But FAA Has Not Blessed The Commercial Use

It would appear that some NFL teams have been using UAVs to capture video of team practices ... without the express written consent of the FAA.

The Washington Post reports that in phone calls only hours apart, the Washington Redskins said that they were, and then weren't using the aircraft to enhance their coverage of the team during practice. The threat of fines and other sanctions apparently forced the Redskins to ground their quadcopter.

The paper reports that Redskins rival the Dallas Cowboys were still using their DJI Phantom 3 as late as June 18, according to media relations coordinator Jason Garrett during a news conference. He said it gave a better view of things like hand placement, the position of players' feet, and where they are looking during practice. Garrett said that use of the UAV puts coaches "much closer to the action."

The FAA began looking into UAV use by NFL teams as early as last fall after numerous sightings were reported at pro and college practices. 

According to the report, the FAA has been in contact with the Cowboys' organization to explain the Section 333 waiver process. Also under investigation are the New England Patriots and New York Giants. 

While the FAA has not been officially informed of the Redskins using UAVs during practice, there is a video of a UAV flying over their practice field while it is being prepared for a practice, The field is outside the Washington, D.C. "No Drone Zone" established by the FAA.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league has no policy for the use of the aircraft for practice video.

The paper reports that the team may begin flying the aircraft for social media purposes, and that the team would operate them "within the law" ... but social media for an NFL team would seem to still violate Section 333.

The paper, of course, felt compelled to point out that there are "safety concerns" connected with the use of UAVs, including sliced fingers from rotating props, injuries caused by falling aircraft, and interference with other aircraft. 

(Image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.nfl.com, Redskins Video