Along with the Pope’s visit to Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia this week comes No Drone Zones.
“If you plan to attend any of the Papal visit events, please leave your drone at home,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “Anyone flying a drone within the designated restricted areas may be subject to civil and criminal charges.”
The FAA has flight restrictions in place in and around Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia, which means that flying a remotely piloted aircraft anywhere Pope Francis will visit is against the law.
The airspace around Washington, D.C., is more restricted than in any other part of the country. A prohibition against flying any type of unmanned aircraft without specific approval exists around the District of Columbia, cities, towns, and airports. The FAA temporarily has expanded restrictions for all aircraft, including drones, to include Potomac Airfield, College Park, and Washington Executive/Hyde Park airports, officials add.