Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

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Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

Saying someone had or hired a drone for an hour, what are the rules for Lanier. Asking for a "friend".

Inspired by DJ Mavic Pro in 25 knts.

source: https://www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/20-25-knot-Coronation-drone-footage

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

Bill would probably know the latest updates but the last I read was that Lanier is a no-fly zone for drones.

This is from last year
https://www.facebook.com/LakeSidneyLanierUSACE/photos/a.796722853773854.1073741829.407334006046076/890032061109599/?type=3&fref=mentions
I'm not sure if this applies to hobbyist and commercial pilots.

Like others have said though, I'm not sure the Corp of Engineers can control the airspace above Lanier if you launch on private property but don't they own the first 10 or so feet of all land around the lake? If you cant even fly over their property that might be a game stopper.
Plus there isn't much of Lanier that isn't within 5 miles of an airport, airstrip or landing pad according to my B4UFLY app, so you would have to get permission first and they would probably side with The COE and deny it unless it is commercial and you have a license.

Alan

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

You may recall one our group posted a drone video a friend made while he was sailing at Galts. He mentioned to me that the COE or park police told them they were not allowed to fly there (even though his buddy did hold a private pilots license.) However, I don't think anyone has got around to banning kites from our lakes. Might consider this type of thing. They actually make special mounts for kitesurfers to carry their action cam aloft. So all you would have to do is make cozy up with one of the kitesurfers when they out.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Kite-Aerial-Photography-GoPr

https://www.ebay.com/i/152828088352?chn=ps

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

That seems pretty authoritative. Not the answer I was hoping for.

Maybe worth a bunch of us taking a field trip to Alabama. Seem to be a lot of drone videos at Lake Martin which I believe is owned by Alabama Power. Don't know what the status of the TN River is either. Most anything in N. GA seems to be Corps of Engineers.

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

There are a lot of Lanier Drone videos online too, I have a couple I took before I got educated on the laws and fines I mean before they were banned.
I'm in for Alabama if it's legal...And there's no traffic.

Sunrise screenshot. (Bill, you didn't see this)

Alan

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

Seems like the airspace above COE water ought the be the purview of the US Air Force or US Naval Aviation or US Army Air Corps or the US Marines Aviation... or all of them, because the threat is so great Shok

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

Alan

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

Bill, as I understand it, is responsible for airframe certification, etc. so the thousands of annoyed passengers in trains and in the terminal were someone else's problem.

Had a discussion with someone knowledgeable on the topic and to paraphrase:

You probably can fly a drone over Lanier - subject to normal FAA regulations - but have to launch from private property which would be tough in most cases as open water for us is usually accessible from parks, marinas, etc which are still subject to CoE rules. Not sure how clubs on the lake are governed. It's also worth noting that the shoreline of Lanier is owned and controlled by the Corps - the "Corps Line" usually runs 20 ft or more elevation from the lake and why you see almost no structures by the water other than docks. Thus, you couldn't stand on the beach around the corner from Vann's Tavern. There may be parks owned by Hall or Forsyth Co, etc but not sure if they are owned or just long term lease from CoE.

He also made the suggestion that we can can call and ask the CoE for clarification - of course, it's more fun to talk about it on the internet and that would spoil the fun. Wink

More:
Internet Discussion about Lanier: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2663381-Corps-of-Engineers-bans-Drones-quadcopters-UAS (seems to re-enforce notion that ban is launching from CoE property)
Drones in National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/articles/unmanned-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm (depends on park)
FAA guidance: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFAR.nsf/MainFrame?OpenFrameset

Edit: More links:
Some links.
FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems
FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-57A Model Aircraft Operating Standards
AMA Safety Code (Model aircraft are governed like drones)
Drone Operator Errors Caused Drone, Helicopter Collision

Attachment: Relevant FAA regs

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

On the COE Facebook page:

"The second half of Late Season Waterfowl Hunting on Lake Lanier begins on Dec. 9th and ends on Jan. 28, 2018. Don't forget to wear your life jacket if you venture out, the water and air temps are getting cold!!"

So guys with shotguns shooting at ducks are legal, but flying model planes is illegal. Well guys you've been warned - fly you drone and it will likely become target practice. Might scare off the ducks.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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jjordan
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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

The Park Ranger told my friend that for safety and security reasons drones were not allowed on Corps property. Since we were about done for the day he wasn't going to argue and shut down the drone. He could tell by the way they were talking to him that they didn't know the whole rules and regs. He has flown in many 'no fly zones' legally by filing the proper notification to the FAA. He said that one of his co-workers flys over Lanier all the time when testing distance and battery life with their drones.

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

The Corp of Engineers is over reaching they have no way to legally control airspace. They site 36 CFR 327.4(b) as their authority. It says: "The operation of aircraft on project lands other than those designated by the district commander is prohibited."

^^^This DOES NOT restrict flying a drone OVER project land or water from private property.

The next section 36 CFR 327.4(c) says: "No person shall operate any aircraft while on or above project waters or project lands in a careless, negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger any person, property or environmental feature."

^^^This DOESN'T PROHIBIT AIRCRAFT it only speaks to the MANNER in which it is operated.

He sent this to me as well.

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jjordan
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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

Bottom line if they can't see where you are operating from it would be hard as hell to get you to stop. He was still pretty inexperienced when he filmed me and had never flown above water in windy conditions so he was standing on the fishing jetty in plain sight.

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier

So - launch from a boat and you will be ok. Just make sure your drone doesn't look like a duck, fly like a duck or quack like a duck.

What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.

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Re: Paging Windlord: Drone rules for Lanier
Randy wrote:

So - launch from a boat and you will be ok. Just make sure your drone doesn't look like a duck, fly like a duck or quack like a duck.

As long as your drone doesn't poop in the water, it's okay. That's the problem with geese - e .coli.

Are the AYC and LLSC on rented property or do they own it? Asking for a friend, again.

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