Shots of a Neighbors Property

[Ascend Drones]

Hello fellow Pilots!

I am a part 107 licensed drone pilot in upstate New York. I recently had a friend ask if I could take some shots (nadir) of his neighbors property. He believes his neighbor (a landscaper) is doing controlled burning too close to his property and wants shots to prove it.

I’m worried if I take stills or video and it becomes a legal issue that I could get in trouble for the shots.

Any input or suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks!
Curtis

 

[ArmyVet]

In the Army, we had a term called "chit house lawyer" As such, my opinion is you may have to eventually testify as to your part in the actual filming to prove the the validity of the evidence. Not very onerous for you. But may be a hassle nevertheless. How good of a friend is he.

 

[Ascend Drones]

In the Army, we had a term called "chit house lawyer" As such, my opinion is you may have to eventually testify as to your part in the actual filming to prove the the validity of the evidence. Not very onerous for you. But may be a hassle nevertheless. How good of a friend is he.

He's a good friend, that I've known for a few years. I'm going to take a look at his property line for him and maybe get some shots, but not fly over or take shots of just his neighbors property or house. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Brutalwarpig]

Hello fellow Pilots!

I am a part 107 licensed drone pilot in upstate New York. I recently had a friend ask if I could take some shots (nadir) of his neighbors property. He believes his neighbor (a landscaper) is doing controlled burning too close to his property and wants shots to prove it.

I’m worried if I take stills or video and it becomes a legal issue that I could get in trouble for the shots.

Any input or suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks!
Curtis

It's my understanding that federal law says, surveillance on land or objects is okay. Surveillance of a specific person or group of people is generally not allowed without a court order. Taking pics or video of random people who are far enough away that they can't be identified is okay. I'm not an attorney and you would have to check local laws in your state. I believe the litmus test is wether or not the person can be identified or not. If it's private property like a residence, then any pic of an individual may not be legal if their identity can be found through property records. Again, not an attorney.