Can You Fly a Drone in Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is the biggest city in Iceland and its capital. You can learn about the Icelandic Vikings at its museums, marvel at the architecture of its domes and churches, or soak in a spa.

You’d love to visit Reykjavik with your drone.

Can you fly a drone in Reykjavik?

According to the Icelandic Transport Authority, you can fly a drone in Reykjavik. However, you have to follow European Union Aviation Safety Agency and Icelandic Transport Authority rules.

If you’re soon planning a trip to Reykjavik and want to learn all the pertinent drone laws, you’ve come to the right place.

This guide will explore where you can fly and when, so make sure you check it out!

Can you fly a drone in Reykjavik?

As mentioned in the intro, the Icelandic Transport Authority establishes drone flight rules in Iceland.

That’s in consultation with the Environment Agency and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which countries in the European Union abide by.

Under those drone rules, commercial and recreational pilots can operate a drone in Reykjavik.

You must follow the appropriate drone rules when in the sky. We also recommend using a drone app, especially when traveling to another country.

You could experience language barriers on your travels, but you’re still expected to know the pertinent Icelandic drone laws, nevertheless.

A drone app with real-time maps will indicate where you can fly versus where you can’t without the need to know a word of Icelandic.

Remember, red areas denote no-fly zones, and yellow areas are warning zones. If you see any blue bubbles spaced across the map, you likely cannot fly there either without authorization.

Where to fly a drone near Reykjavik

The whole of Iceland affords so many incredible, unforgettable drone flight opportunities.

We’ve narrowed it down to several places no further than two hours from Reykjavik for you to explore with your drone.

Loads of fun await!

1. Westfjords

The Westfjords region of Iceland is an administrative district. This part of northwestern Iceland has a low population count, so you never have to stress about large crowds.

Situated on the Denmark Strait, Westfjords is a heavily mountainous region named after its fjords or cliffside inlets.

Before you plan your visit, be aware that harsh weather like snow and ice can cause parts of Westfjords to shut down for months at a time.

Moreso, land communications can be iffy due to the fjords, so prepare accordingly before visiting with your drone.

2. Landmannalaugar

In the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland’s Highlands is Landmannalaugar, which is very close to Reykjavik.

The area connects to the Laugavegur hiking trail on its northern side, the same spot where the Iceland Touring Association hosts hikers.

Thus, you can expect Landmannalaugar to be more much populous than the Westfjords especially.

If you’re renting a car in Iceland, you cannot take rented vehicles on the roads to Landmannalaugar that allow motor vehicles. Since these are classified as F roads, you’d need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

3. Bruarfoss

About an hour and a half from Reykjavik is Bruarfoss, a part of Iceland esteemed for its waterfall.

Nicknamed Bridge Falls, Bruarfoss isn’t the biggest waterfall in Iceland, but it’s still a beautiful one. It’s no wonder another name for Bruarfoss among the locals is Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.

Keep in mind that Bruarfoss is another more remote part of Iceland, although not quite as much so as the Westfjords.

Still, charge up your drone and bring everything you need and maybe a few backup modes of communication to be safe.

You can take a rental car to Bruarfoss, which makes it more accessible to tourists like yourself. 

4. Reykjanesfolkvangur

Only 40 minutes from Reykjavik is Reykjanesfolkvangur, a countryside region and reserve that safeguards the Reykjanes ridge volcano’s lava formations.

This area has a lot to see, including Krysuvikurberg, which has the biggest bird cliffs in the Southwest. Seltun is an active geothermal zone, while Kleifarvatn is a mineral lake and beach with black sands and hot springs.

The rusticism and remoteness of the area will give you peace and quiet to fly your drone, so don’t miss it.

5. Nauthusagil

Just under two hours away from Reykjavik is Nauthusagil in South Iceland. The ravine near the Eyjafjallajokull volcano and Stora-Mork farm grows rowan trees from which the trademark ravines come.  

Across the ravine are waterfalls. While you can walk through the falls, make sure to use the ropes and chains around the ravine so you don’t slip and fall. Operate your drone cautiously to keep it dry.

Iceland drone laws to know before your trip

Before you schedule your flight to Iceland, make sure you study up on these drone laws. They’ll help you when flying around Reykjavik.

Your drone must be in the European Union’s Open category

You’ll recall that the Icelandic Transport Authority works with EASA as a European Union member. Thus, you must meet EASA’s criteria to operate a drone in the Open category.

That means your drone meets class labels 0 through 4, and you bought it before January 1st, 2023.

The drone must not ascend beyond 400 feet or 120 meters, it must not fly over people unless it weighs less than 0.55 pounds or 250 grams, and it must not weigh more than 55 pounds or 25 kilograms at takeoff.

Additionally, you cannot use your drone to drop any goods, you must keep a visual line of sight on your drone, you cannot transport dangerous materials with your drone, and you must keep your distance from crowds.

You must mark the drone with identifying information

The Icelandic Transport Authority requires drone pilots in the country to properly identify their UAVs. On your drone, mark down your phone number, full name, and address.

Do not interfere with other vehicles

Whether it’s motor vehicles, ships, other unmanned vehicles, or manned aerial vehicles, your drone flight path cannot get in the way of any of them.

Reroute your coordinates if necessary to avoid manned aircraft especially.

Keep in mind that if your drone causes damages of any kind when in Iceland, you have to pay for them. That’s a large cross to bear!

Maintain a visual line of sight

EASA requires drone pilots to keep a visual line of sight on their UAVs, as does the Icelandic Transport Authority.

VLOS allows you to watch your drone when wearing glasses or contacts (as well as your naked eyes), but visual augmentation aids like binoculars are not allowed.

Don’t fly close to public buildings

To preserve the beauty of its architecture, Icelandic drone laws forbid pilots from flying any closer than 492 feet or 150 meters from any public building in a rural environment.

The rules change if you’re in an urban environment. Then you can’t fly within 164 feet or 50 meters. That’s quite a significant difference, so know your area before you launch.

Avoid drone use near airports

The Icelandic Transport Authority prohibits drones within 1.24 miles or 2 kilometers of an international airport and 0.93 miles or 1.5 kilometers of other airports throughout the country.

Don’t fly over large groups of people

If you see a crowded environment, be it one of the tourist destinations from the last section or elsewhere in Reykjavik, you mustn’t operate your drone over the crowd.

Limit your altitude

In Iceland, a drone’s max altitude over the ground is 394 feet or 120 meters, not 400 feet like you might be accustomed to.

Insure heavier drones

If your drone exceeds 44 pounds or 20 kilograms or weighs thereabouts that much, drone laws require you to insure the UAV before you can legally fly it.

Recreationally, the Icelandic Transport Authority requires drones to weigh 55 pounds or 25 kilograms or under in a rural environment and 15.5 pounds or 7 kilograms or under in an urban environment.

As for commercial drones, the rural weight limit is the same, but a drone flying in an urban environment cannot weigh more than 6.61 pounds or 3 kilograms.

Reykjavik is a beautiful part of Iceland that permits drones.

However, you must follow the European Union’s drone rules and those established by the Icelandic Transport Authority.

Good luck and happy flying!

Can You Fly a Drone in Ontario?

The east-central province of Ontario is between the Great Lakes and the United States. Its capital is Toronto, a major Canadian city, but the province also features the capital of Canada, Ottawa.

Can you bring a drone to Ontario and safely launch it?

According to Transport Canada rules, you can fly a drone in Ontario, including Ottawa and Toronto. However, pilots cannot fly within five miles of airports or military bases and should use a drone map to check for other restricted airspace.

If you’re eager to learn more about Ontario drone rules, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll talk further about restricted airspace and recommend some great scenic areas where drones are welcome, so don’t miss it!

Can you fly a drone in Ontario?

In Canada, the governmental department known as Transport Canada makes the rules about air, marine, rail, and road transport.

Transport Canada’s rules permit drones in Ontario just as they do across greater Canada.

Drones cannot fly near airports and heliports throughout Ontario. Depending on the classification from the Canada Flight Supplement, you can fly within one or three nautical miles.

You’re allowed within 5.6 kilometers or three nautical miles of an airport with a Certified classification and only within 1.9 kilometers or one nautical mile from a heliport with a Certified classification.

Ontario is the second biggest province in Canada at 415,000 square miles. As you might expect, it has a ton of airports. Here’s the full list for your perusal:

  • Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga
  • London International Airport in London, Canada
  • Thunder Bay International Airport in Thunder Bay
  • John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Hamilton
  • Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in Toronto
  • Windsor International Airport in Windsor
  • Timmins/Victor M. Power Airport in Timmins
  • Kingston Airport in Kingston
  • Jack Garland Airport in North Bay
  • Greater Sudbury Airport in Greater Sudbury
  • Sault Ste. Marie Airport in Sault Ste. Marie
  • Muskoka Airport in Bracebridge
  • Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport in Sarnia
  • Dryden Regional Airport in Dryden
  • Kenora Airport in Kenora
  • Niagara District Airport in Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Red Lake Airport in Red Lake
  • Region of Waterloo International Airport in Woolwich
  • Wiarton Keppel International Airport in Wiarton
  • Peterborough Airport in Peterborough
  • Attawapiskat Airport in Ontario
  • Peawanuck Airport in Peawanuck
  • Nakina Airport in Nakina
  • Oshawa Executive Airport in Oshawa
  • St. Thomas Municipal Airport in St. Thomas
  • Sioux Lookout Airport in Sioux Lookout
  • Fort Frances Municipal Airport in Fort Frances
  • Pembroke & Area Airport in Pembroke
  • Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in Oro-Medonte
  • Wawa Municipal Airport in Wawa
  • Kingfisher Lake Airport in Kingfisher Lake
  • Deer Lake Airport in Deer Lake
  • Bearskin Lake Airport in Bearskin Lake
  • Big Trout Lake Airport in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug
  • Cat Lake Airport in Cat Lake First Nation
  • Fort Albany Airport in Fort Albany
  • Fort Hope Airport in Eabametoong
  • Fort Severn Airport in Fort Severn First Nation
  • Landsowne House Airport in Neskantaga
  • Kasabonika Airport in Kasbonika Lake First National Community
  • Kaskechewan Airport in Kashechewan
  • Moosonee Airport in Moosonee
  • North Spirit Lake Airport in North Spirit Lake
  • Pickle Lake Airport in Pickle Lake
  • Pikangikum Airport in Pikangikum
  • Poplar Hill Airport in Poplar Hill
  • Sachigo Lake Airport in Sachigo Lake
  • Sandy Lake Airport in Sandy Lake
  • Summer Beaver Airport in Nibinamik

The best 7 places to fly a drone in Ontario

You’re in the mood to launch your drone. Fortunately for you, Ontario has many esteemed places where you can do just that.

Here’s a list of places to visit and explore the skies.

1. Downtown Toronto

One of the most thrilling parts of Toronto is undoubtedly its downtown area. Here, you can find a variety of fun and funky neighborhoods, nightlife, restaurants, and skyscrapers, including the CN Tower.

Downtown Toronto is the home of the Royal Ontario Museum, the shopping area Bloor Street, St. Lawrence Market, and the large mall known as the Eaton Centre.

Although you can’t get too close to structures or crowds with your drone, if you plan your time in Downtown Toronto when the area has fewer crowds, you should be able to take some uninterrupted aerial footage.

2. Erindale Park

In Mississauga, Erindale Park is 222 acres of greenspace, making it the biggest park in the area. The park features toboggan hills, trails, grills, picnic areas, and a playground. The park also has a photography site.

Open seven days a week, you can get into Erindale Park from dawn until 11 p.m. That gives you plenty of leeway for planning your visit when the park isn’t as crowded.

3. Toronto Harbourfront

Overlooking the beautiful Lake Ontario shores, the Harbourfront area is sure to inspire your latest drone projects.

This area has mountainous condo towers, a children’s amusement park in Centreville with a carousel from 1907, and nearby Toronto Islands with beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

While you don’t want to fly your drone too close to the water, the Harbourfront has a lot to fall in love with and is an excellent way to spend an afternoon in Ontario.

4. North Maple Regional Park

In Vaughan, you’ll find a little slice of heaven known as the North Maple Regional Park. Built in 2018, the 900-acre park includes turf soccer fields, a pavilion, hiking and walking trails, a toboggan hill, and picnic areas.

The park’s features are spaced out enough that you can find a nook for flying your drone away from the crowds. North Maple Regional Park is open daily between 8:30 a.m. and 11 p.m.

5. Scarborough Bluffs

The escarpment in Toronto’s Scarborough District is known as Scarborough Bluffs or The Bluffs for short.

The Bluffs encompasses the waterfront area and includes a number of parks and gardens. Here are your options:

  • Sylvan Park
  • South Marine Drive Park
  • Scarborough Heights Park
  • Scarboro Crescent Park
  • Rouge Beach Park
  • Rosetta McClain Gardens
  • Port Union Waterfront Park
  • Harrison Properties
  • Guild Park and Gardens
  • Greyabbey Park
  • Doris McCarthy Trail
  • East Point Park
  • Cudia Park
  • Crescentwood Park
  • Chesterton Shores
  • Cathedral Bluffs Park
  • Bluffer’s Park

6. J. C. Saddington Park

If you’re still looking for parks to explore in Ontario, head over to Mississauga to J. C. Saddington Park.

The park includes an amphitheater, heritage buildings, a playground, picnic areas, and a looped path system. Even better, it was erected over what was once a landfill.

With so many unique sights, you can spend all day here with your drone. J. C. Saddington Park is open from dawn until 11 p.m. daily.

7. Colonel Samuel Smith Park

We also recommend enjoying Colonel Samuel Smith Park in the Etobicoke district if you have some time during your Ontario travels.

Once favored by Victorian Torontonians as the ultimate getaway site, Colonel Samuel Smith Park today is still a great reprieve. The park has stunning views of Lake Ontario, perhaps some of the best you’ll get in the region.

Throughout the rest of the park, you’ll see a playground, hiking trails (including scenic trails), boats and yachts on the water, observation decks for viewing wildlife, and picnic areas.

You can use your drone to capture footage of endangered wildlife or more common Canadian creatures like beavers, swans, turtles, and ducks. Just don’t get too close to any animals with your drone.

If you want to shoot some urban sights, areas of the park allow you to take panoramic footage of the city, including CN Tower.

Ontario drone laws to know before you go

Are you ready to head out for a day of exploration and fun in Ontario? Make sure you stay abreast of these important Transport Canada drone laws.

  • If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you must have a license and registration.
  • When obtaining a drone license in Canada, you can select between a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations or Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations. If you want the full freedom to do what’s legal with your drone, pursue the advanced license. Just expect a tougher test and a flight review to earn the license.
  • You can register your drone through Transport Canada. You’ll receive a registration number that you must affix to your drone.
  • You cannot fly your drone during emergency operations.
  • Your drone must fly under 400 feet.
  • If a special event occurs, you cannot use your drone too close.
  • You must stay 30 meters away from crowds if you have a Basic Operations license.

Ontario, Canada is a phenomenal place to fly your drone. The province features parks, beaches, forests, and cityscapes.

Always follow Transport Canada rules when planning your drone adventures and have fun out there!

Research predicts the first commercial urban air mobility passenger routes and main initial uses for eVTOLs

A new survey (1) amongst private equity and venture capital professionals reveals 41% believe the first urban air mobility passenger routes will be operational within the next two years. The study was commissioned by Horizon Aircraft (“Company” or “Horizon”), an innovative leader in hybrid electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aerial vehicles, with private equity and venture capital professionals.

When it comes to what the professional investors believe the first practical use of piloted eVTOL aircraft will be, 27% said search and rescue, followed by 20% who said remote supply, and 15% who said organ transport.

Overall, 93% of private equity and venture capital professionals questioned believe that the growing global demand for better and more efficient transportation systems, the increasing number of vehicles operating on the roads causing serious environmental impact, and advances in technology improving the safety and viability of eVTOLs, will result in a rapidly improving regulatory environment for the eVTOL market over the next five years, and fuel substantial investment in the sector.

When asked to select which five countries that will have the biggest and most advanced eVTOL markets in 2030, 59% cited the USA, 52% said Canada, 41% said the UK, 37% France and 35% highlighted China.

Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft said, “Our research highlights the huge variety of ways in which eVTOLs can be used – from search and rescue to remote supply, passenger transportation, and military missions. This is one of the key reasons why the sector is attracting so much investment, and it will be those aircraft that can be used for multiple purposes that will attract much of this financing.”

Horizon Aircraft, and its flagship Cavorite X5 design, has been attracting significant interest from within the industry having won several grants, a US Department of Defence advanced research and development contract award, and being ahead of its competitors with its large-scale prototype already flying.

Horizon Aircraft is currently running rigorous flight testing of its 50%-scale prototype while continuing to develop a detailed design of a full-scale aircraft.

Horizon’s innovative approach and technology allow its Cavorite X5 to fly 98% of its mission in a very low-drag configuration like a traditional aircraft. Flying most of the time as a normal aircraft is safer and will make the aircraft easier to certify than radical new eVTOL designs. The full-scale aircraft will also be powered by a hybrid electric system that can recharge the battery array in flight while providing additional system redundancy. Comprehensive testing of this 50%-scale aircraft will reduce technical risk moving forward as Horizon continues the development of its full-scale aircraft.

About Horizon Aircraft

Horizon Aircraft is an advanced aerospace engineering company that has developed the world’s first eVTOL that can fly most of its mission exactly like a normal aircraft while offering industry-leading speed, range, and operational utility. Our unique designs put the mission first and prioritize safety, performance, and utility. Our Cavorite X5 eVTOL is designed to enter the market quickly and service a broad spectrum of early use cases.

Visit www.horizonaircraft.com

Can You Fly a Drone in Ottawa?

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa brings in big crowds. It’s the home to the National Gallery of Canada, Parliament Hill, and the Ottawa River.

You’re brimming with excitement at the thought of seeing these sights from a new aerial view with your drone. Can you fly a drone in Ottawa?

You can fly a drone in Ottawa, but you must follow Transport Canada’s drone flight rules. You’re required to survey the area before flying and obtain any necessary NOTAMs. You must also stay in controlled airspace.

This guide to flying a drone in Ottawa will tell you everything you need to know. If this will be your first time visiting, you can’t miss the information we have ahead!

Can you fly a drone in Ottawa?

Transport Canada, which establishes the rules on aeronautics in Canada, permits drone pilots to fly in Ottawa.

Exceptions exist, of course.

For example, Ottawa has a strong political presence, with the Office of the Prime Minister, the country’s viceroy, the Supreme Court, and the Parliament of Canada all located here.

You cannot use your drone around any federal government building or sensitive infrastructure.

You’re also prohibited from operating a drone near an airport, and Ottawa has a bunch. Here’s the full list for your perusal:

  • Ottawa International Airport
  • Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport
  • Rockcliffe Airport
  • Carp Airport (aka Ottawa/Carp Airport)
  • Dwyer Hill Airport Ottawa
  • Rideau Valley Air Park (an aerodrome)
  • Hope Field (aka Ottawa/Manotick Aerodrome)

The Arnprior Airport and Constance Lake Waterdrome also aren’t too terribly far from Ottawa.

In Canada, you can only fly three nautical miles from an airport or aerodrome, not five nautical miles like in the United States. You will have to plan your drone flights accordingly.

Further, Transport Canada requires pilots to survey the area before they fly a drone. Do this for every flight you take in the country.

If you must send a Notice to Airmen or NOTAM through the NAV CANADA NOTAMs portal, do that before you launch. 

Use a drone map to ensure you’re not in a no-fly zone. Those are indicated in red on your map. If you own a DJI drone, it won’t operate in restricted airspace. However, other drones will. 

You can use your drone in a yellow warning zone, but you should do so cautiously. 


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Canadian drone laws to learn for your trip to Ottawa

Using your drone in a new part of the world sure is exciting, but it comes with a whole new set of drone laws to obey.

Here are some pertinent laws from Transport Canada.

Do not use your drone over buildings, underground, or indoors

According to the Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part IX, pilots cannot operate a drone over or near buildings, underground, or indoors unless you have the building owner or building occupant’s permission.

Do not fly over advertised events

In Canada, an advertised event includes sporting events, outdoor concerts, and similar gatherings.

You must have a Special Flight Operations Certificate to use your drone for an advertised event. Otherwise, fly elsewhere.

Avoid emergency sites

You can’t enter a security perimeter during a first responder emergency involving the fire department, police, or other emergency responders. 

You also cannot enter an earthquake, flood, or forest fire zone with your drone, as you’re not supposed to disrupt the life-saving duties of emergency personnel.

Do not use your drone in national parks

Canada bans the use of drones in national parks in almost all instances. Park superintendents sometimes permit drones, but you’d have to reach out to Parks Canada and request permission to take off.

Without permission, it’s illegal to fly in a national park. 

Do not fly near the Department of National Defense aerodrome

You must stay within three nautical miles of the Department of National Defense aerodrome just as you would any aerodrome in Canada.

If you’re using your drone any closer to the aerodrome, you need an SFOC-RPAS and the proper authorization.

Limit your distance from heliports and airports

The Canada Flight Supplement determines your distance when flying near an airport in Ottawa and greater Canada.

If a heliport is classified as Certified (Cert for short), you can only fly one nautical mile or 1.9 kilometers from it.

For airports classified as Certified, you can fly within three nautical miles or 5.6 kilometers, as mentioned.

Register and license your drone

If your drone weighs under 250 grams, you must follow Transport Canada rules when operating it but aren’t required to obtain a license or register the drone to use it.

Should your drone surpass the 250-gram weight threshold, you must have a valid drone certificate and a registered drone.

You can select between two types of drone licenses in Canada, a Pilot Certificate – Basic Operations and a Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations.

A drone with an advanced license has more flight permissions but must pass a more rigorous process that includes an advanced operations exam and a flight review.

There’s no flight review if you’re trying for a basic license.

Basic drone operations include only operating a drone in uncontrolled airspace, never flying over other people with your drone, and never flying within 30 horizontal meters of people with your drone.

If you use your drone in a fashion outside of the above, you need an advanced license. 

As for registering your drone, you can do that through Transport Canada. The drone must have its registration number visible on its body before you launch it.

Do not fly your drone over 400 feet

A drone cannot ascend over 400 feet from the ground under Transport Canada rules. If you’re from the United States, the same drone rule applies, so you should be able to follow this one no problem.

Do not fly closer than 30 meters to crowds

Transport Canada prohibits drones from conducting operations close to crowds, even outside of advertised events. You cannot fly nearer than 30 horizontal meters with a basic operations license.

What are the consequences of illegally flying a drone in Ottawa?

Transport Canada strictly enforces its drone rules, so if you happen to disobey any of the regulations we laid out in the last section, you will swiftly face consequences.

If you enter restricted or controlled airspace with your drone and don’t have an SFOC, you’ll receive a fine. That also occurs if you use your drone without registering it, or if you register it but don’t mark it.

If you forego obtaining a pilot’s certificate, including a basic or advanced license, you’ll also receive a fine.

The fine is $5,000 CAD in each instance, which is approximately $3,670.42 USD. If you repeat any of the above violations, you’ll receive a fine again of the same amount.

If Transport Canada deems that you used your drone in a way that puts people or aircraft at risk, you’ll face an even heftier fine of $15,000 CAD, which is $11,011.27 USD.

Save your money and fly legally!

Ottawa is Canada’s capital and an appealing place to visit. Transport Canada allows pilots to operate a drone in Canada, but you must follow their guidelines.

Namely, do not fly any closer than three nautical miles from airports, and limit your distance even more from heliports.

You also cannot fly close to people, and you’re prohibited from using your drone near buildings unless you have permission from the property owner or an inhabitant.

Don’t forget to register your drone and bring the proper license. No, an FAA license doesn’t count!

Get into the habit of assessing an area for hazards like power lines, fallen trees, and the like before you fly, as that’s required each time you launch a drone in Canada.

Above all else, remember to enjoy yourself!

Can You Fly a Drone in Nassau, Bahamas?

As the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is a major interest point.

Located on New Providence, the island has beaches, coral reefs, bright-hued colonial buildings, and so much more.

If you’re enamored by its charm, you might wonder, can you fly a drone in Nassau, Bahamas?

You can fly a drone in Nassau, Bahamas, but you must have a permit and drone insurance before your trip. You’re also expected to follow Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas rules when operating your UAV.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to fly a drone in Nassau. There’s lots of great information to come, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Can you fly a drone in Nassau, Bahamas?

The island paradise of Nassau holds many treasures, from beaches to conservation centers, national parks, museums, and art galleries. It’s a bright, colorful, tropical place that you’d love to explore via drone.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas, the governing aviation authority in the country, drones are allowed in Nassau and throughout the rest of the Bahamas.

However, you must pass customs and have a permit.

You’re also required to obtain drone insurance and an active drone registration, but we’ll talk more about all that in the next section. Make sure you check it out.

Even with permission, you still can’t fly everywhere on the island.

For example, you can’t operate your drone within five miles of an airport. Nassau’s airports are the Lynden Pindling International Airport and the North Eleuthera Airport.

You should also avoid military airbases. For both those bases and airports, you cannot fly your drone any closer than five miles.

To ensure you fly within permitted airspace, especially when traveling to a new country, it’s always wise to use a drone mapping app on your phone.

If you see any restricted zones, including temporary restrictions, refrain from flying.

You don’t want to get fined or have your drone confiscated!

All the requirements for flying a drone in Nassau, Bahamas

You’re glad to learn you can achieve your dream of flying a drone in Nassau.

Before you begin making travel plans, make sure you have your affairs in order, as you need to do a lot of prep work!

Getting through customs

Passing customs with a drone into the Bahamas requires you to first register your UAV.

If you skip this step, the Bahamas Customs Department could take your drone. You’d get it back when you register it.

You’ll have to pay for your drone to pass customs, and the fee varies.

Customs will assess your drone make and model to determine its worth. Then you’ll have to pay a deposit that’s 50 percent of that value.

Before you finish passing through customs, you’ll receive a receipt of your payment.

Hold onto this receipt, as it’s part of the proof that you’re allowed to use your drone in Nassau and other parts of the Bahamas.

Further, you can get your deposit refunded after your Bahamas getaway, but only if you have the receipt.

By the way, you can register your drone with the FAA in the United States and take it into the Bahamas.

You don’t have to register it separately in the Bahamas if your drone has an active registration.

To register your drone, you need liability insurance, a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, and a certificate of registration.

Obtaining a drone permit

That’s not all. The CAAB also requires you to obtain a permit. This rule applies to recreational and commercial pilots alike.

You can reach out to the Safety Oversight Department’s Aviation Safety Instructor[1] to get the permitting process started.

The Aviation Safety Instructor will send you the requisite paperwork, which you must then fill out and send back.

In the paperwork, you’ll have to include a copy of your drone registration (whether it’s through CAAB or the FAA), your drone serial number, the make and model, the dates you plan on visiting Nassau, and where you want to use your drone.

The Aviation Safety Instructor will go over your application upon receiving it.

If you’re approved, you’ll get a letter of issuance. This letter authorizes you to fly a drone in the Bahamas for the next 30 days.

In the letter of issuance, you’ll also find guidelines and rules for operating your drone. Make sure you follow those rules!

You’ll need your permit to get through customs, so apply for it in advance of your Bahamas getaway so you have everything ready to go in time.

Insuring your drone

Nope, you’re still not totally done yet. You also have to insure your drone before operating it in the Bahamas.

While usually, it’s only commercial pilots who have to insure their UAVs, if taking a drone to the Bahamas, even hobbyists aren’t exempt.

Your third-party insurance protects against liabilities. The CAAB must approve the claim limits based on your perceived flight risk.

You’ll need proof of insurance to obtain a permit.

Nassau drone flight rules to know

Is your trip to Nassau in the books? Here’s some reading material to brush up on before your flight to the Bahamas.

We’re talking drone rules, of course!

Avoid flying in poor visibility

In inclement weather such as rain or fog, you cannot legally fly your drone in Nassau. That also goes for any other conditions that affect your visibility.

You went through all the trouble of getting your drone registered, permitted, and passed through customs, so don’t risk losing it by flying it in poor weather!

Do not use your drone at night

You’ll have to plan your daily itinerary carefully when visiting the Bahamas. After dark, you’re prohibited from flying per CAAB rules.

Keep your drone away from private property

Unless you have the property owner’s permission, and ideally written permission at that, you cannot fly your drone over private property.

As incentivizing and pretty as those colorful buildings throughout Nassau are, you must stay away.

Stay within 400 feet when flying

If you’re a seasoned drone pro, you know that you can’t fly higher than 400 feet in most countries.

That’s also the case for the Bahamas, so watch your distance when you take your drone out.

Keep 150 meters from crowded areas

To protect the safety and privacy of its citizens, Bahamas drone law bans drone pilots from flying within 150 meters or 492 feet of crowded areas.

What constitutes a crowded area isn’t clear in the rules, but you can use your own judgment and discretion.

You should avoid beaches, art museums, festivals and events, and other types of gatherings that attract a crowd when you see people around.

Of course, you can use your drone around these places, but during off-peak hours.

Don’t fly within 50 feet of a building or person

What about flying over individuals? Bahamian drone law prohibits pilots from veering closer than 50 feet of any person.

Remember that you’re not in the US anymore, so the FAA’s Operations over People leniencies would not apply.

You also cannot use your drone within 50 feet of a building.

As the island country’s capital, Nassau, Bahamas attracts huge crowds, drone pilots among them. You can legally operate your drone in this country but must register it first.

You must also obtain liability insurance and pay a fee to get through customs. If you use your drone safely, you’ll have your deposit returned to you at the end of your trip.

Don’t forget to contact CAAB and obtain your drone permit!

Once you’ve taken care of all those steps, you can enjoy breathtaking sights and stunning vistas with your drone.

Remember to follow CAAB rules and limit your distance around people and structures. Have fun!


FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep


FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep

Peltier has quite the experience, making him qualified to teach about photography and drones in separate courses. He was a part of the U.S. Air Force as an F-15E flight instructor for a decade.


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References:
1. Safety Oversight Department (link)

Can You Fly a Drone in Las Vegas?

The Gambling Capital of the World needs no introduction. Las Vegas attracts about 30 to 40 million visitors a year with all its promises of glitz, glamor, and maybe some gambling money.

Perhaps you’ve been before, or this will be your first time, but you want to bring your drone with you on your adventures.

Can you fly a drone in Las Vegas?

You can fly a drone in Las Vegas, but you’re prohibited from using it on public streets and parking lots, in city parks, on the Las Vegas Strip, near any airports, and in any other areas marked as restricted airspace.

In today’s article, we’ll review what constitutes allowable airspace in Vegas vs. what doesn’t and the consequences of breaking the rules.

If you have a trip to Las Vegas on the itinerary, the information ahead will be hugely useful!

Can you fly a drone in Las Vegas? All the places you’re prohibited from using a UAV

The state of Nevada, under the FAA, permits drone use. Even in Las Vegas, you’re allowed to fly a drone, albeit with a lot of restrictions.

Let’s review where you can’t use your drone throughout Las Vegas.

The Vegas Strip

Everyone knows that all the action in Vegas goes down on the Las Vegas Strip.

This 4.225-mile stretch of the city, resplendent in all the neon lights you can shake a stick at, features casinos and gambling floors, restaurants, performance venues, and hotels.

It’s the heart of Vegas and among the city’s biggest draws. Unsurprisingly, the entire stretch of the Vegas Strip is restricted airspace.

» MORE: Can You Fly a Drone on the Las Vegas Strip?

If you stop and think about it, this makes a lot of sense. The Las Vegas Strip attracts record-breaking crowds, so using your drone would always pose a risk due to all the people milling about.

On top of that, you’re five miles from the Harry Reid International Airport, formerly the McCarran Airport.

Five miles is a drone’s peak distance from an airport, so if you ventured too deep into the Strip, you’d already violate an FAA rule.

Public Parking Lots

Our Nevada drone laws article discussed the 2010 Las Vegas City Parks municipal ordinance.

Under this ordinance, in Chapter 13.58 – Aircraft Launching and Landing, the city makes it illegal for drone pilots to launch or land a drone on any public parking lot.

» MORE: Drone Laws in Nevada

It doesn’t matter whether we’re talking a full parking lot or an empty one. You can’t do it unless you have to make an emergency landing that would “protect life and property.”

A few other exceptions exist too. If you have City Council permission to use your drone in a parking lot, then you can, and government aircraft need not follow this rule either.

Public Roads

The same municipal ordinance from 2010, right down to the same section, bars drones from operating on public rights-of-way, highways, and streets throughout Las Vegas.

Las Vegas might not be the City That Never Sleeps, but it does tend to attract its fair share of around-the-clock action. You’ll be hard-pressed to find the roads deserted enough to consider flying a drone.

Besides, even if you wanted to, the FAA’s Operations Over Moving Vehicles law forbids it in most circumstances.

Near Airports

Besides Harry Reid, Las Vegas also has North Las Vegas Airport, although that’s a good ways away from the Vegas Strip.

Of course, Nevada as a whole contains plenty of airports too, and the rule stands on every single one. You can’t fly any closer than five miles.

In State Parks

Although Las Vegas and state parks don’t sound like they’d gel, Vegas has the Ice Age Fossils State Park. The Nevada State Parks system contains 26 more state parks across the state.

We know that most people who visit Vegas do so to capture the glimmering cityscape, but if you hoped for a change of pace and wanted to film greenery instead, you can’t do it, at least not at state parks.

Nevada State Parks makes that much clear on its website, stating:

“Use of drones is prohibited in Nevada State Parks unless in an area designated for that use by a park supervisor or by issuance of a special use permit for use of an unmanned aircraft.”

If you’re curious, you can likely fly a drone in a public park throughout Vegas, but the policies differ by the park.

You should contact a parks and rec representative or visit their website before bringing your drone to the park.

In Restricted Airspace

The above areas should be classified as restricted airspace, but other restricted airspace could abound in Vegas that would also prohibit drone use.

Use a resource like FLYSAFE (link) or your favorite drone app to determine where you’re forbidden from flying, where you can fly with LAANC authorization, and where you can fly without authorization (such as Class G airspace).

What happens if you break a drone law in Las Vegas?

Nevada has a lot of state and local laws that we recommend you brush up on before your trip, as the punishments for violations can be quite steep. Let’s go over some of those consequences now.

Flying near a critical facility

State law NRS 493.109 prohibits drones from venturing too close to any state critical facility.

You can’t use your drone 250 vertical feet or 500 horizontal feet from power lines, jails and prisons, mines, waste or water treatment centers, oil pipelines, chemical manufacturing plants, and petroleum refineries unless the owner gives you written permission.

If you break this law, you could receive a fine of up to $1,000 or spend six months behind bars.

Flying near an airport

We’ve stressed how you can’t use your drone closer than five miles from an airport. If you do so, it’s a misdemeanor charge.

Once again, you’re looking at a fine of $1,000 or six months of imprisonment.

Those restricted areas on drone maps are red for a reason!

Flying in federally restricted airspace

Nevada has a variety of military sites, including the:

  • Nevada National Security Site
  • Tonopah Test Range
  • Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center
  • Stead Air Force Base
  • Creech Air Force Base
  • Hawthorne Army Depot
  • Naval Air Station Fallon
  • Nellis Air Force Base

You’d violate 49 U.S. Code 46307 by flying too close to a Nevada military base and incur much more severe punishments.

You could have to pay a $250,000 fine or spend a year in federal prison.

Flying in prohibited places

From flying in other restricted airspace to areas with temporary flight restrictions such as during a chemical spill or wildfire, Nevada law takes it all very seriously.

The penalties for this crime include a fine of $250,000 or a year in federal prison.

Depending on the extent of the crime, you could also receive charges for violating privacy, drone trespass, and even terrorism.

Nevada drone laws to follow

Before we wrap up, let’s recap Nevada drone laws so you don’t end your Las Vegas trip behind bars or having to pay a substantial fine.

Remember, like all states in the United States, Nevada follows FAA guidelines.

Have your drone license and registration handy

All pilots need a drone license, including hobbyists and commercial pilots. These licenses include the TRUST certificate and Remote Pilot Certificate, respectively.

The FAA issues official drone licenses, and you can’t just get one.

Either way, you’re required to take a test, although the commercial drone exam is far more challenging than the recreational pilot exam. It’s also a paid test.

Make sure you’re carrying a current license. The TRUST certificate never goes out of date, but the Remote Pilot Certificate is valid for two years from the date it’s issued.

If you don’t recertify within that timeframe, your license will expire, and you’ll have to retake the Part 107 test.

In most instances, you must also register your drone.

That’s required for any UAV that weighs 0.55 pounds and up. The FAA issues drone registrations for three years at a time.

You need a current registration to legally fly.

Don’t operate drones over the weight threshold

An unmanned aircraft ascending the skies cannot weigh more than 55 pounds.

That can include the weight of your drone out of the box (or case, if you’ve owned it for long enough) or with additional accessories.

You can always reduce a heavier drone’s payload, but if your drone weighs 55 pounds without payload, it’s not sky-worthy under the FAA. You’ll have to fly a lighter drone instead.

Don’t fly over people

The FAA’s Operations Over People law prohibits all but the lightest drones from flying over people.

You’re supposed to stay 25 feet from crowds.

The Operations Over People law does allow you to fly closer to people you know who voluntarily participate in your drone usage.

Don’t use your drone when under the influence

Las Vegas is a party city. If you let the good times roll, have the judgment to decide whether to use a drone.

You cannot legally operate a drone when under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, so don’t try it.

Avoid drone use in inclement weather

Las Vegas weather is predominantly hot, but the city can experience rain and wind with the best of ‘em. In inclement weather, plan to wait to fly your drone another day. It’s the law!

Give manned aircraft the right of way

If you’re abiding by other FAA rules, you shouldn’t find yourself too close to manned aircraft. In case it ever does happen, you’re legally required to give them the right of way.

Only fly 400 feet over the ground

The peak legal ascension rate for drones in Nevada and the rest of the US is 400 feet. Don’t fly your drone higher than that and don’t use it lower so it’s at risk of colliding into buildings or power lines.

Conclusion

You can legally fly a drone in Las Vegas, just not in as many places as you were probably expecting. Sin City prohibits drones around airports, national parks, parking lots, public roads, and the Las Vegas Strip.

You should also use a drone app to watch for any other restricted airspace and temporary flight restrictions.

You could face a steep punishment for violating a drone law in Nevada, so save those gambling earnings and fly on the right side of the law! 


FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep


FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Test Prep

Peltier has quite the experience, making him qualified to teach about photography and drones in separate courses. He was a part of the U.S. Air Force as an F-15E flight instructor for a decade.


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Can You Fly a Drone in Kyoto?

Kyoto on Honshu island was Japan’s capital once upon a time but today still attracts its crowds.

It’s home to wooden homes, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and Sakura trees. Perhaps your only greater wish than visiting Kyoto is to visit with your drone.

Can you fly a drone in Kyoto?

While Kyoto isn’t restricted airspace, many drone pilots who have visited have found its various rivers and attractions off-limits to them. As is standard, you’re prohibited from using your drone in public parks and gardens and near airports in Kyoto.

This guide will help you plan your trip to Japan and your visit to Kyoto specifically.

We’ll talk more about whether you can fly a drone in this part of Japan, provide some tips for safe flights, and delve into Japan’s drone rules.

Let’s begin!

Can you fly a drone in Kyoto?

In our research, we couldn’t find any specific laws outlawing drones in Kyoto. We also combed through several drone maps and didn’t see any red outlines around Kyoto, which would denote restricted airspace.

So it sounds like you’re all free and clear, right? Sure, it sounds like it, but that may not entirely be the case.

First and foremost, let’s talk about where you cannot fly in Kyoto.

The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), the governing drone body in the country, prohibits pilots from entering airspace around airports without permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Kyoto itself doesn’t have an airport. You’d have to venture about an hour outside of the city limits to reach Osaka International Airport, but the point still stands.

Japan also forbids pilots from using a drone in public parks and gardens. You shouldn’t plan to use your drone in:

  • Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
  • Umekoji Park
  • Kyoto Tamba Kogen Quasi-National Park
  • Maruyama Park and similar parks

Other parts of Kyoto could prohibit drone flights whether they’re standard places that do so or not, so always be on the lookout.

How to fly your drone safely in Kyoto

The following tips will ensure your business trip or vacation to Japan goes off more favorably, especially if you’re bringing your drone with you.

Use a drone map and check it before you plan a drone flight

We want to stress that just because Kyoto didnt’t have any restricted airspace that we saw when doing our research, that doesn’t mean it won’t ever have restricted airspace.

Drone apps make planning flights in a new place so much easier. Even if you don’t know the area well, you can follow the parameters of the map to ensure you’re in the clear.

Before you ask, many drone apps that work for operations in the United States should continue to work internationally too. You have to expand your search parameters, but the option is there.

Use it to your advantage, and not just once. It’s best to refresh the maps daily while you’re in Japan.

Be respectful of other people

It doesn’t matter which part of the world you travel to: people don’t like drones in their private business.

Japan has laws restricting how close a pilot can get to another person with their UAV, and we’ll talk more about that in the next section. What we’re referring to here is just basic, common human decency and courtesy.

Not everyone shares the same love for drones that you do, and even if they do like drones, that doesn’t mean they want one three feet from their face.

The culture in Japan is largely nonconfrontational, so even if you offended someone, they might never tell you. Do the right thing and don’t even let it reach that point.

Never get too close to property

Kyoto has some of the most breathtaking shrines you can witness with your own two eyes. To preserve those and the rest of the beautiful, delicate architecture the city is known for, watch how close you’re flying to property.

If someone tells you to stop using your drone, be sure to do so

We’ve heard of instances where drone pilots were operating a UAV in Kyoto and someone with the official capacity to do so told them to stop flying.

In a situation like that, you should respectfully listen. Don’t wait for the person to leave and then resume your activities. Pack it up and head out.

Be mindful of signs you see barring drones

Kyoto may have signs around the city limits prohibiting drones. As we said before, in lieu of restricted airspace notifications on a map, you could see these signs instead.

They’re still an official notice not to fly, so abide by the signs.

Plan another place to fly nearby

In case you can’t fulfill your dreams of using your drone in Kyoto, it’s best to have a backup plan (and maybe even a backup plan to that backup plan) so you can capture images or videos around the city without venturing into the city.

Japanese drone rules to know ahead of your trip to Kyoto

Abiding by JCAB flight rules is also integral as you use your drone in Kyoto and elsewhere in Japan, so here’s an overview.

No flying over an airport without permission

To cement the rule we mentioned earlier, you must have the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism permission to fly in any airspace around airports.

That includes outer horizontal surfaces, conical surfaces, extended approach surfaces, transition surfaces, horizontal surfaces, and over approach surfaces in:

  • Kansai International Airport
  • Tokyo International Airport
  • Naha Airport
  • Narita International Airport
  • Fukuoka Airport
  • Osaka International Airport
  • New Chitose Airport
  • Chubu Airport

Do not operate your drone over DIDs

A DID is a Densely Inhabited District. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism creates the parameters for DIDs and prohibits pilots from operating over them.

Do not fly your drone more than 150 meters over ground level

In Kyoto and elsewhere in Japan, you can’t fly your drone higher than 150 meters or 492 feet over the ground.

Don’t drop objects with your drone

Whether accidentally or intentionally, you’re strictly prohibited from carrying and then releasing carried objects with your UAV from any height.

No carrying hazardous materials or objects

Drones can carry cargo in Japan, but nothing deemed hazardous like explosives.

Stay away from crowded areas

During large, crowded events like sporting events, concerts, or festivals, your drone must limit its distance from the throng. Do not fly over people.

Maintain a distance of 30 meters from people

For smaller gatherings of people, you must maintain a distance of approximately 30 meters or 98.4 feet while using your drone.

You’re also required to stay that far away from private property.

Keep your drone in your visual line of sight

When using your drone in Japan, it must stay in your visual line of sight, which refers to how far you can see the drone with your naked eye or when using contacts or glasses.

Only use your drone during daylight hours

You can get an early start to the day, rising with the sun, and fly until the sun begins setting, but you cannot use your drone after dark in Japan.

Fly your UAV safely

JCAB expects drone pilots to avoid reckless drone operation. You should only use your drone when not under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Before you launch, do a preflight checklist, and repeat this every time you take to the skies during your time in Kyoto.

Conclusion

Kyoto is a beautiful part of Japan that drone pilots naturally flock to. While you can fly in this city, you’re prohibited from doing so around airports or national parks.

You should use a drone map to determine where in Kyoto you can use your drone.

Keep in mind that some parts of Kyoto outlaw drone activity with signs rather than making the area restricted airspace in an app, so watch for the signs.

Follow other JCAB laws and regulations, and you should capture some amazing drone footage and have a blast doing so. Happy travels!

Best Places to Fly a Drone in Los Angeles

Los Angles might be the entertainment capital of the world if you count it as part of Hollywood. But Southern California is also well known for its marvelous climate and soaring natural beauty.

All of these things make it ideal for flying drones, especially camera drones.

But of course, there are laws, regulations, and best practices to be concerned about.

To that end, we will discuss the rules you need to follow and the best spots in Los Angeles to fly drones. But first, let’s cover the legalities briefly.

LA County drone flight laws

  • Drone flight is legal for both commercial and recreational purposes.
  • No drone or model aircraft may be flown within 5 miles of an airport without permission.
  • Drones may not be flown beyond the sight line of the pilot.
  • Flight above 400 feet is prohibited.
  • Flight closer than 25 feet to a person is prohibited except during takeoff and landing.

Take note that these rules may change without warning. Always check local laws before flying your drone.

The top 10 spots to fly drones in LA

There are loads of great places to fly drone aircraft in LA. So much that we only have time and energy to cover the best of them.

1. Lake Hollywood

GPS Coordinates: 26 0′ 57.2724 , 80 7′ 14.2608

With its rolling hills, visually pleasing dam, placid blue-green water, and a sweeping view of the city below, Lake Hollywood checks a lot of boxes. It was built in 1924 and holds 2.5 billion gallons of water. A paved road travels all around and through the reservoir, making getting around easy.

There’s ample opportunity to film the Los Angeles skyline with palm trees and infrastructure. Whether you’re flying for fun or looking for establishing shots for a film, Lake Hollywood is perfect.

2. Hermosa Beach Pier

GPS Coordinates: 33 51′ 41.40 , -118 24′ 13.68

This wooden structure, built in 1904, is long and narrow and stands alone in its location. That makes it great for visual purposes since the view is not obstructed by other objects in the background. It extends 1000 feet into the sea and has a somewhat stoic seafaring appeal to it, making it good for filmmaking purposes.

There are certain ordinances in place, so drone pilots are required to get a permit before flying their devices. There may be a waiting period, so the sooner you apply, the better.

3. Wilders Addition Park

GPS Coordinates: 33.70598 , -118.29199

Excellent for fun drone activities and especially useful for local establishing shot filmmaking, Wilders Addition Park is an excellent location. It is a piece of land encompassing a park, some residential, and some commercial zoning.

But it’s the striking ocean rock bluffs that make it stand out the most. There are dramatic sea cliffs, crashing waves, and plenty of them. There is also an interesting spot where bright patches of graffiti are visible from the air. Also, the sunsets are second to none.

4. Sepulveda Dam

GPS Coordinates: 34 09′ 59.55 , -118 28′ 21.32

This piece of infrastructure is an especially iconic spot in the Hollywood landscape. The bridge and mega-structure of the dam are visually striking and unique. The canals are a lot like the ones you see in Terminator 2, if they are not the very same ones.

Admittedly, there is very little of visual interest other than the dam and canals themselves. But there are plenty of interesting visuals nonetheless.

You might also enjoy doing maneuvers around the interesting structures that the bridge and dam compose.

5. Hollywood Hills

GPS Coordinates: 34 7′ 3.578 , 118 21′ 7.34

Needless to say, there is no piece of aerial photography done in Southern California that can be considered complete without an establishing shot of the Hollywood sign.

In addition to the world-famous letters on the hillside, there are rolling hills, cityscapes, lavish homes, and much more. Drone laws might be especially stiff here since there are plenty of rich people who want to protect their privacy. But you can probably get the permissions you need after jumping through a few hoops.

6. Simi Valley

GPS Coordinates: 34.269447 , -118.781479

One of the cool things about this spot is that the FAA has given blanket permission for drone pilots with commercial permits to fly over this area for the purpose of surveying roads, pipelines, and other equipment. So it might be easy to get permission if you promise to survey equipment.

The Simi Valley, interestingly, has been used to create more science fiction scenes set on other planets than any other location on Earth. This is because it is rocky, barren, and has lots of compelling mountain lines that run cross-ways to each other in interesting ways.

It’s also the closest area of its kind to Hollywood itself, and there are labor laws that make its proximity attractive to film studios.

7. MacArthur Park

GPS Coordinates: 34 03′ 18.60 , -118 16 23.40

There’s a small lake in the center of this location, and it makes a visually interesting juxtaposition to the parks, residential, and city areas all around it. There are plenty of LA skyline and other background shots to be had.

Like Venice Beach, it is also a great spot to film people at play. You’ll see skaters around the lake, joggers, picnickers, and more. Sometimes, there are interesting events at the lake. One such example is the exposition of large colored beach balls that nearly covered the entire surface of the lake. Strange, yes, but worth filming.

8. Apollo XI Field Airstrip

GPS Coordinates: 34.1739 , -118.4821

If you love to fly model aircraft, this is the best location in Los Angeles county for you. It’s just a small strip of runway in the middle of an otherwise uninteresting field. But it is frequented by all kinds of model aircraft enthusiasts. And it must be said that some of the model aircraft they fly are works of art in their own right.

So, if you want to get interesting shots of those devices, you might talk to their pilots and see if you can work together to create some images. If you are willing to share those images with them, they will probably be more than happy to agree.

9. Rose Bowl Stadium

GPS Coordinates: 34.1568 , -118.1672

Sports stadiums are always nice for filming people, interesting structures, sports, and more. The Rose Bowl Stadium is an outstanding example of a stadium that earns high marks on all of those points. Also, it is absolutely massive.

There are interesting parks and city locations all around it, for plenty of variety.

If you do choose to fly there, you will have to base your drone operations out of Lot H. Drone pilots are specifically permitted to fly their devices in and out of this location. Part of the reason is that it’s easy for law enforcement to check everyone for licenses and permits since they are all in one place. So if you choose to fly out of Lot H during a big event, you can expect to talk to police or FAA officials.

10. Venice Beach

GPS Coordinates: 37.28′ 47.79 , 22.26′ 59.399

Venice Beach is one of the most frequently filmed places in the world. Of course, there are many reasons for this. But the fact remains that it is a beautiful stretch of beach that is almost always covered in people having a wonderful time in revealing clothing.

If you get there early and establish a base of operations, you can enjoy a full day of flight and filming. If you get there late, be prepared to fight the crowds.

Can You Fly a Drone in San Juan?

San Juan is the largest city in Puerto Rico and its capital, so it already attracts a lot of attention. When you factor in the casinos, nightclubs, bars, and beaches, San Juan is simply irresistible. You’d love to explore its depths with your drone, but can you do so?

Can you fly a drone in San Juan?

You can fly a drone in San Juan, but since it’s classified as Class C airspace, you will need prior LAANC authorization when operating a UAV in much of the city. Some of the best spots for drone flights include Playa Parchola, Mirador Gavillan, and Mar Chiquita Beach. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully plan a trip to San Juan with your drone.

You’ll learn where to fly, the areas to avoid, and all the pertinent drone laws. Let’s begin!

Can you fly a drone in San Juan?

First, let’s talk more about whether you can fly a drone in San Juan.

Puerto Rico, being a United States territory, follows FAA guidelines. According to the FAA, you can bring your drone into Puerto Rico, including San Juan.

However, you can’t fly here as freely as you may have hoped. San Juan is a small city, only 77 square miles, and it’s also home of the San Juan Airport.

As such, it’s Class C airspace, as we mentioned in the intro.

Drones can enter Class C airspace only with prior authorization through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability or LAANC.

If you don’t have authorization, you’re officially flying in San Juan illegally. The punishments can include fines, drone confiscation, and potential imprisonment, so don’t take the risk!

Puerto Rico drone laws to know before you fly

Besides the aforementioned authorization, you must follow these FAA drone laws to use a drone in San Juan.

Recreational pilots need to keep it recreational

In San Juan, the line in the sand between hobbyists and commercial pilots is clear and intended to stay clear. 

If you only have a recreational license, you shouldn’t use your drone to earn money in any capacity, whether that’s from a part-time or full-time gig.

You must always have the relevant drone license

To use a drone in Puerto Rico, whether for fun or for work, you need a current, relevant drone license issued by the FAA.

Let’s start with commercial pilots. Your license is called the Remote Pilot Certificate or Part 107 license. 

It’s obtainable by passing the Part 107 exam, a rigorous test that calls upon the depths of your knowledge of FAA rules.

You’re eligible to take the Part 107 exam once you turn 16 years old. If you answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly, you’re issued the Remote Pilot Certificate. It expires within two years.

The FAA issues a free online exam to commercial pilots to keep their Part 107 licenses current.

You have to answer all the questions correctly, but any wrong answers show up while you take the exam. You can also go back and change those answers.

If you’re only flying your drone for fun, then as a hobbyist, you need a TRUST certificate from the FAA.

The TRUST certificate and exam are an acronym that stands for The Recreational UAS Safety Test. 

This exam is less about understanding every last facet of FAA rules and more about generally grasping those rules.

You can take the TRUST exam online and change your answers as you go along. Your license never expires, but you should still stay current on FAA drone laws. 

You must register your drone

Although pilots can optionally register their drones in most circumstances (such as UAV weight), when operating in Puerto Rico, you’re required to register.

You can go through the FAA to register your drone for only $5. The registration lasts for three years.

You can’t fly over moving vehicles or crowds

The FAA’s Operations Over People and Operations Over Moving Vehicles laws are both in effect when using your drone in San Juan.

A few exceptions to these laws exist, so let’s briefly talk about them.

If you’re in a sparsely populated area, you can fly your drone over a moving vehicle. Pilots using a lightweight drone can also fly them over crowds.

Further, if you have active participants in your drone project, then you’re allowed to fly over them, but only the participants!

Avoid manned aircraft

You’re forbidden from flying a drone within five statute miles of an airport, which should eliminate your risk of coming into contact with manned aircraft. 

That said, if it ever does happen, yield to the manned aircraft and try to get to a safer location immediately.

Don’t interrupt emergency response efforts

Emergency responders such as firefighters, law enforcement, and ambulances are tasked with the very difficult job of saving lives.

Don’t make this high-stakes job even harder by getting in the way with your drone.

Fly at speeds under 100 mph

Commercial and recreational pilots should fly no faster than 100 miles per hour throughout San Juan and greater Puerto Rico.

Don’t add payload over 55 pounds

Before your drone takes to the skies, know how much it weights.

If the drone surpasses 55 pounds, either through payload additions or its base weight out of the box, then it’s illegal to fly it.

You can only use your drone until civil twilight

Civil twilight begins when the sun rises and lasts until it sets six degrees beneath the horizon. You should not be out after dark still flying your drone.

Your drone must stay within your line of sight

Finally, as a responsible drone pilot, you must keep eyes on your drone the entire time it’s in the sky.

You can have an observer with you to do the same if it’s not possible for you to watch your drone on your own.

The 5 best spots in San Juan to use your drone

Although getting airspace authorization does add a complication to your drone flight plans, once you have that permission, there’s so much beauty around San Juan for you to enjoy with your drone.

Try visiting any of these five exceptional places, or maybe see them all!

1. Mar Chiquita Beach

The round cove that is Mar Chiquita Beach stands out when taking aerial footage since it’s almost entirely enclosed.

Within this cove is a series of rocks and an oceanic pool where you’ll often find snorkelers and swimmers. 

The rather hidden location of the beach reduces the number of people who show up here, and with free parking, you can’t go wrong.

2. Balneario Punta Salinas

On the west side of San Juan is Balneario Punta Salinas, a cove-like beach that’s about 30 minutes away from the mainland. Surfers gather here to take advantage of the sizable waves.

You will need LAANC authorization to fly over Balneario Punta Salinas, but the incredible sights make that extra step worth it!

3. Mirador Gavillan

Capture some footage of metropolitan San Juan at Mirador Gavillan, a green space overlooking views of the entire city.

 Although hurricane damage has eroded its condition, natural beauty still shines through, especially if you’re willing to look for it.

4. Ria Bayamon Lineal Park

You should also plan to spend an afternoon at the Ria Bayamon Lineal Park, which features dual tracks with linear walkways that divide bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

The two-mile park attracts bikers and runners.

Since it’s not a large park, it can get crowded quickly, so get there early. As an additional treat, you can also take some shots of the nearby Rio Hondo River. 

5. Playa Parchola

The stunning Playa Parchola is a beach on the western side of San Juan. It’s quite sizable so you can navigate away from the crowds and still use your drone to capture the clear waters and white sands.

Conclusion

San Juan in Puerto Rico is like paradise for drone pilots and vacationers alike. This tropical part of the US allows pilots to operate drones with LAANC permission given the city’s proximity to an airport.

You also have to follow FAA rules when flying across its beaches, parks, and vistas!


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Can You Fly a Drone in Edinburgh?

As Scotland’s capital, that’s reason enough to visit Edinburgh. The hilly region, which is split between Old Town with its medieval architecture and New Town with its Georgina influences, is where you’ve always dreamed of flying your drone.

Can you fly a drone in Edinburgh?

You can fly a drone in Edinburgh, but you must have permission from the council before taking off or landing. Requesting permission requires you to include information like your full name, drone model, and flight plan.

This full guide to flying a drone in Edinburgh will fill you in on everything you need to know, including how to obtain permission to fly and the drone rules in this country.

Let’s get going!

Can you fly a drone in Edinburgh?

Scotland, located in the United Kingdom, follows the drone rules and policies enacted by the Civil Aviation Authority or CAA. The CAA permits drone flights, but with key caveats in some instances.

For example, in Edinburgh, you first have to contact their council if you’ll launch or land your drone on any land owned by the council.

The council has several divisions, and depending on where you plan to fly, you’d need to contact either their public safety, parks, or roads divisions.  

Should the appropriate council grant you the permission you seek to use your drone in Edinburgh, you’re always expected to follow Scotland’s drone laws and the broader guidelines instituted by the CAA.

How to get permission to fly a drone in Edinburgh

If we break it down simply, obtaining permission to use a drone in Edinburgh is a three-step process. Of course, it’s more nuanced than it appears on the surface, so let’s take a deeper dive into the process now.

Contact the right party

As mentioned, the Edinburgh council has separate divisions or agencies, with each agency managing a different area. Additionally, some agencies require you to apply for a permit.

Let’s break down this information further.

  • If you want to fly on council-owned land: You don’t need a permit, but you will need to email publicsafety@edinburgh.gov.uk for official flight permission.
  • If you want to fly in a green space or park: You will need a Parks and Green Spaces Permit from the City of Edinburgh Council that manages the parks. You can contact parks@edinburgh.gov.uk to get the process underway.
  • If you want to fly over railways and trams: You will need a Trams and Railway Permit. You can also email parks@edinburgh.gov.uk.
  • If you want to fly over roads: You will need a Road Occupation Permit Application. You can contact roads@edinburgh.gov.uk.

Compile the relevant information and apply for a permit

While the only Edinburgh permit information we could find applied to the Parks and Green Spaces Permit[1], generally, any of the application forms will ask you to provide relevant information that the Edinburgh Council needs to make its decision.

Here’s the list of documentation you must prepare:

  • Your full name
  • The make and model of your drone
  • A Risk Assessment and Method Statement, which includes which risks you may face when using your drone and how you plan to prevent or mitigate them
  • Official CAA permission (may not always be required)
  • A copy of your Public Liability Insurance
  • A copy of your CAA drone license
  • A flight plan that includes the exact dates and times you plan to use your drone as well as where (include a contingency flight area for abandoning the flight if need be)

Even with that watertight documentation, the council may request further information from you before making their decision.

One document they may ask for is the Stewarding Plan, which includes more maps and a detailed flight description.

In the Stewarding Plan, you should also add the locations of stewards across the area and which control measures you’ll utilize.

You could also need a Traffic Management Plan if you use your drone near a highway.

You might have to accompany this plan with a Traffic Notice or Traffic Order, and you might also have to pay a fee for operating close to the roads. 

Wait for approval

Here’s the worst part, hoping and praying the council accepts your request and grants you a permit.

As the paragraphs above should prove, obtaining approval is not an overnight process. You might need to have some back and forth with the council before you’re approved.

The link above that includes the Parks and Green Spaces Permit form says this about the approval process:

“It is worth bearing in mind that the permission process involves consultation with the local Councillors and community groups and takes approximately six weeks to complete (it can take longer for large events) so we advise that applications are submitted as early as possible.”

What if you fly in Edinburgh without permission?

You hadn’t realized that receiving approval from the Edinburgh Council would take so long. You already bought your flight tickets, confirmed your hotel, and essentially booked your trip, and you really had your heart set on bringing your drone.

What if you used your drone under the radar while waiting for your flight permission? What would happen?

An authority figure will tell you to cease flying your drone. We’d advise you to listen to this stern warning to avoid further consequences.

Continuing to use your drone despite the warning will require the Police Scotland to get involved. The police will either warn you again or punish you by forcing you to leave the land governed by the council.

Your vacation would be over in a hurry, and you might not be allowed back for future visits!  

Scotland drone rules to follow

Edinburgh enforces Scotland’s drone laws, so let’s take the rest of this article to fill you in on what those laws are.

You must have valid IDs

The UK requires you to pass an online theory test to obtain your Flyer ID, which is sort of like the FAA’s Part 107 exam for commercial pilots or TRUST exam for recreational pilots.

In some instances, you might also need an Operator ID, which proves you’ve registered your drone. You’ll receive an Operator ID label that you must adhere to your UAV before flying it.

Further, the city of Edinburgh notes that even with those IDs in tow, you could have to pass an online drone safety exam before you can take to the skies.

Limit your flight distance in open areas with large crowds

If a crowd of more than 1,000 people congregates in Edinburgh, you cannot fly any closer than 150 feet within that area, even if it’s an open area.

Since counting 1,000 people in a crowd can be difficult, you’re better off not getting too close to crowds at all.

If your drone has a camera, still maintain your distance from crowds

The rules in Scotland do differ if your drone comes equipped with a camera. Then you can’t fly within 500 feet of a crowd in a built-up area.

Keep your drone within your line of sight

In the UK, drone pilots must always keep a carefully trained eye on their drones, never allowing them to venture outside their line of sight.

Your line of sight includes how far you can see with glasses or contacts but prohibits visual aids like binoculars.

You must always have your registration documents handy

Police Edinburgh or other official agencies may request to see your drone registration at any time you’re flying, even if you’re doing so legally and have official permissions.

Don’t leave your registration in a lockbox at your hotel. Bring it with you when you fly every time!

Don’t fly closer than 5 kilometers to an airport

Throughout Scotland, drone pilots must keep good boundaries from all airports, not flying within a radius any closer than 5 kilometers or 3.11 miles.

This should limit interactions with manned aircraft.

Stay within an altitude of 400 feet

Scotland requires drone pilots to fly no higher than 400 feet in altitude.

Edinburgh, Scotland is a quaint, beautiful place to fly a drone. You can’t just pack up, go, and launch your drone all at once, though.

You must request a permit (or flight permission) through the council well in advance.

Flying without a permit (if you need one, that is) could get you a stern warning or even ejection from the city by police, so always go through the proper channels.

Reference:
1. Culture Edinburgh (link)

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