Drone Flights Over Vermont Homes: New Rules & Restrictions for Pilots
MONTPELIER, VT – As drone use increases across Vermont, residents are raising questions about airspace over thier properties and the legality of interfering with drone operation. Federal regulations govern drone flights, and Vermont has its own restrictions, particularly concerning state lands. Here’s what you need to no.
Under federal law, anyone operating a drone weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds for commercial purposes must be at least 16 years old and obtain FAA certification by passing a knowledge test and registering the drone. The FAA considers part 107 the default rule set for these drones.
Operators who endanger other aircraft or people on the ground can face fines exceeding $30,000, and the FAA can suspend or revoke their pilot certificate.
Is it legal to shoot down a drone? The FAA explicitly states that shooting down a drone is illegal both in Vermont and nationwide. Residents concerned about unsafe drone operation should contact local law enforcement. The FAA does not regulate drones regarding privacy concerns.
Were can drones fly in Vermont? Drones are permitted in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace,but restrictions apply. Federal law requires drone operators to avoid flying near airports, prisons, and other sensitive areas. A comprehensive list of restrictions can be found on the FAA website.
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation prohibits drone use in state parks and forest facilities without written approval from the Commissioner, with exceptions only for emergencies. This prohibition extends to launching and landing drones from these locations.
Resources for determining permissible flight locations include the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app and desktop site (https://airaware.aloft.ai/?lat=42.263405&long=-71.802193), which provides up-to-date airspace data. Operators should also be aware of “no Drone Zone” signage.
For more information on FAA drone regulations, visit www.faa.gov/uas.