IAAPA pushing federal restrictions for "unauthorized" drone use
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From the press release:
As drone use expands nationwide, unauthorized drone flights over amusement parks have increased. Those flights can create safety hazards, disrupt operations and raise security concerns — whether caused by careless operators or potentially malicious activity. IAAPA’s Public Affairs team has worked closely with Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration to advance solutions that improve both long-term airspace protections and real-time response tools.
A major milestone includes IAAPA’s work to help advance and pass federal legislation that strengthens response capabilities by improving coordination between fixed-site amusement parks and state and local law enforcement. The legislation helps clarify authority and coordination mechanisms to detect and mitigate unauthorized drone activity, allowing for quicker responses when drones pose a threat.
At the same time, IAAPA is working with the FAA on a rulemaking process that would allow eligible fixed-site amusement parks to petition for permanent airspace restrictions over their facilities. If implemented, the rule would create a federal pathway for parks to reduce unauthorized drone activity in environments where safety, security and high visitor volumes require additional safeguards.
OK, so I know this is to an extent a rule-following autism brain hot take, but I have to take issue with the term "unauthorized." What they really mean is, "Drone flying that is legal and not in our jurisdiction and we don't like it." I get it, marketing people especially don't like it, and while I'm sure there are drone operators doing stuff that doesn't comply with FAA Part 107 rules, I'm also sure that much of it does. To that extent, it's a lot like news helicopters flying over their parks. Local law enforcement can't enforce FAA rules.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
Does the US not have rules about drone flying over large gatherings of people?
I know here in Ireland you can't legally fly a drone over a crowd without a higher level license and permits.
I develop Superior Solitaire when not riding coasters.
I don't fly drones, though I have thought about getting into it, but I always thought the current rules are mostly fine. I can see some additional rules in place around flying over crowds and "private" property but in general having the rules based around size (or weight) makes sense. Though as tech ages it tends to get smaller/lighter so the break between consumer, prosumer, and professional blurs.
I also in general don't consider theme parks truly private property. I wish we had a Federal middle category between Private and Public property for the places that are inviting the public onto their property to either shop or play but they aren't property owned by the public. Some states and cities break it down a bit more but as far as I'm aware Federal only sees Private and Public. I understand the property owners wanting to retain those rights but I do think it's reasonable for them to give up some private property rights just by the nature of inviting the public.
Morté aka Matt, Ego sum nex
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It doesn't matter if it's private property. The rules say you can't take photos if there is a "reasonable expectation of privacy," but that's it.
Richard Bannister:
Does the US not have rules about drone flying over large gatherings of people?
There are rules. If the drone is under 250g and has guard rings around the props, you can fly over people. If the people are "participants," meaning they're in on the flying, like actors or something, then the drone type matters less.
With regard to amusement parks, most of what I've seen on YouTube is at a thousand feet outside of the park. That's legal. But even if it's over the park, if it meets the above requirements, that would be legal too.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
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