by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:05 AM ET, Thu December 19, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on operating drones in several places in New Jersey through January 17 following over 5,000 reports of drone sightings across the country in a wave of increased drone activity, especially in areas where drones are typically restricted, such as within aviation airspace.
ABC News, which reported the new drone ban, said the announcement was made in several Notices to Airmen, or NOTAM, on December 19. It shouldn’t impact any air travel.
The restrictions are for operating drones within several miles of specified airspace within the following locations: Hamilton, Bridgewater, Cedar Grove, North Brunswick, Metuchen, Evesham, Camden, Gloucester City, Westampton, South Brunswick, Edison, Branchburg, Sewaren, Jersey City, Harrison, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Winslow, Burlington, Clifton, Hancocks Bridge and Kearny.
There are also temporary flight restrictions for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal that were announced earlier, and they are still in effect.
Unknown drones have been spotted at night since mid-November in New Jersey, prompting alarm from residents and investigations from the state and federal government.
The FAA could punish those found breaking these rules, revoking a drone operator’s certificate or placing civil penalties or even criminal charges against them.
According to an FAA release from December 17, the administration received over 5,000 tips about drone sightings in New Jersey and neighboring states, many of which have already been written off as lawful drone use, mistaken stars and even smaller aircraft.
“We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the northeast,” said the release.
“That said, we recognize the concern among many communities. We continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and support of law enforcement. We urge Congress to enact counter-UAS legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge.”
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