Drones are already flouting no-fly zones before Atlanta’s first World Cup game
Days before the first kickoff in Atlanta, the FBI already grounded 13 drones as multiple pilots flew over restricted World Cup airspace.
Law enforcement seized three of those aircraft as they swept the skies during Thursday’s launch of the FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park.
The Federal Aviation Administration placed temporary flight restrictions on cities with World Cup stadiums across the U.S. The FBI enforces those bans, which went into place in Atlanta this week and will continue on numerous days through July 15, when Atlanta hosts its final game, a semifinal.
All drone pilots caught in the first day’s enforcement action were recreational flyers, according to the FBI’s Atlanta office. It is unclear whether anyone will face federal criminal charges. The FBI referred such questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which did not immediately respond to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The Atlanta-based FBI office previously warned that drone pilots found to have violated the flight restrictions could face fines of up to $100,000 and a year in jail.
Atlanta FBI spokesperson Tony Thomas said drones in airspace are restricted because they are dangerous to crowds.
“To be frank, they can be used as a weapon,” he said.
The flight restriction grounds prospective pilots in a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet above ground level near Atlanta Stadium during the city’s eight game days, starting Monday, according to the FAA.
During events at Centennial Olympic Park, the no-drone zone covers mile from that location and up to 1,000 feet above ground level. Those days include this weekend through Monday, June 17-21, June 24 and 26-27. July 1, 7 and 14-15 are also off-limits.
The city expects an estimated 300,000 people during the international event, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Thomas said the bureau is getting ready for the growing number of visitors. It has been a yearslong safety planning process.
“It is only going to build, crowd- and attention-wise,” Thomas said.
Atlanta FBI has “ground intercept teams” whose mission is to disable unauthorized drones remotely near the stadium and at the fan festival events.
The no-fly zone applies to drone operators unless they get authorized by air traffic control.
About the Author
Alex Nettles is a breaking news reporting intern for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is a recent graduate of Elon University who loves hearing a good anecdote.
