Effective 5/9/2017
72-14-403. Safe operation of unmanned aircraft.
72-14-403. Safe operation of unmanned aircraft.
- (1) An individual who operates an unmanned aircraft system to fly an unmanned aircraft for recreational purposes shall comply with this section or 14 C.F.R. Sec. 101, Subpart E.
- (2) An individual operating an unmanned aircraft shall:
- (a) maintain visual line of sight of the unmanned aircraft in order to:
- (i) know the location of the unmanned aircraft;
- (ii) determine the attitude, altitude, and direction of flight;
- (iii) observe the airspace for other air traffic or hazards; and
- (iv) determine that the unmanned aircraft does not endanger the life or property of another person;
- (b) ensure that the ability described in Subsection (2)(a)(i) is exercised by either:
- (i) the operator of the unmanned aircraft; or
- (ii) a visual observer.
- (a) maintain visual line of sight of the unmanned aircraft in order to:
- (3) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless the operator of the unmanned aircraft has prior authorization from air traffic control.
- (4) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.
- (5) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft system:
- (a) from a public transit rail platform or station; or
- (b)
- (i) under a height of 50 feet within a public transit fixed guideway right-of-way; and
- (ii) directly above any overhead electric lines used to power a public transit rail vehicle.
- (6) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft in violation of a notice to airmen described in 14 C.F.R. Sec. 107.47.
- (7) An individual may not operate an unmanned aircraft at an altitude that is higher than 400 feet above ground level unless the unmanned aircraft:
- (a) is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and
- (b) does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure’s immediate uppermost limit.
- (8)
- (a) An individual who violates this section is liable for any damages that may result from the violation.
- (b) A law enforcement officer shall issue a written warning to an individual who violates this section who has not previously received a written warning for a violation of this section.
- (c) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(d), an individual who violates this section after receiving a written warning for a previous violation of this section is guilty of an infraction.
- (d) An individual who violates this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor for each conviction of a violation of this section after the individual is convicted of an infraction or a misdemeanor for a previous violation of this section.
Enacted by Chapter 364, 2017 General Session