As I read the new Texas UAV law , I have come to the conclusion that I am rather limited in what I can do . I can fly on my land , public land , or private land with owners permission .. I can not capture an image of any property or person without their permission .. So if I take a photo with my DJI drone and it captures a car going by , I technically need that persons permission ... If I don't it is a $5000 fine , $10,000 if put on internet ... How is this any different than me going out front and taking a picture with a hand held camera on my property or anywhere actually ... The State of Texas should be sued by someone for this absurd law.
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Florida has the same but I then the prosecution has to show you had intent to use the image or video for commercial or malicious purposes....which I find hard to prove and in large i dont think anyone will bother with it.
Let the FAA know as well. Tell them that as a fully qualified, genuine FAA registered, tax paying US Drone Pilot and Owner citizen that you have great respect for the FAA's dominion. You support and are in full compliance with FAA regulations. You expect them to stand up for both you and themselves. Furthermore you would like them to acknowledge your letter in writing so you can show it to anyone hassling you about local regulations that usurp FAA's powers in the 'Great State of Texas' or any other place for that matter.
Regards,
Joseph W. Homer
(401) 965 5255
coastwise@gmail.com
thank you for this reply, that is a very good point
@Coastwise,
I believe that the Texas law is based on privacy rights which is going to be hard to beat in a court of law especially in Texas.
Regards,
TCIII AVD
I'm sure you are correct that would be one of the arguments put forward but nonetheless that is a separate issue. You and I both know that we could fly over someone else's property in another type of aircraft with impunity. FAA has no place getting into 'privacy' business or issues.
Joe Homer
As a former Airline and Air Force Pilot that has flown planes from a Cessna to a B-747-400 for 40 years and taken photos from everyone of them , I don't get it.
Look at that the river of blood was four years ago!
http://www.suasnews.com/2012/01/11389/dallas-meat-packing-plant-inv...
Biggest story we ever broke at sUAS News by far. I was appalled when the laws in Texas were quickly changed to favor polluters.
As 'Pogo' used to say let your 'congersman' know!
Joe Homer
@Joseph,
Having once lived in Texas and experienced the blood in the Trinity River model plane flyover fiasco, this is to protect businesses in Texas that knowingly pollute any river or stream in Texas so they cannot get caught by environmentalists who photograph the rivers or streams from the air.
Good luck getting it challenged in any court in Texas! LOL!
Regards,
TCIII AVD