Know before you fly: TPA and FAA encourage drone safety this holiday season

December 21, 2015

 

Video: https://youtu.be/cQavo6PRV9w

With hundreds of thousands of drones expected to be sold this holiday season, Tampa International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration want all operators to know the safety rules before they fly.

All drones – even ones sold in the toy store – are aircraft, and owners are required to register them with the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft System registry (link below). All Recreational and hobby operators need to follow the proper safety guidelines:

  • Fly below 400 feet.
  • Fly your drone within visual line of sight.
  • Do not fly near airports, stadiums or groups of people.
  • Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport without notifying FAA Air Traffic Control and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.
  • Never fly your drone near other aircraft.
  • Never fly your drone near emergency response efforts, such as fires.
  • Never fly your drone under the influence.
  • Be aware of FAA airspace requirements: www.faa.gov/go/uastfr
  • If you see a safety issue involving drones, contact local law enforcement immediately.

“Safety is our highest priority. The proper operation of drones is critically important to the safety of commercial and general aviation aircraft flying in and out of Tampa International Airport, and Hillsborough County’s general aviation airports,” said John Tiliacos, Tampa International Airport’s Vice President of Operations and Customer Service. “When you fly a drone, you are actually piloting an aircraft, and you must always review the safety guidelines before you fly.” When in doubt, don’t fly or contact the FAA for guidance, Tiliacos added.

To help raise awareness, Tampa International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration have partnered to produce a short public service announcement about safe drone operation.

Want to fly a drone in Hillsborough?

  • Register your drone with the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft System registry at www.faa.gov/uas/registration. Owners who fail to register are subject to civil and criminal penalties.
  • Notify FAA Air Traffic Control and the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority if flying within five miles of a Hillsborough County airport by visiting www.TampaAirport.com/uas.
  • Check out www.faa.gov/uas for additional information on drone safety.

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