ianwood said:
Fireworks are most often if not ever detonated over crowds as they rain down debris and can also be a safety hazard if they do not extinguish before reaching the ground.
There is no way a wireless signal could "spark off all the fireworks at once" unless the fireworks were controlled by a compatible wireless system that was left completely open and triggered off of just about any type of transmission. If that were the case, anyone in the crowd could do the same thing with their mobile phones.
Finally, unless there is a TFR in the area, you do not need the FAA's permission.
I understand the wireless signal won't ignite the fireworks. I am currently talking to a small town parks and rec guy who just wants to make sure. All in all I will get some photos. I just won't be shooting as close.
I talked to the Field Response, Special Events & USAR Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management in Nashville. He mentioned that he was in contact with the police regarding permission to fly higher than 400ft (didn't specify before). It came back looking like the police didn't want to cooperate and it was going to be too much of a hassle to get FAAs approval.
I didn't notice any TFRs per this website (
http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/ns/ ... 45_38.html)
I do understand I don't need their permission but I wanted to know their stance on this issue. I see now that their main concern is flying over large crowds which I never had any intention of doing.