Technology
Bad news for drone pilots on Long Island, these are the consequences of flying a device in the area
The Federal Aviation Authority has issued guidelines for drones in New York, but pilots could face graver consequences if they violate them on Long Island.
Unidentified drones have been dotting the sky in New Jersey, New York, and nearby states for the past few weeks, causing security concerns among residents.
Due to requests by federal security agencies, the Federal Aviation Authority issued a temporary ban on drones in some parts of New Jersey, which will be in place until Jan. 17, 2025.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul followed suit and announced the imposition of temporary restrictions over vital infrastructure in the state, effective until Jan. 18, 2025.
However, operators would want to be even more cautious about flying their gadgets in Nassau County, Long Island.
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Bad news for drone pilots on Long Island, these are the fines and consequences of flying a device in the area
Nassau County officials have authorized police officers to shoot down drones that are perceived to be a threat to public safety.
County officials had presented a new state-of-the-art drone command center capable of tracking unidentified flying aircraft, but they need permission from the federal government to intercept or shoot them down with high-tech equipment.
The officials said they authorized the police to take down drones because they “don’t want to wait” until a “disastrous event” takes place before taking action.
“The Nassau County Police Department has the authority and certainly has my approval that if there is a mass gathering anywhere and there is a drone that is a threat to the public at large, they have the authority and the jurisdiction and the right to shoot down that drone,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Police officials said their snipers can hit a target from a quarter of a mile away.
Drone operators could face criminal charges
The FAA and Gov. Hochul have emphasized that the restrictions are merely precautionary measures, and do not indicate a public safety threat from the drones.
The FAA’s restrictions state that aircraft systems with no crew are not allowed to fly within a nautical mile of the airspace specified in each Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, from the ground up to 400 feet.
The NOTAM warns the government could employ “deadly force” against drones if they were considered an “imminent security threat.”
Pilots who violate the guidelines may be detained by law enforcement or security personnel, and could face civil or criminal penalties as well as the loss of their operators’ certificates.
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