Is It Okay To Fly Drones at a Memorial Day Parade?

Written by WENDY ANN MITCHELL (Patch Staff)

Many Connecticut communities are holding their remembrance services and parades this weekend.

And some local police departments have received inquiries regarding the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) at Memorial Day Parades, and one released the following statement, which applies throughout the state:

"The FAA prohibits drone operations over public assemblies such as the parade marchers, the observers or people and vehicles in the assembly area. Drone operators are reminded that safety guidelines and operating restrictions are cited by the FAA in FAR Part 91, Advisory Circular AC-91-57A and the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code."

A representative with the Federal Aviation Administration told Dronelife.com that concerns surrounding the possible use of a drone in a domestic terror incident is the main purpose of enforcing their “Drone No Fly Zones” over parades, crowd gatherings and sporting events.

“Flying a UAS over a large crowd could pose a hazard to people and property on the ground, besides possibly landing a violator in jail,” a spokesperson for the FAA said. “Flying an unmanned aircraft over a crowded event could result in an FAA civil penalty for “careless and reckless” operation of an aircraft.”

Read more rules and regulations here.