Reminder about drones after Navy incident

 

U.S. Naval Air Station Key West officials notified the Sheriff’s Office Wednesday afternoon of a non-military drone flying at approximately 800 feet in restricted airspace over the Boca Chica Bridge.

 

Deputies were still looking for the drone’s operator as of 2:30 p.m.

 

A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter pilot saw the drone as he was coming in to land and had to fly around it, according to Navy officials.

 

The incident required Navy officials to switch runways.

 

There were no injuries or damage to aircraft reported.

 

It is a violation of Federal Aviation Administration guidelines to operate a drone above 400 feet, near other aircraft (including within five miles of an airport) and in restricted military airspace, such as the airspace near and around Boca Chica Field.

 

The Sheriff’s Office had no information as of 2:30 p.m. as to who or why the drone was flying at that height in restricted military airspace.

 

Those who violate FAA regulations regarding drones can suffer fines potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars.

 

For more information about drone regulations and FAA guidelines visit: www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/

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