FAA Bans Drones Flights In Some Area Communities: See PA Impacts

PENNSYLVANIA — The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary ban on drone flights for numerous communities around the local region and across the country, just days after the FBI said there was "nothing anomalous" in the sightings that have spurred mass conspiracy theories and calls for action.

Sightings have increased in Pennsylvania over the past week, with hundreds of social media accounts and local and state officials sharing videos and photos of drones flying at night.

The FAA said overnight that the flight restrictions, which don't yet include Pennsylvania but cover 22 communities in New Jersey, were issued for "special security reasons." They'll be in place until Jan. 17.

The flight restriction notices did not elaborate on the special security reasons. But the fact that restrictions were issued at all seems to contradict that statement issued by the FBI earlier this week, which suggested there was nothing out of the ordinary.

"We assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones," the FBI and Department of Homeland Security said earlier this week.

But under the temporary flight restrictions, no drones — also called unmanned aircraft systems — are authorized except under special circumstances, including ones being flown by law enforcement or in support of "an act of national defense, homeland security, firefighting, or a disaster response mission," and commercial drones with a valid statement of work.

Drone pilots must have a special governmental interest airspace waiver and comply with all other federal aviation regulations, the FAA notice said.

The FBI's announcement earlier this week was met with skepticism by some Pennsylvania residents and lawmakers.

"The people have lost confidence in the federal government's ability to combat potential drone threats," Pennsylvania State Sen. Rosemary Brown, who introduced a resolution that would give states more autonomy in handling the issue, told constituents Wednesday. "It is time to grant states the authority to secure public safety."

Critics also point to sightings and video that show very large drones, often flying in groups and very low to the ground, as evidence of activity not typical of commercial drone usage or private hobbyists.

Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered a statewide investigation into the incidents last week, and the Pennsylvania State Police deployed helicopters to more closely investigate. It is not clear if that investigation remains underway in light of the FBI's announcement earlier this week.

Federal authorities said they came to their determination following the review of 5,000 tips and the usage of both advanced detection technology and trained observers.

"We urge Congress to enact counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge," the FBI added.

Related articles:

• Doug Mastriano Uses 'Star Wars' Photo In Social Media Post On Drones
• FBI, Homeland Security Provide Update On Drones In PA Skies
• Can You Shoot Down Drones In PA? What To Know
• PA State Police Investigating Mysterious Drone Sightings
• Mysterious Drones Fill The Skies Over Philly Area Thursday Night

With reporting from New Jersey Patch correspondent Karen Wall