JERSEY CITY (1010 WINS) – The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily banned drone operations in nearly two dozen cities and towns in New Jersey after thousands of reported drone sightings in the state over the past month.
The temporary flight restrictions—which went into effect Wednesday and last until Jan. 17—were implemented due to “special security reasons.” They prohibit unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, from operating within a nautical mile of the restricted locations, now deemed “National Defense Airspace.”
In addition to temporary flight restrictions already implemented for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal, the restrictions apply to Bayonne; Branchburg; Bridgewater; Burlington; Camden; Cedar Grove; Clifton; Edison; Elizabeth; Evesham; Gloucester; Hamilton; Hancocks Bridge; Harrison; Jersey City; Kearny; Metuchen; North Brunswick Township; South Brunswick; Westampton; and Winslow.
Pilots may be “intercepted, detained, and interviewed by [...] law enforcement/security personnel” if they violate the restrictions, or face civil penalties, criminal charges or the revocation of operator’s certificates.
More information on the temporary flight restrictions can be found at FAA.gov.
National security officials said this week that the reported aircraft 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 rash of sightings over parts of New Jersey, New York and other eastern parts of the U.S.
On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, of Kentucky, blocked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, of New York, from quickly advancing a bill that would have allowed local law enforcement agencies to track aerial drones.
The bill would have also enhanced some federal agencies’ authority to act on drones, as well as started a pilot program to allow states and local authorities to disrupt, disable or seize a drone without prior consent of the operator.
Paul, who often advocates for limiting governmental powers, said that he was objecting because it is not clear there is a threat that warrants urgent action.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.