National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000

[snorkle]

I once landed a Huey on a fully loaded train moving swiftly between Qui Nhon and Tuy Hoa. You guys should count your blessings that this country isn't being occupied by 20 year old hung over helicopter pilots.

[Obie]

"Currently it is not illegal to fly a model aircraft/unmanned drone in the airspace of our National Parks. Citing safety, law enforcement can make it illegal to launch and land in National Parks."

Not true here is the law applying to HVNP.


8. Unmanned Aircraft: Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft
from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service
within the boundaries of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is prohibited
except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air
without the possibility of direct intervention from within or on the device, and the associated
operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command
to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes
all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are
used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

Here are the rest of the rules ,including a ban on snowmobiles :

http://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/management...Mfinal.pdf

[kalakoa]

Ironic that NPS enforces their no-fly rule inside the park while FAA ignores the rules outside the park.

It was too dark to see the helicopters last night, but they were very loud, and the lights looked to be around treetop level in my "occupied with residences (but not residential)" area. I'm sure the pilots were observing "weather" or "safety" or some other "valid exception" to the 1500' requirement, because those are the rules, and rules are for everyone, right?

[Ino]

From what I understand the HVNP has absolutely no control over the airspace over the park. Only the FAA regulates the airspace.

I agree you can't legally launch,land or operate from inside the boundaries but if you're outside the boundaries and maintain visual contact -it would not be illegal to fly in the park's airspace. Case in point, The Great Crack is just outside the park and I believe flying a drone there is completely legal even if you venture into the park's boundaries as long as you maintain visual contact. Amazon is lobbying the FAA to waive the rule for visual contact and if they're successful then drones may very well be coming to your national park.

Ask any ranger and hopefully they'll tell you the same 985-6000 or someone who is very knowledgeable on the current situation, Please call Danielle Foster 985-6073, who has been Awesome in helping me!

[mmbvd7]

quote:

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Originally posted by leilanidude

mmbvd7 - To be clear, this low helicopter was over your house, not in the National Park? Where is your house?

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Fern Acres

Best wishes