FAA bans drones from flying in parts of New Jersey until mid-January for ‘special safety reasons’

NEW JERSEY (WABC) — The FAA has banned drone operations in several areas of New Jersey until January 17 without special government permission for “special security reasons.”

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) were implemented in the following locations from December 18, 2024 to January 17, 2025: Hamilton, Bridgewater, Cedar Grove, North Brunswick, Metuchen, Evesham, Camden, Gloucester City, Westampton, South Brunswick, Edison. , Branchburg, Sewaren, Jersey City, Harrison, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Winslow, Burlington, Clifton, Hancocks Bridge, Kearny.

The restrictions state that no unmanned aircraft system may operate within one nautical mile of the airspace specified in each NOTAM, including from the ground up to 400 feet. 400 feet is the altitude at which recreational drones are allowed to operate under FAA rules.

Previously issued TFRs for Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal remain in effect.

The NOTAM says the government could use “deadly force” against drones if they pose an “imminent threat to security.” Pilots who violate these restrictions may be “intercepted, detained and questioned by law enforcement/security personnel.” The FAA may also take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and suspending/revoking the airman certificate, as well as initiating criminal prosecution.

The ban follows Sunday’s press conference in which an FAA official said there were “without a doubt” drones flying over New Jersey, highlighting the fact that nearly a million drones are registered in the United States.

The TFR will be communicated to drone pilots and operators via a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions). TFRs are also displayed in FAA resources for drone pilots on apps such as the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) and the B4UFLY app, an app designed for recreational drone pilots .

The TFR list can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html

ALSO READ | Is it a drone or a plane? How to spot the difference

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