As reports of unknown drones flying over different parts of New York State keep coming up, people wonder if it's okay to shoot down these drones.

In New York, it is against the law to shoot down a drone, and there are serious consequences for doing so. Even if a drone is causing problems or invading privacy, shooting it down is not a good idea and can get you in trouble with the authorities.

Federal Law and Penalties

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that shooting at aircraft, which includes drones, is not allowed under federal law. Destroying aircraft is a crime under 18 U.S. Code § 32, and you could face big fines or even go to prison for up to 20 years if you intentionally damage or disable aircraft in the U.S.

The FAA also warns that shooting drones can be very dangerous. A drone hit by bullets could crash into people, buildings, or other aircraft, causing serious risks of accidents and disaster.

Enforcing New York State Laws

In addition to federal rules, New York laws have strict consequences for shooting down drones. People in New York who shoot drones may be charged with crimes like damaging property (under New York Penal Law §145.00) or endangering others by firing guns in residential or public areas (as described in New York Penal Law §120.20).

Because of New York's tough gun laws, people who illegally use firearms may face even more legal problems. Both federal and state laws clearly say that shooting drones in New York is not allowed.

SEE ALSO: Lawmakers Demand Answers on Drone Sightings Over East Coast

Protecting Privacy and Following the Law

Concerns about drones invading privacy are valid, but shooting them down is not the right answer. To address illegal drone activity:

Contact the Police: Tell the police about suspicious drone actions and give them as much information as you can to help with their investigation.

Report to the FAA: Use the FAA’s online system to report unlawful drone activities and make sure that aviation regulations are followed.

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Keep Records: Take pictures or videos of the drone and write down any incidents related to it, which can be useful for legal actions against those breaking the rules.

Stunning Drone Pics Show Remains Of Frontier Town In The ADKS

Many of us in the Capital Region have fond childhood memories while visiting our grand Adirondack Mountains. Some remember the early years of Storytown (now known as the Great Escape), some were partial to Water Slide World, while others enjoyed the horses, buggies, and stagecoach bandits at Frontier Town.

Frontier Town, located in Schroon Lake, NY, was started back in 1952 by a man named Arthur Bensen. Bensen designed it to be a theme park for kids and a big playground for adults. For more than 40 years, Frontier Town and its trick riders, bucking broncos, horses and buggies, and stagecoach bandits, was an Adirondack destination.

As other attractions in the Lake George area grew more popular, thinning crowds forced Frontier Town to shut down in 1998, and for 20 years it sat vacant, abandoned, and neglected.

Eventually, New York State would buy the land and redevelop the rotting theme park and
in the fall of 2018, the site was reopened.

The former Frontier Town is now a New York State Park where guests can camp, hike, take trails by horse and bike, and picnic. Certain trails are off-limits for guests, although many are open year-round.

Several of the original Frontier Town signs remain on the property. The entranceway to Frontier Town now stands as a deluxe rest stop with food, souvenirs, and bathrooms and the space can be rented out to host parties.

Most have never viewed the Adirondacks quite like this and we were allowed to publish these oddly beautiful photos high above Frontier Town thanks to Adirondack Drone.

Gallery Credit: Brian Cody TSM Albany

Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate

Throughout the country, motorcycle helmet laws vary depending on which of the 50 states you're riding through. The legal team at Anidjar & Levine recently compiled data from the National Highway Safety Transportation Association (NHSTA) comparing the number of fatal crashes in each state that involved the rider wearing a helmet and those without. Here's an alphabetical look at Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow