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Lassen National Forest UAS - Drone Guidelines
The following information will help people who operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones comply with Lassen National Forest guidelines.
Recreational drone definitions
- It is capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere.
- Weighs 55 pounds or less (including equipment, payload, and fuel).
- Flown strictly for recreational or hobby purposes as a means of enjoyment and/or relaxation; not for work, business, or for compensation, or hire. Taking photos or filming for personal use from a drone is permitted.
Drones are to be flown only within the visual line of sight of the person operating them. The drone must remain within the visual line of sight of operators using their natural vision (to include vision corrected by standard eyeglasses or contact lenses). Operating the drone from a first-person view, where the operator controls the aircraft while wearing goggles that display images transmitted from a camera mounted in the UAS aircraft, is prohibited.
Registration requirements for recreational drones
- Operators must register their drone with the FAA if it weighs between 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and up to 55 pounds (25 kilograms).
- Operators must label their drones with the registration number; the registration number should be clearly visible.
Additional rules for the use of recreational UAS on forest lands
- Ensure that you comply with all FAA regulations and guidance for flying your UAS. The FAA has authority over all airspace.
- Flown at a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level.
- Cannot fly over or in close proximity to any wildfire or prescribed fire. Flights over fires disrupt aerial firefighting operations and create hazardous situations.
- Flown in daylight only.
- Cannot fly over people or in developed recreation sites such as campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, and marinas.
- Must obey all privacy laws.
- Flown at least five miles from an airport or backcountry airstrip unless approved by the airport manager.
- Must not interfere with and must give way to any manned aircraft.
- Cannot take off from, land in, or be operated from congressionally designated wilderness areas. Examples within the Lassen National Forest include the Caribou Wilderness and Thousand Lakes Wilderness areas.
- Drones cannot chase or harass wildlife, creating stress and potentially resulting in significant harm and even death.
- Cannot fly within or over designated seasonal wildlife closures (i.e., bald eagles).
Drones and Wildfires
Flying drones within or near wildfires without permission could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper their ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources. Flying a drone near a wildfire is breaking the law. Per the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 43 CFR 9212.1 (f), it is illegal to resist or interfere with the efforts of firefighter(s) to extinguish a fire. Doing so can result in a significant fine and/or a mandatory court appearance.
Drones pose a risk to pilots and aircraft flying at low altitudes and could result in significant damage and potential injuries to the pilot and crew on board. Drones have caused helicopters and air tankers to be grounded. For the pilot's and crew's safety, air operations would be halted until it can be confirmed that UAS devices have left the area.
No amount of video or photos are worth the potential consequences.
Commercial Drones
Commercial (non-recreational) drone use in the Lassen National Forest requires the operator to obtain a special use permit. For information about acquiring a permit, click here.
Additional Information
US Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Tips for Responsible Use of Recreational Drones on the National Forest Lands
Flying Drones – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)