The FBI’s Dallas Field Office says some of the drone pilots accused of violating airspace restrictions at FIFA World Cup matches told FBI agents they were taking real estate photos or conducting roofing inspections in neighborhoods inside the three-mile no-fly zone around AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Drone Seizures
Others accused of operating in restricted airspace said they were trying to get a glimpse of the World Cup excitement, according to a top Dallas FBI official. The FBI seized at least 84 drones allegedly detected in restricted airspace near the stadium and the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival at Fair Park in Dallas.
Across the country, the FBI says it has seized more than 700 drones suspected of violating flight restrictions around World Cup events this summer, making it the largest federal drone enforcement effort yet. The World Cup may be drawing fans eager to see every goal, march and celebration, but federal officials said drone pilots trying to get the ultimate overhead view are risking arrest or criminal charges.
Security rules put in place around the World Cup forbid flying within a three-mile radius around AT&T Stadium and within one mile of the Dallas Fan Festival. Federal agents used technology to detect drones and pinpoint their launch locations. Teams were then sent to find the drone pilot.
Enforcement Efforts
In Dallas, the fan festival continues Sunday with flight restrictions in place during the watch party for the World Cup Final, which will be played in New Jersey. The larger three-mile no-fly zone around AT&T Stadium included many residential neighborhoods and businesses where drones may be used on a normal day for property photos or roofing inspections.
Aviation attorneys told NBC 5 Investigates that ignorance of the rules is not a strong defense. Two drone operators arrested in Arlington are now facing federal criminal charges. Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez is accused of operating a drone that was not properly registered within the three-mile restricted area around the stadium.
Cristobal Torres Alvarez is accused of flying in the restricted stadium zone without permission or a drone license. Federal officials said that type of drone enforcement is likely to become the new norm at major sporting events across the country.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
