Utah National Parks are Charging drone Pilots and Requiring Permits at Outrageous Rates
The National Park Service (NPS) in Utah now requires drone pilots to pay for daily permits in order to fly on park property. According to the
official policy memorandum Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of [insert name of park] is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
According to the NPS, the drones are bothering tourists, who worry they're being spied on. The NPS also claims that drones create visual and noise disturbances for wildlife, and that they're a threat to both public and wildlife safety. While even the best pilots can have their drones go rogue and stop responding to user input, drones are generally considered quite safe. It's already illegal to fly a drone over people, and the park has a no-drone zone in place to help keep drones away from tourists and staff. There have been very few instances of injury especially relative to the number of hiking accidents that occur in natural parks.
Many recreational drone pilots are skeptical of the NPS's rationale for requiring permits. With the cost of a permit at $10 per day, it's a setback for many photographers and videographers looking to get some great footage. Drone pilots in Utah are already required to register their drone with the FAA, so the need for a permit on national park grounds seems like taking it too far. The consequences for flying a drone without a permit are outrageous, including exorbitant fees and potential jail time. While big-league companies like National Geographic and BBC can easily afford a commercial permit for drone use, hobbyists and freelance photographers and videographers are now taking pause. Some drone pilots who feel the regulations are unjustified have been continuing to fly drones without permits at their own risk. Other drone pilots still don't know about the new laws, some of whom are
finding out the hard way. Park staff are required to check drone pilots for their permits, which must be on hand when the drone is in flight.
The
NPS claims there's been a rapid increase in drone use within their parks. Perhaps the $10 per day permit requirement serves as a barrier to help reduce the numbers of drones and prevent overcrowding. At the end of the day, the NPS has a duty to preserve national treasures, and that includes impacts on natural landscapes, soundscapes and wildlife. Still, Utah remains a state with landscapes that appeal to drone pilots, who are present in high numbers. A state bill has even passed allowing drones to fly on sidewalks. The barrier-to-entry at national parks has many throwing their arms up and accusing the NPS of taking advantage.
Author Name:(Lindsay Haskell)