You can’t simply shoot down drones from the sky.

Is there someone lurking suspiciously outside my home? While I firmly disapprove of reckless or illegal drone operations, we cannot resort to destroying the device. It’s unlawful.

Let us clarify the matters forthwith, free from ambiguity.

1. A drone is not necessarily a plane; rather, it is a remote-controlled aircraft or a pilotless aircraft controlled by a computer or GPS system. It is illegal to intentionally cause a plane to crash.
2. A drone operator is a qualified aviator. It is unlawful to harass or assault pilots in any manner that compromises the safety of their aircraft and puts the flight at risk of crashing. It’s not about firing laser pointers at them simply as a form of entertainment.
3. Can a drone unexpectedly fly over your private property? Currently, regulations permit drones to fly over residential areas, but they are prohibited from landing or accessing private property without explicit consent. 

Beyond what meets the eye, there lies a depth that’s waiting to be explored. We invite you to explore our comprehensive Drone legal guidelines clarification articles, where you’ll find detailed information about all the fine print. 

1. Since a drone’s digital camera is essentially equivalent to any other digital camera, all photographs and videos captured by it are subject to the same legal considerations. You’ll no longer be able to take covert photos of your neighbors by hiding in the bushes with a handheld camera, as these shots won’t be legally sanctioned just because your camera can capture aerial views?
2. While cameras prove highly effective in FPV flights, they do require the drone to remain within direct visual range of the pilot. i.e. It is generally considered unacceptable and potentially illegal to operate a drone in such a way that it invades your neighbor’s privacy by flying over their property without permission or legitimate reason.
3. Drones are prohibited from flying above individual crowds.

While drones have advanced significantly, there are still limitations to their capabilities. For the time being, I will simply point out that the data may suggest that a nuisance drone is already in violation of flight or airspace regulations. 

What can I do?

Under these legal guidelines alone, navigating what’s permitted and what’s prohibited when it comes to using a drone becomes extremely challenging. In fact, the lack of clear guidance makes it exceedingly challenging to determine how to protect yourself in the event of a wayward pilot’s unwanted attention.

The factor being right is that I’ve employed derivatives of that phrase more than once already in this piece: “More than harassment”.

There exist numerous established legal regulations designed to address concerns surrounding noise issues, harassment, abuse, trespassing, privacy breaches, and more. Regardless of the type of aerial activity or intended use, all applicable legal guidelines apply equally to each drone pilot.

When a neighbour breaches specific regulations, such as those governing noise levels, parking, or property maintenance, the best course of action is to address the issue in a calm and respectful manner. Firstly, attempt to gather all relevant facts about the incident, including dates, times, and any supporting evidence. Then, consider having an open conversation with your neighbour to explain how their actions have affected you. If this approach does not resolve the problem, it may be necessary to seek support from local authorities or a mediator. While a drone hovering above your residence may not directly threaten your life, it’s still important to consider the potential privacy and property concerns associated with such an invasion.

If you’re certain that a drone is violating airspace regulations, report it to the FAA’s Drone Incident Reporting Hotline:

In cases where you experience another form of violation, including privacy or harassment concerns, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement authorities promptly. Additionally, you may gather evidence and pursue legal action by filing a lawsuit, or reach out to your professional organization for guidance and potential consequences. Have you considered approaching the issue through a direct conversation with your neighbor, perhaps via a written letter or informal dialogue, which may help clarify any misunderstandings and resolve the matter in the long run.

In the unlikely event that a drone enters your airspace, please be assured that as the operator, I can confirm that my aerial device is likely capturing footage or images elsewhere, not focused on your property. I’m not prying into your private life, but rather exercising my constitutional right to capture a unique scene featuring the character and mountain vistas that dominate more than half the skyline in my community.

If your drone is causing me distress, all I ask is that you refrain from flying it over my property.

Permit me to share my expertise with you, allowing for a collaborative approach that leverages our collective knowledge and fosters growth. I’m delighted to explain the mechanics behind drone functionality, including their impressive capabilities with wide-angle lenses that capture an expansive field of view. From a height of 200 feet, most photographs I capture with my digital camera come out blurry and inadequate to discern facial features due to the distance. I’d love to capture more details at a distance, but alas, many of my photos taken from 100 feet up are often too far away for some. There’s a reasonable likelihood that a drone hovering above your property isn’t monitoring you; if it is, promptly report any concerns to local authorities.

I’m uneasy when my neighbors fly their drones directly above my residence, just like how another neighbor’s incessantly loud car grates on me. You’re unable to capture images of both an automobile and a drone simultaneously, and neither is your counterpart.