LizCampbell said:
@Haru
But as a drone operator, you’re still responsible for staying clear of any manned aircraft, even if the pilot is breaking the rules.
That’s what I was wondering, thanks!
@Haru
I see what you mean. But unless there was a swimmer or boat within 500 feet, the plane was probably flying legally.
Looks like a privately owned Stearman 75 trainer with vintage USAF markings. It might have been flying low for a photo or film shoot.
Was this in the US? I believe the FAA has a 500-foot rule for fixed-wing planes, so that plane would’ve been breaking the law if it was lower than that.
That said, it’s possible the plane had permission for flying that low, maybe for something like photography.
Regardless, it’s up to you as a drone operator to avoid manned aircraft, even if they’re flying recklessly.
@Mal
Yes, this was in Florida. Got it, thanks!
I was flying my drone at Jax Beach earlier this year. After I landed, a military helicopter came down the beach with the door open and airmen hanging out. It was hard to tell, but it was definitely below 200 feet. It could’ve easily hit my drone. I asked in another forum about what the minimum altitude for aircraft is, and I was told that it would’ve been my fault if there was a collision. I was in the right airspace, registered, and had approval. But I’m still curious about what would’ve happened if they hit my drone.
@Ellis
Manned aircraft always have the right of way. Coast Guard helicopters fly low over beaches a lot. You can listen to aircraft frequencies from sectional charts to monitor nearby air traffic.
You have to fly that low if you’re trying to drop something… like bundles of coke.
It’s completely legal for planes to fly low like that. There are also low-level VFR corridors for certain flights. For example, the shoreline route near LAX is 50 feet, and the beach route near JFK is under 500 feet.
Helicopters tend to fly low too. It’s your responsibility as a drone operator to stay clear of them.