Less than a week after a YouTube video of a drone flying above Kyle Field went online, the Texas A&M University System issued a notice advising consequences for those considering similar activity in the future.
System spokesman Steve Moore says since the release of the “Kyle Field renovation progress from above.. May 19th (2014)” video, “We are working with the FAA to make sure we ensure the safety of the public and workers.”
There was no response when asked what will be done the next time an unauthorized drone, officially called an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is seen in the air over the stadium or other campus airspace.
There will be authorized drone activity over A&M facilities. Last December, the FAA announced the system was one of six UAS testing and research sites.
As for unauthorized activity, the system issued a news release stating “The Texas A&M University System, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration, provides notice of the legal guidelines relevant to the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in or around the campus of Texas A&M.
The FAA regulates the safe operation of all UAS aircraft flights. Any operators who operate carelessly or recklessly can be subject to civil penalties, including fines up to $10,000. This is a particular concern in a restricted construction site, such as Kyle Field, located near an airport.
The A&M System appreciates the benefits of the UAS technology; however, the safety of the public and workers within the Kyle Field Redevelopment zone are its primary concern. Texas A&M and the FAA strongly discourage UAS flights in this restricted construction area.”
The system provided two FAA website pages for more information regarding UAS activity:
Click HERE for the FAA UAS fact sheet.
Click HERE for the FAA notice “Busting Myths about Unmanned Aircraft”.
