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This is in today's Post Register. I'll predict that somebody will go on a rant claiming that only the FAA regulates airspace.
Drone pilot cited at National Elk Refuge
Posted: February 23, 2017 4:30 p.m.
By TOM HOLM
[email protected]
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer on Monday cited a Washington, D.C., man for disrupting elk by flying a drone above about 1,500 ungulates at the National Elk Refuge near Jackson, Wyo.
The man launched the drone from a pullout along North Highway 89, a Wildlife Service news release said. He flew the drone over a wintering herd of elk that caused the animals to run and disperse for nearly half a mile.
The drone was also not registered through the Federal Aviation Administration. National Elk Refuge spokeswoman Lori Iverson said she did not know the name or age of the man who was cited. Iverson said the ticket will cost the man about $300.
Policies for drone use on federal or protected land management areas can differ. Licensed drones are not prohibited everywhere on the National Elk Refuge, though their use should not disturb wildlife, Iverson said. A large portion of the National Elk Refuge is within five miles of the Jackson Hole Airport, meaning drone users are required to notify the airport they intend to fly in the area.
The National Elk Refuge has seen a number of reports of drone use in recent years. Repeated disturbance of the animals, especially during long winters, can cause undue stress and impact the animals’ health and survival, the release said.
The FAA passed a number of regulations on unmanned aircraft systems Aug. 29, several of which were aimed at recreational fliers. Recreational pilots are required to keep drones within visual sight, fly below 400 feet, notify airports about planned flights and to register the aircraft if it weighs more than half a pound. The FAA offers a free smartphone app that can tell drone users restrictions in areas they plan to fly in. It can be found at tinyurl.com/zv4czvp.
Drone pilot cited at National Elk Refuge
Posted: February 23, 2017 4:30 p.m.
By TOM HOLM
[email protected]
A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officer on Monday cited a Washington, D.C., man for disrupting elk by flying a drone above about 1,500 ungulates at the National Elk Refuge near Jackson, Wyo.
The man launched the drone from a pullout along North Highway 89, a Wildlife Service news release said. He flew the drone over a wintering herd of elk that caused the animals to run and disperse for nearly half a mile.
The drone was also not registered through the Federal Aviation Administration. National Elk Refuge spokeswoman Lori Iverson said she did not know the name or age of the man who was cited. Iverson said the ticket will cost the man about $300.
Policies for drone use on federal or protected land management areas can differ. Licensed drones are not prohibited everywhere on the National Elk Refuge, though their use should not disturb wildlife, Iverson said. A large portion of the National Elk Refuge is within five miles of the Jackson Hole Airport, meaning drone users are required to notify the airport they intend to fly in the area.
The National Elk Refuge has seen a number of reports of drone use in recent years. Repeated disturbance of the animals, especially during long winters, can cause undue stress and impact the animals’ health and survival, the release said.
The FAA passed a number of regulations on unmanned aircraft systems Aug. 29, several of which were aimed at recreational fliers. Recreational pilots are required to keep drones within visual sight, fly below 400 feet, notify airports about planned flights and to register the aircraft if it weighs more than half a pound. The FAA offers a free smartphone app that can tell drone users restrictions in areas they plan to fly in. It can be found at tinyurl.com/zv4czvp.
