The Federal Aviation Administration banned drone operations in several areas of New Jersey until Jan. 17, unless operators obtain special government permission for “special safety reasons.”
Unmanned aerial drones have been lighting up the night skies of New Jersey and surrounding states for weeks since mid-November, sparking local concern and online speculation. some he asked for answers for answers from local and state authorities.
This photo provided by Brian Glenn shows multiple drones flying overhead on Thursday, December 5, 2024 in Bernardsville, NJ.
Brian Glenn/TMX via AP, File
Temporary flight restrictions that will last until January 17 are in place starting Wednesday in the following locations: Hamilton, Bridgewater, Cedar Grove, North Brunswick, Metuchen, Evesham, Camden, Gloucester City, Westampton, South Brunswick, Edison. , Branchburg, Sewaren, Jersey City, Harrison, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Winslow, Burlington, Clifton, Hancocks Bridge and Kearny.
The restrictions state that unmanned aircraft systems may not operate within one nautical mile of the airspace specified in each Notice to Airmen or NOTAM, up to 400 feet above the ground. Recreational drones can operate up to 400 feet, according to FAA regulations.
Temporary flight restrictions previously issued for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal remain in effect.
The government can use “lethal force” against drones if they pose an “immediate security threat,” the NOTAM said.
Pilots who do not comply with these restrictions “may be apprehended, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel.” The FAA said it could also take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and suspending or revoking operator certificates, as well as pursuing criminal charges.
In this image from the video, what appear to be drones flying over Randolph, NJ on December 4, 2024.
AP
The ban comes after a press conference on Sunday in which an FAA official said drones have “undoubtedly” been flying over New Jersey, noting that there are nearly a million drones registered in the US.
The FBI has received more than 5,000 tips in recent weeks about drone surveillance in New Jersey and other states, according to a multi-agency statement released Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the FAA and the Department of Defense.
“After careful consideration of the technical data and tips from the public, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of legitimate commercial drones, hobbyist drones and law enforcement drones, as well as manned aircraft, helicopters and satellites mistakenly reported as drones,” the joint statement said. .
