First-time poster. Great site.
I've found these two statutes regarding drone usage in Pennsylvania. I'm new to the hobby and am curious to see how they impact flyers on a daily basis.
Senate Bill 1332 http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2013&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1332: Concerning the interference of unmanned aircraft in hunting, fishing, etc. Based on what I've seen, this law was primarily intended to protect hunters and sportsmen from activists using drones to watch their activities.
House Bill 452 http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS...d=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0452&pn=2823: Defines "criminal surveillance". As I understand it, this law was originally intended to limit the use of drones for surveillance by law enforcement and government. An exception is made for "A person who is a passenger or pilot of an aircraft operating in a manner consistent with 74 Pa.C.S. §5501 (relating to ownership of space)." Section 5501 states that individuals "own" the airspace above their property only to the point that their "enjoyment and use" of the property is "interfered" with.
Here's a good discussion of HB452 with a state representative, attorney and a drone technologist. https://pcntv.com/tuesday-at-900-pm-drones-and-the-law/ The attorney makes a good case that the law is vague and needlessly creates legislation when existing laws are sufficient.
How do the Pennsylvania folks adjust their flying relevant to HB452? I'm just getting started and am curious how it impacts where and how you fly.
Thanks!
PS. This is not a solicitation for legal advice or interpretation...just curious to see what the practical impacts are.
I've found these two statutes regarding drone usage in Pennsylvania. I'm new to the hobby and am curious to see how they impact flyers on a daily basis.
Senate Bill 1332 http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2013&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1332: Concerning the interference of unmanned aircraft in hunting, fishing, etc. Based on what I've seen, this law was primarily intended to protect hunters and sportsmen from activists using drones to watch their activities.
House Bill 452 http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS...d=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0452&pn=2823: Defines "criminal surveillance". As I understand it, this law was originally intended to limit the use of drones for surveillance by law enforcement and government. An exception is made for "A person who is a passenger or pilot of an aircraft operating in a manner consistent with 74 Pa.C.S. §5501 (relating to ownership of space)." Section 5501 states that individuals "own" the airspace above their property only to the point that their "enjoyment and use" of the property is "interfered" with.
Here's a good discussion of HB452 with a state representative, attorney and a drone technologist. https://pcntv.com/tuesday-at-900-pm-drones-and-the-law/ The attorney makes a good case that the law is vague and needlessly creates legislation when existing laws are sufficient.
How do the Pennsylvania folks adjust their flying relevant to HB452? I'm just getting started and am curious how it impacts where and how you fly.
Thanks!
PS. This is not a solicitation for legal advice or interpretation...just curious to see what the practical impacts are.