FAA Reminds Operators that Super Bowl LVI is a "No Drone Zone"

As this year's big game approaches, the FAA has issued a series of warnings and advisories for prospective onlookers hoping to angle a view of their own, whether they're flying manned aircraft near the stadium or operating a UAV from afar. 

The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California is a No Drone Zone for Super Bowl LVI, with drone operations prohibited in a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet. The widespread Temporary Flight Restriction for all aircraft goes into effect the afternoon of February 13, and is expected to last until at least 20:30 with possible extensions for game duration. Drones received their own ban for one nautical mile and up to 3,000 feet in altitude around the stadium beginning at 10 AM. 

No Drone Zones contain operating restrictions specific to each marked location, updated in signage and the B4UFLY mobile app for drone operators. The term is often used nearly interchangeably by the FAA to refer to an area where there is a TFR, but does not always necessarily denote a TFR for the area in effect. Sometimes, the term and appropriate signage can be invoked by local governments, if they so choose. For the Super Bowl, of course, a full TFR is in effect as is often the case with large sporting events. Those found in violation of the drone restriction will subject themselves to no small amount of interest from relevant authorities, with possible drone confiscation, civil penalties over $30,000 and criminal prosecution. 

FMI: www.faa.gov/superbowl, FAA Youtube