Whether it's for entertainment, filmmaking, or maybe a bit of both, drones are becoming more popular pieces of technology. But, sometimes they can get you in legal trouble, even if you're not the one flying them. Here's what we know:
What are drone laws in Georgia?
Statewide, there's a couple of regulations that govern drone usage in Georgia specifically. First off, drones are prohibited in state parks and historic sites.
Occasionally waivers are approved for professional commercial projects which may generate revenue or in other ways help promote the sites. In these cases, prior approval is required from the Division Director.
A commercial film/photography request application detailing the project description, specific site location requested, and exact dates and times of drone
use needs to be submitted along with the FAA drone registration, the name of the pilot, and proof of FAA Small UAS Certification or Part 107. Blanket requests will not be approved and drone use is not allowed over populated areas that may put park guests at risk.
Also, in 2017, Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 481 into law which provides some limited restrictions on local governments and municipalities creating new regulations around drone usage. However, some areas approved ordinances before the deadline:
- The City of Augusta does not allow anyone to launch or operate a drone in a populated area without prior FAA authorization and written permission from the Augusta Commission. Existing model aircraft fields are exempted. Those who violate this ordinance may have their drone impounded and will be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be imprisoned for up to 60 days and fined up to $1,000.
- The City of Conyers does not allow drones to be launched or landed in the Georgia International Horse Park.
- Cherokee County prohibits the use of drones except in areas designated for drone usage.
- Stone Mountain Park prohibits the use of drones without the permission of the park's CEO or when used by law enforcement.
Can you shoot down a drone in Georgia?
Despite anxieties over drones overhead, it is illegal to shoot at them. The FAA classifies them as aircrafts with the statutory and regulatory definitions of an aircraft. This makes shooting at them a felony which, if convicted, could result in a fine and/or 25 years in prison.
A drone is flying around my property. What do I do?
Experts say to contact your local police department. You can also report illegal drone activity to the FAA through your local Flight Standards District Office. In Georgia, the number to call for the Atlanta FSDO is (404) 474-5100.
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I want to fly my new drone. What do I do?
If you're flying a drone for recreational purposes in Georgia, keep the following basic rules mandated by the FAA in mind:
- Don't let your drone fly out of sight.
- Do not interfere with other aircraft.
- Keep your drone flying at or below 400 feet.
- Don't fly your drone in a way that would endanger you or someone else.
Drone hobbyists can review the full list of requirements by the FAA at: faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers. The FAA also has developed a mobile app called B4UFLY to help recreational drone operators know whether there are any restrictions or requirements in places where they want to fly.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Don't shoot down a drone over your Georgia home. Here's why
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