Good site to get panoramas of the Bay Area from. Great regular photo and drone photo spot.

"The Cross" in California could refer to several locations, but commonly it is associated with Mount Soledad in La Jolla, San Diego. Mount Soledad features a prominent cross and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego, and the La Jolla coastline. It’s also the site of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, dedicated to honoring veterans.

Is It Worth Flying a Drone There?

Flying a drone at Mount Soledad can indeed be rewarding, as the location provides stunning vistas and diverse scenery, making for captivating aerial footage and photography. The elevated perspective of a drone would allow for a unique view of the memorial, the cross, and the surrounding landscapes.

Legal Considerations for Flying a Drone

# FAA Regulations

1. Airspace: Mount Soledad is relatively close to several airports, including the San Diego International Airport (SAN). Therefore, the area may fall under controlled airspace, requiring LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization for drone flights.

2. LAANC Authorization: To fly a drone in controlled airspace, you’ll need LAANC authorization. This can be obtained through various apps such as AirMap, Kittyhawk, or directly from the FAA.

3. Altitude: Ensure you follow FAA guidelines, typically not flying above 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace.

4. Visual Line of Sight: Always maintain a visual line of sight with your drone.

# Local Regulations

1. City/County Ordinances: Check for any local city or county ordinances that might restrict drone operations. Some areas have specific bans or rules about where drones can be flown.

2. Park Rules: If Mount Soledad is classified as a park or falls within city park limits, local park regulations might apply. Many parks have restrictions on drone usage.

3. Respect Privacy: Be cognizant of privacy issues when flying your drone, especially in areas that may have residential properties nearby.

Special Considerations

1. Respectful Conduct: Since Mount Soledad houses a veterans' memorial, exercise respectful conduct. Avoid flying directly over the memorial and visitors, as this could be intrusive or seen as disrespectful.

2. Weather Conditions: Check weather conditions before flying to ensure safe and stable drone operations.

3. Insurance: Consider drone insurance for liability and damages.

4. Operational Times: Some areas might have restrictions on the hours during which drone flights are allowed. Verify if there are any such restrictions.

Summary

Flying a drone at Mount Soledad can result in spectacular footage, but due diligence is necessary to ensure you’re in compliance with FAA, state, and local regulations. LAANC authorization will most likely be required, and being respectful of the memorial and its visitors is paramount. Always verify the most current rules and guidelines before your flight to ensure a safe and legal operation.

TRAIL ADDRESS

562 California Way, Woodside, CA 94062, USA

FLIGHT AREA

7 hectares

AIRSPACE

G

MEMBERS-ONLY

No

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