Well, my fellow aviator, as much as this probably pains you, I'm very much from the good ole US of A. And again this will pain you but you are WRONG! How do I know? I've flown from NPS land multiple times. Just for kicks & grins check out these images captured LEGALLY while standing on, launching from, and landing on NPS land. All done with FULL approval with NPS (
in fact for a good portion of the day the NPS ranger was standing by my side admiring the video feed from my aircraft) and it didn't cost me a LARGE SUM (
$0.00) and we only blocked off the LZ area (
I was flying over unpopulated area BTW).
Here's an exert directly from the NPS website:
In general, launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft in units of the National Park System is prohibited. However, there are exceptions where use is allowed subject to NPS approval:
- The use of model aircraft for hobby and recreational use is allowed if authorized in writing prior to the date of the June 2014 NPS policy memorandum for locations and under conditions (i) established by a superintendent; or (ii) issued under a special use permit. Model aircraft are defined in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 91-57 and Section 336 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012.
- Administrative use of unmanned aircraft is allowed if approved in writing by the NPS for such purposes as scientific study, search and rescue operations, fire operations, and law enforcement. Administrative use includes the use of unmanned aircraft by (i) NPS personnel as operators or crew; (ii) cooperators such as government agencies and universities that conduct unmanned aircraft operations for the NPS pursuant to a written agreement; and (iii) other entities, including commercial entities, conducting unmanned aircraft operations for the NPS, provided such entities are in compliance with all applicable FAA and Department of the Interior requirements.
- Activities conducted under a Scientific Research and Collecting Permit are allowed where the permit authorizes launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft and is approved in writing by the NPS. The online research permit system is available here.
- Activities conducted under a special use permit are allowed where the permit authorizes launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft and is approved in writing by the NPS.
So you'll see a LOT more is allowed in addition to the "
with a movie or tv company that paid a large sum to block off part of one of the National parks"
For those who want to read the RULES and get the full details check this out (this is not the FAQ page):
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) - Natural Sounds (U.S. National Park Service)
You're Welcome
And if you want to take the time to read the actual MEMO that was issued on sUAS you can read it here:
To: