It’s a bird. It’s a plane. These days, it could be a drone – i.e. an unmanned aerial vehicle, also called an unmanned aircraft system . More drones are popping up in the skies around town, and more photographers are getting killer shots of local landmarks using the tech. DYK: Drones started taking off in the commercial + recreational markets in the last decade , and the trend shows no sign of slowing.
Since drones are still relatively new, we wondered about NC’s rules + regulations surrounding drone use
. Here’s what we found out.
- Many of the regulations related to drone operation focus on safety + privacy.
- Drone operators must comply with all FAA regulations + policies .
- Drones cannot be used:
- To conduct surveillance of or photograph a person or private property without consent. Note: Some exceptions exist for law enforcement + emergency management agencies.
- Within 500’ (horizontally) or 250’ (vertically) of a local, state, or federal correctional facility.
- To hunt or as weapons, or to disrupt the lawful taking of wildlife resources.If your drone weighs more than .55 lbs, you’ll need to pay $5 to register it .
If you’re a recreational flyer
(a.k.a. if you fly your drone for fun), you must register
your drone and mark it with the registration number (and carry proof of registration). You don’t need a special permit or license. Plus,
- You must fly the drone no higher than 400’ above the ground in uncontrolled airspace .
- Your drone must be in your visual line of sight, or in the line of sight of someone in communication with you.
- You shouldn’t fly over a person, stadium, public event, or moving vehicle.
- You shouldn’t fly at night.
- You can’t interfere with the work of emergency response personnel.
Have questions on where you can fly your drone? There’s an app for that
(B4UFLY). You can also check Airmap
. Here are a few tips to remember.
- You need special permission if you want to use your drone in a state park .
- Some local governments + national parks have drone restrictions, so always check before you fly. For example, you can’t fly a drone on the Blue Ridge Parkway , but you can fly it nearby, in areas that aren’t under the jurisdiction of the NPS or state parks.
- Indoor flights are under the jurisdiction of building owners, but imagery collected is still subject to state laws.
Planning to operate a drone for commercial purposes (i.e. for compensation or a business purpose)? You’ll need a permit and must pass a knowledge test and register with the state. Get more info here .
Follow a few of our favorite local drone photographers:
- @curvetheory
- @overasheville
- @drone.pilot.jay
- @andrewtburns
- @matty.media
- @ashevillenomads
- @ashevilleaerial
- @andredphotography
- @stephanpruittphotography
- @aerialasheville
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