Flying Drones Responsibly

Building, programming, and flying drones can be an enjoyable hobby for children and adults. Like any form of aviation, however, it comes with responsibilities. Drones have become valuable tools for photography, mapping, emergency- response, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and recreation. Unfortunately, they also make the news when they’re flown irresponsibly. Here are a few recent examples: A California man agreed to pay more than $65,000 in restitution and faces up to one year in federal prison after his drone collided with a Super Scooper firefighting aircraft during the early days of the 2025 Palisades Fire. Even a small drone can ground firefighting aircraft when lives and property are at stake.

In June 2026, a Florida man was arrested after allegedly shooting at a sheriff’s office “Drone as First Responder” aircraft. Shooting at any aircraft—manned or unmanned—is a federal crime. Law- enforcement drones often display flashing red and blue emergency lighting, just as their patrol vehicles and helicopters do.

Federal authorities have confiscated hundreds of drones for violating FAA temporary-flight restrictions. These restrictions establish protected airspace around stadiums and fan-festival events, like the World Cup. Operators who ignore these restrictions risk losing their drone, and may face federal criminal charges. Civil penalties can reach $100,000.

Many locations are off-limits to drone operations. National Wildlife Refuges generally prohibit launching, landing, or operating drones, and many state, county, and local parks either prohibit drone operations or require special-use permits. In Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties, it’s important to check the rules before you fly.

These incidents are reminders that drones are aircraft and operate within the national airspace system. Before every flight, pilots should verify the airspace, check for any restrictions, and remember that drones must always yield the right-of-way to manned aircraft.

The distinction between recreational and commercial drone operations can also surprise people. Taking aerial photos to market a home for sale is clearly a commercial operation. Even flying a drone at the request of a sports team, business, or organization may fall outside the recreational exception, depending on the purpose of the flight. When a flight is not conducted solely for recreational enjoyment, FAA regulations may require the pilot to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate.

If you’re considering hiring a drone pilot, ask a few questions. Reputable pilots should be able to provide proof of their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, explain how they check airspace restrictions and temporary flight restrictions, obtain airspace authorization when required, and carry liability insurance appropriate for their operations.

If you see a drone overhead, it’s worth remembering that not every drone is invading someone’s privacy. It may be documenting storm damage, inspecting a roof, mapping vegetation for wildfire mitigation, assisting emergency responders, or simply being flown recreationally in compliance with FAA regulations. The best drone pilots are often the least noticeable.

They fly safely, respectfully, and with careful planning. By understanding the rules and respecting the shared airspace above our neighborhoods, we can all help ensure drones remain a safe and valuable tool for recreation, business, and public safety throughout our mountain communities.

Greg Kirkham is the founder of LoretoGeo. com, a Santa Cruz Mountains–based drone mapping and photogrammetry company focused on wildfire preparedness, land analysis, and community planning.

A Request for Stories and History Chemeketa Park turns 100 years old this year! While young compared to other communities across the mountains, it’s a There are many stories and historical facts of interest surrounding our mountain homes. As part of our 100th anniversary, we’re working to capture and record as many stories, memories, and that we can. It’s the shared stories of a place that make it a community.

If you have stories, memories, historical items, images, or anything else related to Chemeketa Park, we’d love to talk to you. We plan to record the stories so future generations may enjoy our rich history. Do you know about the community store? Did you ever visit the gas station in the park? Perhaps you know someone who rode the train and stopped at Chemeketa Park. What do you recall? Let Email me at fms@garlic.com, or call/ text to 408-710-8248, and we’ll arrange a