The FBI has seized over 500 drones near World Cup events across the United States, with many operators facing fines and federal charges for flying in restricted airspace.

Restricted Airspace

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established “no drone zones” around stadiums and official fan events for security reasons. These restricted areas include a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around 11 stadiums hosting World Cup matches.

Drone operators who enter the restricted airspace without authorization can face fines of up to $100,000, drone confiscation, loss of a remote license, and federal criminal charges.

Recent Incidents

Several individuals have been arrested and charged for operating drones in restricted airspace. John Alexander Meza, a 26-year-old Texas man, was charged for flying a drone near a World Cup event in Houston without a remote pilot license and without registering his drone with the FAA.

Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez was arrested and charged for flying a drone near the fan festival in Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. He was found to be in the US illegally and had a prior conviction for cocaine distribution.

Patrick Phillip Heer, a 34-year-old Texas man, was charged for flying a drone near the FIFA World Cup Fan Zone in Houston. He told FBI agents he did not have the proper licensing and did not check for temporary flight restrictions.

FAA Guidelines

The FAA has established guidelines for drone operators, including the requirement to register drones with the FAA and to obtain a remote pilot license. Drone operators can check for temporary flight restrictions using the B4UFLY app or the FAA’s website.

Drone remote controls can also warn pilots if they are about to take off in restricted airspace. The FAA is using every available tool to protect the airspace, including stronger drone-enforcement efforts.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.