ADU 01263: How to handle situations where I am told I am flying illegally?

When approached by a government official claiming that I am flying illegally how do I explain myself? What precautions should I be taking to address such scenarios? Today's podcasts is flight regulations and airspace approvals. Our question for today is from Frank who was questioned by a government employee who claimed Frank was flying illegally around a lake and dam. Frank had used all FAA's tools and ensured he was well within the law but Frank would like to know how pilots can address such scenarios and what are the best practices for Pilots to follow to stay within legal requirements of drone flights. We answer Frank's question by first addressing the ambiguity of whether drone regulations can be enforced by local governing bodies and what current Drone laws state. A strong emphasis in our response is on the recent status of drone regulations across the US and how laws are being enforced. We discuss the role of local agencies and responsibilities that Drone pilots should be aware of to steer clear of drone law enforcement. We then discuss if it's a good idea for pilots to fly around lakes and dams, discussing the laws that surround VLOS and its relevance to drone flights and how pilots need to embrace VLOS requirements for conducting safe flights. We also discuss the specifics of what constitutes critical infrastructure in the US and how agencies can work together to define and regulate laws around critical infrastructure. Learn more of how Drone U's Part 107 course is helping drone pilots follow drone regulations and how you can prepare for the Part 107 exam by taking up Drone U's Part 107 course and training. Tune in today !! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get Your Biggest and Most Common Drone Certificate Questions Answered by Downloading this FREE Part 107 PDF Make sure to get yourself the all-new Drone U landing pad! Get your questions answered: https://thedroneu.com/. If you enjoy the show, the #1 thing you can do to help us out is to subscribe to it on iTunes. Can we ask you to do that for us real quick? While you’re there, leave us a 5-star review, if you’re inclined to do so. Thanks! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-drone-u/id967352832. Become a Drone U Member. Access to over 30 courses, great resources, and our incredible community. Follow Us Site – https://thedroneu.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/droneu Instagram – https://instagram.com/thedroneu/ Twitter – https://twitter.com/thedroneu YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/droneu Timestamps: [0:57] Current status of regulatory action from departments [1:51] Launch of PROPS public safety program and details of the programs [4:14] Today's question on regulatory notices on flying over lakes and Dams [5:55] Do local agencies have authority to regulate beyond FAA notices (show? Lake ) ? [8:10] Is it a good idea to fly over Dams? [9:55] What classifies as critical infrastructure and how can agencies team up to identify critical infrastructure?