New Rules on Drones

The Sag Harbor Village Board was wise the other day to back away from a proposed attempt to regulate drones above its streets, just about the time new Federal Aviation Administration rules for the tiny aircraft were being finalized. As of Monday, new drones weighing more than half a pound must be registered with the F.A.A., and the agency has reminded owners that drones cannot be flown within five miles of an airport, unless air traffic controllers are notified in advance. Curious, we looked at a map.

In and around East Hampton Town, the five-mile warning zone includes the entire Village of Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, and parts of Water Mill and Noyac. Springs is more or less open territory, as are the farther reaches of Northwest Woods and Napeague. The radius from the private Montauk Airport extends around the entire hamlet, from Hither Hills well offshore of Montauk Point.

The whole thing is a puzzle, really, at least out here on the South Fork. Who, for example, is the pilot of a drone supposed to call when the East Hampton Airport control tower is only staffed part of the year and Montauk’s not at all?

As with so much of modern life, technology usually outpaces regulation. Drone-fliers on the South Fork, whether able to phone in a flight plan or not, should be especially aware of the potential for interference with other aircraft. Those giving them as gifts this holiday season should do so with words of warning.