El Paso drone operators impacted by new FAA drone restrictions
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso drone operators are being impacted by new FAA drone restrictions issued Friday.
The U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of War, and Department of Homeland Security announced restrictions on drone activity up to 400 feet above ground level and 1.15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The restriction impacts major areas of El Paso like San Jacinto Plaza, most of the University of Texas at El Paso, the Sun Bowl, and El Segundo Barrio.
For local drone operators, it’s a reminder that they need to always check the airspace before flying.
“I understand the security threat and safety concerns for the region, but it impacts businesses and drone drone owners and operators across El Paso,” co-owner and Founder of From Above Droneworks said.
Schofield says with Winterfest coming up, the restrictions are going to have a major impact on local drone operators.
“Most people get out to fly to cover those events like Winterfest, Downtown San Juan, Sito Plaza, things with the Paso Star,” Schofield said.
The restrictions were put in place by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of War, and Department of Homeland Security as a push to defend the U.S. from national security threats.
“For too long, cartels have taken advantage of gaps along our southern border. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump, those days are over. By restricting unauthorized drone activity, we are giving commanders greater awareness, greater decision space, and more options to defend the Homeland. Equipped with cutting-edge technology—including Directed Energy Weapons—our warfighters will shoot down any cartel drone that threatens America’s sovereignty,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said.
Drone pilots now face the risk of being fined by the FAA for flying in these restricted areas.
“El Paso is one of the first cities in the United States to have remote ID. Remote ID pretty much says that airport operator operators can pick up your signal that you’re broadcasting, so there could be FAA fines that come along with anyone that’s not aware of the airspace,” Schofield said.
Schofield recommends drone pilots to download an app like Air Aware. It shows all the flight restrictions in your area, including the one affecting the border. It also provides resources to reach out to air and marine operations if you do need to fly in the area.
This restriction will be in place until October 2027.
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