Along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) urges all drone and model aircraft hobbyists to stay clear of Hurricane Harvey emergency response efforts in south Texas, including air ambulances and search-and-rescue operations. The FAA has also issued two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in Houston and Rosenberg, Texas where neither hobbyists nor commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations are allowed.
“The ongoing emergency response efforts are of the utmost importance. We urge everyone to be careful and avoid interference with any of these crucial operations,” said AMA President Rich Hanson. “UAS can be a helpful tool during disaster relief. However, unless you are supporting relief efforts, please stay clear and allow the professionals to do their important work.”
The FAA also issued two TFRs where all hobbyist and commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations are prohibited. The first TFR is a 100-nautical mile radius around Houston, Texas that is in effect through September 5, 2017. The second is a 10-nautical mile radius around Rosenberg, Texas that is in effect through September 30, 2017.
Unauthorized UAS operators may be subject to significant fines if they interfere with emergency response operations. Flying a drone without authorization in or near the disaster area may violate federal, state or local laws and ordinances, even if a TFR is not in place.
More information on TFRs can be found on AMA’s website here.
To learn where you can fly, visit the U.S. Airspace Map on the Know Before You Fly website.