MnDOT releases guidance for recreational drone purchasers, users

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.

DNR firefighters need cooperation from drone operators

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requests that operators of unmanned aircraft (drones) stay at least 5 miles away from wildfires to create a safe environment for firefighting aircraft and crew.

The DNR uses helicopters and airplanes to detect wildfires and to deliver water, retardant, firefighters and cargo. These aircraft face a demanding environment with hazards such as power lines, trees, towers, smoke and wind.

“Conditions for our pilots are tough enough,” said Bill Schuster, DNR wildfire aviation supervisor. “We don’t want to worry about when and where a drone could pop up into their flight path.”

Aircraft and crew are strategically located around Minnesota to quickly respond to wildfires. One or more aircraft may be dispatched to any wildfire in the state within minutes of its start, depending on what is threatened by the fire.

Over 99 percent of wildfires that occur in Minnesota are small, quick-moving and wind-driven, and these do most of their damage within the first few hours after igniting. With the increasing overlap between wild lands and urban areas in Minnesota, firefighters need to be aggressive and safe when putting out wildfires.

“While crews were fighting a wildfire near Ostego last week, a drone was flying nearby at the same time firefighting aircraft were conducting operations,” said Shuster. “Voluntary cooperation to not operate drones within 5 miles of wildfires would allow firefighters to do their job safely, efficiently and effectively.”

Visit www.mndnr.gov/forestry/fire/wildfire_update.html for wildfire updates in Minnesota.

The Federal Aviation Administration has partnered with several industry associations to promote “Know Before You Fly,” a campaign to educate the public about using unmanned aircraft safely and responsibly. Visit www.knowbeforeyoufly.org to learn more about this program.