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Air Space

UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which include a UAV, a ground-based controller, and a system of communications between the two.  Compared to crewed aircraft, UAVs were originally used for missions too "dull, dirty or dangerous" for humans.  It is an aircraft without a human pilot on board.  While drones originated mostly in military applications, their use is rapidly finding many more applications including aerial photography, product deliveries, agriculture, policing and surveillance, infrastructure inspections, science, smuggling, and drone racing -- all specific reasons for the tool.

Airports and Cemeteries

The close proximity of Airports to Cemeteries is very common albeit embraced by both.  Cemeteries, were first to be located outside of towns and villages.  Airports thought that was a good idea also, for obvious reasons.

 

As an aircraft, a Drone (UAV, Quadcopter, etc.) comes under the jurisdiction and regulations of the FAA.  Whether a novice drone pilot or have many years of aviation experience, rules and safety tips exist to help fly Drones safely in the National Airspace System. 

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However, Airports aren't the only areas COMQUAD is restricted from operating.  See ABSTRACT OF AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS below.

COMQUAD is a Really, Really Low Flying Aircraft

The diagram below illustrates the typical height of COMQUAD's camera drone.  Even though the low-hanging-drone-eating trees over-head are a much more clear danger to flying in cemeteries, the FAA Regulations rule.  Which is a good thing.  Even though COMQUAD Drone flies only six (6) feet off the ground maximum (see diagram) mechanical, software, and pilot errors and malfunctions can be safety issues near restricted areas. 

Until a UAV is specifically produced with the requisite geo-fencing,

these regulations and restrictions are a good thing.

Line of Sight Guidelines

Distance matters.  Headstones matter.  Trees matter -- not treetops (like normal drones worry about), but their low hanging branches.   What this means is, there are no rules or guidelines to go by as far as horizontal distance recommendations.  Because COMQUAD drone flies close to the ground, it gets lost in the Marble and Granite Headstone jungle, and the closer the drone is horizontally, the better for drone longevity.  The first figure is a very standardized and homogeneous field of view with 300’ line of sight not an issue.  The second figure is not.  Both have vastly different horizontal range restrictions.

Abstract of Air Space Restrictions

  • Controlled Air Space

  • Municipal Airports

  • International Airports

  • Hospital

  • Heliport

  • Prisons

  • County Detention Centers

  • Schools

  • Stadiums

  • Military Installations

  • First Responders

  • Fish and Wildlife Service Lands

  • NOAA Overflight Zones

  • National Parks Public Use Limits

  • Restricted and Special Use Airspace

  • Wilderness Area Use Limits

  • International Border

  • Temporary Flight Restrictions, and

  • Washington, D.C.

Additional Restrictions for COMQUAD Operations

In addition to FAA and other related Federal Agencies having Restrictions and Regulations for drone use, State, County, and Municipal Regulations, Codes, and Ordinances must be followed.  Night flying; line-of-sight; flying over people/events; drugs/alcohol restrictions; etc. are just a few additional requirements COMQUAD follows. 

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