Aug. 11. Don’t even think about flying your drone Aug. 24 during the Republican National Convention, even up here in Cornelius. The U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have established a “No Drone Zone” that extends 30 nautical miles from the Charlotte Convention Center up to 18,000 feet in altitude from 6 am to 4 pm.

The FAA is establishing a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that prohibits drones and other manned aircraft as part of the security measures making flying a drone in the restricted area during the RNC is against the law.

Fines

Anyone flying a drone within the “No Drone Zone” could face criminal charges, fines in excess of $30,000, and drone confiscation.

Report friends, neighbors

In a press release, the agencies said: “The public may assist by maintaining awareness of their surroundings and by reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement by calling 911.” Details will be posted on tfr.faa.gov approximately 72 hours prior to the event.

More info: https://www.faa.gov.

Depending on where you are in Cornelius, we’re about 22 miles from the Charlotte Convention Center.