[Scan-DC] OC police commission on drone regs

[Alan Henney]

Should that be below or above 400 feet?


https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/MDOCEAN/2016/08/11/file_attachments/602045/2016-08-15%2BMayor%2Band%2BCity%2BCouncil%2B-%2BFull%2BAgenda-2250.pdf

5.
In a follow
-
up to the July 11, 2016 Police Commission meeting, Captain Colbert reviewed 
the new FAA regulations concerning Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (Drones).  Captain 
Colbert stated that the Direc
tor of the Ocean City Airport will be the expert on the FAA 
guidelines.  The new guidelines were created to clarify some issues and relax some issues, 
and clearly define what type of license is needed to fly a drone, among other things.  A UAS 
hobbyist or 
recreational drone needs permission to fly within 5 miles of an airport (in Ocean 
City 
–
which distance would be to 42
nd
-
43
rd
Street), a UAS commercial pilot needs 
permission to fly within 3 miles of an airport.  The FAA regulations require the following, 
but not limited to;

A drone may not fly below 400 feet 

The drone must be kept in
-
sight by the pilot/operator at all times 

The pilot/operator may not fly near planes or over other people (without their 
permission) 

The pilot/operator may not fly near or over emergency responders 

The pilot/operator may not operate a drone under the influence 

The pilot/operator must be 13 years of age to apply for a license 

The pilot/operator must obtain a license which requires tak
ing a test, having a 
background check performed and attending a flight facility to ensure test results.  
3.A.a
Packet Pg. 4
Attachment: Police Commission  (1915 : Standing Committee Reports)
2
6.
If  law enforcement attempts to stop illegal drone activity, it is advised to interview the 
owner/operator of the UAS/Drone, and forward this informa
tion to the FAA for enforcement.  
The Town of Ocean City cannot relax the FAA rules as the Town has no authority to alter 
Federal regulations.  A business that would like to use a drone in their business dealings may 
hire a licensed drone pilot 
–
at this time there is apparently only one licensed commercial 
drone pilot in the area.  These new rules take effect August 31, 2016.