Flying drones has become very popular these days, but there are certain rules you have to follow to keep yourself out of legal trouble. Keep yourself out of a legal bind by knowing these 5 factors. People who want to fly drones are often worried about crashing them over private property. The law is still being written and there are many issues involved. This article looks at the legality of flying a drone over private property and how the law is being written.
One of the biggest issues facing those wanting to fly drones is that of the question – can you fly a drone over private property? This is one of the biggest issues facing those who are looking to buy drones and the short answer is – it depends on your location.
Can You Legally Fly Your Drone Over Private Property?
Drones are one of the latest crazes to hit the market and they’re gaining in popularity every day. While they offer tons of new possibilities, you might be wondering if it’s legal to fly your drone over private property, or even in your own backyard if you live in an apartment or townhouse complex. Drones have sparked heated discussion about privacy and whether it’s legal to use drones over your neighbor’s yard, but in this article we’ll go over a few things you should know about flying your drone over private property.
One of the biggest concerns about drones is whether or not you’re allowed to fly them over private property, especially if that property belongs to someone else. It’s an understandable concern, since many drones are equipped with cameras and it would be easy to use that footage for nefarious purposes. However, drone flyers do have some rights when it comes to flying their gadgets over other people’s private property, as this guide will explain below…
You just bought a new drone, and you’re itching to get some footage of the surrounding neighborhood! But as you hover your new toy over the neighbor’s yard, you’re stopped in your tracks by an angry string of obscenities from their second-story window. Not only have you gotten yourself into trouble with the local authorities, but you’ve also violated the privacy of your neighbors – something that seems totally innocent and minor on the surface, but can potentially lead to some serious legal problems down the road.
Know the Law
It’s important to know the law before taking to the skies. Drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. The FAA prohibits flying drones over people, stadiums, and other sensitive locations. You could be sent to jail if you break these rules. Keep in mind that just because your drone can fly high in the sky doesn’t mean that it can fly wherever you want. In addition to local laws, drones can also be flown in certain areas. Many cities and towns prohibit flights near buildings or above a certain height limit—usually anywhere from 500-1,000 feet.
Respect Other People’s Privacy
When you’re flying your drone, it’s important to be aware of and respect other people’s privacy. Just because you can see into someone’s backyard doesn’t mean you should. If you wouldn’t want someone flying a drone over your property, don’t do it to others. In general, it’s best to avoid flying over private property altogether. But if you’re going to fly your drone near or over someone else’s home, keep the following in mind.
Don’t Be Dangerous or Annoying
Although there are no federal laws explicitly prohibiting the operation of a drone over private property, doing so can still result in serious penalties. If you fly your drone in a way that endangers people or property, you could be charged with reckless endangerment or negligence. If you fly your drone in a way that annoys or harasses people, you could be charged with stalking or harassment. So it’s important to use common sense and good judgement when operating your drone, and to respect the privacy of others.
Get Permission Before Flying Over Land
It’s generally a good idea to get permission before flying your drone over any land that isn’t yours. In this way, you can avoid potential conflicts or legal problems. If you’re planning on flying over private property, the best thing to do is to get written permission from the owner beforehand. You’ll need to sign an agreement with them stating that they have given you explicit permission to fly over their property, and that they understand that there are risks involved in doing so. With this in hand, you should also inform the homeowner of what types of pictures/videos you plan on taking while flying and how often (ie: will it be one-time event or continuous throughout their property).
Stay Away From Military Bases
It is illegal to fly a drone within five miles of a military base. The reason for this is that drones can be used to spy on military operations, which could give our enemies an advantage. If you’re caught flying a drone near a military base, you could be fined or even jailed. Avoid them altogether if you can. But if the military base is more than five miles away, then you should be safe and your drone flight won’t be interrupted.
Don’t Film Inside Schools, Churches, Or Other Places Where Privacy Is Reasonable Expected
You should never film inside a school, church, or other place where people reasonably expect privacy. Besides being rude and intrusive, it could also lead to legal consequences. If you see someone in a private place who looks like they don’t want to be filmed, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not film them. When in doubt, just assume that filming isn’t allowed and put your drone away. If you do see a drone flying over your property from time to time, make sure that there’s no one trespassing by giving the drones owner some space by keeping your distance so they can continue their flight legally without worry.
Conclusion
In the United States, there are very few situations where you would be able to fly a drone over private property. For example, if you are using the drone to capture photos or videos as part of your job, then you may be able to fly the drone over private property. But if you are using the drone to capture photos and videos just for your own enjoyment, then you will likely be trespassing if you fly it over private property.
