Are drones legal?

By Steve Mermelstein on July 5, 2014 in

Are drones legal?

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

Category: Flight FAQs

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Most Frequently Asked Questions:

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Can I fly your drone?

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

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Are drones legal?

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Are drones legal?

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