Heres where i found the law:
Drone Laws in Idaho (2024) - UAV Coach.
Heres the specific part im screen shotting from: 04-01-07: PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Local governments can limit where drones take off and land, but they can’t regulate airspace itself. If you take off from a legal location, you should be able to fly in those areas as long as the FAA has no restrictions there.
You’re right that any rule stating drones can’t operate under 500 feet seems like overreach by the county.
Ty said:
The county’s restrictions might be pushing it, but they could try to justify them by pointing to similar policies, like those around Deer Flat.
Do you have any sources or more details about what happened with Deer Flat? I’d like to understand more.
They can regulate takeoff and landing, but they don’t have the authority to control airspace. However, local governments often push the limits to see how much they can get away with.
While the FAA oversees airspace, local laws can control takeoff and landing rights, especially on state or private property. Make sure to follow all local, state, and federal laws.
This kind of thing happens everywhere—parks, airports, and cities often try to enforce their own rules. Sometimes it sticks, but it depends on how the FAA views it.
I’m in New England, and state parks here often have similar rules. While they can’t restrict airspace, they might limit takeoffs and landings in collaboration with the FAA.
Tao said:
I’m in New England, and state parks here often have similar rules. While they can’t restrict airspace, they might limit takeoffs and landings in collaboration with the FAA.
If the FAA is involved, they’ll list it as controlled airspace in tools like the B4UFLY app. You can see examples like the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore.
Tao said:
I’m in New England, and state parks here often have similar rules. While they can’t restrict airspace, they might limit takeoffs and landings in collaboration with the FAA.
Exactly. Local governments can enforce rules about where drones can take off or land, but once a drone is in the air, the FAA has jurisdiction. The FAA map ultimately decides what’s regulated airspace.
@Skyler
That’s true, but fighting a local fine or ticket for flying in these areas can still be a major hassle.
Tao said:
I’m in New England, and state parks here often have similar rules. While they can’t restrict airspace, they might limit takeoffs and landings in collaboration with the FAA.
Local rules about takeoff and landing are fine, but if they try to control overflight, they’re overstepping. A good example of this being challenged is the case in Newton, MA: Singer vs. Newton – A Recap of the Landmark Court Decision on Local Drone Laws - Pilot Institute
They can regulate takeoff and landing, but limiting flight to above 500 feet might be harder for them to enforce. The idea that only the FAA controls airspace isn’t absolute, though.
Penn said:
They can regulate takeoff and landing, but limiting flight to above 500 feet might be harder for them to enforce. The idea that only the FAA controls airspace isn’t absolute, though.
Can you provide an example of when someone other than the FAA controls airspace? Everything I’ve read says airspace jurisdiction is exclusively FAA territory.
@Drake
Check out this FAA fact sheet: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/uas/public_safety_gov/public_safety_toolkit/FAA%20UAS%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf. It explains that while the FAA governs airspace, state and local laws can influence drone operations if they don’t impair reasonable use of the airspace.
@Penn
Thanks for the link. From what I read, it seems like the FAA still has final say over airspace, but local laws can affect takeoff and landing or specific uses.
Eli said:
@Penn
Thanks for the link. From what I read, it seems like the FAA still has final say over airspace, but local laws can affect takeoff and landing or specific uses.
Correct. It’s a bit of a grey area. For example, universities have tried to ban drones entirely, but it doesn’t always hold up in court. Local governments can also justify certain restrictions for public safety or law enforcement. It’s worth being cautious if you’re planning to fly in these areas.