So, if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis next week on the East Coast via your fancy flying machine, otherwise known as a drone, know that the FAA isn’t cool with it.
Advertisement
Maybe only post in areas that are drone-fluent.
Papal host cities Washington, New York and Philadelphia have all been declared “No Drone Zones”, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
“Anyone flying a drone within the designated restricted areas may be subject to civil and criminal charges”, Huerta warned.
The FAA is now drafting regulations on small drones, amid concerns about personal privacy.
On the one hand, a swarm of drones jostling for the flawless shot of the Pope would be seriously annoying and frustrate licensed news broadcasters from achieving the aerial views necessary to capture the momentous historic significance of the moment.
Although passengers will still be able to fly, heavy security restrictions in and around the airports will be in place.
There are already strict drone restrictions surrounding Washington, D.C. On September 24, the Pope will be speaking to a Congress joint session.
Pope Francis will then be meeting with the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, which will be followed by a procession that will run through Central Park. Jeh Johnson, secretary of Homeland Security, said in a recent press conference that “a lot” of preparation had gone into Pope Francis’ highly anticipated trip.
Advertisement
Washington, D.C. airspace has more restrictions that any other region within the U.S. A regular prohibition against UAS without having approval inside the towns, cities, District of Columbia and airports now exists. “We are looking forward to a successful visit”.
