By: Bridger Hawkinson Des Moines, IA - In a groundbreaking move, Representative Norlin Mommsen introduced a bill, H.F.2180, to the Iowa House of Representatives on January 29, 2024, suggesting the use of registered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the retrieval of wounded deer during hunting activities. The bill, if enacted, would amend the Iowa Code to allow licensed hunters to utilize drones for tracking and retrieving injured game, a development that has stirred both excitement and controversy within the state. The proposed legislation, authored by Representative Mommsen, a seasoned advocate for wildlife-related issues, aims to provide hunters with an additional tool for ethical and humane wounded deer recovery. The bill outlines specific conditions under which licensed hunters may deploy registered UAVs, emphasizing adherence to legal methods of dispatch authorized by the hunter's valid deer hunting license. However, the introduction of the bill has not been without its sha...

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, operate within the regulatory framework defined by 49 USC §40103, a critical component of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. This section grants the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the authority to regulate aircraft, airspace, and aviation facilities, ensuring the safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). It's important to note that 49 USC §40103's jurisdiction extends across the entire NAS, covering the United States, its territories, and airspace within the control of the United States. This comprehensive scope is crucial in maintaining uniformity and consistency in the regulation of unmanned aircraft. The definition of "aircraft" under 49 USC §40102(a)(6) is fundamental to understanding the FAA's regulatory authority. According to this definition, "aircraft" means any contrivance invented, used, or designed to navigate or fly in the air. This broad definition encomp...

Belle Plaine Mayor Addresses Drone Problems and City Strategy in July Newsletter October 11th, 2023 Author: Bridger Hawkinson In a recent July newsletter, Belle Plaine Mayor Dave Fish addressed the growing concerns regarding drone-related issues within the city. The mayor's statement shed light on the challenges Belle Plaine faces with local drone pilots and emphasized the need for cooperation from both citizens and relevant federal agencies to address the situation effectively. Mayor Dave Fish began by acknowledging the existence of drone-related problems within the city. These problems, he noted, are primarily linked to the activities of local drone pilots. However, the mayor pointed out that the complexity of the issue is closely tied to federal regulations and guidelines governing drone operations, which poses limitations on what can be addressed within city code. The mayor expressed the city's commitment to finding a solution to these issues and disclosed ongoing...

 Belle Plaine city council discusses drone ordinance. March 14th, 2023 Author: Bridger Hawkinson The city council of Belle Plain, Iowa on Wednesday, March 1st held a council meeting discussing numerous issues including a segment regarding the use of drones around the city. In a phone interview with a Belle Plain Ambulance Services spokesperson, the concern is over a local drone pilot "Interfering" with their operations of service, and the families they serve. The spokesperson also reports the drone is spying and invading public peace and enjoyment of those in town. The operator that is flying the drone remains unidentified at this time but will be updated as we know more. John DeRaad, a resident of Belle Plaine, mentioned during a March 1 city council meeting , that he is aware of the concerns, but wants to make sure the city does not get too restrictive on drone laws that affect responsible drone operators. Iowans for Drone Freedom has reached out to city officials wh...