The FAA has now issued bans on flying drones in multiple cities across New Jersey due to ‘security reasons’.
ed note–please take stock of the fact that these restrictions end just 3 days before Inauguration Day where–unless something ‘untowards’ takes place–Trump is to be sworn in as POTUS.
There is a major development in the ongoing drone saga in New Jersey.
Several federal agencies had tried to put to it bed earlier this week by saying they found nothing out of the ordinary.
However, the Federal Aviation Administration has now issued temporary flying restrictions (TFR) in multiple cities across New Jersey, including several locations in our area, due to ‘special security reasons.’
The TFR areas include the city of Camden, Gloucester City, Winslow Township, Evesham, Hancock’s Bridge in Lower Alloways Township in Salem County, Westampton, Burlington and Hamilton. Flying drones are also banned in Bridgewater, Cedar Grove, North Brunswick, Metuchen, Westampton, South Brunswick, Edison, Branchburg, Sewaren, Jersey City, Harrison, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Clifton and Kearny.
The previously issued TFRs for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal remain in place.
These areas have all now been deemed ‘National Defense Airspace.’
Unmanned aircraft are no longer allowed in those areas from now through January 17, unless approved by the federal government.
The FAA says pilots who violate the airspace may be ‘intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement.’ The FAA can also take administrative action including imposing civil penalties and suspend/revoke the airmen certificate as well as pursue criminal charges.
The agency ominously warns that the U.S. government may use deadly force against any drones if they pose an imminent threat.
This ban comes after Sunday’s press briefing where an FAA official said there have ‘without a doubt’ been drones flying over New Jersey, pointing to the fact that there are nearly a million drones registered in the U.S.
Action News has made calls to the FAA and are being directed to press officers. We are still waiting to find out why these orders were issued after weeks of downplaying concerns about drone sightings and why now.
National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference or a public safety threat, but they can’t say with certainty who is responsible for the sudden swarms of drones over parts of New Jersey, New York and other eastern parts of the U.S.
Some U.S. political leaders, including Trump, have called for much stronger action against the drones, including shooting them down.