What are the legal requirements for aerial surveillance of aircraft?
In Delaware, aerial surveillance of aircraft is governed by both federal and state laws. Under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, any aerial surveillance of an aircraft requires the use of a certified aircraft, pilot, and observer. The aircraft must be equipped with a radio and altitude-measuring device to maintain proper contact and distance with the aircraft being surveilled. The pilot must carry a valid FAA pilot certificate with a current medical certificate, as well as the appropriate certifications for aerial surveillance. The observer must have a valid FAA observer certificate and a security screening prior to flight. Additionally, Delaware requires all aircraft performing aerial surveillance to receive permission from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The request must include the name of the organization performing the surveillance, the date and estimated time of flight, the aircraft registration number, location of the flight, nature of the surveillance, and the purpose of the surveillance. A flight plan must also be filed with the DOT before any aerial surveillance can be conducted. To ensure public safety and that aerial surveillance is conducted in a lawful manner, Delaware requires all aerial surveillance to maintain a distance of at least 500 feet from all persons and property not directly related to the surveillance. The aircraft must also remain at least 2,000 feet above the ground to avoid interfering with air traffic, and must not operate over any public events, including parades and sporting events. Anyone found to be violating these laws may face criminal penalties.
Related FAQs
What rights do aircraft passengers have?What is the purpose of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)?
What is the purpose of the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment?
What rights do aircraft owners have under Aircraft Law?
What is the scope of the Convention on Offences and Certain other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (Tokyo Convention)?
What are the legal requirements for aircraft maintenance and operations personnel?
How does Aircraft Law affect the development of new technologies in aviation?
What is the legal framework for aircraft leases?
How are aviation disputes and claims resolved?
What is the purpose of the Warsaw Convention?
Related Blog Posts
Aircraft Law: An Overview of the Legal Environment for Aviation - July 31, 2023Aircraft Law and Liability: What to Know When Flying - August 7, 2023
Aircraft Accident Investigations: Understanding the Process - August 14, 2023
Tax Implications of Aircraft Ownership: Critical Considerations - August 21, 2023
Aircraft Registration and Leasing: What You Need to Know - August 28, 2023