The FAA has published a public service announcement reminding drone operators that the airspace around NRG Stadium in Houston is a “No Drone Zone” for the Super Bowl. The FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) which will “prohibit certain aircraft operations, including unmanned aircraft operations, or drones, within a 34.5-mile radius of NRG Stadium in downtown Houston, Texas on game day. The restrictions will be in effect from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5.”
“Drones are becoming much more popular, but they also pose certain safety risks,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We’re working closely with our safety and security partners to spread the No Drone Zone message as widely as possible.”
While drones offer a unique view for media and other professionals, recreational drones – or commercial drones hoping for saleable footage – are almost always excluded from major sporting events. Regulations prohibit drone flight in crowds or over people without a specific waiver. A series of well-publicized accidents – including a stopped match at a major tennis tournament when a spectator’s drone crashed into the stands – have made event and venue administration more vigilant about drones.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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