People were warned not to fly their aerial photography platforms leading up to Hurricane Harvey. The FAA knew that onlookers by drone would be a hazardous problem for the incoming hurricane and post hurricane relief efforts.
The FAA’s official statement:
“The FAA warns unauthorized drone operators that they may be subject to significant fines if they interfere with emergency response operations. Flying a drone without authorization in or near the disaster area may violate federal, state, or local laws and ordinances, even if a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is not in place. Allow first responders to save lives and property without interference.”
