FAA: Democratic Convention is a No Drone Zone

WASHINGTON, DC – Like its Republican counterpart in Cleveland, next week’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia is a “No Drone Zone.”

Philadelphia and its surrounding communities are off limits to drones under flight restrictions the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has put in place from 2 p.m. on July 25 through 5 a.m. on July 29. The restricted area is a circle of airspace 30 nautical miles in radius around the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Philadelphia.

Flying a drone anywhere in the restricted area during the Democratic Convention is against the
law. Violating the airspace may result in criminal or civil charges. The restriction applies to all unmanned aircraft, including radio-controlled model aircraft.

In addition to the drone restrictions, airspace restrictions also will be in place for traditional manned aircraft during the convention within the 30 nautical mile radius ring and within two even more restricted rings of airspace within a three-mile radius and a 10-mile radius of the convention venue.

Gateway airport procedures will be in effect for general aviation aircraft flying into and out of Philadelphia International Airport. The gateway airports are Harrisburg International Airport, PA, and Westchester County Airport, NY. TSA will provide daily screening during limited hours while the restrictions are in place.

The FAA recommends that all non-regularly-scheduled air carriers and air cargo operators check with the airport or fixed-based operators for parking reservations because of the heavy volume of expected flights and limited parking.