On Thursday, Virginia State Police issued a press release about ongoing concerns related to drones, reaffirming that this remains a topic of interest.
“We encourage anyone that witnesses a drone flying over critical infrastructure, such as energy installations, or military sites, to contact the Virginia Fusion Center. This will enable us to work with our partners to determine exactly what is occurring and how to move forward,” said Virginia State Police Special Agent D. Robinson.
The Virginia Fusion Center has reportedly received more than 150 tips regarding drone activity, according to the press release. Law enforcement urges anyone observing suspicious drone behavior to contact the Fusion Center at [email protected].
A local anecdote highlights ongoing concerns. A neighbor has been operating a drone up and down the block several nights a week for years, prompting lingering suspicions about the activity.
Key Facts About Drones
- State Restrictions: Virginia law prohibits flying drones within 50 feet of a residence unless the operator is federally authorized and complies with federal regulations.
- Operational Limits: Drones must remain within the operator’s or a visual observer’s line of sight, with a maximum altitude of 400 feet unless explicitly waived by federal authorities.
- Licensing Requirements: Drone operators need a remote pilot certificate for recreational use or a license from the FAA for commercial purposes.
- Prohibited Actions: It is illegal to shoot at drones.
Additional Resources
The Virginia Fusion Center Shield Program has released more details on drone activities, accessible through the All Sectors Bulletin – UAV Assessment. These bulletins are public and meant for widespread distribution. The public can sign up for the free outreach program at fusion.vsp.virginia.gov/shield.
For further guidelines, visit the Unmanned Aircraft Systems page on the FAA website.