Here it is, the Grand Canyon. This one shows one of the worst encounters with officials regarding our UAV projects to date. Nevertheless, it's one of the most beautiful places to fly at. To stay out of trouble, fly into the Grand Canyon from outside the National Park fences.
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Ed Kirk, North Rim is closed in Winter :(
Well, all I can say is I've been hard at work for TBS since 2 years and I wanted to get some time off and fly with a few buddies in a place far away from home and work. It was as recreational as it gets. We put logos in our videos so people stop asking us what kind of gear we use. we don't advertise our site in our videos (or any other website). the fact that we sell what we fly with doesn't make the flight commercial.
the rules for commercial operations are relaxing, though, so that's good. I hope the non-commercial stuff stays the same. it's the most awesome hobby in the world :)
Matthew Schroyer, how do you figure that the flight was done commercially? In that case we'd have needed a permit from the GC NPS for commercial filming. However, this is simply not the case. We do not receive cash or any other form of payment for these flights.
Richard, we have quite a few interview requests from media about the issue. I am awaiting one last mail from the Chief Ranger at the GC NPS before I go ahead and pretty much do what you suggested to do :)
Just sounds like a bunch of glorified gardeners power tripping.
Were you trying to nab some pic-a-nic baskets?
They must have seen this training video for Park Rangers, about the Pic-A-Nic Basket Nabber 2000:
Paul Marsh, missed the first paragraph there. The rangers admitted that we didn't break any rules. and that the citation they gave us did not apply. They said, however, that if we were to contest that we'd need to get back to Arizona, get a lawyer and get a court date. They also said they'd make sure they'd throw us in jail for a series of other violations if we were to contest the ticket. I'm not really sure as to why they would do that, but my assumption is to avoid any kind of legal ramicifactions as well as bad publicity for them breaking the law (illegal search & seizure). I don't really think that law enforcement follow laws in the USA. I mean, theoretically they're supposed to ... sure. but practically ... well, they just do as they please.
Paul Marsh, and your reasononing for that is what exactly? if model airplanes fly below the rim of the canyon there will be fatalities? :)
Ellison Chan, they just don't like stuff in the air there. that's pretty much all
Andreas Antonopoulos, haha agreed. Watching big brother sure is fun :)
I wonder what they're trying to cover up in the Grand Canyon. I thought we lived in a democracy and not a police state.
If the rangers said you didn't break any rules, than I don't understand the problem. However, given that there is an apparent problem, I can understand why they would be particularly sensitive at the Grand Canyon.
Whether or not this would apply to the specific area where you were flying I can't say, but I can see how it could be an issue. In the past, private aircraft could fly at least somewhat unresticted in the canyon (actually, I just saw it referred to as "an airborne free-for-all"). So, you had private planes, helicopters and commercial sight-seeing tours flying around, often with aircraft below the rim of the canyon. There were fatal accidents. As a result, there is now a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) in effect around the Grand Canyon. If model aircraft are not specifically mentioned, it can only be an oversight. They'll most likely be mentioned now.
I stumbled onto diy drones about a week ago and am new to UAV From the quality of the video and the skill of the operator the venue you are flying from and the landing I can tell this is not your first day"Very well Done" Who can truly get away with any thing now a days? Little kids and old people ! It is better to ask forgiveness than ask permission . You got a ticket . I think the officer might have been standing there a little bit envious if not totally jealous! Some times you have to break the law ! once again "Well Done!"
you got a permit? lol ...
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