Virginians place over 150 tips about drone activity in December, investigation continues
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- During the month of December, Virginians have placed more than 150 tips regarding drone activity to the Virginia Fusion Center, located within the Homeland Security Division of the Virginia State Police. Police said all of the tips are being investigated and shared with key stakeholders. Officials encourage anyone who sees a drone flying over critical infrastructure like military sites and energy installations to contact the center. This comes after there have been numerous sightings of drones in the Commonwealth and in other areas throughout the East Coast over the past several weeks. Governor Youngkin released a statement regarding the drone sightings on Dec. 14. Drones are required to stay in sight of the operator or a visual observer and have a maximum altitude of 400 feet unless waived by federal regulators, according to officials. People operating drones are required to have a remote pilot certificate for recreational use or license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial use. It is against the law to shoot a drone. Airspace is governed by the federal government. State law prohibits flying drones within 50 feet of a home, unless the person is authorized by the federal government to operate and is doing so lawfully and consistent with federal regulations. You can learn more about the rules and regulations at FAA's website. Anyone who sees drones acting suspiciously is asked to contact the Virginia Fusion Center at vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- During the month of December, Virginians have placed more than 150 tips regarding drone activity to the Virginia Fusion Center, located within the Homeland Security Division of the Virginia State Police.
Police said all of the tips are being investigated and shared with key stakeholders.
Officials encourage anyone who sees a drone flying over critical infrastructure like military sites and energy installations to contact the center.
This comes after there have been numerous sightings of drones in the Commonwealth and in other areas throughout the East Coast over the past several weeks. Governor Youngkin released a statement regarding the drone sightings on Dec. 14.
Drones are required to stay in sight of the operator or a visual observer and have a maximum altitude of 400 feet unless waived by federal regulators, according to officials.
People operating drones are required to have a remote pilot certificate for recreational use or license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial use.
It is against the law to shoot a drone. Airspace is governed by the federal government.
State law prohibits flying drones within 50 feet of a home, unless the person is authorized by the federal government to operate and is doing so lawfully and consistent with federal regulations.
You can learn more about the rules and regulations at FAA's website.
Anyone who sees drones acting suspiciously is asked to contact the Virginia Fusion Center at vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov.
