U.S. authorities stated yesterday that drone flights will be barred over stadiums holding World Cup matches and fan events tied to the tournament that kicks off June 11.
All aircraft, including drones, will be restricted from flying within three nautical miles (5.6 kilometers) of stadiums and up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) above ground level on match days unless specifically authorized, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
Host towns at stadiums and other venues have set up no-fly zones around fan activities of up to one nautical mile, and up to 1,000 feet above ground, AFP writes.
“Fans from around the world are gathering at stadiums and fan events across the country for the FIFA World Cup, and the FAA is using every available tool to protect the airspace, including enhanced drone-enforcement efforts,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
The statement added violators might face fines of up to $100,000, confiscation of equipment and federal criminal proceedings.
The FBI acknowledged it will get involved “to ensure that we have a safe sky,” Aaron Hope of the FBI’s Atlanta office told a press conference in the southern metropolis.
Our main goal is that the word gets out, that it is a no-drone zone,” Hope said.
“We’ve got the technology to intercept a drone, if we need to do that. “We do have the technology to identify drones and then find operators. It’s something we’ll do if we need to,” he said.
The FAA said it will deploy DETER, a new enforcement effort that allows for quick identification of drone violations, to provide “enhanced enforcement” at the World Cup.
The United States, Mexico and Canada are co-hosting the world’s biggest soccer party from June 11 until the July 19 final.
About the Author
