Like every state in the US, the federal government created drone laws for New Hampshire to govern both drones and drone pilots. Due to the growing desire for drone flying, both commercial and recreational, the FAA has put regulations in place to ensure safe airspace for airplanes, people, and the property below.
With the increased use of civilian drones in New Hampshire comes more work for law enforcement. There's an increased workload as the police are constantly solving issues related to the invasion of privacy, trespassing, stalking, and noise. It may be too early to say if people will ever get used to drones and if these concerns will increase or diminish.
Following all the required drone laws for New Hampshire, like buying compliant aircraft and getting your operation certified, means that you can fly your drone freely in the state. While the current drone laws are fairly new and may require a little getting used to, this article will give you a good rundown of the recent regulations you need to follow before flying or landing in the state.
These federal laws apply to all the states in the USA, including New Hampshire.
Note that: If you intentionally violate any of these safety requirements or operate your drone recklessly, you could be liable for criminal or civil penalties.
Several operations are not covered by Part 107 and are subject to a waiver. However, you should read about the Part 107 waiver application and go through the legal process. Here are some of the laws that are subject to a waiver:
Though the FAA regulation trumps all local and state drone laws, including New Hampshire, they allow them to pass their laws around land use, privacy, trespass, zoning, and law enforcement operations.
New Hampshire has only two state-wide laws you should follow if you plan to fly your drone in the state. The general court created these drone laws for New Hampshire.
This law makes it a violation to use a drone to conduct video surveillance of anyone fishing, trapping, or lawfully hunting without their permission. The law, however, exempts the law enforcement and Fish and Game Department personnel.
Several New Hampshire Police departments have implemented the use of drones, including Strafford County and Derry. They use drones for several reasons, including suspect tracking, inspections, and investigations, search and rescue operations.
Other police departments are warming up to drone use, and purchase plans are underway. However, Granite state currently has no restrictions on law enforcement use of drones.
While the state has considered other bills to regulate drones without much success, there are potential state laws.
New Hampshire and other states have considered the following drone laws to protect the privacy and public safety:
A UAV Coach offers in-person training in various cities within New Hampshire. The training goes for 2 hours and covers all the basics you need to start flying in the state. The UAV coach covers;
The trainer also allows room for questions about everything that involves drone operation in New Hampshire and more. The coach also offers a fleet of practice drones for training purposes giving you a great head-start on flying. If you're trying to get into commercial flying, the courses will help you pass the required tests and learn how to fly the drones for profit.
A: Drones, like any aircraft, are bound by existing federal aviation regulations. If you interfere or destroy a legal drone operation in progress, it is no different than doing the same to a commercial airline flight. You may be criminally liable for destroying a drone or civilly liable for the cost of replacing the drone.
A: Yes, drones are allowed in New Hampshire for recreational and commercial purposes. If you want to operate a drone in the state, you're required to follow all the regulations by the FAA and the flight controls put in place by the local government.
A: If you're flying your drone in New Hampshire for recreational use, you must take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Similarly, if you want to fly commercially, you must take the Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.
A: This applies to commercial pilots flying above 400 feet in restricted and unrestricted airspace. You must ask for a waiver before flying at any level over public parks or privately owned land.
A: Recreational use of drones is allowed on White Mountain National Forest lands if the landing isn't within ¼ miles of a Forest Protection Area. All the areas listed in Exhibit B of Forest order R9-22-19-01, including the Alpine Zone, are prohibited.
A: Yes, there are. There is a policy that restricts the operation of drones within New Hampshire State Park boundaries. You cannot use your drone on all land administered by the National Park Service (NPS).
Drones have been used for a long time to get the best selfies, group shots, panoramas, and spheres which is all rewarding, but like any hobby or professional interest, you need to be careful. Just because they sell drones in toy stores doesn't negate the fact that they have the potential to cause harm or infringe on other people's rights.
The bottom line is, if you're unsure of the drone laws for New Hampshire, it is prudent to consult legal counsel or check the FAA guidelines before flying your drone in the state.
You can watch these videos for an updated version of the drone laws for New Hampshire.