As the Olympic Trials at Eugene’s Hayward Field near, hobbyists and photographers with drones are told not to fly them during the event.
The FBI is enforcing a “no drone zone” during the track and field events. The temporary flight restriction – or TFR – extends two nautical miles out from Hayward Field on all event days, and three miles on June 26th, for the Race Walk events in Springfield.
Beth Anne Steele is with the FBI’s Portland office.
“Anybody flying a drone, even just for recreation, or to take cool pictures of the event, drones of any stripe are a concern for law enforcement. If you do fly a drone during the temporary flight restrictions in those areas, you do face possible seizure of the drone as well as potential civil or criminal charges.”
Drones can be used to scope out security measures, crowds, and individuals. Even if not used maliciously, a malfunctioning drone can hurt people if they lose power or go out of control.
“We do encourage everyone to take advantage of the FAA’s app, which is ‘B4UFLY’," added Steele. "It’s a mobile app that you can download to your phone or your computer. And it will tell you what the temporary flight restrictions or TFRs are in your area. Any drone operator should be aware of that app and using it on a regular basis to make sure that they stay within the regulations.”
The flight restrictions are active June 18th through the 21st, and the 24th through the 27th.
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