FAA Restricts Unauthorized Drone Flights Along U.S.-Mexico Border
publishers 12articles 12first reported 16 Oct, 19:00 UTCdeveloping since 16 Oct · 7 editions
The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed temporary flight restrictions on unauthorized drones along the U.S. side of the Mexico border, as federal agencies seek to counter drones used by drug cartels.
The restrictions cover airspace from the surface to 400 feet above ground level within one nautical mile, or about 1.15 miles, north of the border. The Transportation, War and Homeland Security departments said the measure is intended to reduce risks to border-security operations and protect federal personnel and facilities. Drone operators must review applicable FAA notices to air missions before flying in the affected area.
The Rio Times reported that the agencies announced the restrictions on Oct. 16. It cited drone news outlet DroneXL as saying three FAA notices take effect at 00:00 UTC on Oct. 20 — the evening of Oct. 19 in U.S. border time zones — and remain in force for one year. The federal announcement itself did not provide an end date.
According to The Hill, the restriction comes amid increased government efforts to address illegal drug shipments across the border. Federal officials said cartel drones have been used in ways that threaten border operations. The agencies also said enforcement against violators would be strengthened.
Certain official or emergency flights may receive authorization, including operations connected to national defense, law enforcement, firefighting, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and disaster response, according to details cited by The Rio Times.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 7 articles, 1 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 14 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 12
- Source articles
- 12
- Given to the writer
- 7, 1 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 7
- This version written
- 14 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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