By: Dr. Michael Payne, Director CDQAP | Originally Published in the August CDQAP Newsletter

Criminals are using drones to scout rural property for equipment to steal and animal rights activists also use drones to gather video footage at dairies and ranches. The audience at the FBI – InfraGard symposium was especially attentive to Werner von Stein’s presentation describing the newly-implemented federal drone regulations. von Stein, who is authorized by the FAA’s FAAST program to teach drone safety and regulations, had the following recommendations for producers:

WHEN you see a drone near your property:

• Immediately request a response from local law enforcement explaining you are concerned about the safety of your employees and livestock.
• Capture cell phone video of the drone operator, particularly if they are on private land or are interfering with farm operations or endangering people or livestock.
• DO NOT threaten or accost the drone operator.
• DO NOT attempt to shoot down the drone.

Have responding officers interview the operator to determine if they are in compliance with the following requirements:

• The operator is certified as either a recreational or commercial drone pilot by the FAA.
• The drone is registered with the FFA and its registration number is visible on the airframe.
• The drone is broadcasting a remote ID code, readable by the DroneTag or similar app which are available for Android or Apple phones and can be downloaded for free by farmers and Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs).
• The drone is being operated within the line-of-sight of the pilot and not into roofed buildings.
• The drone is not operating in a drone no-fly zone, such as airports and prisons, which can be located using FAA’s B4UFLY app.

Failure to comply with federal drone laws can result in steep fines and loss of the required pilot license. Unfortunately, farmers do not own the 400 feet of air space above their property, but more reported drone sightings will prompt a more swift and aggressive response from law enforcement and the FAA. Producers can also submit a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) with their local Law Enforcement Intelligence “Fusion Center.” This flyer contains more information.