If I get a drone can I fly it?
In late 2014 I started thinking about drones. By “think” I mean it began to nibble on me the way things nibble when something is about to happen. I also figured new rules that came along might not apply to people who had a drone before ordinances and rules came into play. (wishful thinking…but I was hopeful!)
In January 2015 my Inspire 1 arrived. It was simply amazing. It was very responsive and gave me a view on the world (and my neighborhood) that I had not seen before.
Drones are funny things. They evoke a wide range of emotions. These come up rapidly. Often anger is part of the discussion.
The other side of this equation is that every time I have flown and people have been around the people have been curious, not hateful. They have been interested and not angry. Only one person got a little feisty when I was flying in public space, away from people. They declared certain things that I supposedly could not do, but it seemed that I knew a lot more about the ordinances and things than they did. That was only once.
Anyway, I do want to fly safe and I do want to fly legal. Since I live in Richmond County, Georgia I come under their ordinances. In Richmond County there is this golf course that draws a lot of attention: The Augusta National. There is this tournament here: The Masters. Well, it is a big deal and there are two issues that come up here. One is privacy and the other is safety. In the spring of 2015 and 2016 (just before the this tournament) the Augusta Commission has passed rulings on the drone use in our county.
As things turned out there was no grandfathering of us who owned these drones. I came up under them like any other.
The ordinances:
Unsigned 2015 Augusta Commission Drone Ordinance
2016 Richmond County Commission Drone regulation (This one is in effect)
Phil Jones says
I just aquired a Phantom 3 and would love any suggestions on area’s around Augusta where I could pratice using the camera?
lulrich says
That large field across from Evans Dermatology and where Marshal Pines Retirement home used to be is a great place for getting used to the flying platform. If you are thinking about great pics the area around the canal is good, like the Confederate Powderworks. The downtown area has great buildings but there are FAA issues lower than about 12th street. I have begun taking pictures of old (and new) churches since they are not represented a lot and can have some great architecture. I have around 515 photos posted on Google Maps and that has been a great outlet. If you want to see that group of places for ideas click here: https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114310857182799627075/place/ChIJ6dn4HYa7rIkRftjR9iF7-E0/@34.5671394,-81.2600827,8z/data=!4m6!1m5!8m4!1e2!2s114310857182799627075!3m1!1e1. That is one of the churches up near Cary, NC I shot over Thanksgiving. You should see my name on the pictures and if you click on me you will be linked to my other images. Sunday afternoons are good because many of the places are closed. Don’t fiddle with the Masters. I think Richmond county mainly has an ordinance because of them. Hope that helps!
Scott says
Do you know if Columbia County has a similar ordinance? I am unable to look at the moment so I’m being lazy.
Lane Ulrich says
Not to my knowledge. I think the only reason Richmond County does is the Masters Tournament. Down beyond 12th street in Augusta you enter the Class D airspace of Bush Field too so you have the double issue of Richmond County + FAA. If you fly DJI they often tell me I am in Class D airspace when looking at aerial charts I am in class G which is legit for Drones below 400 feet, etc. etc. Hope that helps.
George says
Could I fly my drone by Julian Smith Casino?
Lane Ulrich says
In short, the answer is yes. First, Julian Smith Casino is greater than five miles from Augusta Regional Airport. (Here is a really great link for the 5-mile thing: https://www.nanchatte.com/map/circleService-e.html). The other issue relates to the “highly populated” designation which in the context of this venue means when 100 or more people are gathered there. Those are the guidelines I use when flying there (I had my Mavic 2 Pro over it yesterday with a friend wearing the DJI RE Goggles! Really sweet). If you have your 107 license and proper waivers you can fly near Augusta Regional Airport (though you have to notify them so they can check the waiver). Anything south of about 12th or 13th street flirts with the 5-mile radius.
On another note, the DJI Go 4 app seems to label all kinds of things “Class-D” airspace. I have my F107 license and can read the aeronautical charts. Often, the app is incorrect. Odd.
Hope that helps and happy flying!
WeezeeJoe says
I am heading to Augusta for the weekend. Any issues with flying in and around the Aqueduct Park area? I have my 107, but this would be for non commercial use really.
Lane Ulrich says
Hey, thanks for the comment. I fear I don’t have a mental picture of the aqueduct park area. The main thing to avoid is the Class D airspace of Bush field and the Augusta National.
David says
Is Eisenhower Park a decent place to fly around? I’m new to this and am looking around for as much space as possible without very many trees.
What about large parking lots at night? I’m thinking of the former shopping center at the corner of Washington Rd. and Eisenhower where the IHOP used to be.
Thanks
Lane Ulrich says
Eisenhower park is a great place. It is wide open and has interesting structures. You can see the UAS (as we are always supposed too…) for long distances. Night flights heretofore are off-limits without waivers. I think the FAA may reconsider this, but I don’t think it is live yet. As far as where the old IHOP was you must be careful as this is property of the Augusta National and they are very, very disinterested in drones on their property (most especially the golf course). In reality they probably cannot restrict overflights in that parking lot, but they may still chafe at it. I generally avoid the areas that about the National though I have had the inkling to do some imagery of St. Marks church and other places there for my Google Local Guide work. Hope that helps. Happy flying.
David says
Appreciate it!
CHOPPERGIRL says
I’m thinking of hosting a (1st annual?) quadcopter event called “Running of the Wild Stallions” in a five acre race track through a 5acre pecan orchard (I’ll try and model the racetrack in “The Green” in Liftoff) and we have three power towers on the other side of the street to dive and freestyle around.
If anyone is interested in coming, or helping me build and setup race gates and prepare… or coming… or just giving me a shout out as pilot or otherwise… hit me up with an email… choppergirl at air-war.org
Note the location is *not* in Richmond County and outside any city limits.
Lane Ulrich says
I missed this note for a while. I have not jumped into the race world yet. It seems exciting…hard to imagine in some ways. Hope your event is unfolding well. I hope the pecan trees are better at being spectators than knocking out the competitors! Go drones!
Jim Spangler says
All good information. I live in Evans and recently got a DJI Mini 2. Would appreciate any recommendations on spots to fly in the Evans or Augusta Areas.
Many Thanks
Lane Ulrich says
A really great app on your phone is B4UFly. You can quickly see where it is legit and not legit to fly. Parks like Eisenhower Park off Washington Road in Augusta has been good for me. The area near Ronald Reagan Drive and North Belair has been suitable in the past. Don’t fiddle around near the Masters. They have deep pockets are decidedly anti-drone. You can fly near there so that you can see in but don’t try flying over it. You can go to the Lake Thurmond Visitors Center on the South Carolina side of the dam and launch and fly there. I hope you enjoy your mini. It is fun stuff to fly.
Lucien says
Do I need the 107 license to fly any drone? Where do I apply for it? Looking to get into flying drones.
Lane Ulrich says
The 107 is generally for those who want to fly for any commercial purpose. There is a lot of information on this on the internet to help you get into flying drones! The FAA is where you can find out how to get the 107.
Dale Reeves says
I see the signed ordinance page. This is before FAA regulation in 2015 and they talk about restrictions of flying in general airspace, which is not true, only in class B,C,D, and E. However, that is from 2016 and that ordinance states it will amend section 1-3-44, which does not exist in the current regulations on the City of Augusta’s website.
Website: https://www.augustaga.gov/806/Code-and-Statutes
I’m guessing there is no Richmond County ordinance, just follow the FAA guidelines?
Lane Ulrich says
I followed this situation quite closely back in that earlier era but have focused less on it recently. I cannot give official advice but personally doubt that a statement of intent to ammend invalidates signed and in effect code. My approach would generally be to follow the FAA guidelines and never overfly the Augusta National as it is my sense that the Augusta National’s wishes were behind the Richmond County ordinance in the first place. It is also my expectation that they will be quite active to the extent that they can should “their” airspace be impinged upon. What legal precedence there is for FAA versus local ordinances I am not sure. Most could not afford to get in a legal tangle with the Augusta National over FAA regulations.