Dronelost.com – Lake Tahoe is one of the most popular destinations in the United States for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and drone enthusiasts. The stunning scenery of the lake and its surrounding mountains, forests, and beaches offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking aerial footage with your drone.
However, before you pack your drone and head to Lake Tahoe, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations that govern drone flying in this area. Not all places in Lake Tahoe are open for drone flights, and there are some restrictions and guidelines that you need to follow to ensure a safe and legal flying experience.
You must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and follow their rules. Also you must comply with the state and local drone laws in Lake Tahoe.
By the end of this blog post, you will have a clear understanding of the dos and don’ts of drone flying in Lake Tahoe, and you will be ready to enjoy the beauty of this region from a bird’s eye view. Let’s get started!
Overview of Drone Regulations in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake that straddles the border between California and Nevada. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest lake in the United States. It covers an area of about 191 square miles and has a shoreline of about 72 miles.
Lake Tahoe is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains, which create a stunning contrast between the blue water and the snow-capped peaks. Lake Tahoe is also home to a rich biodiversity of plants and animals, including several endangered and threatened species.
Because of its natural beauty and ecological importance, Lake Tahoe is subject to various federal, state, and local regulations that aim to protect its environment and wildlife, as well as the safety and privacy of its inhabitants and visitors. These regulations also apply to drone flying, which is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States.
The FAA is the national authority that oversees all aspects of civil aviation, including drone operations. The FAA has issued specific rules and guidelines for drone flying, which are summarized below:
- All drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA and display their registration number on the drone.
- All drone operators must follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules, which include:
- Flying only for recreational purposes and not for commercial or business purposes.
- Flying within visual line of sight, meaning that you must be able to see your drone at all times without using any device other than corrective lenses.
- Flying at or below 400 feet above the ground or water, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or an air traffic control facility.
- Flying only in Class G airspace, which is the uncontrolled airspace where no manned aircraft are operating, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or an air traffic control facility.
- Flying at least 5 miles away from any airport, heliport, or seaplane base, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or an air traffic control facility.
- Flying at least 500 feet away from any designated wilderness area, national park, or wildlife refuge, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or the relevant land manager.
- Flying at least 100 feet away from any person, vehicle, vessel, or structure, unless you have obtained consent from the owner or occupant.
- Flying only during daylight or civil twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset), unless your drone has anti-collision lighting that is visible for at least 3 statute miles.
- Flying only when the weather conditions are clear enough to ensure safe operation and visibility.
- Flying only when you are sober and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Flying only one drone at a time.
- Flying in a manner that does not interfere with or endanger any other aircraft, person, or property.
- Flying in a manner that respects the privacy and data protection of others, and not using your drone for any unlawful or unethical purposes.
- Yielding the right of way to any manned aircraft, and landing your drone immediately if you see or hear any manned aircraft approaching.
- Checking the FAA’s B4UFLY app or website before each flight to ensure that there are no temporary flight restrictions or other airspace restrictions in your intended flying area.
- Passing an online aeronautical knowledge and safety test and carrying proof of test passage with you when flying your drone.
These rules apply to all drone operators who fly for recreational purposes, regardless of their age or experience level. However, if you want to fly your drone for commercial or business purposes, such as selling your photos or videos, you need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA, which requires passing a more comprehensive knowledge test and meeting additional requirements.
In addition to the FAA’s rules, drone operators in Lake Tahoe also need to comply with the state and local regulations that apply to the specific area where they want to fly. These regulations may vary depending on whether you are flying in California or Nevada, and whether you are flying in a state park, a national forest, a municipal park, or a private property. We will discuss these regulations in more detail in the next section.
Where You Can and Can’t Fly a Drone in Lake Tahoe
As we mentioned in the previous section, drone flying in Lake Tahoe is subject to various state and local regulations that may differ depending on the location and jurisdiction of your flying area.
In this section, we will provide you with a general overview of where you can and can’t fly a drone in Lake Tahoe, based on the most recent information available. However, please note that these regulations are subject to change at any time, and it is your responsibility to check the latest updates and confirm the legality of your drone flight before you fly.
Can You Fly a Drone in California Side of Lake Tahoe?
The California side of Lake Tahoe covers about two-thirds of the lake’s shoreline and includes several state parks, national forests, and municipal parks. Here are some of the main areas where you can and can’t fly a drone in the California side of Lake Tahoe:
- Emerald Bay State Park: This state park is one of the most scenic and iconic spots in Lake Tahoe, featuring the turquoise water of Emerald Bay, the historic Vikingsholm Castle, and the only island in the lake, Fannette Island. However, drone flying is prohibited in this state park, as well as in all other state parks in California, unless you have obtained a special use permit from the park manager. The permit application process is lengthy and costly, and there is no guarantee that you will get approved. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid flying your drone in Emerald Bay State Park, and enjoy its beauty from the ground or the water instead.
- Lake Tahoe State Park: This state park encompasses the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, from Sand Harbor to Spooner Lake. It offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and camping. Drone flying is allowed in this state park, as long as you follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the park’s general rules. However, you need to be aware of the following restrictions and guidelines:
- You cannot fly your drone over any designated swimming area, beach, campground, parking lot, or visitor center.
- You cannot fly your drone over any wildlife or vegetation, or disturb any natural or cultural resources.
- You cannot fly your drone within 500 feet of Sand Harbor, which is a popular and crowded area that hosts the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and other events.
- You cannot fly your drone within 5 miles of the Carson City Airport, which is located near Spooner Lake, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or the air traffic control facility.
- You need to respect the privacy and safety of other park visitors and staff, and avoid flying your drone near or over them.
- Tahoe National Forest: This national forest covers a large area of the Sierra Nevada mountains, including parts of the west and north shores of Lake Tahoe. It is home to many natural attractions, such as waterfalls, lakes, rivers, meadows, and trails. Drone flying is allowed in this national forest, as long as you follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the forest’s general rules. However, you need to be aware of the following restrictions and guidelines:
- You cannot fly your drone over any designated wilderness area, such as the Granite Chief Wilderness or the Desolation Wilderness, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or the relevant land manager.
- You cannot fly your drone over any fire or emergency operation, such as a wildfire, a search and rescue, or a law enforcement activity.
- You cannot fly your drone over any sensitive wildlife habitat, such as a nesting site, a roosting site, or a migration corridor.
- You cannot fly your drone over any archaeological or historical site, such as a Native American site, a mining site, or a railroad site.
- You need to respect the privacy and safety of other forest visitors and staff, and avoid flying your drone near or over them.
- South Lake Tahoe City Parks: The city of South Lake Tahoe has several municipal parks that offer various amenities and facilities, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and bike paths. Drone flying is allowed in these city parks, as long as you follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the city’s general rules. However, you need to be aware of the following restrictions and guidelines:
- You cannot fly your drone over any school, hospital, or government building, or within 500 feet of them.
- You cannot fly your drone over any public event, such as a concert, a festival, or a parade, or within 500 feet of them.
- You cannot fly your drone over any private property, or within 100 feet of it, unless you have obtained consent from the owner or occupant.
- You cannot fly your drone over any person, vehicle, vessel, or structure, or within 100 feet of them, unless you have obtained consent from the owner or occupant.
- You need to respect the privacy and safety of other park visitors and staff, and avoid flying your drone near or over them.
These are some of the main areas where you can and can’t fly a drone in the California side of Lake Tahoe, but they are not the only ones. There may be other areas that have specific rules or restrictions for drone flying, such as private properties, ski resorts, marinas, golf courses, or casinos. Therefore, you need to do your research and check the local regulations before you fly your drone in any area in Lake Tahoe. You can also use the FAA’s B4UFLY app or website to get the latest information on the airspace and flight restrictions in your intended flying area.
Nevada Side of Lake Tahoe
The Nevada side of Lake Tahoe covers about one-third of the lake’s shoreline and includes several state parks, national forests, and municipal parks. Here are some of the main areas where you can and can’t fly a drone in the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe:
- Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park: This state park encompasses the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, from Cave Rock to Stateline. It offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and camping. Drone flying is allowed in this state park, as long as you follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the park’s general rules. However, you need to be aware of the following restrictions and guidelines:
- You cannot fly your drone over any designated swimming area, beach, campground, parking lot, or visitor center.
- You cannot fly your drone over any wildlife or vegetation, or disturb any natural or cultural resources.
- You cannot fly your drone within 5 miles of the Lake Tahoe Airport, which is located near Stateline, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or the air traffic control facility.
- You need to respect the privacy and safety of other park visitors and staff, and avoid flying your drone near or over them.
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: This national forest covers a large area of the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada mountains, including parts of the east and south shores of Lake Tahoe. It is home to many natural attractions, such as waterfalls, lakes, rivers, meadows, and trails. Drone flying is allowed in this national forest, as long as you follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the forest’s general rules. However, you need to be aware of the following restrictions and guidelines:
- You cannot fly your drone over any designated wilderness area, such as the Mount Rose Wilderness or the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, unless you have obtained authorization from the FAA or the relevant land manager.
- You cannot fly your drone over any fire or emergency operation, such as a wildfire, a search and rescue, or a law enforcement activity.
- You cannot fly your drone over any sensitive wildlife habitat, such as a nesting site, a roosting site, or a migration corridor.
- You cannot fly your drone over any archaeological or historical site, such as a Native American site, a mining site, or a railroad site.
- You need to respect the privacy and safety of other forest visitors and staff, and avoid flying your drone near or over them.
- Incline Village and Crystal Bay Parks: The communities of Incline Village and Crystal Bay have several municipal parks that offer various amenities and facilities, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and bike paths. Drone flying is allowed in these parks, as long as you follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the communities’ general rules. However, you need to be aware of the following restrictions and guidelines:
- You cannot fly your drone over any school, hospital, or government building, or within 500 feet of them.
- You cannot fly your drone over any public event, such as a concert, a festival, or a parade, or within 500 feet of them.
- You cannot fly your drone over any private property, or within 100 feet of it, unless you have obtained consent from the owner or occupant.
- You cannot fly your drone over any person, vehicle, vessel, or structure, or within 100 feet of them, unless you have obtained consent from the owner or occupant.
- You need to respect the privacy and safety of other park visitors and staff, and avoid flying your drone near or over them.
These are some of the main areas where you can and can’t fly a drone in the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, but they are not the only ones. There may be other areas that have specific rules or restrictions for drone flying, such as private properties, ski resorts, marinas, golf courses, or casinos.
Therefore, you need to do your research and check the local regulations before you fly your drone in any area in Lake Tahoe. You can also use the FAA’s B4UFLY app or website to get the latest information on the airspace and flight restrictions in your intended flying area.
How to Get Authorization for Drone Flights in Restricted Areas
As you have seen in the previous section, there are some areas in Lake Tahoe where drone flying is restricted or prohibited, either by the FAA or by the state or local authorities. However, there may be some situations where you need or want to fly your drone in these areas, such as for a special project, a research purpose, or a personal reason. In that case, you may be able to get authorization for your drone flight, depending on the type and location of the restriction.
In this section, we will explain how you can get authorization for drone flights in restricted areas in Lake Tahoe, and what are the requirements and procedures that you need to follow. However, please note that getting authorization is not guaranteed, and it may take some time and effort to obtain it. Therefore, we recommend that you plan ahead and apply for authorization well in advance of your intended flight date.
FAA Authorization
The FAA is the authority that regulates the airspace and flight restrictions in the United States, including Lake Tahoe. The FAA has established several types of airspace and flight restrictions, such as:
- Class B, C, D, and E airspace: These are the controlled airspace where manned aircraft are operating, and where drone operators need to obtain authorization from the FAA or the air traffic control facility before flying their drones. These airspace are usually located near airports, heliports, or seaplane bases, and are depicted on aeronautical charts or maps.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs): These are the temporary airspace restrictions that are imposed by the FAA for various reasons, such as security, safety, or emergency operations. These restrictions are usually announced by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), and are displayed on the FAA’s website or app.
- No Drone Zones: These are the permanent airspace restrictions that are imposed by the FAA for specific locations, such as national security sites, military bases, or critical infrastructure. These restrictions are usually marked by signs or symbols, and are displayed on the FAA’s website or app.
If you want to fly your drone in any of these restricted areas, you need to get authorization from the FAA, which you can do in two ways:
- LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability): This is an online service that allows drone operators to request and receive near real-time authorization for drone flights in controlled airspace. This service is available through several approved providers, such as AirMap, Kittyhawk, or Skyward. To use this service, you need to register with one of the providers, and then submit your flight plan and details, such as your drone model, weight, speed, altitude, and location. You will then receive a confirmation or denial of your request, along with any conditions or limitations that apply to your flight. You can also use this service to check the availability and status of the airspace and flight restrictions in your intended flying area.
- DroneZone: This is an online portal that allows drone operators to request and receive authorization for drone flights in restricted areas that are not covered by LAANC, such as TFRs or No Drone Zones. To use this portal, you need to register with the FAA, and then submit your request and details, such as your drone model, weight, speed, altitude, location, purpose, and duration of your flight. You will then receive a confirmation or denial of your request, along with any conditions or limitations that apply to your flight. However, this process may take longer than LAANC, and you may need to provide additional information or documentation to support your request.
These are the two ways that you can get authorization from the FAA for drone flights in restricted areas in Lake Tahoe. However, please note that getting authorization from the FAA does not mean that you can fly your drone anywhere and anyhow you want.
You still need to follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the state and local regulations that apply to your flying area. You also need to carry proof of your authorization with you when flying your drone, and show it to any FAA or law enforcement official if requested.
State and Local Authorization
The state and local authorities are the entities that regulate the land and water use and management in Lake Tahoe, including the state parks, national forests, and municipal parks. The state and local authorities have established various rules and restrictions for drone flying in their jurisdictions, such as:
- Special Use Permits: These are the permits that are required for drone flying in some state parks, such as Emerald Bay State Park in California, or for drone flying for commercial or business purposes, such as selling your photos or videos, in any state park. These permits are issued by the park manager, and they require a detailed application and a fee. The application process may take several weeks or months, and there is no guarantee that you will get approved. Therefore, we recommend that you contact the park manager well in advance of your intended flight date, and provide them with all the information and documentation that they request.
- Land Manager Authorization: These are the authorizations that are required for drone flying in some national forests, such as the designated wilderness areas in Tahoe National Forest or Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. These authorizations are issued by the land manager, and they require a written request and a justification. The request process may take several days or weeks, and there is no guarantee that you will get approved. Therefore, we recommend that you contact the land manager well in advance of your intended flight date, and provide them with all the information and justification that they request.
- Owner or Occupant Consent: These are the consents that are required for drone flying over or within a certain distance of any private property, person, vehicle, vessel, or structure, in any area in Lake Tahoe. These consents are obtained from the owner or occupant of the property, person, vehicle, vessel, or structure, and they require a verbal or written agreement. The consent process may take a few minutes or hours, and there is no guarantee that you will get approved. Therefore, we recommend that you contact the owner or occupant before or during your flight, and provide them with all the information and reasons that they request.
These are some of the ways that you can get authorization from the state and local authorities for drone flights in restricted areas in Lake Tahoe. However, please note that getting authorization from the state and local authorities does not mean that you can fly your drone anywhere and anyhow you want.
You still need to follow the FAA’s recreational flyer rules and the state and local regulations that apply to your flying area. You also need to carry proof of your authorization with you when flying your drone, and show it to any state or local official if requested.
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for drone enthusiasts who want to capture the stunning beauty of the lake and its surroundings. However, drone operators must be aware of the local regulations and restrictions that apply to their flights. We hope that this blog post has answered some of your questions and helped you to prepare for your drone flying adventure in Lake Tahoe.