Miami roommates Dorian Carlisle and Hashim Moore were visited by federal agents after launching a drone from their downtown penthouse balcony, unaware they were flying in a restricted airspace during the FIFA World Cup.
Temporary Flight Restrictions
The FBI’s Miami field office had announced temporary flight restrictions and ‘no-drone zones’ around Miami Stadium and Bayfront Park ahead of the World Cup. Authorities say the restrictions are designed to protect public safety.
Carlisle and Moore had purchased the drone less than a week earlier and were trying to create Father’s Day content. They said the drone never traveled more than 10 feet from their balcony. Despite this, federal authorities responded, and the roommates were issued a $530 citation, received a warning from their building, and had their drone confiscated.
Federal officials warn that violating temporary flight restrictions can result in civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison, and seizure of the drone. The FBI advises drone operators to check airspace restrictions before flying using the B4UFLY app or visiting tfr.faa.gov.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
