Recreational drone operators are advised to consult the Federal Aviation Administration `FAA` (FAA) rules and regulations on the proper use of recreational drones and use common sense when operating these devices in crowded public spaces, wildlife or historic resources. Title 13, Subtitle 6, Chapter 146 states that no one can fly their drones in state parks. Although state parks claim so, they are just repeating the WORDS OF THE FAA. This large area of land is not allowed to fly drones. Note: This page is intended to be used as an information tool and not as a substitute for legal counsel. According to the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Hawaii State Legislature, Hawaii has a statewide law on the use of drones in the state. This rule restricts the operation of aviation drones and marine drones for recreational purposes. However, UAS operators may submit the application to the port master for commercial drone operations on any property or body of water at DOT Port in the State of Hawaii 14 days prior to planned operation. You have to remember that large resorts are privately owned. This means that each of them can set their own policies regarding drones. Only the beach and the coast are considered public property here, even if they are located in front of a private plot.
So while you may be bothered by the safety of the resorts, they really have no legal right to stop you from flying your drone on the beach there. Operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), including drones, to or from land and water managed by the national park system within the boundaries of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park without the written permission of the Superintendent is illegal. In your reading here, you will find that although the land belongs to local authorities, the FAA has the right to issue rules for drone operations. In fact, the FAA says they can override national and local laws when it comes to how drones use airspace. This is not something most people question, given that Congress has given the FAA authority over aviation safety, airspace, and air traffic control. The reason it`s important to understand this is that even the National Park Service is limited by FAA rules regarding airspace. For detailed instructions on how to get your drone on planes, click here. All drones should be carried with luggage if possible.
Under the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses of up to US$±1,600 (SDR 1,131). If you`re traveling abroad, theft and lost luggage can be common problems, especially if your flight has a lot of connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 and you can`t get it on the plane, consider shipping it with DHL, FedEx, or UPS instead and fully ensure the shipment. You should NOT put drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be stored in a medium-sized LiPo battery bag like the one shown here in the link and brought to the aircraft in your carry-on luggage. Lithium-ion batteries are classified as “dangerous goods” by airlines, and the rules for these batteries in airplanes are EXTREMELY strict, as these batteries have caught fire repeatedly. If you do not properly pack the lithium-ion batteries in a bag like the one indicated in the link above, the airline may confiscate them, fine you, or deny you boarding. In all other cases, the general rules for drone flight apply to recreational and commercial drone pilots, except that commercial pilots are allowed to fly their drones for purposes other than simple hobbies or hobbies. Note: The content of this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace legal counsel. Federal law requires that all recreational and commercial drones in Hawaii be registered with the FAA. This law prohibits the use of drones for personal purposes.
However, it authorizes UAS`s commercial operations in the Waimea Valley after receiving permission from the ministry. It`s no secret that Hawaii offers breathtaking views and scenery. Many drone pilots flock there to take photos like the ones mentioned above, but to fly safely and legally, you must first familiarize yourself with the drone laws in Hawaii. Each state is free to pass specific laws regarding drones, in addition to federal laws that cover the use of drones in all states. Therefore, Hawaii has its own state laws that you must follow. This does not mean that you are prohibited from bringing or flying your drone as long as you comply with the laws and fly in approved areas. In security-sensitive locations, no one is allowed to fly drones near, on or over Hawaii`s government and military facilities. This bill prohibits the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones on, in or near the state`s marine waters. A list of drone regulations and links for people flying drones in Hawaii. But one thing you need to understand here is that the rules that regulate drones in Hawaii may not be the same as in the continental United States or even in your own state. This is because while federal drone laws apply to Hawaii, the state of Hawaii itself is free to pass its own drone laws in addition to the federal laws you must follow.
Another area where drone flights are questionable is the Hawaiian Islands` National Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary. This area covers much of the water off the coast of Kona. It is illegal to operate your drone within 1,000 feet of a whale in this area under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. However, you can still fly your drone along the coast of Kona and Kohala. These state parks prohibit the launch or landing of drones in these areas. They have no rules for flying, which is great considering the many beautiful beaches and other areas. You may be harassed by park staff or informed that your activities are illegal. However, these people are not too strict, given that there are no rules on the subject.
It should be obvious that this area is taboo for drones, even if sometimes it does not appear on Airmap. However, it would be helpful for you to remember that large resorts are considered private property. Any alternative can have its drone policy. The beach and coast are public property, even though they are located on private land. Although you may be bothered by the safety of the stations, you have no legal rights that would prevent you from flying your drone there. You may be wondering if you can fly your drone in Hawaii, as there are some places in the United States that ban drones altogether. Drones are allowed in Hawaii for both recreational and commercial purposes! While this large piece of land would be a nice place to fly drones, you`re not allowed to do so. In January 2020, Mauna Kea`s public access rules were signed by Governor Ige. These rules explicitly prohibit the use of drones on university-run properties unless you have permission to do so.
This removes uncertainty about whether drones could fly atop Mauna Kea. Now, it is clearly stated that drones cannot be flown here, and park rangers now have a legal basis to enforce a rule they had already applied before this regulation. There are heavy fines for anyone who does not ask OMKM`s permission to fly on Mauna Kea. Unfortunately, they are known to reject most of these applications. Today, many people use their drones for a variety of reasons, whether for recreational or commercial purposes. There are recreational drone pilots who fly their drones to have fun outdoors and even on the beach, where they can take beautiful photos of the landscape and even take aerial photos of themselves while surfing. Governor Ige signed Mauna Kea`s public access rules in January 2020. These rules prohibit the use of drones on university campuses without a permit. This removes any ambiguity as to whether the drones can be flown to the top of Mauna Kea. Drones can`t be flown here, and the law now allows rangers to enforce a rule they followed before that regulation. Anyone who refuses to apply to OMKM for a permit to fly on Mauna Kea will be subject to severe penalties.
They are known to reject most applications. State forest reserves cover much more area in Hawaii than national parks. There are some very scenic areas that are covered here – the ones that would be ideal for drone flights. For example, Mauna Kea is a forest reserve and contains spectacular scenery. Fortunately, forest reserves are not currently taboo, but there are some proposed rule changes (O13-146-9) that may make you need a permit to fly a drone there.
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