Can you fly drones in national parks in the USA? This is a question that worries wildlife researchers, media representatives, and ordinary bloggers who create content.
The United States takes pride in protecting the pristine beauty of its national reserves, parks, and forests. The complexity of mountainous terrain and the steep gradient of waterfall peaks create complex areas of operation where drones can cause damage to the environment, people, or property.
- In this regard, the US currently has several flying bans in place, both prescribed in the rules for visiting various recreation areas and natural areas and established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the form of various GEO Zones.
Below, you will learn more about how the airspace over national parks, nature reserves, and forests is currently classified, as well as the main prohibitions and restrictions on flying in it. As a bonus, we will tell you about possible exceptions and ways to obtain flight permits.
Legal Status of Drones in National Parks
Are drones allowed in national parks? This year, the government and relevant agencies have banned (or rather extended the effect of Memorandum 14-05) any flights over the territories of national parks. There are several reasons for this:
- Protection of wildlife.
- Minimization of extraneous noise.
- Other security issues.
However, in fact, these restrictions can be circumvented by obtaining a special permit from the park manager. The logistical challenges of finding the specific personnel, making sure the proper area and authorizations are in place prior to your flight are just a few of the requirements and risks of granting temporary permits. This added responsibility makes it difficult for pilots to prepare and can outweigh the potential benefits of flying (even for the purposes of informing potential visitors, etc.). Therefore, let’s take a look at the specifics of working in these zones.
Total Ban
If you were dreaming of making an amazing video of a canyon, centuries-old trees, or other landscapes common in US national parks, you can forget about it.
- Yes, you can try to get your drone in the air and even shoot footage. However, if you get caught (and they just see the video on YouTube and ask if you have permission to film), you can face fines or risk demonetization of your channel(s).
The only legal way to fly in such zones is to obtain “allowed” status from the park manager (superintendent).
Exceptions
It would seem that you can go to the superintendent, ask for permission and fly away, but no. Without good reason, you will be denied with reference to the current flight ban.
If you decide to bypass this step, you will receive a fine or even criminal proceedings if you accidentally or deliberately cause problems, including if you scare wild animals or other park visitors.
Conditions for Granting Permits
You may be allowed to fly in the parks, but only in an exhaustive list of cases. For example, if you:
- filming promotional material to advertise a location to tourists (and not always);
- conducting research (studying the peculiarities of the area, flora, fauna);
- help in the elimination of fires and natural disasters and their consequences.
Regular flights, FPV races, and similar activities remain prohibited, with no exceptions. The good thing is that these rules apply exclusively to parks, while in some other areas, you can still conduct leisure or work processes, albeit with some restrictions.
Drone Rules in National Forests
Can you fly drones in national forests? There is currently no complete ban on flying in these areas. However, even here, there are some restrictions that you should take into account to avoid getting into unpleasant situations.
In particular, if you violate the rules of flying and operating drones in national forests, the least you will face is fines.
At the same time, the rules regarding work in these locations are more lenient than in parks, so pilots usually do not have any problems obtaining permits from local wardens and other responsible persons.
Registration
First, your drone must be registered according to the rules set by the FAA.
Your UAV must meet certain standards and have a document certifying its class, type, installed equipment, and technical condition.
Please note that drones with damage or technical malfunctions are usually not allowed to fly over or near sensitive and vulnerable areas, including national forests.
Pilot Certification and Licensing
While small FPV drones used recreationally do not require additional permits, larger drones such as commercial quadcopters require pilot training and certification.
Certification is required for operators who plan to fly over national forests or in other areas where airspace operations are restricted.
To obtain a Part 107 certification, you should apply to specialized schools or register for qualifying courses that provide training and the necessary certifications required by the FAA and other authorities.
Permits and Restrictions
Flying over recreational areas, nature reserves, and forests is subject to certain restrictions that are combined with other features of the locations, such as geo-zones, airways, or proximity to critical or strategic facilities.
In other words, to operate in such areas, a pilot will need both a permit and a flight license. Such permits in the US are typically provided via FAA LAANC/B4UFLY services, etc.
Before starting a flight, it is worth evaluating requirements using platforms such as Avision. Otherwise, pilots risk violating airspace rules and restrictions, which could potentially lead to fines or even imprisonment.
Reasons for Restrictions
The ban on the use of drones in national parks is due to several factors. Although the most common reason cited by lawmakers is the protection of wildlife, there are actually many more reasons.
Here are some of them:
- Wildlife Protection.
- Visitor Experience.
- Preservation of Natural Landscapes.
- Safety Concerns.
- Regulatory Compliance.
- Cultural and Historical Preservation.
Please note that the above reasons can apply to all areas that have the status of natural protected land, national monuments, recreation areas, etc.
At the same time, restrictions are imposed on pilots and equipment due to the potential negative impact on various aspects of the normal functioning of these areas and the wildlife which call them home.
Wildlife Protection
Why are drones banned in national parks? First, the noise of UAVs can cause various kinds of inconvenience to animals. In particular, the latter can:
- Get scared of the drone and start a mass migration.
- Change their behavior, including aggressive behavior.
- Change their habits and preferred places.
- Get psychologically or even physically injured.
- Become uncontrollable and dangerous for visitors, their property, etc.
This applies to all species of animals that most often live in national forests and parks, such as deer, elk, goats, bears, birds, hares, foxes, wolves, etc. It also banned flights at low altitudes over water bodies in order not to injure or frighten fish.
Visitor Experience
Flying drones in national parks is also prohibited because UAVs create noise that interferes with the enjoyment of the sounds of nature by other visitors to the location. People come to such areas to enjoy the peace and quiet, to be in harmony with the environment, and to take a break from the city noise.
Another potential unforeseen risk can be created from operator actions or uncontrolled drone movement that could harm other people.
Restrictions on flying in wilderness areas are imposed around camping areas, hiking trails, car parks, etc. Everything is done to protect visitors, their health, life, transport, and property.
Preservation of Natural Landscapes
Yes, UAVs can pose a threat to nature, i.e., the flora of nature reserves, parks, and forests. For example, if you launch a drone weighing more than 25 kg, lose control over it, and it falls somewhere, there is a risk of it catching fire, as well as the surrounding area, damaging bushes and trees, deforming the landscape, etc.
If a UAV is lost irretrievably, for example, it falls into a dense bush and is never found, it begins to pollute the location with its electronic waste and metal – both with decomposition products and various components that can potentially pose a threat to the health and life of animals living in the area.
Safety Concerns
The previous point suggests that a drone can pose a direct threat to the life and health of residents and visitors of national forests and parks, personal and corporate property, etc.
Imagine a situation where you lose control of a drone weighing 25+ kilograms. It continues along its trajectory, falling and crashing into people, animals, cars, buildings, etc. Will you be able to compensate for the damage caused, especially if the consequences of the crash are fatal? It is unlikely, which is why a safety checkpoint is one of the main components of restrictions and prohibitions on flights in national parks, forests, and other similar locations.
Regulatory Compliance
Can I fly a drone in a national park? No – Most UAVs have audio and video recording equipment, which may violate the right to privacy of other visitors to the location, the prohibition on filming infrastructure, etc.
The FAA, NPS, USDA, and USFS set appropriate restrictions based on federal laws, state regulations, and specific airspace regulations. Compliance is monitored by rangers, who are authorized to impose fines and other sanctions, up to and including calling the police and opening criminal proceedings against the violator of the rules, laws, and standards of the location.
Cultural and Historical Preservation
Some sites located in wild and controlled natural areas of the United States have the status of historical, national, or cultural landmarks. As a rule, filming is allowed on a paid and free basis, but it is not easy to obtain such permission.
In particular, only certified pilots are allowed to work at such locations, and amateur flights are mostly prohibited. The operator must also justify the need for filming to be able to make several necessary recordings from different angles.
Restrictions on flights here are due to the risk of damage to the monuments caused by the drones themselves, some additional equipment, or the operators themselves.
Consequences of Violating Drone Regulations
What is the fine for flying a drone in a national park? Well, this is the question you should ask yourself before you decide to take an unauthorized flight.
Yes, you may succeed in your attempt and leave the location with the footage, but even this will not protect you from punishment.
Rangers who monitor the order and compliance with the rules for visiting parks and forests have the right to fine violators and confiscate UAVs and other prohibited items.
The fine can reach $5,000, and criminal liability may well send an adventurous operator to jail for a period of six months or more. Even if you manage to avoid punishment, the reputational risk will limit future opportunities to obtain permission to fly in similar areas.
How to Fly Drones Responsibly
Can you use drones in national parks? For the most part, no, but even if you get permission, you will need to follow some additional rules, namely:
- Scan flight zones and airspace through LAANC/B4UFLY services.
- Do not violate the privacy and safety of other visitors.
- Work only in the areas where you are allowed by the person responsible for the territory.
Please note that in some cases, you can bypass these and other restrictions. Let’s look at them below.
Alternatives and Exceptions for Drone Use in National Parks
Even if you can’t fly a drone in a national park, you still have other opportunities to create content and have fun and useful time in such locations. For example:
- Create memories with traditional professional cameras and smartphones.
- Play with remote-controlled devices such as cars and boats with remote controls.
- Simply enjoying the outdoors while walking, hiking, etc.
- Attend excursions and other interesting events held at such locations from time to time.
As for the lifting of flight restrictions, you can count on the following exceptions:
- Research. Some organizations and companies can obtain permission to operate UAVs in these areas for research purposes, etc.
- Emergency situations. UAV operators are allowed to fly in emergency situations, such as firefighting, search and rescue, etc.
- Commercial projects. Creating films, promotional videos to attract tourists, etc.
- Events. Filming events, festivals, concerts, and other activities where UAV operators are allowed to fly in parks.
However, even under these conditions, the pilot must adhere to the rules established by the park administration and the FAA.
A Guide to Legally Flying Drones in U.S. National Parks
Are drones illegal in national parks? Usually, yes, but you already know how to get around this restriction, so it’s time to learn how to operate safely and responsibly in the right places. This guide contains the main provisions for legal UAV flights in parks, forests, and other similar areas with restricted airspace.
Consider the following points to reduce risks to the environment, visitors, and animals and to avoid legal consequences for violating the rules of operation here.
Type of Drone
Most of the rules apply to professional equipment, such as drones weighing 25 kg or more, equipped with photo and video recording devices, special equipment, etc. Such UAVs require device certification and a pilot’s license. There are also flight altitude restrictions (400 feet).
Smaller (personal) UAVs can, in some cases, be used in parks to film events and landscapes. However, if you try to do so without the appropriate permits, you will likely receive a fine.
The Purpose of the Flight
You need to determine in advance the reasons and purposes for using drones in parks. Without good reason, you will be banned from piloting. Therefore, in order to obtain a permit, it is recommended that you provide the responsible persons with a detailed work plan and its purpose.
For example, in the case of commercial or research filming of the territory and subsequent use of the footage for certain works, you must provide evidence of cooperation with certain organizations and strong arguments for the choice of location.
Equipment Certification and Pilot License
Professional flight equipment must be technically sound, tested, and certified by the relevant authorities. If you don’t have a certificate, serial number, and registration of the UAV, you will most likely not receive permission to operate in the park.
The pilot must also provide evidence of professionalism and certifications from unmanned aircraft piloting courses and demonstrate knowledge of the safety rules for operating drones. The same applies to skills in areas where flights are restricted by the FAA and local authorities.
Compliance with Restrictions
If you get a permit to work in a location, such as a park, you have to comply with local rules and restrictions. They are usually publicly available on the reserve’s website and in brochures. Additional information can be provided by the superintendent or ranger who accompanies the operator during the work, if necessary.
Restrictions mostly relate to the maximum permissible noise level in the natural environment, near water bodies and places where animals and people congregate, flight altitude, and duration.
Privacy
Another well-established rule for drone pilots is confidentiality. That is, you have no right (without prior permission) to film crowds of people, their property, fly into campsites, car parks, etc.
The same applies to footage that may contain detailed faces of people, cars, tents, and other objects with clearly defined ownership.
Scanning Flight Areas
Before starting work, you should make sure that the flight zone is free for work at the scheduled time and day. To do this, you can use Avision’s LAANC/B4UFLY services.
Simply log in to the platform, select a location, check the requirements for flying there, and submit an application if necessary. If your application is approved, you still need to make sure that you do not violate local rules and restrictions.
To do this, contact the representatives of the location (park, nature reserve, etc.) and ask for permission to work in the airspace above the designated area.
Since your aims and purpose may not be covered by the permit policy, you may need to modify your plans and equipment slightly. Or you may have to take a gamble that could have unpleasant consequences.
Best Practices for Safe Drone Operation in Sensitive Areas
National park drone rules, like U.S. laws, prohibit flying in some areas and set certain restrictions for others. However, if you need to operate in a sensitive area, you may still be able to do so.
The algorithm is as follows:
- Study the zones over the area you are interested in using LAANC/B4UFLY.
- Visit the website of the desired location and research local rules and restrictions.
- Submit a request for an operating permit to the administration or related competent authorities and create a flight request via LAANC.
- Wait for a decision on whether to grant permission or prohibit flights.
If your request is approved, follow the following guidelines for your operation:
- Ensure that the equipment is in good working order and the battery is 100% charged.
- Choose a location where you will not disturb visitors and animals.
- Check that there are no hazards, such as other drones, in the air.
- Follow the rules and flight requirements specific to the current location.
Fly safely with Avision: up-to-date information on geo-zones, airspace and quick access to the permit service.
FAQ
Can you fly drones in national parks?
This has been banned since 2014, but there are exceptions that may allow you to fly over such locations. These are mostly events, emergencies, commercial, and research projects.
What is the fine for flying a drone in a national park?
Adventurous people will have to pay about $5,000 in fines for violating the ban, or spend time in prison. Liability is determined by the consequences for parks, animals, or other visitors from unauthorized flights.
Why are drones banned in national parks?
Since parks are mostly recreational areas and places of mass recreation and tourism, UAVs can be a negative factor that affects the environment, animals, and people. This factor is the basis for the ban on flights in such locations.
