F.A.A. Bans Drone Flights Near ‘Critical Infrastructure’ in New Jersey
The New York Times
The ban runs through Jan. 17 and precludes most drone flights in airspace near 22 communities, including the cities of Camden, Elizabeth and Jersey City.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a monthlong ban on drone flights over a large swath of New Jersey, the first broad prohibition of its kind since the authorities began investigating a spate of sightings last month that set off fear and speculation.
The ban began late on Wednesday and will continue through Jan. 17, according to an F.A.A. alert.
The notification cited “special security reasons” for prohibiting flights in airspace near 22 New Jersey communities, including three of the state’s largest cities, Camden, Elizabeth and Jersey City.
Only drone pilots authorized to operate for national defense, law enforcement or disaster response purposes are permitted to send the unmanned crafts aloft. Operators of drones used for commercial purposes may apply for a waiver after providing a “valid statement of work,” the F.A.A. alert said.
The F.A.A. said in a statement that it had temporarily restricted drone flights over “critical New Jersey infrastructure” at the request of what it described as federal security partners.
Officials referred additional questions to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
