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EVO Horseshoe Dam and Cave Creek field tests

jmbsmt63

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Just a couple test videos since I caught a release of water at a dam and caught some nice flower blooms and green ( which is normally all desert fauna) on the way back from the lake.
Filmed in 2K 30 FPS and converted to 60FPS.

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Careful on the Dam. That is considered infrastructure and is a NFZ. Other than that, great videos.
Ansia, what Federal, state or local law specifically are you referring to that restrict or prohibits flights near horseshoe dam in AZ?
 
Ansia, what Federal, state or local law specifically are you referring to that restrict or prohibits flights near horseshoe dam in AZ?
I don't know if that specific Dam is under the Security Sensitive Airspace, but if the OP isn't sure either, is best to find out before you get arrested by the feds.

 
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Okay, so you were just guessing...I wasn't sure if you had specific info. I asked because I have filmed at a couple of dams previously and plan to do so again. Prior to flying I used both airmap and the the same link you just furnished, (which is a great resource). If one clicks through that FAA link to view horseshoe lake, it shows that there are no particular restrictions there. Cheers.
 
Okay, so you were just guessing...I wasn't sure if you had specific info. I asked because I have filmed at a couple of dams previously and plan to do so again. Prior to flying I used both airmap and the the same link you just furnished, (which is a great resource). If one clicks through that FAA link to view horseshoe lake, it shows that there are no particular restrictions there. Cheers.
Yes, I verified it after you asked. I've also seen power plants that are not included in neither maps and I know they are NFZ. Basically, if it has a Hydroelectric plant in operation, it's considered Security Sensitive.
 
Yes, I verified it after you asked. I've also seen power plants that are not included in neither maps and I know they are NFZ. Basically, if it has a Hydroelectric plant in operation, it's considered Security Sensitive.
If i am understanding you correctly, you are saying that you verified that dams with hydroelectric plants are no fly zones? If you find out what law or rule says that hydroelectric plants are security-sensitive (or otherwise restricted with respect to drone photo/video), I would be interested in seeing a link to that law/statute/rule. I have not seen such a rule on any FAA or other government sites. I personally plan to film more dams (we have lots of pretty dams in Pacific NW). Both dams that I have filmed at have hydro-electric plants and i was in plain sight of their security cameras both times as I was standing right on top of the dam. One dam, The Detroit Dam in Oregon, is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers (as many dams are) and I actually talked with an employee at one point while I was filming and he made no mention of any such restrictions...he was just curious as to how much my drone cost. So I am dubious that such a rule exists. But if you find the law/statute/rule, let us all know and please post a link because most (hopefully all) of us do not want to break any laws :-)! Thanks. p.s. i posted one of my dam videos on youtube
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If i am understanding you correctly, you are saying that you verified that dams with hydroelectric plants are no fly zones? If you find out what law or rule says that hydroelectric plants are security-sensitive (or otherwise restricted with respect to drone photo/video), I would be interested in seeing a link to that law/statute/rule. I have not seen such a rule on any FAA or other government sites. I personally plan to film more dams (we have lots of pretty dams in Pacific NW). Both dams that I have filmed at have hydro-electric plants and i was in plain sight of their security cameras both times as I was standing right on top of the dam. One dam, The Detroit Dam in Oregon, is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers (as many dams are) and I actually talked with an employee at one point while I was filming and he made no mention of any such restrictions...he was just curious as to how much my drone cost. So I am dubious that such a rule exists. But if you find the law/statute/rule, let us all know and please post a link because most (hopefully all) of us do not want to break any laws :)! Thanks. p.s. i posted one of my dam videos on youtube
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I will look into it. In the meanwhile take a look at this thread about a Mavic flier and his experiences with dams.

 
I will look into it. In the meanwhile take a look at this thread about a Mavic flier and his experiences with dams.

Thank you. That was thread is pretty informative. But after reading it , it still looks to me that one CAN fly over Corp of Engineer Dams (if flight is not done in unsafe or reckless manner) but you can't launch or land from dam (which i did). The outliers seem to be the crazy TVA, which tried to prohibit drones but at the end of the thread it looks as if they have recently loosened that restriction (which clearly contradicts of FAA law). I think this is a case of federal employees (Corp of Eng.) and/or pseudo-federal managers and employees (TVA) not really understanding the fact that FAA and FAA only controls actual airspace. Of course nobody wants a terrorist or nutjob messing with a dam with a drone, but the vast majority of these dams allow cars and even 40 foot tractor-trailers to drive right over them, they allow sea planes to take off right next to them, they allow large cabin cruisers and house boats to cruise right up to them, etc. but a drone is a truly dangerous object. Lol! Thanks for the link.
 
Here is a good place to start your research.
Information on the FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which defines these restrictions, and all of the currently covered locations, can be found on our website. This linked FAA website provides an interactive map, downloadable geospatial data, and other important information. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the FAA’s UAS website.

 
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