Fans reported a UFO flying over the Panthers-Chiefs preseason game, but it was later declared-identified flying object hovering over Bank of America Stadium that night.
According to Mark Washburn of the Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the operator of the camera-wielding drone was detained and questioned. The information they uncovered was later handed over to the FAA for further investigation.
Witnesses said they saw the drone late in the game. The drone was visible until lights from a police helicopter hit it and then it disappeared behind a nearby building.
While games are being played airspace over stadiums is restricted by both the NFL and the FAA. The FAA will issue TFR's (Temporary Flight Restriction Zones) over stadiums while games are being played. TFR's are among some of the most restricted airspace, to penetrate this airspace without permission holds serious consequences for the pilot involved. Often resulting in suspension or revocation of his or her pilot's license and in most extreme cases jail time. Needless to say flight of unmanned aircraft are prohibited in this airspace.
A team spokesman said they weren’t aware of the drone until asked by reporters. While there was no report of charges filed, the incident represents a security breach that aviation officials need to pay close attention to.
According to Mark Washburn of the Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the operator of the camera-wielding drone was detained and questioned. The information they uncovered was later handed over to the FAA for further investigation.
Witnesses said they saw the drone late in the game. The drone was visible until lights from a police helicopter hit it and then it disappeared behind a nearby building.
While games are being played airspace over stadiums is restricted by both the NFL and the FAA. The FAA will issue TFR's (Temporary Flight Restriction Zones) over stadiums while games are being played. TFR's are among some of the most restricted airspace, to penetrate this airspace without permission holds serious consequences for the pilot involved. Often resulting in suspension or revocation of his or her pilot's license and in most extreme cases jail time. Needless to say flight of unmanned aircraft are prohibited in this airspace.
A team spokesman said they weren’t aware of the drone until asked by reporters. While there was no report of charges filed, the incident represents a security breach that aviation officials need to pay close attention to.