Drones seem to be everywhere in the region, but if you think you see one, leave it alone.
Shooting drones is federally illegal. Property ownership does not include surrounding airspace. The airspace is essentially public property.
Destroying or disabling an aircraft can lead to fines and possible prison sentences, sometimes up to 20 years in prison.
Drones can fly legally if they are registered with the Federal Aviation Administration and fly less than 400 feet. Drone flying is not permitted over stadiums during a planned event, near airports, in hazardous conditions, around emergency response areas, and within 15 miles of Washington, D.C.
New Castle County Police received eight calls about drone sightings between December 12 and 14. Delaware State Police said they have not received any credible reports of drones as of Dec. 12, but say they encourage anyone observing large drones to capture them. video evidence and report their sighting to local police for investigation.
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What is the law surrounding drone flights in Delaware?
Under state law, an “unmanned aircraft system” cannot operate over a sporting event or event with more than 1,500 attendees. They also cannot fly over “critical infrastructure,” including chemical plants, rail yards, ports and government buildings.
A drone may not fly over private property while subduing a specific person without written permission from the property owner. Drones are also not allowed to fly over scenes where emergency workers are active.
Drones operated by law enforcement, higher education, or commercial purposes with proper FAA authorization may be exempt from state regulations.
A first offense results in an unclassified misdemeanor, while a subsequent offense results in a class B misdemeanor. If a violation results in personal injury, it becomes a class A misdemeanor under state law.
According to their 2022 annual report, the Delaware State Police uses drones for search and rescue during natural disasters or in places inaccessible to cars. The Wilmington Police Department also uses drones.
This article originally appeared in Delaware News Journal: Shooting down drones is illegal. Here are drone laws in Delaware
