§44812 Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft

Summary

The FAA must temporarily block drones from flying over very large public events when a credentialed law enforcement agency asks for it. The request must come at least 30 calendar days before the event and include the event’s map, dates and times, contact people, and any other needed details. Events in stadiums or similar venues qualify if they are open (not enclosed), have had certain major-security events before, expect at least 30,000 people, and are publicly advertised. Other outdoor events can qualify if they expect at least 100,000 people, have clear fixed boundaries, and are publicly advertised. Only federal, State, local, Tribal, or territorial law enforcement agencies with proper credentials can ask for the restriction. The FAA can refuse a request if it would hurt aviation safety or security, create ground hazards, interfere with airspace use, fail the paperwork or eligibility rules, duplicate an existing restriction, or for other valid reasons. When the FAA creates a temporary drone ban, it must publish it publicly at least 2 days before the event. No one may fly a drone inside the restricted area unless the FAA allows it for operations or safety, it is approved for safety/security oversight, or the requesting law enforcement agency approves it. The FAA may also allow flights inside, cancel the ban, or use existing procedures to do what this rule intends.