Tucson Parks & Recs has designated the norther portion of Christopher Columbus park as an RC Fly Zone. By ordinance of the City, it is the ONLY park within the City where any RC or Unmanned (UAV) can be flown.
I have done my best to map out this area based on our discussion with the P&R department. It is the area shaded in yellow.
There are three launch/flying circles or Pads. The northernmost is for RC’s. The other two are for tethered airplanes, NOT RC’s of any sort as this is too close to where people may be. The west boundary is Silverbell Ave. It is not legal to fly over any public street. So, stay to the right of Silverbell. Remember, that you can only fly with Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), so the Northern boundary is basically the limit of your vision. This includes using any Goggles, which we will address in a future post or binoculars. The right boundary is the Trees as flying over them you are accessing Private Property. As this is a public park, and that means there is a good chance that people my be within, flying over the lake, or over the grassy areas south of the upper circle is prohibited.
If you are the RC Pad, and there are any tethered pilots using either of the other circles, please be understanding and appreciative and stay away. This area is not part of the RC free zone, but, we don’t want to enter their airspace.
Being mindful and safe, will insure that RC’s will continue to be allowed. This is where you often find us practicing and training. In addition we will mention that a shaded area, weeds removed and better parking are on the list of projects. To better the chances of this happening will mean a more we all as UAV pilots should use any opportunity we can to utilize this area. And show there is the need for better facilities. And equally, to abide by the rules and regulations. Let’s demonstrate that drones are NOT bad.
If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact us and/or Parks and Recs.
