Would Restrict Flights Over City Properties

The Troy, AL City Council is considering legislation that would prohibit flying a drone over city-owned properties.

The Troy Messenger reports that Utilities Manager Brian Chandler said that while there have not been any serious issues, the growth of the number of drones for both business and personal use has led to the proposed ordinance.

The issues was pushed to the top of the priorities list when a high school student flew his drone near a city water tower, and the aircraft got stuck on the structure. Two days later, the wind blew the drone off the tower, and there as no damage to the tank, but Chandler said "if something similar happened over a crash scene or a substation it could cause problems."

If enacted, it would become a misdemeanor to fly a drone over city property, or any area where city employees are working. That would include crime scenes, fires or utility work projects.

Chandler said the goal is not to send people to jail, but rather to educate them about the dangers and potential damage flying a drone over public property might cause.

Drone operators would be able to request a waiver from the city to fly their aircraft over city property. Chandler said if the ordinance is passed, signs would be posted in areas where drone operations are prohibited.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report