Law Enforcement Announces Drones Restricted Near Sail250 Maryland Events

Baltimore, Maryland - Planning to fly your drone in Baltimore during SAIL250 Maryland?

The government is issuing temporary flight restrictions (TFR) around the Baltimore Inner Harbor, Fells Point, North Locust Point, Under Armour Pier, Baltimore Peninsula, and Martin State Airport during SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow BaltimoreLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., from June 24 through June 30. It is prohibited to fly a drone or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in and around SAIL250 events.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the TFRLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Lt. Cmdr. Kate Newkirk, deputy incident commander, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Maryland - National Capital Region.

TFRs define a certain area of airspace where air travel, including drones and other UAS, is limited for a specific period of time. Restriction details include size, altitude, date, time, and the types of operations that are restricted or permitted. All pilots are required to adhere to the restrictions. Flying a drone in a restricted zone is a federal crime and can result in criminal fines up to $100,000, prison time, and drone confiscation.

"Operating a drone in restricted airspace is dangerous and against the law. An Unmanned Aircraft System operator could lose control of the drone, threatening the safety and lives of those below," Hayes said. "Anyone who operates an Unmanned Aircraft System in the No-Drone Zone during Sail250 Maryland should expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

"The FBI will use its full suite of investigative and intelligence capabilities to ensure SAIL250 Maryland is safe for everyone," Paul said. "We will identify drone operators who are violating temporary flight restrictions, seize their drones, and support prosecution to the fullest extent possible."

"The Coast Guard remains focused on ensuring the public can safely enjoy this historic maritime celebration with confidence," Newkirk said. "A part of accomplishing that mission includes coordinating closely with our partner agencies to implement integrated safety and security plans which addresses unmanned aircraft systems."

Unsafe or improper use of a drone during this time frame poses a physical hazard to other aircraft and to individuals on the ground. TFRs are intended to protect ship crew, cadets and midshipmen, aviators, visitors, and critical infrastructure, such as power lines and cell phone towers, from accidents and security threats.

Before every flight, drone operators should check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider. A list of approved providers offering free airspace awareness tools for desktop and mobile devices is available at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4uflyLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. These tools provide real-time information on temporary flight restrictions, restricted airspace, and other advisories based on the operator's location. We encourage you to review www.tfr.faa.govLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. for a full list of TFRs in place.

Members of the public are encouraged to report all suspicious activity. Law enforcement will actively monitor the airways for illegal UAS/drones and is committed to identifying, investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting the careless or criminal use of drones in the area.

If you spot unsafe drone activity, report it immediately by calling 911. Together, let's keep the skies-and SAIL250 Maryland & Airshow Baltimore- safe for everyone.

Learn more about all federal UAS/drone regulations on the FAA websiteLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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