Bernstein Shur Launches Drone Law Boot Camp

IN BRIEF

Our Drone Law Team covers legal issues that are rising as the use of drones increases dramatically on both a commercial and non-commercial basis. Over the next several weeks, we’ll discuss: 

• The use of drones in the construction and real estate arenas
• Municipal ordinances regulating drones
• Federal Aviation Administration regulation
• The use of drones in law enforcement
• Insurance policies covering drones
• Potential privacy issues and more
  

Welcome to Drone Law Boot Camp

This series of alerts is devoted exclusively to legal issues involving drones. We hope that it is of use to you in your work or home life. In today’s issue, we’re addressing the basics of drones and what they are.  

A drone is Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which is an aircraft that does not have a human pilot aboard. The flight of a UAV is controlled either autonomously by onboard computers or by a remote control pilot who is on the ground. Although drones were first being used in military applications, they are now increasingly being used both commercially and non-commercially. The concept of an unmanned aerial vehicle is not new, as it can be traced back to the mid-1800s when Austria sent unmanned bomb filled balloons to attack Venice, and militarily, unmanned aircraft were used in both World Wars.

Nowadays, commercial and non-commercial applications are taking over the landscape, and legal issues are popping up near and far. Drones are now being used for aerial surveying of crops, film-making, search and rescue, inspections and surveys, delivering products and supplies, in manufacturing and in law enforcement. Construction and real estate industries are increasingly using drones as part of their regular day to day operations. Municipalities are starting to grapple with what ordinances can be passed that will withstand legal scrutiny. Of course, privacy rights also will be impacted by the use of drones. To see a video of an “ambulance” drone, for instance, check out this video.

What’s Next

While every legal situation is different, our Drone Law Boot Camp will be devoted to education on the use of drones and the legal framework that is being created in real time. Stay tuned for upcoming alerts from Bernstein Shur’s Drone Law Team.

Seek legal representation on any particular drone related issues you have. For more information, contact one of our Drone Law Team members today.

Drone Law Team members are: Attorneys Mike Bosse, Phil Saucier, Kelsey Wilcox Libby, and Drone Consultant Jason Levasseur.

This issue of Drone Law Boot Camp was authored by Mike Bosse.