Drone operators fear fears of mysterious sightings will lead to new restrictions

Drones for commercial and recreational use are rapidly growing in popularity, although there are restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown.

During the games, there are no-fly zones around airports, military installations, nuclear power plants, certain sights such as the Statue of Liberty and sports stadiums.

Not everyone follows the rules. In some cases, sightings at airports led to flight cancellations.

Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have sparked concern among some residents, including because it is not clear who is operating them and why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules on drones.

After receiving reports of drone activity near Morris County, New Jersey, last month, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey owned by President-elect Donald Trump and Picatinny Arsenal Military base. The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal safety partners.”

The FAA is responsible for regulating their use, and Congress has enshrined some requirements into law.

With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice the authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the security of certain facilities.

New drones must be equipped with devices that allow law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress has given authorities the authority to track down and shoot down unmanned aircraft they deem dangerous.

The law specifies where counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as the presidential inauguration and other large gatherings of people.

To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, have a good command of English, pass an aviation exam, and not suffer from a “mental illness that would impair the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” ”

Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers).

Over the last decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close contacts between drones and aircraft, including airline jets. In some cases, plane pilots had to take evasive action to avoid collisions.

Drones buzzing over a runway led to flight stops at London’s Gatwick Airport during the 2018 Christmas travel rush and again in May 2023. Police rejected the idea of ​​shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone.

Advances in drone technology have made it more difficult for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators – in particular, larger drones have greater range and power.

Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for tighter restrictions because of recent sightings, worrying the drone industry.

Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said tighter restrictions on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.”

“We would definitely speak out against anything that blindly pushes for a new regulation of currently legal drone operations,” he said.

AirSight, a company that sells software to combat “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including peeping toms.

Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey and founder of its drone program, says it’s up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators would have to explain why they were flying when confronted with people concerned about privacy or security.

“It’s a brand new technology that’s not really well understood yet, so it’s going to cause fear and anxiety for a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional pilots and alleviate that.”

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Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana contributed in Washington, D.C.