The Neighborhood Watch Goes Sky-High: Drones, Safety, and Privacy
Hey fellow drone enthusiasts! Ever thought about how our favorite flying machines could do more than just capture stunning sunsets? What about using drones to enhance neighborhood safety? The idea’s taking off, and it’s not without its share of questions. I’ve been diving deep into the world of drone-based neighborhood watch, and the YouTube community is buzzing with insights – everything from the practicalities and legality to the really important, but often overlooked, issues of privacy. We’re not just talking about fun flights anymore; this is about serious applications with real-world implications. Are you a homeowner thinking of using drones for community safety or someone concerned about privacy issues? Well, you’re in the right place. This page brings together some of the best insights from recent YouTube videos, helping you navigate this emerging trend while also thinking about the bigger picture. Let’s get airborne and explore!
Key Takeaways: What the Experts Are Saying
Good intentions don’t always equal positive outcomes: One video highlights a scenario where a resident, trying to help the neighborhood by cleaning up a neglected property, gets the cops called on him by a neighbor. This underscores the fact that not everyone will welcome well-intentioned actions, and the importance of community engagement.
Privacy is paramount, and there are legal ramifications: A fictionalized scenario depicts a student being sued by a neighbor for “spying” with his drone, highlighting the legal grey areas around drone usage, especially when it comes to surveillance of private property. Ignoring the privacy concerns of others will not be without repercussions.
Navigating the legal landscape: Videos explain the crucial distinctions between recreational drone use, the FAA’s “Part 107” rules and how to stay compliant, including flying under 400 feet, maintaining visual line of sight and taking the TRUST test.
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Understanding limitations and following Community Based Organization guidelines will help prevent running afoul of the law when using a drone for surveillance of your neighborhood.
Emerging tech and evolving regulations: The latest drone news shows that jurisdictions are starting to grapple with the idea of drone surveillance and are creating laws around its use, but that new partnerships between drone delivery companies and major retailers are expanding rapidly – meaning the regulatory environment will continue to evolve.
The Future of Neighborhood Watch is in the Air: A Perspective
The potential of drones for community safety is undeniable – think of quicker responses to suspicious activity, enhanced documentation of incidents and a proactive approach to crime prevention, However, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the legitimate privacy concerns that arise when drones are flying near homes. As drone technology continues to evolve, the regulations around their use in residential areas will also undoubtedly become more defined. It’s up to us as drone enthusiasts and responsible community members to advocate for policies that balance safety and individual rights. Right now, many neighborhoods are in a ‘Wild West’ situation regarding drone use, but as more people adopt them, we should expect this to change, as demonstrated by the Kentucky bill.
Get Informed and Take Flight!
These insights are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a wealth of information out there on how drones can be used safely and responsibly for neighborhood watch, but it is important to be aware of the legal, ethical, and community engagement implications. Now, scroll down to check out the specific video highlights and join the conversation! There are more perspectives to explore and many more questions to answer. Let’s keep this conversation flying!
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ANGRY neighbor CONFRONTS me and CALLS the COPS while cleaning a yardMidlife Stockman13,911,877 views | 385,869 | June 17 2024 14:00:01 (82,059 comments)[ Read more … ]
Wow, what a weekend! This was the first time I had the cops called on me. I’m thankful it all worked out – as 99% of the neighborhood was happy I was there. There was an old abandoned house that was an eye sore for everyone and which the city asked if I could help out with. I was HAPPY to help and THRILLED with the results.
It was a good reminder that everyone has a different story. It’s our job to meet people where they’re at and do our best to show love no matter what.
Speaking of love – you all have shown amazing support of this channel and keep asking for ways you can help. Here are some links you can use to do so! THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Buy me a coffee (doesn’t have to be used on coffee)
All donations go right back into the channel
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/midlifestockman
Amazon Wish List: (still a work in progress)
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/SK8WV4XOWWB6?ref_=wl_share
Student Sued For Flying Drone Over Neighbors House.Judge Porter27,507 views | 1,186 | December 17 2024 17:30:00 (135 comments)[ Read more … ]
Alvaro Fernandez is being sued by his neighbor for invasion of privacy. Mr. Santiago claims Mr. Fernandez is spying on him and his wife by flying a drone over their home. However, he alleges he is merely keeping an eye on the neighborhood which has had a rash of home invasions. But after hearing both sides of the equation, Judge Porter rules in favor of the homeowner and orders Mr. Fernandez to ground his drone.
Starring
Verne Alexandre
Alex Dominguez
Jose Zatarain
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Can I Fly My Drone In My Neighborhood?UAV Coach92,912 views | 2,237 | February 14 2024 18:00:21 (212 comments)[ Read more … ]
In this video, we tackle the question of whether you can fly a drone over your neighborhood. We go through compliance details, rules for flying over people, privacy laws, and even talk about situations that involve Home Owners Associations. If you have any “Can I fly my drone…” questions, leave them in the comments below!
🎬 Jump to Section
0:00 Introduction
0:41 Compliance
1:06 What Airspace is Your Neighborhood In
1:44 Flying Over People
2:20 What Privacy Laws Exist in Your State
2:53 Rules with Home Owner’s Associations
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✳️ UAV Coach provides industry-leading training, education, and news for professionals and hobbyists in the drone industry. We offer online and in-person training — over 60,000 people have used our flagship training course, Drone Pilot Ground School, to pass the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification exam. And we’ve delivered hands-on flight training to more than 2,500+ new drone pilots. Our mission is to help push the drone industry forward by sharing years of knowledge to help drone pilots be safe and smart operators.
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What are the rules to fly your drone in 2024?Pilot Institute301,618 views | 6,556 | January 30 2024 19:19:58 (653 comments)[ Read more … ]
This video will explain the requirements for operating under 49 USC 44809 for recreational UAS pilots. Remember! If you fail to meet one of these requirements, you are now operating under Part 107!
If you are part 107 certified, you must choose which set of rules to operate under prior to your flight. You are not permitted to change rules halfway through your flight.
FAA Links
FAA Recreational Flight: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/
FAA Drone Zone (for registration): https://faadronezone.faa.gov/
LAANC: https://faa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9c2e4406710048e19806ebf6a06754ad
AC 91-57C: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-57C_FAA_Revised.pdf
00:00 Introduction
00:04 Rule 1: Fly strictly for recreational purposes.
00:49 Rule 2: Follow a Community Based Organization’s guidelines.
01:31 Rule 3: Maintain visual line of sight.
02:00 Rule 4: Do not interfere with traditional aircraft.
02:29 Rule 5: Fly at or below 400ft.
03:18 Rule 6: Get authorization in controlled airspace.
04:15 Rule 7: Take your TRUST test.
05:34 Rule 8: Register your drone.
06:27 Rule 9: Remote ID.
07:08 Rule 10: Don’t fly dangerously.
07:40 Part 107
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Rule #1: Fly your drone strictly for recreational purposes.
This is all about the intent of the flight, with recreation being the key.
Flying to record your kids and share with the family? That’s recreational.
Flying for a monetized Youtube channel? That isn’t recreational.
Flying as a volunteer for your local Search and Rescue group? This isn’t recreational either.
Rule #2: Follow a Community Based Organization’s guidelines.
First, let’s cover what a community based organization, or CBO, is.
A CBO is a non-profit RC aviation group that sets safety guidelines approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.
You can find a list of current CBOs Here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreationalfliers/faa-recognized-community-based-organizations
Each CBO has a slightly different set of rules to follow and NO, you don’t need to join or pay these organizations to follow their rules.
We recommend Flite Test Community Association, FPV Freedom Coalition, and Stem+C
Rule #3: Maintain visual line of sight.
Visual line of sight means you can see your drone at all times to ensure you are able to follow the rules of your CBO.
You don’t need to stare at your drone, you do need to be sure you can avoid other aircraft and avoid flying over people.
If you fly FPV, with racing-style drones and goggles, be sure to use a visual observer to perform these duties while you fly.
Rule #7: Take your TRUST Test!
Oh no a test?
Not really, this is FREE training provided by the FAA through approved providers that covers topics you need to know to fly safely.
At the end of the training, you’ll get a TRUST certificate and number.
Your TRUST certificate is valid forever, there’s no minimum age, and the TRUST providers are required by federal law to delete your information after you get your certificate.
The training takes about a half hour, so it’s not a long course.
Head over to https://trust.pilotinstitute.com/ to get yours done!
If you’d like more info than just what’s in TRUST, head over to https://pilotinstitute.com/course/recreational-flying-made-easy/ and enroll in our free 2 hour Recreational Flying course!
Rule #9: Remote ID
Last up, there are two sets of rules you can use in the US to fly your drone: Part 107 and 49 USC 44809.
44809 is an exemption from part 107, IF you follow all the rules we just discussed.
If you fail to meet even one of these rules, you’ll be instead operating under Part 107, so be sure to follow the rules and fly safe!
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Drone News: Autel Alpha, FlyCart 30, KY Bill on Drones, Walmart Adds Wing, and Drone Surveillance.Pilot Institute14,110 views | 701 | January 12 2024 13:00:06 (100 comments)[ Read more … ]
Welcome to your weekly news update, we have 5 stories for you this week, Autel Alpha hits FCC database, DIJ FlyCart 30 released outside of China, KY bill could limit drone operations, Walmart partners with Wing, and a filmmaker’s plan to curb crime using drones.
Our Other Channels
– PIXL Drone Show: drone-related podcast, posts every Tuesday morning. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbeSmbjvE0etKry8Nk2n0CQ
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Our courses
– Part 107 Made Easy: the most comprehensive ground school online. https://bit.ly/2AkRWq0
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– Drone Maneuvers Mastery: become a better pilot with these 50 maneuvers designed to improve your flying skills. https://bit.ly/3hkWkG3
– Cinematic FPV Drone From Scratch: build your own cinematic machine with this course. https://bit.ly/37oOfeG
Get Pilot Institute Gear: https://merch.pilotinstitute.com
First up this week is the Autel Alpha, which hit FCC databases!
It’s been a long time since we discussed the Alpha rumors and many folks have likely forgotten about the drone.
Alpha specs supposedly include IP55, 45-minute flight times, 50MP cameras, 25X Zoom camera, 640×512 Thermal, laser range finder, multiple payload options, autonomous missions, multi-aircraft operations, and 360 degree obstacle avoidance. We’ll keep you updated if we see anything else!
Second up this week is the FlyCart 30, DJI’s delivery drone!
The FlyCart 30 has been released outside of China!
If you aren’t familiar with the FlyCart 30, the heavy lift drone has a capacity of 30kg with the dual battery setup and 40kg with the single battery set up. Safety features include IP55, active radar, binocular vision, obstacle avoidance, dual batteries, a parachute, weight/center of gravity detection, and swing stability. The FlyCart uses the DJI Pilot 2 App, the RC Plus, and O3 for a 9.9-mile range. The drone uses a 38,000 mAh battery which is rated to 1500 charge cycles.
We’ll see if anyone currently doing drone delivery picks this up for testing!
Next up this week is a Kentucky bill that could limit the use of drones.
Kentucky house Bill 45 would prohibit use of an unmanned aircraft system for surveillance, which the bill goes on to define as
“1. With respect to an owner, tenant, occupant, invitee, or licensee of privately owned real property, the observation of such persons with sufficient visual clarity to be able to obtain information about their identity, habits, conduct, movements, or location; or
2. With respect to privately owned real property, the observation of such property’s physical improvements with sufficient visual clarity to be able to determine unique identifying features or its occupancy by one or more persons” The bill goes on to say; “For purposes of this section, a person is presumed to have a reasonable expectation of privacy on his or her privately owned real property if he or she is not observable by persons located at ground level in a place where they have a legal right to be, regardless of whether he or she is observable from the air with the use of an unmanned aircraft system.”
Fourth this week is Walmart who is expanding deliveries in the Dallas area. Walmart has partnered with Wing and Zipline to expand their deliveries in Dallas beyond the current 60,000 people coverage.
By the end of 2024, they hope to cover 1.8 million people using both Wing and Zipline’s Part 135 certificates with BVLOS waivers.
So far, Walmart has completed over 20,000 successful deliveries from two stores.
Last up this week is a bit of a weird one; a business owner from Washington DC, hopes to curb crime by live-streaming a drone’s camera over a neighborhood.
The idea is that drones equipped with loudspeakers, cameras, and spotlights would fly over this neighborhood and live stream the camera to residents. The program would have a two-week test period, after which the neighborhood would be able to book the service for $60 – $125 per hour.
What do you think about this use of drones – Let us know in the comments!
How To Fly Drones In A Neighborhood Legally? (YDQA Ep 74)Drone Launch Academy11,785 views | 259 | August 22 2024 13:00:50 (50 comments)[ Read more … ]
In this episode of “Your Drone Questions. Answered”, David tackles the common question of whether you can legally fly your drone in your neighborhood. He covers the key federal, state, and local laws and regulations you need to be aware of, including FAA airspace restrictions, privacy laws, and specific examples from states like California, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
David also provides practical tips and best practices for being a considerate drone pilot, such as introducing yourself to neighbors, wearing a reflective vest, and respecting people’s privacy. Even if you are following all the rules, he acknowledges that you may still encounter some unreasonable neighbors, so understanding your rights is important.
This episode is a must-watch for any drone pilot looking to fly safely and legally in residential areas. Learn how to navigate the legal landscape and be a good neighbor when operating your drone. Check out the links below for the specific laws and regulations mentioned in the video.
https://www.ncleg.net/sessions/2013/bills/senate/pdf/s744v9.pdf (page 227)
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If you want to dive deeper into Drone Launch Academy and level up your drone skills, here are some links to some of the online drone courses we offer:
Part 107 Exam Prep Course- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-exam-study-course/
Drone Mapping and Modeling Fundamentals- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/drone-mapping-and-modeling-fundamentals/
Aerial Video A to Z- https://dronelaunchacademy.com/aerial-video-a-to-z/
Patryk Alexander is an associate copy editor at 4kVideoDrones.com, where he sharpens articles and helps keep the website's content clean and error-free. With a background in creative writing, Patryk brings a unique perspective to his editing that helps make 4kVideoDrones.com's content engaging and informative. When he's not editing or writing, Patryk enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.
