The Federal Aviation Administration has issued more restrictions drone flights Friday in the Northeast in response to increased sightings in recent weeks.
One day after announcing temporary restrictions on most drone flights in New Jersey, the FAA issued a decision 27 No-Fly Zone Notices for “special security reasons” Friday in New York.
The restrictions will last through January 18, 2025, and apply to some of the most populated areas in the Empire State, including nearly every New York City borough.
FAA ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON DRONE FLIGHTS IN NEW JERSEY AFTER COINCIDENCE OF SIGHTINGS
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued temporary restrictions on drone flights in 27 areas of New York in response to an influx of reported sightings in recent weeks. (REUTERS/Chris Helgren/File Photo)
There are a few exceptions to the restrictions, including those for the use of drones in support of national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting and rescue services, or disaster relief.
Commercial drones may also be used within restricted airspace with a valid declaration of work.
Those who meet the above categories must also have an approved special government interest waiver, which is an emergency authorization from the FAA that allows operations in restricted airspace for a specific purpose, the agency said.
All other federal aviation regulations must also be followed.
A drone is seen flying over Ridge, New York, on December 12, 2024. (Grant Parpan/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
The announcements come after more than a month of alleged drone sightings – many in New Jersey on a nightly basis – across the Mid-Atlantic region, raising bipartisan concerns from citizens and lawmakers.
An ongoing joint investigation by the FBI, FAA, Department of Homeland Security and Defense Department found that nearly 5,000 reports of alleged drone sightings have been made in “recent weeks,” but only 100 of them turned up leads.
While the agencies said Monday they have found no risk in their investigation so far, they did insist on it Congress to legislate that would “expand and expand existing anti-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may arise.”
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As of early Friday morning, no other states have made such announcements amid the influx of reported sightings in the Northeast, according to the FAA website.
