As a writer and entrepreneur, I’m increasingly seeing the phrase, “the video is just as good, if not better than the text.” Of course we all know that nothing can replace a good book, or other text medium, but we can all agree that we also love the addition of great video content. Drones have become an increasingly popular tool in the tech toolbox for creating innovative content. Drone technology is accessible to all, no longer just the domain of the government or to the ultra-rich. Just last week, I watched a young girl at my local zoo piloting her drone high over the viewing platform to get the perfect aerial view. Most people aren’t experts with drones yet, and beginner level drones are not expensive. This democratization of technology presents an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs and writers who tell stories through different mediums. Today’s post from our friends at Business Guys on Business Trips discusses how drones and law intersect in Oregon, helping you to create innovative new content without stepping afoul of the law.
Understanding and Using Drone Regulations for Your Entrepreneurial or Creative Projects
In creating great content, you need to make the best use of all the tools at your disposal. Some of these tools, such as drones, can be very effective but can land you on the wrong side of the law if you don’t follow specific rules and regulations. While it may seem like a small detail, the drone can mean the difference between your company standing out from the competition, or blending into the crowd. As a writer, I’m always thinking of ways to innovate blogging, and as an entrepreneur, I’m always thinking of new ways to interact with the community. To be both unique, and well-received by the audience, it’s essential to be informed on the legalities so you can avoid future headaches. Drones are becoming more and more mainstream, and therefore so are the rules and regulations. The list below includes some of the most common laws around, but you need to do your homework:
- Register your drone with the FAA
- Know where you can and can’t fly
- Obtain a sports license if flying commercially
- Keep the drone within the line of sight
- Don’t fly near people
There are many more laws and whenever possible we recommend consulting with a lawyer. The above list is a basic guideline, but ensure you contact an advisor before commencing with any project involving drone usage.
While there are a slew of international drone laws, the guidelines for Oregon are as follows:
- Recreational flyers must notify other operators and spectators before flying over them and flying only from an area where other people are not present.
- Hobbyists must register their aircraft with the FAA and fly fixed-wing aircraft only, not helicopters or other models.
- Federal law prohibits UAV use for commercial purposes unless preauthorized by the FAA via a special permit.
- Users must fly the drone below 400 feet and also be sure to stay at least five miles from an airport.
- Drones may not fly over people, police or crime scenes, emergency response scenes, firing ranges and never near federal facilities (i.e. military).
While the above guidelines are a broad overview of Oregon’s drone laws, we highly recommend you read the full article here for more info on how drones are used legally and responsibly across the state. As you can see, drone laws can be quite complicated, so you need to do your homework before you dive into a new project. When in doubt, call a lawyer. But when you are ready, it’s sure to be an amazing new adventure!