Drone Policy
The Head of the Hooch Organizing Committee (HOC), working in conjunction with a Chief Referee from USRowing, must be notified of all drones operating in the field of play, and the airspace above the course, in accordance with local and FAA drone regulations, and must approve the use of media launches on the field of play.
Any drones operating in the field of play must have permission, in writing, in advance of the first day of the Regatta from the HOC. Drones must be controlled from a media launch with an experienced drone pilot and launch driver, or from a location outside the Ross’s Landing venue. Any drone operating at the Regatta without proper approval will be grounded. The crew associated with the outlaw drone may be penalized.
Drone pilots must follow the below rules when operating in the field of play:
Fly in accordance with all local and FAA drone regulations. Note that a large portion of the upstream end of the course is within Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport airspace.
Do not fly over the Ross’s Landing venue, launch and recovery docks, or start chute due to the large crowds in these areas.
Remain at least 10 meters away, in all directions, from any crew/shell on the water (for example, 10 meters above and 10 behind).
Drones should remain further away from crews when the pilot is not associated with the crew and/or the crew did not ask to be filmed/photographed. Drones can be distracting to competitors when they are not expecting to see/hear them which can lead to water safety issues and unfair distractions while racing.
Additionally, the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management is requiring all drone pilots to notify Winston Shields at (423) 322-9899 before each flight to coordinate drones and emergency helicopters in the area on regatta weekend.
Anyone wishing to operate a drone Thursday through Sunday at the regatta, including media, spectators, or competing organizations (athletes, coaches, support personnel, parents, or fans), shall notify the HOC at media@headofthehooch.org and provide the following information:
Model of drone that will be flown
Area & Times of Operation
How video/images will be used
Crew or Organization you are associated with
Contact Info for the PIC
Drone pilots flying their drones over the field of play are obligated to follow the rules noted above and assume all liability associated with their actions. The Head of the Hooch Organizing Committee and its co-insured partners accept no liability for drone operations in the field of play. Under no circumstances will drone video/photo be used as evidence for any type of race protest.
Thank You and Safe Flying!