understanding with the regulations if they trust you, your seriousness as a pilot, and the circumstances of your flight. I have a great relationship with several of the Rangers at a coastal State Park where I fly, and strictly speaking I often am violating the letter of the law, but not the reasons for the rule.

We have Judges in the justice system for many reasons, among them ensuring enforcement of the law is Just.

It is not Just to ticket someone running a read light at 2 am when the person has stopped, and can see there is no one around. Nailing someone under such circumstances is not justice, it's totalitarian.

 

[Eagle Eye 62]

The Pilot Institute has a new resource for local laws and regulations by State. Visit the Drone Wiki for more info here:

Federal Drone Laws in the United States (FAA) - Pilot Institute

44809 is an exemption from Part 107 drone laws. This means that drone pilots fly under Part 107 drone rules by default unless they meet all 9 of the requirements to fly under 44809, the exception for limited recreational operations of unmanned aircraft. You can read more about these requirements...

pilotinstitute.com

 

[zinnware]

I am a bit iffy on what to do if you want to fly in state parks. I am aware that you can fly over state parks but it depends which one if you are taking off or landing. The only thing I can find out through the internet is that you should contact the park manager about it. (No response from him yet) I am planning the fly at Blackwater Falls state park. I will not fly there until I am sure it is legal to do so. I am also flying recreationally. Does anyone know anything about flying At state parks or Blackwater falls?

I just flew at Blackwater Falls October 10-14. To get permission, simply go the the Lodge check-in desk and indicate you would like to fly your drone and obtain the waiver form. You can sign it on the spot and begin flying upon agreeing to the terms. This policy could change at any time. As always I try to avoid people being around me when flying for multiple reasons. Safety and focus.
Here is a clip I took at the falls.

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