Yosemite has been invaded by drones. Small, unmanned machines that fly through the air capturing some pretty epic footage of one of America’s great National Parks. The National Park Service is none too keen on the GoPro shuttles, and has claimed that they’re illegal:
“…Yosemite National Park advises visitors that the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) are prohibited within park boundaries due to regulations outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Specifically, the use of drones within the park boundaries is illegal under all circumstances. Thirty Six CFR 2.17(a)(3) states, “delivering or retrieving a person or object by parachute, helicopter, or other airborne means, except in emergencies involving public safety or serious property loss, or pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit” is illegal. This applies to drones of all shapes and sizes…”
While I’m not a big fan of having my visit interrupted by a noisy little robot, I’m not so sure that HOW Yosemite is going about it is correct. I blame the NPS – the same guys who shut Americans out of America’s National Parks last year – and their lack of legal experience.