Is it permissible to operate a sUAS from a moving boat as long as the boat is far away from the shoreline?

Is it permissible to operate a sUAS from a moving boat as long as the boat is far away from the shoreline?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. No, only if the boat is anchored
• D. No, under any circumstances

Answer: (B)

The rule being tested is about where you can control a small UAS from. You’re not allowed to operate a sUAS from a moving vehicle or vessel. A moving boat introduces constant motion—tilt, vibration, and changing heading—that makes it very hard to keep reliable control, maintain visual contact, and ensure a safe flight path. Even if the boat is far from shore, the risk to people on the boat and on the water, plus the potential for the drone to drift or lose GPS accuracy, remains. The only safe, compliant way is to operate from a fixed, stable position (on the ground or in a stationary location); if operation from a moving platform is absolutely required, you’d need a special authorization or waiver, which isn’t the default rule. So, the answer is that it’s not permissible.

The rule being tested is about where you can control a small UAS from. You’re not allowed to operate a sUAS from a moving vehicle or vessel. A moving boat introduces constant motion—tilt, vibration, and changing heading—that makes it very hard to keep reliable control, maintain visual contact, and ensure a safe flight path. Even if the boat is far from shore, the risk to people on the boat and on the water, plus the potential for the drone to drift or lose GPS accuracy, remains. The only safe, compliant way is to operate from a fixed, stable position (on the ground or in a stationary location); if operation from a moving platform is absolutely required, you’d need a special authorization or waiver, which isn’t the default rule. So, the answer is that it’s not permissible.