After weeks of concerns over drones hovering over tri-state communities, the Federal Aviation Administration has stepped in to stop the flight of unmanned aircraft by banning the flying machines over certain locations in New York.
TFRs Imposed on 24 Locations in NY
The FAA said it imposed the temporary flight restrictions in coordination with federal security partners and at the request of Gov. Kathy Hochul. The impacted locations top two dozen and include but are not limited to:
- New York, NY
- New Hyde Park, NY
- Glenwood Landing, NY
- Garden City, NY
- Commack, NY
- Lynbrook, NY
- Oceanside, NY
- Roslyn Heights, NY
- Staten Island, NY
- Bronx, NY
- New Castle, NY
- Holbrook, NY
- Holtsville, NY
- Queens, NY
- Shoreham, NY
- Hicksville, NY
- Yonkers, NY
- Setaiket, NY
- Melville, NY
- Northport, NY
- Calverton, NY
- Far Rockaway, NY
- Brooklyn, NY
- Ridge, NY
The TFRs are targeted to 1 nautical mile radii and heights of 400 feet over certain sites. For example, the Manhattan TFR covers “from the surface up to and including 400 feet AGL” for 1 nautical mile and “On the LA GUARDIA VOR/DME (LGA) 247 degree radial at 5.9 nautical miles. (Latitude: 40º43’38″N, Longitude: 73º58’30″W),” according to the FAA.
What is a Temporary Flight Restriction?
On its website, the FAA defines what a TFR means.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are defined areas of airspace where the FAA limits aircraft operations because of:
- Temporary hazardous conditions, such as a wildfire, hurricane, or chemical spill.
- A security-related event, such as the United Nations General Assembly.
- Other special situations, like VIP movement.
The text of the actual TFR contains the details about the restriction, including the size, altitude, and time period of the TFR, and what types of operations are restricted and permitted.
What has been seen over NJ and NY?
A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why.
The FBI, the Homeland Security Department, and state agencies have been investigating, but officials say there has been nothing so far to suggest that any drones have posed a national security or public safety threat. In fact, authorities say, many of the drone sightings have actually been legal drones, manned aircraft, helicopters, and even stars.
Conclusion
The FAA has imposed TFRs on 24 locations in New York due to concerns over drones. The restrictions are in effect until further notice and any drone operator who breaks the no-fly zone can face sanctions ranging from warnings to certificate suspensions or revocations.
FAQs
What is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)?
A TFR is a defined area of airspace where the FAA limits aircraft operations because of temporary hazardous conditions, security-related events, or other special situations.
What are the restrictions on drone flying under TFRs?
Drones are not allowed to fly within 1 nautical mile radii and heights of 400 feet over certain sites. For example, the Manhattan TFR covers “from the surface up to and including 400 feet AGL” for 1 nautical mile and “On the LA GUARDIA VOR/DME (LGA) 247 degree radial at 5.9 nautical miles. (Latitude: 40º43’38″N, Longitude: 73º58’30″W),” according to the FAA.
What will happen if a drone operator breaks the no-fly zone?
The FAA investigates all TFR violations. Pilots who violate TFRs can face sanctions ranging from warnings or fines to certificate suspensions or revocations. The sanction depends on the circumstances of the violation.
What authorities are investigating the drone sightings?
The FBI, Homeland Security Department, and state agencies are investigating the mysterious drone sightings.
