Over the past few decades, the usage of drone technology has continued to increase. This is due to their efficiency in data collection, monitoring, and other important aspects to many organizations worldwide. Initially, these remarkable were typically used for military purposes. Today the use of drones has spread to different commercial and non-commercial entities.
For instance, they have opened up numerous opportunities for enterprises and entrepreneurs. Other than that, they have made it possible to capture aerial images of beautiful sceneries and landscapes with ease. Moreover, camera drones have played a more significant role in monitoring travels and even traffic.
Because of their intriguing uses and affordable prices, many people see it as an in-trend new hobby. However, there are specific legal issues you need to be aware of before buying and using a tethered drone. By doing so, you avoid an incidental breach of the law, and we all know how harsh the consequences can be. Different countries have their own set and mostly share similar legalities concerning drone usage. Thankfully, this article comes in handy to help you out.
Registration Of Camera Drones
You wanted a drone, and now you have it. What next? The first thing you should do is register it with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). After that, the drone gets a unique identification number. But before that, there are specific requirements the drone needs to meet. The most important one being, weighing not more than 250g (8.8 ounces).
Usually, the registration costs are about five dollars, and this covers all of the drones for up to three years. More importantly, ensure you buy a camera drone from a certified and reputable seller to avoid complications.
Understand the Basic Rules Governing Camera Drones Usage
With high rates of using consumer tethered drones, it is evident that most drone owners and users don’t have the required skills. And it is very true to say that even small-sized drones can result in severe injury and property damage. To reduce the safety risks, several rules and regulations have been put in place to control camera drones’ usage.
Therefore, it is incredibly essential to know the following rules before buying or using a camera drone. If at all you violate any of them, you could find yourself in real legal trouble. Some of the basic rules according to the FAA include:
- Fly it at or not more than 400feet above the ground level
- Keep the drone visible at all times. This means you should always be able to see your flying drone.
- Do not fly it near other aircraft like near airports
- Never fly a drone in restricted airspace areas or sensitive security sites
- Do not fly it over groups of people and vehicles. This implies that you should not pilot it over stadiums, sports centers, public events, and urban centers as this can cause panic among individuals.
- Do not fly a camera drone near or over places with an emergency like fire outbreaks, hurricanes, and more.
- Never fly a drone under the influence of drugs. I found flying the drone recklessly or negligently, and you could be fined.
- Only fly it during the day unless your country’s regulations allow dusk to dawn flies
Privacy Issues
Although there are no distinct rules about privacy, it is unethical to capture a photo of someone. You will be violating their privacy, and this could land you in legal problems. Privacy laws concerning using a camera drone to capture photographs tend to vary from one state to another.
Generally, it is not illegal to capture a person’s property, or house provided you are not intruding. However, if such a photograph shows the owners in the bedroom, bathroom, or under any other privacy situation, you can get sued. Similarly, it is illegal to fly a drone over airspaces of restricted places like airports and highly secured areas.
Cyber-Security issues
Cyber-security continues to be a major side effect of modern technology. Cyber-security risks may come out if you use radio frequency spectra to pass information between the drone’s platform and ground control. Besides, when the instruments found on the drone-like the data receivers and camera systems, relay information to one another.
Therefore, such systems are highly susceptible to hacking, signal manipulation, and interceptions while flying, causing security breaches. So, be careful not to get yourself into such risks as you may end up in jail or paying hefty fines.
Use Your Common Sense
Everything you do with your drone and where or how you fly should be left to your judgment. For instance, do not attach a gun to the drone. It might be legal in your country but incredibly dangerous.
Besides, it would be best if you did not use a camera drone to carry a ring down the walkways. Don’t fly a drone while drunk or high on drugs, and don’t use it to walk your dog. In case you see a building on fire or a hurricane coming, it’s not a perfect time to capture some fantastic images.
It is critical to recall that some of the things you do when using a tethered drone may not be directly illegal. But, you can hold responsible if the drone cause injuries or harms someone, or damages property.
In Conclusion
There is no doubt that flying a drone is super fun and exciting. It may resurface the childish moments in you. But before you get to that levels of great excitement, it is critical and expected of you to be aware of different applicable rules and regulations. And you don’t want to face the tough side of breaking legal rules.
The rules governing piloting and operating a USAS is not yet intensively regulated by many states. However, most of them are planning to enact and regulate such acts eventually. To this end, we believe that you are now aware of the legal issues regarding drone use. Make sure you follow each of them carefully, and most importantly, use your common sense. Happy drone flying!