Wow!! Good to know and at the moment, VT doesn't appear to be going this route. We have a bill about private property in the house now though. Thanks for the info and I just subscribed! 🙂✌
Me is very confused...maybe that is the point! lol Many are having quite a time here in Nova Scotia to know where it is allowed also. The map is probably the most helpful. But I have been in an area where there were several people flying drones...didn't realize just how much buzzing comes from one. Take care...Bruce and Otis
It can be very confusing Bruce. The FAA ultimately controls the air space and provides lots of rules need to follow when flying your drone. And then towns, states and other govt agencies make their own rules. Tough to navigate. To say nothing of the fact that you want to avoid being seen as a nuisance So I’m generally looking for quiet spots away from others.
Some of the prohibited places seem particularly draconian and I wonder how much actual enforcement they do beyond catching someone in the act. Maybe if they post some particularly egregious in the alpine zone they could get in trouble. Nevertheless rules are rules and the dude abides.
Yeah definitely a give and take. I avoid flying when there are other people around. One of the reasons I got the DJI Mini 2 is that it is small and quiet. Once it moves off you can barely hear it.
I remember looking these up when I went last fall. Tricky set of rules compared to other places - the quarter mile away from the road was an interesting one. Nice breakdown!
The quarter mile rule is interesting and I wonder if it bumps up against private property issues. If my property abuts one of the prohibited roads, are you still prohibited from launching on private land if less than a 1/4 away from the road? Questions and mysteries abound and I suspect much of this isn't enforceable in any kind of meaningful way.
Excellent video, Seth. I have to say, having a drone fly over you on the trails is worse (to me) than having someone walk by you with a bluetooth speaker. I remember standing on Zeacliff and a dude was landing his drone such that it was hovering no more than 20 feet over me. I had to resist throwing a stick at it, lol. I wanted to be in the wilderness and being buzzed by this cat's drone was a bummer, though it only lasted less than a minute. That being said, I see how content creators and just regular people might enjoy capturing these views; they do add to the production quality of videos. The very fact that you've looked into the rules, got your 107 license, and are making informative videos about it for others (combined with your general demeanor) let's me know you're not one of the drone abusers, and I applaud you for it. 👏
It's a fine line for sure. The footage can really add a lot to videos but I definitely don't want to be "that drone guy" who is flying around other people. And I'm always paranoid about getting in trouble with questionable footage which is sort of hilarious since we're talking about videos with a couple hundred views. Still, I'd rather do things by the book because drone regulations are only going to get stricter!
Yes, I agree. While trailheads and points of interest are off-limits, much of the trail network of the Whites is perfectly legal for drones. Of course it's also mostly thick woods which makes flying a drone difficult. That's where these new selfie camera drones like the HoverAir X1 can shine.
I've heard that there's also a different set of FAA rules for commercial usage. Done would argue RUclips is a business and contains commercial footage, and you therefore need a permit. A lot of it seems unclear and contradictory. IMHO, don't fly where you can't recover and don't annoy people enjoying nature are two sensible rules.
There is. If you are flying for anything other than recreation then you must have a 107 remote pilots license. That includes monetized RUclips channels. Having your 107 allows a few benefits such as requesting airspace clearance and being able to fly over people if certain requirements are met. I actually just got my 107 this week - not that I'm close to monetizing but I've been asked to do a odd jobs with my drone. The document does mention that commercial use requires a permit but it doesn't elaborate on what exactly constitutes "commercial use." Would that include monetized channels? Unsure but that would suck if true.
Very good and interesting video 👍. Good for you to looking into it. I love to see your drone footage but also good to be aware of what is allowed. That’s a pretty detailed map they publish…good info. I noticed Desolation Trail is allowed 🤣
Well the WMNF doesn't say anything about the Desolation trail but it's in the Pemi Wilderness so it's off limits. I think it's just tough to fly in New England because it's so densely population and wooded. Everyone is forced on the same trails and what exposed terrain there is gets so much use that it's problematic to use drones. Place like like Scotland or out west here in the states are much more suitable for drones because it's so wide open with plenty of solitude and line-of-sight for flying.
No, there isn't any distinction for drones under 250 grams in the U.S. Here the benefit of drones under 250 grams is that you don't need to register them with the FAA. But otherwise they are required to abide by same rules as other drones. I think in other countries having the low weight allows you to fly with a few less restrictions but not so much the case here in the States.
Interesting video Set, I have considered a drone, but the cost if I crash it has been a concern for me. Furthermore, as you so eloquently pointed out in this video , there are many complicated restrictions about where you can fly them.
Yeah they certainly get pricey in a hurry depending on which ones you look at. I have the DJI Mini 2 which runs about $450. It is about as cheap as you can get for a "starter" drone. The drawback is that it doesn't have the collision sensors that more expensive drones have so there's great risk if you fly near something.
Nice video Seth! We were also quite surprised when we started digging into the drone regulations after we bought one. I’m not sure how recent they are but when we went to the Kanc this fall many of the overlooks and pull offs have signs now that say no drones…but people will be people. We’ve been curious to know whether or not the Forest Service or another entity would go after somebody if footage looks questionable after it has been posted online. But with the 1/4 mile launching and landing rule and the ability to fly over certain areas not sure how they would regulate it to know for certain you didn’t comply 😅
That's good to hear about the Kang outlooks - I haven't ventured over to them in some time. I would guess enforcement primarily happens if they catch you in the act. As you suggest, it would be hard from most videos to definitively confirm where the drone took off from.
Interesting video even though I don't fly a drone. I thought the DJI software was supposed to prevent launching a drone in areas where you cannot fly them?
If you are too close to an airport or in certain airspaces it's true, the software won't even let you take off unless you are able to secure the proper clearance. But that's strictly from an FAA/airspace perspective. When it comes to rules regarding where you can launch/land, the software has no idea.
Less strict up there? Haven't looked at their rules but I can see that. They also have a lot more empty space and a fraction of the population we have so probably a lot less people doing dumb things with drones.
@@RhodySeth Some of the guys I watch up there are flying drones through Provincial Parks, on Crownland, through their living rooms, dining room’s… Seems nothing is off limits, and you maybe onto something. Lots of land and less people to be swarmed by drones..
@@laffitteoutdoors fun fact: here in the states if you fly inside a building, you don’t have to follow FAA regulations. Interiors are not considered airspace.
Yeah a lot of rules and restrictions. Partly due to irresponsible people but also I think the nature of New England being such a densely populated area. There's a lot more open area to fly in out west but we aren't so lucky here.
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Hiker and new drone pilot here. Thanks for the insight to the states policy. I love the Whites and want to respect them.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow!! Good to know and at the moment, VT doesn't appear to be going this route. We have a bill about private property in the house now though. Thanks for the info and I just subscribed! 🙂✌
Thanks much, glad it was helpful!
Me is very confused...maybe that is the point! lol Many are having quite a time here in Nova Scotia to know where it is allowed also. The map is probably the most helpful. But I have been in an area where there were several people flying drones...didn't realize just how much buzzing comes from one. Take care...Bruce and Otis
It can be very confusing Bruce. The FAA ultimately controls the air space and provides lots of rules need to follow when flying your drone. And then towns, states and other govt agencies make their own rules. Tough to navigate. To say nothing of the fact that you want to avoid being seen as a nuisance So I’m generally looking for quiet spots away from others.
Nice Seth. Good information 👍
Thanks!
Good to know! Especially the possible loopholes. 😀
Some of the prohibited places seem particularly draconian and I wonder how much actual enforcement they do beyond catching someone in the act. Maybe if they post some particularly egregious in the alpine zone they could get in trouble. Nevertheless rules are rules and the dude abides.
I love drone shots but honestly when you are up in the mountains and you hear that buzz from the drone it's kinda annoying
Yeah definitely a give and take. I avoid flying when there are other people around. One of the reasons I got the DJI Mini 2 is that it is small and quiet. Once it moves off you can barely hear it.
I remember looking these up when I went last fall. Tricky set of rules compared to other places - the quarter mile away from the road was an interesting one. Nice breakdown!
The quarter mile rule is interesting and I wonder if it bumps up against private property issues. If my property abuts one of the prohibited roads, are you still prohibited from launching on private land if less than a 1/4 away from the road? Questions and mysteries abound and I suspect much of this isn't enforceable in any kind of meaningful way.
Hi Seth so interesting to see the approach taken in New England
Best wishes Simon
Thanks 🙏🏼
Indeed. I was spoiled from my time in Scotland.
Excellent video, Seth. I have to say, having a drone fly over you on the trails is worse (to me) than having someone walk by you with a bluetooth speaker. I remember standing on Zeacliff and a dude was landing his drone such that it was hovering no more than 20 feet over me. I had to resist throwing a stick at it, lol. I wanted to be in the wilderness and being buzzed by this cat's drone was a bummer, though it only lasted less than a minute.
That being said, I see how content creators and just regular people might enjoy capturing these views; they do add to the production quality of videos. The very fact that you've looked into the rules, got your 107 license, and are making informative videos about it for others (combined with your general demeanor) let's me know you're not one of the drone abusers, and I applaud you for it. 👏
It's a fine line for sure. The footage can really add a lot to videos but I definitely don't want to be "that drone guy" who is flying around other people. And I'm always paranoid about getting in trouble with questionable footage which is sort of hilarious since we're talking about videos with a couple hundred views. Still, I'd rather do things by the book because drone regulations are only going to get stricter!
So it says no trailheads but it looks like a lot of the trails themselves are fine according to the map. Would you say this is corrrect?
Yes, I agree. While trailheads and points of interest are off-limits, much of the trail network of the Whites is perfectly legal for drones. Of course it's also mostly thick woods which makes flying a drone difficult. That's where these new selfie camera drones like the HoverAir X1 can shine.
I've heard that there's also a different set of FAA rules for commercial usage. Done would argue RUclips is a business and contains commercial footage, and you therefore need a permit. A lot of it seems unclear and contradictory. IMHO, don't fly where you can't recover and don't annoy people enjoying nature are two sensible rules.
There is. If you are flying for anything other than recreation then you must have a 107 remote pilots license. That includes monetized RUclips channels. Having your 107 allows a few benefits such as requesting airspace clearance and being able to fly over people if certain requirements are met. I actually just got my 107 this week - not that I'm close to monetizing but I've been asked to do a odd jobs with my drone.
The document does mention that commercial use requires a permit but it doesn't elaborate on what exactly constitutes "commercial use." Would that include monetized channels? Unsure but that would suck if true.
@@RhodySeth I would hazard to guess that it's unclear enough that you could be charged and need to hire a lawyer to argue about it
@@BobCorsaro it's interesting for sure. Maybe I'll reach out to WMNF to bet an official answer.
good info Seth- Ive always wanted to get one. I'll look for buncha ponds launch area :)
Haha, Buncha Ponds is one of the best places around.
A lot to think of before you fly.
Indeed, definitely a lot more to consider than one might suspect when they start flying.
Very good and interesting video 👍. Good for you to looking into it. I love to see your drone footage but also good to be aware of what is allowed. That’s a pretty detailed map they publish…good info. I noticed Desolation Trail is allowed 🤣
Well the WMNF doesn't say anything about the Desolation trail but it's in the Pemi Wilderness so it's off limits. I think it's just tough to fly in New England because it's so densely population and wooded. Everyone is forced on the same trails and what exposed terrain there is gets so much use that it's problematic to use drones. Place like like Scotland or out west here in the states are much more suitable for drones because it's so wide open with plenty of solitude and line-of-sight for flying.
Good stuff to know.
The more you know... [insert rainbow]
Very informative video Seth’s, did the document talked about the smaller drone under 250grams? I know they have a little less restriction
No, there isn't any distinction for drones under 250 grams in the U.S. Here the benefit of drones under 250 grams is that you don't need to register them with the FAA. But otherwise they are required to abide by same rules as other drones. I think in other countries having the low weight allows you to fly with a few less restrictions but not so much the case here in the States.
Interesting video Set, I have considered a drone, but the cost if I crash it has been a concern for me. Furthermore, as you so eloquently pointed out in this video , there are many complicated restrictions about where you can fly them.
Yeah they certainly get pricey in a hurry depending on which ones you look at. I have the DJI Mini 2 which runs about $450. It is about as cheap as you can get for a "starter" drone. The drawback is that it doesn't have the collision sensors that more expensive drones have so there's great risk if you fly near something.
Nice video Seth! We were also quite surprised when we started digging into the drone regulations after we bought one. I’m not sure how recent they are but when we went to the Kanc this fall many of the overlooks and pull offs have signs now that say no drones…but people will be people. We’ve been curious to know whether or not the Forest Service or another entity would go after somebody if footage looks questionable after it has been posted online. But with the 1/4 mile launching and landing rule and the ability to fly over certain areas not sure how they would regulate it to know for certain you didn’t comply 😅
That's good to hear about the Kang outlooks - I haven't ventured over to them in some time. I would guess enforcement primarily happens if they catch you in the act. As you suggest, it would be hard from most videos to definitively confirm where the drone took off from.
Interesting video even though I don't fly a drone. I thought the DJI software was supposed to prevent launching a drone in areas where you cannot fly them?
If you are too close to an airport or in certain airspaces it's true, the software won't even let you take off unless you are able to secure the proper clearance. But that's strictly from an FAA/airspace perspective. When it comes to rules regarding where you can launch/land, the software has no idea.
Seems we move to Canada and we can fly anywhere lol.
Less strict up there? Haven't looked at their rules but I can see that. They also have a lot more empty space and a fraction of the population we have so probably a lot less people doing dumb things with drones.
@@RhodySeth Some of the guys I watch up there are flying drones through Provincial Parks, on Crownland, through their living rooms, dining room’s… Seems nothing is off limits, and you maybe onto something. Lots of land and less people to be swarmed by drones..
@@laffitteoutdoors fun fact: here in the states if you fly inside a building, you don’t have to follow FAA regulations. Interiors are not considered airspace.
I am starting to wonder if you can fly a drone in the state of NH lmao 👋
Yeah a lot of rules and restrictions. Partly due to irresponsible people but also I think the nature of New England being such a densely populated area. There's a lot more open area to fly in out west but we aren't so lucky here.
ive dreamt of flying in with a long range rc glider.....
If only...
Thanks, Seth. Good stuff. I use that map whenever I want to fly in the Whites.
Good to hear!