Thank you, Don, for being the voice of reason. You're not trying to do anything sketchy, you're trying to follow the law and get good images/footage. Thank you for this video. I 100% agree on your assessment of entrapment. We want to be compliant, but the overreach is palpable.
I just had an issue regarding this today, which eventually led me to your great but frustrating video. I live in Florida, and today I was at a (very small) state park operating my drone from the parking lot. A park "volunteer" came up and told me to stop. I told him the drone wasn't over the park (it wasn't- it was directly overhead and I pointed that out to him in realtime). I then explained that I accompany my father who goes there every day to walk, and had no interest in video of the park, and that I simply took my drone for practice while my father was walking. I did immediately land the drone, (which took at most 90 seconds, as it was literally 90ft over our heads) but the guy was a real jerk the whole time, saying he would call the ranger and the police if I didn't do what he said. It's also worthy of note that this guy was wearing no uniform or carrying anything- he looked just like me or any other person. The only reason I say he was a "volunteer" is because when he walked up and said "you need to land that drone" (no introduction or greeting of any sort), the first thing out of my mouth was "excuse me but who are you?". His answer was simply "I volunteer here". Needless to say, I didn't want any confrontation, so I said nothing. As I was landing the drone, he said "I'm going to take a picture of your license plate" and pulled out his phone. Then while I folded up the drone and landing pad and put them in the car, I guess he called somebody, because I heard him say "I think he's leaving". I then sat in the car for the following 20 minutes until my dad came back, and we left without an official of any sort showing up. After watching your video, I realize that I was violating regulations by operating the drone in the parking lot, but now a question arises about a possible future scenario... if I HAD been flying the drone over the park, would I have been violating any regulations if I had been parked off the property, or would it have still been prohibited since it is a state park? This is not the first time I have experienced a random act of hostility by a complete stranger, but it is the first time I have been harassed for the seemingly harmless act of flying my drone. I suppose an argument could be made about the "flying over people" aspect, but like I said- it's a very small park. The parking lot has 2 single sided rows of around 10 spots each, and there wasn't a sole person there besides me until he walked up.
No, if you takeoff and land outside the park you can fly over the park, unless there's a no fly zone or tfr using one of the FAA official know before you fly apps
You’re not paying attention to special words like “Jurisdiction.” Politicians and public servants have NO JURISDICTION over “AIR SPACE” or its use! You can’t explain this to idiots or stubborn people. They will use force and fraudulent threats to intimidate the people they 19:47 don’t like and can’t control. Go where you want! Find the property “BOUNDARIES” and launch from public areas such as streets sidewalks or easements. If approach tell the offender they are outside their jurisdiction and are requesting to follow FAA REGULATIONS.
Lemoore!! LOL You're right, Ive never seen any signs posted anywhere up and down the coast. I've got mine up in the air a few times....like you I was out on my own with no people around.
Yes, same here in Wisconsin, I called one of the state parks and the person I talked to didn't know. Of note, they can not confiscate your drone. Also if you take off from outside the park, yes you can fly over the park, but as you found out you can't take off or land from inside the park,BUT, the one exception is you can land in the park of it's an emergency situation.
The Florida State Parks don't allow takeoff and landing of drones in their parks but they don't have jurisdiction over the airspace. There are some beach towns like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama that don't allow flying drones in public areas. A lot of the dislike of drones probably comes from people who fly and don't have any regard for other people. I too love drone photography but sometimes it can be challenging to find a place to fly.
Well I’ve been flying my drone at these two beautiful parks in Ohio all year and all of a sudden park rangers stopped me and ask me not to ascend or descend my drone in the parks no more. There was no fly zone or no sign saying I couldn’t fly there no more so I just comply and left, no one was in the park and wasn’t bothering no one
Looking in to buying a drone & I want to make sure I abide by the rules too. It’s interesting how much restrictions the drones have, almost takes out the fun in using one lol. Im still going to get one but I have to be super cautious. Appreciate the video & the effort you made to find out the truth, even if it’s complicated (Federal vs State lol)
This is such a well done video! I am a recreational (non-professional) photographer and just bought a drone under 249 grams. I am reading so much information that I don't know what to do, like you. Do I listen to the FAA or State or local county?? I live in a senior community with a few nice parks. The community website states "no drones" anywhere in the community. It's so frustrating. Please let me know if you resolve any of these issues. I will also try contacting the FAA and let you know if I get anywhere.. Thank you. By the way, I subscribed to your channel to keep up to date.
Yes unfortunately if they lost it on their property you won't be able to take off or land from the property, I'm not sure about the public sidewalk... It is public, but to play it safe I would takeoff from at least across the street, just a reminder, you need to take the TRUST test from the FAA, you can take it online for free, then again to play it safe, print out the certificate of completion and keep it with you when you fly as a police officer of called even if your across the street and legal can ask you to see it.
First off, for many years, I have always admired and respected your work, style, and ethics Don! This story sounds like a lot of frustrating circle talk that might require a drone lawyer to resolve. I’m not a lawyer and I don’t make a living with my camera and drone. I have an FAA Part 107 certificate and recreational TRUST certificate (TRUST is easy - takes 30 minutes online at home). I have an FAA Private Pilot Certificate (not current) and I respect the FAA and the rules just like you - it’s better to ask for permission than beg for forgiveness. I struggle with this myself. Anyway…The California State Parks website appears to have loose language pertaining to recreational drone operators. It’s very subjective and it’s probably easier for the districts to “just say no” because they don’t want to take the time to interact with operators and most likely are not educated on drones, their usage, and FAA rules. That takes effort. Some individuals may be personally anti-drone despite the rules. Don’t get me wrong - I respect their stewardship of the parks and what they do, as I know their number one priority is park preservation and conservation and they are probably short-staffed. They also probably don’t want to to deal with potential liability, possible drone collisions, and possible non-drone operator visitor complaints. Perhaps Park personnel have dealt with irresponsible drone operators conducting themselves unprofessionally and have experienced unpleasant confrontations. As with many freedoms in life, irresponsible operators like this ruin things for people like us. The B4UFLY app shows lots of areas in the Monterey Bay and south which are red/no-go for drones due to National Marine Sanctuaries and/or other restrictions like Fish and Game. Even airplane pilots are restricted to minimum altitudes. But we both know you can expand it out for granularity and locate pockets of green clear for takeoff areas. The parks may assume it’s a no-go everywhere along the coast without having any knowledge about this app, your exact flight location, and drones in general. Perhaps you can take a photo of your green flight location on the app and send it to them? Like you said, the website states that commercial drone photography is allowed by permit from the district, which in theory can be done with a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Then the website calls out California Film Commission as well. So, I checked that website out. I wonder if the film commission is an alternate route to take, and then maybe they can interface with the state park on your behalf after you get your Part 107. Or maybe they would let you do it recreationally with TRUST. I have no experience with this commission. Have you worked with them before? Can they get photographers into areas for recreational purposes too? There are county level film commissions too (e.g., Monterey, San Luis Obispo) as well that could be explored depending on the location. Like yourself, I would love to legally and responsibly fly the drone in coastal areas for pleasure.
Thank you for this well thought-through response jmel. I am and always will be a responsible, rule-abiding photographer. I have had to be over the past 17 years of running commercial workshops. I have had no interaction with the California Film Commission. To me this boils down to a Federal vs State issue. Feds say go and State says no. I was told even if I did have my Sec 107 Certificate (which I still plan on getting) that they would deny me to fly. So frustrating for those of us trying to do the right thing.
Hi Don. Good information. A lot of people really don't care, and people like us maybe care too much, but that is how it goes. Looks like it has been around 6-months since you made this video. Any updates ? Do you even fly your drone ?
I would carry any "approvals" that you receive from the FAA printed out in writing...even when you are out flying. I know you called the FAA, but perhaps they could reply to a list of questions you send them via email. At least if you do get harassed after that you can show your correspondence that you did your due diligence!
That is a great idea. I just get the sense that the State Parks in this instance doesn't even acknowledge the FAA. That whole State vs Federal mentality that it is our land and we will make out own rules. I will get back in touch with the FAA this week...
I commented on your video (experience) last night. I believe you will find liability concerns pushing these regs. Here is an example of this "Fight Self-Sabotage" By Captain Christopher M. Jasperson, U.S. Marine Corps. PS: visited your website and wanted to say, great images Thank you
Its vague at best. To & landing is key. The parks hate drones, but have no real enforcement mechanism. If you fly the way you explain, nobody will mess with you. People that like to push buttons and piss off authorities will just test the limits and force more enforcement. Use common sense, be respectful and nothing will go wrong. Its all just pure CYA at this point should something go wrong. Reminds me of “don’t ask, dont tell” policy military had to abide by for years. Thx for trying to do right thing for us. I have my license and will follow what FAA enforces.
I live in Porteville Ca. My neighbor has a drone and he is always flying day n night. so, I decided to buy my own drone mini3pro. I got the rec drone test done. my neighbor has no idea what that was. He says he don't care. found 2 more people in my block flying drones. None of them care. Very few people care about nothing but flying the drone. fyi
How about flying a 249 grams mini 3 drone.Is this Ok I just want to fly it for fun taking pictures of my self and short video while walking in the park with my family.
I'm brand new to this, but the weight has nothing to do with land use restrictions. The weight only dictates whether your drone must be registered with the FAA and transmit its ID. Also if you fly for anything other than recreation you'll need a Part 107 license.
I went through this exact same thing at a CA state park in south Orange County. I am/was a professional journalist, etc., acting in a professional manner. The people at the office were jerks just like they were to you.
Here in North Carolina we actually have "No Drone" signs in some of the State and Local parks. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that taxpayers cannot use an area they pay for to enjoy a rather harmless hobby. Obviously, considering this, as drone pilots...we need to use common sense when operating drones around people which will never happen unilaterally.
here is why we have the regulations and you saying right in your comment. the key word is "common sense". it does not exist in reality that is my take. i have seen people flying heavy drones over soccer playing kids or over crowded beaches. with common sense you would not do that. when i approached the pilot and said that electronics can fail at any time he just ignored it. so yes it limits the people with common sense but that is where we are. is it common sense to make DJI drones illegal in the US, haha?
Information about where you can fly drones is intentionally obscure, vague and difficult to find. If you look on web sites for city parks they may never mention a word about drones. However, they may actually be allowed.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you, Don, for being the voice of reason. You're not trying to do anything sketchy, you're trying to follow the law and get good images/footage. Thank you for this video. I 100% agree on your assessment of entrapment. We want to be compliant, but the overreach is palpable.
I just had an issue regarding this today, which eventually led me to your great but frustrating video. I live in Florida, and today I was at a (very small) state park operating my drone from the parking lot. A park "volunteer" came up and told me to stop. I told him the drone wasn't over the park (it wasn't- it was directly overhead and I pointed that out to him in realtime). I then explained that I accompany my father who goes there every day to walk, and had no interest in video of the park, and that I simply took my drone for practice while my father was walking. I did immediately land the drone, (which took at most 90 seconds, as it was literally 90ft over our heads) but the guy was a real jerk the whole time, saying he would call the ranger and the police if I didn't do what he said. It's also worthy of note that this guy was wearing no uniform or carrying anything- he looked just like me or any other person. The only reason I say he was a "volunteer" is because when he walked up and said "you need to land that drone" (no introduction or greeting of any sort), the first thing out of my mouth was "excuse me but who are you?". His answer was simply "I volunteer here".
Needless to say, I didn't want any confrontation, so I said nothing. As I was landing the drone, he said "I'm going to take a picture of your license plate" and pulled out his phone. Then while I folded up the drone and landing pad and put them in the car, I guess he called somebody, because I heard him say "I think he's leaving".
I then sat in the car for the following 20 minutes until my dad came back, and we left without an official of any sort showing up.
After watching your video, I realize that I was violating regulations by operating the drone in the parking lot, but now a question arises about a possible future scenario... if I HAD been flying the drone over the park, would I have been violating any regulations if I had been parked off the property, or would it have still been prohibited since it is a state park?
This is not the first time I have experienced a random act of hostility by a complete stranger, but it is the first time I have been harassed for the seemingly harmless act of flying my drone. I suppose an argument could be made about the "flying over people" aspect, but like I said- it's a very small park. The parking lot has 2 single sided rows of around 10 spots each, and there wasn't a sole person there besides me until he walked up.
No, if you takeoff and land outside the park you can fly over the park, unless there's a no fly zone or tfr using one of the FAA official know before you fly apps
You’re not paying attention to special words like “Jurisdiction.” Politicians and public servants have NO JURISDICTION over “AIR SPACE” or its use! You can’t explain this to idiots or stubborn people. They will use force and fraudulent threats to intimidate the people they 19:47 don’t like and can’t control. Go where you want! Find the property “BOUNDARIES” and launch from public areas such as streets sidewalks or easements.
If approach tell the offender they are outside their jurisdiction and are requesting to follow FAA REGULATIONS.
Lemoore!! LOL
You're right, Ive never seen any signs posted anywhere up and down the coast. I've got mine up in the air a few times....like you I was out on my own with no people around.
It is still not clear to me what I can do Mike. Let me know if you find out anything. Tell mee this isn't typical government!
Yes, same here in Wisconsin, I called one of the state parks and the person I talked to didn't know. Of note, they can not confiscate your drone. Also if you take off from outside the park, yes you can fly over the park, but as you found out you can't take off or land from inside the park,BUT, the one exception is you can land in the park of it's an emergency situation.
The Florida State Parks don't allow takeoff and landing of drones in their parks but they don't have jurisdiction over the airspace. There are some beach towns like Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama that don't allow flying drones in public areas. A lot of the dislike of drones probably comes from people who fly and don't have any regard for other people. I too love drone photography but sometimes it can be challenging to find a place to fly.
Well I’ve been flying my drone at these two beautiful parks in Ohio all year and all of a sudden park rangers stopped me and ask me not to ascend or descend my drone in the parks no more. There was no fly zone or no sign saying I couldn’t fly there no more so I just comply and left, no one was in the park and wasn’t bothering no one
Looking in to buying a drone & I want to make sure I abide by the rules too. It’s interesting how much restrictions the drones have, almost takes out the fun in using one lol. Im still going to get one but I have to be super cautious. Appreciate the video & the effort you made to find out the truth, even if it’s complicated (Federal vs State lol)
I just ordered a mini 3 pro now Im worried where to fly it 😢
Me too
This is such a well done video! I am a recreational (non-professional) photographer and just bought a drone under 249 grams. I am reading so much information that I don't know what to do, like you. Do I listen to the FAA or State or local county?? I live in a senior community with a few nice parks. The community website states "no drones" anywhere in the community. It's so frustrating. Please let me know if you resolve any of these issues. I will also try contacting the FAA and let you know if I get anywhere.. Thank you. By the way, I subscribed to your channel to keep up to date.
Yes unfortunately if they lost it on their property you won't be able to take off or land from the property, I'm not sure about the public sidewalk... It is public, but to play it safe I would takeoff from at least across the street, just a reminder, you need to take the TRUST test from the FAA, you can take it online for free, then again to play it safe, print out the certificate of completion and keep it with you when you fly as a police officer of called even if your across the street and legal can ask you to see it.
Don-Yeah!professional masterpiece-have a nice day~
thanks - you also!
First off, for many years, I have always admired and respected your work, style, and ethics Don! This story sounds like a lot of frustrating circle talk that might require a drone lawyer to resolve. I’m not a lawyer and I don’t make a living with my camera and drone. I have an FAA Part 107 certificate and recreational TRUST certificate (TRUST is easy - takes 30 minutes online at home). I have an FAA Private Pilot Certificate (not current) and I respect the FAA and the rules just like you - it’s better to ask for permission than beg for forgiveness. I struggle with this myself. Anyway…The California State Parks website appears to have loose language pertaining to recreational drone operators. It’s very subjective and it’s probably easier for the districts to “just say no” because they don’t want to take the time to interact with operators and most likely are not educated on drones, their usage, and FAA rules. That takes effort. Some individuals may be personally anti-drone despite the rules. Don’t get me wrong - I respect their stewardship of the parks and what they do, as I know their number one priority is park preservation and conservation and they are probably short-staffed. They also probably don’t want to to deal with potential liability, possible drone collisions, and possible non-drone operator visitor complaints. Perhaps Park personnel have dealt with irresponsible drone operators conducting themselves unprofessionally and have experienced unpleasant confrontations. As with many freedoms in life, irresponsible operators like this ruin things for people like us. The B4UFLY app shows lots of areas in the Monterey Bay and south which are red/no-go for drones due to National Marine Sanctuaries and/or other restrictions like Fish and Game. Even airplane pilots are restricted to minimum altitudes. But we both know you can expand it out for granularity and locate pockets of green clear for takeoff areas. The parks may assume it’s a no-go everywhere along the coast without having any knowledge about this app, your exact flight location, and drones in general. Perhaps you can take a photo of your green flight location on the app and send it to them? Like you said, the website states that commercial drone photography is allowed by permit from the district, which in theory can be done with a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Then the website calls out California Film Commission as well. So, I checked that website out. I wonder if the film commission is an alternate route to take, and then maybe they can interface with the state park on your behalf after you get your Part 107. Or maybe they would let you do it recreationally with TRUST. I have no experience with this commission. Have you worked with them before? Can they get photographers into areas for recreational purposes too? There are county level film commissions too (e.g., Monterey, San Luis Obispo) as well that could be explored depending on the location. Like yourself, I would love to legally and responsibly fly the drone in coastal areas for pleasure.
Thank you for this well thought-through response jmel. I am and always will be a responsible, rule-abiding photographer. I have had to be over the past 17 years of running commercial workshops. I have had no interaction with the California Film Commission. To me this boils down to a Federal vs State issue. Feds say go and State says no. I was told even if I did have my Sec 107 Certificate (which I still plan on getting) that they would deny me to fly. So frustrating for those of us trying to do the right thing.
its the same here in Utah... No clarity...
It sucks for us trying to do the right thing... keep in touch and let me know if you ever get any clarity.
Hi Don. Good information. A lot of people really don't care, and people like us maybe care too much, but that is how it goes. Looks like it has been around 6-months since you made this video. Any updates ? Do you even fly your drone ?
I would carry any "approvals" that you receive from the FAA printed out in writing...even when you are out flying. I know you called the FAA, but perhaps they could reply to a list of questions you send them via email. At least if you do get harassed after that you can show your correspondence that you did your due diligence!
That is a great idea. I just get the sense that the State Parks in this instance doesn't even acknowledge the FAA. That whole State vs Federal mentality that it is our land and we will make out own rules. I will get back in touch with the FAA this week...
@@DonSmithPhotographyany updates on this ?
I commented on your video (experience) last night. I believe you will find liability concerns pushing these regs. Here is an example of this "Fight Self-Sabotage"
By Captain Christopher M. Jasperson, U.S. Marine Corps. PS: visited your website and wanted to say, great images Thank you
Its vague at best. To & landing is key. The parks hate drones, but have no real enforcement mechanism. If you fly the way you explain, nobody will mess with you. People that like to push buttons and piss off authorities will just test the limits and force more enforcement. Use common sense, be respectful and nothing will go wrong. Its all just pure CYA at this point should something go wrong. Reminds me of “don’t ask, dont tell” policy military had to abide by for years. Thx for trying to do right thing for us. I have my license and will follow what FAA enforces.
I live in Porteville Ca. My neighbor has a drone and he is always flying day n night. so, I decided to buy my own drone mini3pro. I got the rec drone test done. my neighbor has no idea what that was. He says he don't care. found 2 more people in my block flying drones. None of them care. Very few people care about nothing but flying the drone. fyi
How about flying a 249 grams mini 3 drone.Is this Ok I just want to fly it for fun taking pictures of my self and short video while walking in the park with my family.
I'm brand new to this, but the weight has nothing to do with land use restrictions. The weight only dictates whether your drone must be registered with the FAA and transmit its ID. Also if you fly for anything other than recreation you'll need a Part 107 license.
I went through this exact same thing at a CA state park in south Orange County. I am/was a professional journalist, etc., acting in a professional manner. The people at the office were jerks just like they were to you.
Here in North Carolina we actually have "No Drone" signs in some of the State and Local parks. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that taxpayers cannot use an area they pay for to enjoy a rather harmless hobby. Obviously, considering this, as drone pilots...we need to use common sense when operating drones around people which will never happen unilaterally.
here is why we have the regulations and you saying right in your comment. the key word is "common sense". it does not exist in reality that is my take. i have seen people flying heavy drones over soccer playing kids or over crowded beaches. with common sense you would not do that. when i approached the pilot and said that electronics can fail at any time he just ignored it. so yes it limits the people with common sense but that is where we are. is it common sense to make DJI drones illegal in the US, haha?
We are losing our freedom.
For me, communication is everything. There seems to be no communication between Federal and State. Very frustrating.
Information about where you can fly drones is intentionally obscure, vague and difficult to find. If you look on web sites for city parks they may never mention a word about drones. However, they may actually be allowed.
Welcome to fascism
As much as I agree with your position, and I’m also a drone pilot, ignorance of a law is not an excuse to violate that law.