Site Credits

Unless where otherwise noted (like on the In The News page), all photography/videos appearing on vtdrone.com were meticulously crafted by Vermont Drone and/or Steve Mermelstein, Vermont Drone’s Founder and Director of Photography.
Some of Steve Mermelstein‘s photos are hosted by Pixelrights.
All photos and media by VT Photo Tours, Vermont Drone, and Steve Mermelstein are protected by US Copyright (Copyright – All rights reserved). Infringement discovery and pursuit is handled by ImageRights.
Syncing by Sync.com.
Canvas theme by WooThemes. It was custom modified by Steve Mermelstein in Coda 2 and BBEdit. WooTheme’s license requires we provide a link to WooThemes but be warned. They pivoted and became WooCommerce and were then purchased by Automattic. They ransacked it and took everything of value. Soon after they turned their backs on WooThemes’ customers and burned WooThemes to the ground. There’s absolutely nothing good left there.
Some icons by FontAwesome.
Some icons by Icons8.
Most pages/blog posts written by Steve Mermelstein and most are published using MarsEdit.
CMS powered by WordPress.
Credit Card Processing, Online Store, and Invoicing by Square
Site and photo hosting by SiteGround
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

c Expand All C Collapse All

Flight FAQs

Are drones legal?

Yes, civilians and corporations may own/fly drones just by following some common sense FAA guidelines/rules.

Category: Flight FAQs

Permalink

Can I prohibit drones from flying over my property?

No, for the same reasons you can’t stop manned airplanes and helicopters. We are also flying within the Public, National Airspace. Only the Federal government is able to place prohibitions, restrictions, or regulations on the airspace.

We usually don’t get too close unless it’s unavoidable, for safety, a search and rescue mission, or another type of emergency. This may include, but is not limited to, evasive action to avoid birds or manned aircraft, to perform an emergency landing, or to comply with Law Enforcement, or FAA limits/restrictions/orders.

Category: Flight FAQs

Permalink

Are you invading my privacy?

No, we’re not invading anyone’s privacy. We only fly our drones in full compliance with privacy laws and all other federal and state laws.

Our drones cannot identify persons from a distance. If you’re inside we definitely can’t see you. Even if you’re outside, you will look like an ant and won’t be identifiable.

We are very ethical, responsible, and respectful operators. Our drones will never be close enough to see through any windows.

Did you know that much more detailed 3D imagery is publicly available on Google Maps (enable Earth view) and Google Street View?

Please also see: Can your drones spy on people? (In short: No, it can’t spy on you or anyone!)

Category: Flight FAQs

Permalink

Can I shoot down a drone?

In short: not legally. Attempting to damage or destroy a drone is the same as attempting to damage or destroy manned aircraft. It is a felony and a federal criminal violation (18 USC 32).

You’re likely to be immediately arrested. If found guilty, you could be sentenced to jail for years or decades. Plus, you’ll definitely lose your right to own or possess guns. We can also sue for all damages and legal costs.

In detail:

Drones are protected by the same exact laws as all aircraft are. So, anyone shooting at a drone would be treated the same as if they shot at a real manned helicopter or airplane. The shooter could be arrested and charged with dozens of very serious crimes. A conviction of any one of these could result in a multiple-decade prison term and permanent loss of your right to own or possess guns.
Property owners have ZERO private airspace and for the same reasons they cannot prohibit manned airplanes and helicopters, they can’t prohibit drones. We’re always operating within the Public, National Airspace. Only the Federal government is able to place prohibitions, restrictions, or regulations on this airspace. A landowner never has any right to shoot at a drone and would be subject to arrest, prosecution, and civil liability.
If the shooter causes a loss of control and the drone crashes into a person (or people), the shooter could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon or even more serious crimes. If anyone should die, the shooter could be charged with manslaughter or even possibly murder.
Anyone causing damages to a drone would also open themselves to very serious civil liabilities and penalties. Drone operators and anyone else with damages can actively pursue these damages and all legal costs through civil courts.

The contents of this post are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. I am not a lawyer, so I do not give legal advice. If you should have any questions or want professional assurance that the information is appropriate to your situation please consult a licensed attorney.

Category: Flight FAQs

Permalink

Can I fly your drone?

Sorry, no. Our insurance doesn’t allow anyone but our experienced pilots to operate our drones.

Category: Flight FAQs

Permalink

Top

Navigation

Site Credits

Safe, Professional, and Respectful Operation

Site Map

We Accept All Major Credit Cards

NOAA/SWPC Kp-Index

Most Frequently Asked Questions:

Flight FAQs

Are drones legal?

Can I prohibit drones from flying over my property?

Are you invading my privacy?

Can I shoot down a drone?

Can I fly your drone?

Instagram