Difference between revisions of "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Regulation in California's Central Coast Region"

Revision as of 21:10, 3 April 2018

• This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are unmanned, aerial systems which typically include a ground-based controller, the drone itself, and a system of communication between the units. The drone may be controlled directly by the operator or autonomously by onboard computers. The increase in hobby-drone ownership has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require that all drones that weigh more than 250 grams be registered (Special Rule for Model Aircraft (Public Law 112-95 Section 336)). While the FAA is the only regulatory body the controls United States airspace, individual cities, state and national parks have created their own rulings controlling drone launching and landing due to concern over safety, privacy and wildlife disturbance.

Drones have been used regionally for data collection and conservation efforts. There is also increased interest in the use of drones in agriculture and other commercial purposes.

General FAA Rules Relating to Drones

• Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
• Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
• Remain clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations (emergency response, fire response, etc.)
• Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower and obtain permission before flying
• Do not fly near people or stadiums
• Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility
• Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs
• Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, etc.
• Do not be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft, you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft
• Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission
• Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property

Central Coast Laws

• It is illegal to launch, land or operate a drone within National Park Service Lands (i.e. Pinnacles National Park).
• It is illegal to fly drones over the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) (high tide line to ~5 miles offshore).
• Santa Cruz District California State Parks do not allow drone operation within their parks.
• Monterey District California State Parks do allow drones within their parks, but NOT at Point Lobos, which is a State Natural Reserve.
• Commercial drone operators typically need a permit to do any filming for commercial purposes and must obtain a filming permit from the California Film Commission.

City of Monterey

Lies within the five-mile radius around the Monterey Regional Airport, which requires drone operators obtain permission to fly from the nearby airport and air traffic control tower.

City of Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove Municipal Code 11.72.010 states "It is unlawful to launch or land an aircraft, including a helicopter, drone or other unmanned aircraft, without a permit". Drone operators may apply for a permit from the city offices. The permit says "Upon review of the application, other stipulations to the permit may apply. Please do not disturb the wildlife. Permits must be received within 3 working days. Annual permit fees are $80, daily permit fees are $20".

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students