Opinions vary when it comes to drones. Self-proclaimed artists believe it’s just honky-dory to capture anyone’s image when they’re out in public. Folks being taped often feel their rights are being violated. To help sort out such issues, our friends with the US Army Corps of Engineers have adopted rules for drones on Lake Lanier operated commercially.
If you want to fly a drone on your own property, you have the right to do so, except in rare circumstances.
The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones, is prohibited on or above federal lands and waters managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with specific exceptions.
The USACE rules for drones are specifically for “commercial activities,” which include, but are not limited to:
- Equipment/Boat Rental
- Dock Construction/Rip-Rap
- Fishing Guides
- Instructional Classes
The Corps’ Special Use Permits pages include new additions for 2019. For example, “starting in 2019, we have a new process for Commercial Activities, Filming and sUAS (Drone) use at Lake Sidney Lanier. All commercial operations, commercial filming activities, and use of Drones at Lake Sidney Lanier must apply and be approved for the activity prior to use.”
The term “sUAS” means “Small Unmanned Aerial Systems,” or drones.
You may find the complete list of permit conditions HERE, but this partial list will help:
- Must be in compliance with 14 CFR 107
- Must have Remote Pilot Certification from FAA
- sUAS must be registered as a “Non-Modeler”
- sUAS must weigh less than 55 lbs. including payload
- Must fly within visual line of sight
- Pilot must were a safety vest or other identifiable method of identifying themselves as the Pilot.
- Must fly at or below 400’
- Must fly during daylight or civil twilight
- Must fly at or under 100 mph
- Must not fly directly over people
- Must stay at least 100’ from vessels and docks.
Does this mean that flying drones for recreational purposes is not regulated?
Hi,
Thank you for your question. Here’s the answer:
“The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), such as drones, is prohibited on or above federal lands and waters managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with specific exceptions.”
I have updated the story to include this clarification.
Thanks again,
RJS
Airspace is regulated by FAA, not USACE. Does the Corps believe that it can regulate operation from private property on the lake (lakefront) where the operation occurs over the lake? Example, real estate photography / videography?