Says Her Family's Privacy Has Been Violated By UAV Operators

An Olathe, KS woman has provided testimony to the state legislature concerning a proposal to create 350-foot buffer zones around private property that would prevent UAVs from flying over her home and others.

LeEtta Felter said that one of her neighbors has been flying his UAV over her home, including the family swimming pool She said that she has taken video of the aircraft with her cell phone, and the operator continues to fly over her home despite being requested not to do so.

In another incident, she said, the aircraft was hovering outside her kitchen window where her 16-year-old daughter was washing dishes.

Television station WDAF reports that Felter said the neighbor could not ride his dirt bike in her front yard, and does not see why the UAV should be any different.

The Kansas Legislature is considering a bill that would create a 350-foot privacy buffer around private property that starts at ground level.

Casey Adams, CEO of Kansas City Drone Company, said that he is sympathetic to those who feel their privacy is being violated, but he does not want to see restrictions that would be detrimental to recreational flying, first responders, or innovation companies because of a few "bad apples."

Felter said she is willing to hear all sides of the argument. She said she's not opposed to drones per se, but said there should be restrictions in place when operators start to violate the privacy of others.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.kslegislature.org/li/b2015_16/measures/hb2397