Drone Flight Restrictions Imposed Over New Jersey
New Jersey is experiencing a significant shift in drone regulations as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced new flight restrictions over certain areas of the state. These restrictions are particularly focused on protecting critical infrastructures such as power stations. The announcement was made on Thursday and affects drone flights at altitudes below 400 feet.
Details of the Restrictions
According to the FAA, these new rules come at the request of federal security partners and include a total of 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). This means that drones are prohibited from flying over important infrastructure sites in New Jersey. Some of the specific locations affected include:
- Cedar Grove Switching Station
- Athenia Switching Station
- Hudson Switching Station
- PSE&G Kearny Switching Station
- Bayonne Switching Station
The new restrictions set to be in place will last until January 17, marking some of the strictest drone regulations in the area since reports of unexplained drone sightings began cropping up about a month ago.
Governor Hochul’s Response in New York
In a parallel move, New York Governor Kathy Hochul also addressed the issue, announcing a temporary ban on drone flights over critical infrastructure sites across New York state. She described the decision as โpurely precautionaryโ but did not detail which sites would be included in the ban or how long it would last. This reaction from both New Jersey and New York officials highlights a growing concern about the safety and security of critical infrastructure in the Northeast.
Background to the Drone Sightings
Despite these strict new rules, officials have been keen to point out that there is no current threat to safety or national security associated with the increased drone sightings. The FAA states that this isnโt related to civilian aircraft or helicopters, but strictly pertains to low-flying drones. The increasing presence of drones in both states has raised eyebrows among local law enforcement and security agencies.
The FAA has been acting in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, further emphasizing the cautious approach being taken. โIn coordination with the FAA and our critical infrastructure partners who requested temporary flight restrictions over their facilities, the FAA has issued these restrictions out of an abundance of caution,โ said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
Existing Bans and Regulations
This recent announcement adds to an existing pair of drone bans that were previously established over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster and the Picatinny Arsenal, a US military research facility. These bans have been enforced since November 26 and are part of a broader effort to control drone activity in sensitive areas.
The Bigger Picture
The FAAโs restrictions reflect a response to growing concerns over unregulated drone activity, which has left many local communities puzzled. While officials continue to track drone sightings, the increased scrutiny and limitations on drone flights are likely to remain topics of discussion amongst citizens and law enforcement alike.
As the restrictions take effect, it remains to be seen how they will impact drone operators in the region and whether further measures may be necessary in the future to ensure the integrity and security of critical infrastructure.
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
