Posted on 03/22/2025 7:45:57 AM PDT by DoodleBob
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3)—The House Committee on Homeland Security Chair is promising new federal drone legislation this year. We’ve recently had a lot of discussion on Unmanned Aircraft Systems after drone scares in New Jersey.
So, our viewer Jen wants to know; If we see drones hovering over our property, what rights do we have to take them down? Can you shoot them down?
Congress may not have written the word drone in the Aircraft Sabotage Act back in 1984 but the act is now the law of the land. It protects all aircraft... and that includes drones.
“If you shoot at it,” explained Grant Rahmeyer of Rah Law. “You could be subject to some serious criminal penalties, both federal penalties for shooting at what they would consider a drone as an aircraft. There are state law penalties as well for negligently discharging firearms..., which specifically list aircraft as well.”
The FAA sent us this statement: It’s illegal under federal law to shoot at an aircraft. A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard. An unmanned aircraft hit by gunfire could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or it could collide with other objects in the air. Shooting at an unmanned aircraft could result in a civil penalty from the FAA and/or criminal charges filed by federal, state, or local law enforcement. Congress gave certain federal agencies authority to counter credible threats from drones. Generally speaking, it is legal to fly a drone in most locations if you’re operating under 400 feet, but there are rules—including safety tests, keeping below 400 feet, keeping the drone in sight, avoiding all other aircraft, not causing a hazard to any people or property, and avoiding restricted airspace.
If you have a drone circling your property, Rahmeyer says you should photograph it, videotape it, and document it in any way possible. Then, call the authorities with your documentation. You could then pursue a nuisance-type claim against the drone operator.
One more thing to keep in mind, many cities restrict the discharge of firearms in city limits.
To answer Jen’s question; NO, you do not have the right to shoot down a drone.
Yes; yes, that would be me... :)
“ You can legally throw a stick at it or snag it with a pool skimmer net.”
Flying kites was once a popular hobby. Now you could fly a few around the perimeter of your property, and have some nylon mesh flailing behind as a fashion accessory. I’m thinking 20-30’ depending on surface area of the kite. They might not be very effective in the daytime but if the wind is constant through the evening they would be a formidable defense to ner-do-well drones frolicking around!
So, your saying individuals souldnt have to put up with these creeps who like to do this?
Flying a drone to peep at people whenever they feel like it?
Go find the drone operator and make him disappear.
Nothing is said about needing a drivers license either, so let us know how things go following your line of reasoning.
You didn’t shoot it down if the operators insist they weren’t flying it.
“If a drone appeared over my property, there is a very high probability that it would be neutralized.”
If it is invading your privacy, why would you not be able to remove it?
Well let me just say, when I’m having a private party in my backyard, and a drone is hovering near by. My 3 -1/2 “ 10 gauge semi auto will be drawn into service.
I’m sorry but I don’t see myself taking a lot of shit from a drone. Passing by is one thing…
“Then, if that is the case, the operator needs to inform people in the area that that is the purpose.”
It’s common knowledge that the control center for military drones is located underground beneath the REDCOM building at MacDill AFB, Tampa Florida. We use them for surveilance. I don’t think they will be broadcasting their use when and where very soon. And most can’t get on the reservation to ask them. Drones are just another good idea that the public has stymied for the wrong reasons.
wy69
Drones are military weapons that changed modern warfare. If one was focusing on me, I would be very afraid for my life and my family’s and would have to use force to eliminate the threat.
AZ 13-2921.
Harrasment.
Racketeer wrote: “If it is invading your privacy, why would you not be able to remove it?”
You do not own the airspace above your property.
Now, if the drone lands ....
I consider the airspace over my property SOVEREIGN AIRSPACE BELONGING TO ME and invasion of it by a drone a violation.
Florida has a similar law, but our more powerful peeping tom law works great on video recording anyone without their knowledge not in a public place.
If someone is going to say it is illegal to do this and you don’t have the right to do that...
Keep in mind that laws can be changed.
“Drones are military weapons that changed modern warfare. If one was focusing on me, I would be very afraid for my life and my family’s and would have to use force to eliminate the threat.”
They are about to become “Skynet” satellite controlled “eyes in the sky” aerial surveillance for Law Enforcement. Soon they will be following “suspects” around everywhere they go. Even innocent suspects.
This ones for that and public places.
As you know, these creeps like these drone abusers and “1st amendment auditors” have become real problems across the country.
Concerning these auditors. There are 4 trypes of public forums.
1. Traditional-parks, sidewalks etc.
2. Restricted-government buildings.
3. Designated-meeting places that designate speech.
4. Private-libraries, post offices, hispitals etc.
Anyone of those other than traditional, you can be trespassed from. One has no absolute right to simply declared the 1st amendment gaurentees their right to get in the face of anyone without their permission.
Then concerning all these forums, specifically traditional, the harrasmet laws come into effect.
If they persist and start calling you things, then the national statute of “fighting words” come into effect. Chaplinsky v New Hampshire, 1942.
One that i have yet to see consisered and used on these pricks is the right to freedom of religion-graven images. Someone doesnt want to be filmed because he considers taking videos/pictures of him is a violation of his 1st amendment rights of freedom of religion-graven images.
Could it be used also for these drone abusers? I dunno.
It comes down to respect. That is all it is.
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