The National Parks were quick to initially ban drones. Since that time we've seen several generations of drone advancements capable of amazing photography and views never before seen.
Since drones are now considered aircraft by the FAA, there ought to be a reasonable balance of drone access and manned flight operations within park boundaries.
Here's some plausible guidelines that could be considered without disruption to park operations. Really no different and actually less impact than a backcountry permit.
Let's discuss, add or amend and come up with a set of reasonable rules that could be considered.
1) Drones must be registered with the FAA and operated under model aircraft or Part 107 rules.
2) The park will designate a weekly or daily flight operations area away from highly concentrated visitors. Locations to be varied throughout the year.
3) A limited pool of daily permits will be available, first come, first serve. Parks may designate operations on certain days, daily, and/or restrict the total number of flights.
4) Operators must present the drone at time of park permitting for inspection of registration.
5) Park ranger will periodically oversee flight operations area.
6) Flights only in approved areas. Operations outside of approved areas and permitting would have appreciable fines.
7) All the normal park rules apply such as not approaching or harassing wildlife, park damage etc.
8) One aircraft in the air at a time.
9) Downed aircraft shall be reported to park rangers for recovery. Operator shall be responsible for recovery fees.
10) At completion of flight(s), operator returns to ranger station and presents drone to verify not lost.
11) Nominal fee for the permit to offset incidental park costs to oversee.
The reality is the P4 lasts about 15min in the air. With reasonable, managed access photos and videos would add value to the park experience while not blanketing the skies with drones.
Thoughts?
Since drones are now considered aircraft by the FAA, there ought to be a reasonable balance of drone access and manned flight operations within park boundaries.
Here's some plausible guidelines that could be considered without disruption to park operations. Really no different and actually less impact than a backcountry permit.
Let's discuss, add or amend and come up with a set of reasonable rules that could be considered.
1) Drones must be registered with the FAA and operated under model aircraft or Part 107 rules.
2) The park will designate a weekly or daily flight operations area away from highly concentrated visitors. Locations to be varied throughout the year.
3) A limited pool of daily permits will be available, first come, first serve. Parks may designate operations on certain days, daily, and/or restrict the total number of flights.
4) Operators must present the drone at time of park permitting for inspection of registration.
5) Park ranger will periodically oversee flight operations area.
6) Flights only in approved areas. Operations outside of approved areas and permitting would have appreciable fines.
7) All the normal park rules apply such as not approaching or harassing wildlife, park damage etc.
8) One aircraft in the air at a time.
9) Downed aircraft shall be reported to park rangers for recovery. Operator shall be responsible for recovery fees.
10) At completion of flight(s), operator returns to ranger station and presents drone to verify not lost.
11) Nominal fee for the permit to offset incidental park costs to oversee.
The reality is the P4 lasts about 15min in the air. With reasonable, managed access photos and videos would add value to the park experience while not blanketing the skies with drones.
Thoughts?