Richmond, Va. – In December, the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC), part of the Virginia State Police’s Homeland Security Division, received over 150 tips about drone activity across the Commonwealth. These reports are being thoroughly investigated and shared with key stakeholders. This surge in drone sightings aligns with similar reports from other states, including New Jersey.
Law enforcement officials are urging citizens to report any suspicious drone activity to the Virginia Fusion Center. “We encourage anyone that witnesses a drone flying over critical infrastructure, such as energy installations, or military sites, to contact the Virginia Fusion Center,” said Virginia State Police Special Agent D. Robinson. This collaboration aims to assess the situation and determine appropriate actions.
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Drone operators must adhere to specific regulations, including keeping the drone within sight of the operator or a visual observer and maintaining a maximum altitude of 400 feet unless federal regulators grant a waiver. Recreational users need a remote pilot certificate, while commercial operators require a license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
It is illegal to shoot at drones, as airspace is federally governed. Virginia state law prohibits flying drones within 50 feet of a residence unless the operator is federally authorized and compliant with regulations.
The Virginia Fusion Center Shield Program has released additional information on drones, which is available to the public for widespread distribution.
Resources
- Report suspicious drone activity to the Virginia Fusion Center: vfc@vfc.vsp.virginia.gov
- Learn more about drone regulations at the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) page.
- Access the Virginia Fusion Center’s drone information in the All Sectors Bulletin - UAV Assessment.
- Join the VFC Shield Program by visiting the VFC Shield website.
These resources provide valuable guidance on responsible drone operation in Virginia, helping to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
