ST. PAUL, Minn. — Planning on buying or receiving a recreational drone this holiday season? The
Minnesota Department of Transportation offers some guidelines for
operators of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (also known as Unmanned Aircraft
Systems or drones) to keep them and the people in the area of their UAV
safe.
“Flying
recreational drones can be fun. However, operators are responsible for
the safe use of their UAV and for the safety of people who may be
unaware a UAV is near them,” said Rick Braunig, MnDOT aviation safety
and enforcement manager. “For instance, if that UAV has mechanical or
control problems, it could go out of control and seriously injure
innocent people or do damage to public and private property.”
Braunig said drone operators should follow these guidelines to ensure public safety:
- Contact the airport or control tower if you are within five miles of an airport.
- Stay within an approved operational area. UAV should not be flown above populated areas, sporting events or your neighbor’s backyard.
- Do not fly in adverse weather conditions or low visibility.
- Operate only during daytime hours and within line of sight. No binoculars, no moving vehicles. Use an observer, if necessary.
- Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below surrounding objects.
- Fly more than 25 feet away from vehicles, boats, buildings or people.
- Avoid manned aircraft. Land if one comes within the vicinity.
The
Federal Aviation Administration estimates that as many as a million
drones will be sold this 2015 holiday season. The agency cited more than
650 incidents this year where aircraft pilots encountered UAVs while
in flight.
Under
Minnesota law, registration is not required for unmanned aircraft
operated solely for recreational use. However, drones used for
commercial purposes must be registered with MnDOT Office of
Aeronautics. For more information, go to www.mndot.gov/aero/drones/, or contact Rick Braunig at 651-234-7230.
