Dronelost.com – Virginia Beach is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is famous for its sandy beaches, boardwalk, aquarium, and historical sites. But what if you want to capture the beauty of this city from a different perspective? What if you want to fly a drone in Virginia Beach and take stunning aerial photos and videos?
Drones are amazing devices that can give you a new way to explore and document the world around you. They can also be a lot of fun to fly and control. However, flying a drone is not as simple as it may seem.
There are many rules and regulations that you need to follow to ensure a safe and legal flying experience. You also need to know how to choose the right drone for your needs and skill level, how to prepare for your flight, and how to avoid common pitfalls and problems.
By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how to fly a drone in Virginia Beach and enjoy the amazing views and scenery that this city has to offer. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, a hobbyist or a professional, a beginner or an expert, this post will help you get the most out of your drone flying experience. Let’s get started!
The drone laws in Virginia and Virginia Beach
Before you fly a drone in Virginia Beach, you need to be aware of the drone laws in Virginia and Virginia Beach. These laws are designed to protect the safety, privacy, and property of the public and other airspace users. They also aim to prevent any interference with the operations of airports, military bases, and other sensitive areas. Here are some of the main drone laws that you need to follow:
- You must register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams). You can register your drone online at the [FAA Drone Zone] website. You will receive a registration number that you must attach to your drone. The registration fee is $5 and it is valid for three years.
- You must follow the FAA Part 107 rules if you fly your drone for commercial purposes, such as photography, videography, surveying, or delivery. These rules require you to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA, which involves passing an aeronautical knowledge test and a background check. You must also follow certain operational limitations, such as flying below 400 feet, within visual line of sight, and away from people and moving vehicles.
- You must follow the FAA recreational drone rules if you fly your drone for fun or hobby. These rules require you to fly only for recreational purposes, within the programming of a community-based organization (CBO), such as a drone club or association. You must also follow the safety guidelines of the CBO, such as flying below 400 feet, within visual line of sight, and away from airports, stadiums, and emergency operations.
- You must comply with the state and local drone laws in Virginia and Virginia Beach. These laws may vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. For example, in Virginia, you are prohibited from flying your drone over critical infrastructure, such as power plants, dams, or bridges, without permission. You are also prohibited from flying your drone over private property without consent or over public property in a manner that interferes with the rights of others. In Virginia Beach, you are prohibited from flying your drone over city-owned parks, beaches, or waterways without a permit. You are also prohibited from flying your drone over crowded areas, such as concerts, festivals, or sporting events, without permission.
These are some of the main drone laws that you need to follow when you fly a drone in Virginia Beach. However, these laws are not exhaustive and they may change over time. Therefore, you should always check the latest updates and regulations from the relevant authorities before you fly your drone. You should also respect the privacy and property of others and fly your drone in a safe and responsible manner.
The best places to fly a drone in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has many scenic and interesting places that you can explore with your drone. However, you need to be careful and respectful of the local laws and regulations, as well as the privacy and property of others. Here are some of the best places to fly a drone in Virginia Beach, along with some tips and precautions:
1. First Landing State Park
This is the most visited state park in Virginia, and for a good reason. It has over 2,800 acres of natural beauty, including forests, swamps, marshes, and beaches. You can fly your drone here and capture the diverse wildlife and landscapes, such as bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and cypress trees.
However, you need to obtain a permit from the park office before you fly your drone. You also need to follow the park rules, such as flying only in designated areas, avoiding the campground and picnic areas, and keeping a safe distance from people and animals.
2. Sandbridge Beach
This is a secluded and peaceful beach that is located south of the main resort area. It has five miles of pristine sand and surf, and it is ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature. You can fly your drone here and take amazing photos and videos of the ocean, the dunes, and the sunsets.
However, you need to be aware of the wind conditions, as they can be strong and unpredictable. You also need to avoid flying over the wildlife refuge that is adjacent to the beach, as it is a protected area for migratory birds and other animals.
3. Mount Trashmore Park
This is a unique and innovative park that was created by converting an old landfill into a recreational area. It has a 60-foot high hill that offers a panoramic view of the city, a lake, a skate park, a playground, and a fitness trail.
You can fly your drone here and have fun with the different features and activities, such as the kite festival, the fireworks show, and the concerts. However, you need to be careful of the power lines that run along the park, as they can pose a risk to your drone. You also need to respect the privacy of the park visitors and the nearby residents, and avoid flying over their heads or properties.
4. Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
This is a popular attraction that showcases the marine life and ecosystems of Virginia and the world. It has over 800,000 gallons of aquariums, a nature trail, an adventure park, and a 3D theater.
You can fly your drone here and get a glimpse of the amazing creatures and exhibits, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and coral reefs. However, you need to get a permission from the aquarium staff before you fly your drone. You also need to follow the aquarium rules, such as flying only during the off-peak hours, staying within the designated areas, and avoiding the animal enclosures and the theater.
How to Get Authorization for Flights in Restricted Areas
If you want to fly a drone in restricted areas, you need to get authorization from the FAA or the local authorities. Restricted areas are zones where drone flight is prohibited or limited due to safety or security reasons. These areas include airports, military bases, national parks, and other sensitive locations.
There are different ways to get authorization for drone flights in restricted areas, depending on the type and location of the area. Here are some of the common methods:
- LAANC: LAANC stands for Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It is a system that allows drone pilots to request and receive near real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace near airports. You can use LAANC through various apps, such as AirMap, Kittyhawk, or UASidekick. You need to register your drone with the FAA and follow the rules and limitations of the LAANC system.
- Drone Zone: Drone Zone is the FAA’s online portal for drone registration and airspace authorization. You can use Drone Zone to apply for authorization to fly in restricted areas that are not covered by LAANC, such as national parks, monuments, or wildlife refuges. You need to log into the FAA Drone Zone under The Exception for Recreational Flyers or Part 107, depending on your purpose of flying. You need to fill in the required fields and submit your application to the FAA. You will receive a reference number and a confirmation email. You need to wait for the approval before you fly your drone in the restricted area.
- Custom Unlocking: Custom Unlocking is a feature that allows drone pilots to request authorization to fly in certain restricted areas that are managed by DJI, such as Authorization Zones or Enhanced Warning Zones. These are areas where drone flight is allowed under certain conditions, such as height limit, time limit, or verification requirement. You can use Custom Unlocking through the DJI Fly Safe website or the DJI GO app. You need to have a verified DJI account and follow the instructions and guidelines of the Custom Unlocking feature. You will receive a license that you need to import to your drone via the DJI app. You need to do this before the license expires.
To conclude, flying a drone in Virginia Beach can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity that can allow you to see and capture the beauty and diversity of this city. However, you need to be prepared and informed before you fly your drone. By following this guide, you can fly a drone in Virginia Beach safely, legally, and responsibly, and have a lot of fun in the process.