What Are The Drone Laws In New Mexico?
Here in Angel Fire and in the surrounding areas of Eagle Nest and Taos our landscape is perfect for capturing breathtaking video footage by drone cameras. So, what are the drone laws in New Mexico anyway?
Restricted Areas For Drone Flight
As far as New Mexico restrictions go, the FAA banned drone flight near numerous Department of Energy facilities, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Of course, Los Alamos National Laboratory is nowhere near Angel Fire. You’ll find a lot of conflicting info about where you can fly your drone in New Mexico, so be sure to check the FAA app and call ahead to any places you may want to fly your drone to make sure you’re allowed to.
A law was recently introduced that would limit drone flight near critical infrastructure facilities, like oil facilities, gas facilities, power plants, law enforcement facilities, military facilities, water treatment plants, and all other government buildings, but that bill was tabled. Still, it’s a really good idea to keep your drones away from critical infrastructure.
Also, you aren’t allowed to fly a drone within five miles of an airport. So, be mindful that the Colfax County Airport, KAXX – Angel Fire Airport, is located right in Angel Fire! This is about 23 miles east of Taos in western Colfax County. Also, the Taos Regional Airport is about eight miles northwest of the central business district of Taos in Taos County. So, check your GPS and make sure you stay at least five miles away from airports!
Registering Your Drone For Flight In New Mexico
The FAA says that you have to register your that all Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/drones) if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds even after you add things like an onboard camera. This means filing your name, home address and your email. When you file, you’ll get a Certificate of Aircraft Registration and Proof of Ownership. This will give your drone an identification number. You have to actually display it on your drone. These will be valid for three years. for your aircraft. You must have this number displayed on your drone at all times. The number will be valid for up to 3 years. You have to register your drone before you fly it. Plus, you have to be at least 13-years-old to register it and follow the FAA’s Special Rule for Model Aircraft.
Drone Pilots, Stay Out Of Trouble!
Also, make sure that you’re not using drones for hunting. You can’t use your drone to look for animals to hunt either. In fact, you have to wait a day before hunting after you’ve flown a drone and two days if the species is protected. Plus, this should really go without saying, but you can’t use drones to spy on your neighbors or anyone else for that matter. Plus, if you fly a drone over someone else’s property, you have to get their permission. Legislation has been presented that would further prohibit this obvious violation of privacy.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR REAL ESTATE IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO?
If you’re interested in moving to or within Northern New Mexico, contact Coldwell Banker Headin’ Home Realty for all the best listings and most up-to-date information. We are your Angel Fire area experts. Our talented, helpful real estate agents in Angel Fire specialize in residential homes, commercial buildings, condos, vacant lots, and ski properties. We’d love to help you find property with ski in ski out access in the Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, Red River, Mora, Colfax County, Taos, and the Taos Ski Valley areas.
Reach us by telephone at 1-575-377-1192 or by email. Check out our online listings from the comfort of your home. View virtual tours of Angel Fire real estate. You can also just swing in and see us! We are located right in the heart of Angel Fire, in the Mountain View Mall next to Lowes Grocery Store.
Don’t forget to find us on Facebook for the latest information on Angel Fire property listings! So, whether you are looking for ski property, land, or a mountain home, we are eager to help make your dreams come true!
