The American national parks rank among the most stunning and beloved in the entire globe. There are always great reasons to visit a particular park. One is to get some breathtaking pictures of nature in its pristine state, and it would be incredible to see these regions in aerial views. So, people always wonder if drones are permitted for this purpose in national parks.
Unfortunately, drones are prohibited in 417 parks that the National Park Service oversees and manages. It includes national rivers, monuments, parks with historical significance, and more. The National Park Service’s lands and seas cannot be used to launch, land, or operate uncrewed aircraft.
A law was made effective in June 2014 which bans people from using drones in these parks. This article will answer this question in more detail and discover further aspects of it.
Can You Fly Drones In National Parks?
In national parks, drones are only allowed if a documented permit accompanies them. However, a special use permit is required to receive this clearance. The drawbacks include the fact that obtaining one is impossible and that it serves several functions.
These licenses are granted for several purposes, including research, fire prevention, and search and rescue operations. Please remember that virtual drone and videography permission cannot be obtained for commercial or leisure purposes.
Additionally, there is one exceptional case with a slight ambiguity in the law. For instance, taking off a drone and landing it at someplace other than the national parks while bringing it into the airspace of the national parks in between.
It implies that contrary to what is required by the law, the drone is not launched, landed, or operated from or on national park territory. However, the authorities may or may not call you in for further explanations. Therefore, it is advised to refrain from it.
Why Are Drones Prohibited In National Parks?
According to reports, the administration regarded several peoples’ use of drones over parks as intrusive and reckless. Therefore, it led to prohibiting the use of drones in national parks. According to Jonathan Jarvis, the director of the National Park Service, the ban results from severe worries about the consequences of using uncrewed aircraft in the parks.
Additionally, drones might annoy people and harm the park’s wildlife and plant life. Besides, a trail walk does not feel the same when drones are flying around. As a result, drones are no longer permitted in national parks managed by the National Park Service (NPS).
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The Control Of Federal Aviation Administration Over Airspace
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls any airspace in the United States territory. It makes sense that park superintendents cannot impose any laws on the airspace within the park.
However, The National Park Service is a part of the government. It has full right to bar aircraft from entering its airspace. Therefore, even FAA-certified drone pilots are a no-exception. They are subjected to the same rules and are not permitted to fly drones in national parks.
So, to answer whether an FAA-certified drone pilot can fly a drone over a national park or not is, unfortunately, no. However, some laws distinguish between drone pilots who fly for business and those who fly for fun.
However, none can disobey the National Park Service’s rules and regulations. Thus, the distinction between the sorts of pilots is irrelevant according to the wording of the ban.
What Happens If You Fly A Drone In A National Park?
Flying a drone through a national park could result in a $5000 fine and six months imprisonment. Your drone and any related equipment will also be seized. Furthermore, you might be issued a citation and expelled by park rangers. Drone flights have had much worse effects within national park airspace.
For instance, in 2014, a drone was involved in dividing young bighorn sheep from adults, the disturbance of a local bird population, and the collision of a drone with a geyser in Yellowstone National Park.
Additionally, drones have crashed into Yellowstone Lake and landed on Mount Rushmore, forcing a National Park Service aircraft to make an emergency landing. An artificial object, particularly flying, can quickly ruin a park’s tranquility.
Where In The US Natural Areas Can You Fly A Drone?
Even if national parks are off-limits, drone operators have access to some places where they can fly their machines and capture the desired aerial photographs. These places include state parks, local forests, and BLM (Bureau of Land Management) managed lands.
It is crucial to check with the garden or area’s administration before you fly your drone there because laws and restrictions are subject to change.
The Importance Of Responsible Drone Use
While the ban on drones in national parks can be annoying, it is crucial to remember that the rules and regulations are laid down for a purpose. National parks are peaceful places that need to be managed with care to preserve their innate beauty and safeguard their wildlife and plant life.
Before using a drone in any natural region, you must consider the potential repercussions, as irresponsible drone use can significantly affect these delicate ecosystems.
Drone pilots should always check the laws and ordinances of the area they want to fly in and secure any necessary approvals or permits. Additionally, it is critical to fly sensibly and considerately, staying clear of potential wildlife regions and observing other park visitors’ privacy.
Conclusion
The National Park Service has prohibited drone activities in the airspace of its parks and lakes. Thus, you cannot fly a drone there. Very few exceptions to this rule exist. The only filmmakers that can get approval are documentarians.
However, it might not happen if it does not help the park, as even a documentarian will not be permitted to fly drones in national parks.
In an NPS-managed park, using a drone poses a danger of affecting an area’s flora and fauna. It inconveniences park users, hikers, cyclists, tourists, and camping. Pilots of drones who violate the law face a hefty fine of $5000 and a possible six-month prison sentence.
Drone operators can fly over state parks and national forests to add images and videos of breathtaking natural scenery to their collections. Flying a drone responsibly is very necessary because doing so could save you from trouble. So, what is your take on this? Do you think drones should be banned in national parks?
