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Unless state or local laws have been broken, little if any enforcement action may be possible.


type products can be found on the Internet with cost di- rectly related to product complexity. Variations in payload capacity, flying time, and other features undoubtedly make a considerable difference in pricing.


ith the proliferation of unmanned


aircraft currently underway throughout the U.S., what’s the best protocol for law enforcement officers who encounter complaints about drones? The North- east Ohio Regional Fusion Center (NEORFC) recently sponsored an informative workshop exclusively for public safety and security personnel to discuss that critical question and important related topics.


The seminar on UAS technology and ‘droning’ hosted by the Cleveland Clinic at its Beachwood campus featured presentations by Professor William Welch of Mercyhurst University and his student Drone Research Team (DRT). The term Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) refers to an unmanned aircraft (drone) and the support equipment (control station, data links, telemetry, communications, navigation, control, etc.) required to operate it. Vital com- ponents include motors, propellers, airframe, landing gear, batteries and controllers. The cost today for a video camera-equipped drone ranges from $70 to several hundred dollars. Hundreds of UAS-


At the present time, private citizens do not need any type of federal authorization when flying unmanned aircraft (UAS) below 400 feet as long as the aircraft is kept a reason- able distance from populated areas, airports, and crowds. Operators must fly the UAS within the visual line of sight at all times. It cannot weigh more than 55 pounds or be used for commercial purposes. The FAA’s ‘stadium rule’ prohibits ALL aircraft and parachute operations within a 3-mile radius of any major sporting event from one hour before the scheduled event until one hour after the event ends. UAS craft cannot be flown for hobby or recreational purposes; therefore, over stadiums, airshows or sporting events.


Operators are prohibited from flying UASes in ‘no fly’ zones without first getting permission from a local FAA control tower. Even businesses that have secured FAA permits for commercial or experimental droning purposes must adhere to existing FAA rules. Until the rules are re- vised, the FAA can only elect to fine any operator who reck- lessly operates drones in violation of current guidelines. In a related development, all drone owners may soon


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