If a drone found its way under your Christmas tree this holiday season we just want to give you a heads up if you are already hatching flight plans for your next trip to one of our National Parks. Don’t do it. Unmanned aircraft are prohibited at all but a few of our 433 national park sites. The ban was put in place after their use resulted in noise and nuisance complaints from park visitors, visitor safety concerns and documented wildlife harassment.
“Small drones have crashed in geysers in Yellowstone National Park, attempted to land on the features of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, been lost over the edge of the Grand Canyon, and been stopped from flying in Prohibited Airspace over the Mall in Washington DC.” -National Park Service
Policy Memorandum 14-05 was introduced by the National Park Service director in June 2014 authorizing each National Park superintendent to use the authority under 36 CFR 1.5 to prohibit the launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft. This is still in force with a very few exceptions.
If you are new pilot we highly recommend brushing up on the rules of the skies from the Federal Aviation Association FAA and to leave your drone at home if you are planning to visit any National Parks.
Why did the NPS restrict unmanned aircraft?
The National Park Service embraces many activities in national parks because they enhance visitor experiences with the iconic natural, historic and cultural landscapes in our care. However, due to serious concerns about the negative impact that flying unmanned aircraft can have for safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife, they have been restricted in all but a few parks. If I am flying my unmanned aircraft in the national airspace and do not take off, land, or operate from NPS lands and waters, is there anything the park could do to stop me? Unless an unmanned aircraft pilot obtains special permission through the FAA, use of unmanned aircraft must remain line of sight. In addition, although they do not directly address unmanned aircraft, the following existing 36 CFR sections may apply under certain circumstances.
• If the unmanned aircraft pursuits or harasses wildlife or creates an intentional disturbance of wildlife nesting, breeding, or other activities, the user could be cited for a violation of 36 C.F.R. § 2.2.
• If the user of the unmanned aircraft knowingly or recklessly creates a risk of public alarm or nuisance by causing noise that was unreasonable under the circumstances or by creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition, the user could be cited for disorderly conduct under 36 C.F.R. § 2.34.
• 36 C.F.R. § 2.12(a)(3) prohibits, in non- developed areas, operating a device powered by a portable motor or engine, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
I would like to fly my small unmanned aircraft in a park for recreation. Are there any options available?
Check the park website to see if it is an allowed activity at the park. If not, check with the park superintendent to see if an area can be designated within the park, and/or a special use permit can be obtained.
How do you enforce the prohibition on unmanned aircraft?
Park rangers enforce the prohibition, they have discretion to look at potential violations on a case-by-case basis.
Is violation of the prohibition on unmanned aircraft a felony? Misdemeanor?
Violation of the ban is a misdemeanor with the maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Does the National Park Service use unmanned aircraft?
The National Park Service uses unmanned aircraft for administrative purposes when appropriate and approved by the director of the region in which the park is located. These purposes may include search and rescue operations, fire operations, scientific study, and aerial photography.
