Drone Seen Flying Over School In Capital Region Perfectly Legal, Police Say (Poll)

A drone that was seen flying over several schools in the region sparked concerns among parents and prompted a police investigation.

Bethlehem Police investigated reports of a drone flying over several schools, including Bethlehem Central High School, on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Photo Credit: *Canva user Inmortal Producciones/Google Maps*

Michael Mashburn

10/13/2023 3:30 p.m.

Poll

Final Results Voting Closed

Should it be legal for drones to fly over schools?

Yes
38%
No
62%

The unusual sight was spotted in Albany County on Thursday, Oct. 12, in the town of Bethlehem.

Several people contacted the Bethlehem Police Department saying a drone was flying over Slingerlands Elementary, Eagle Elementary, and Bethlehem Central High schools.

Officers responded and found the drone’s pilot, who identified himself as an employee of the CoStar Group who was taking commercial real estate photos.

He also gave officers his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) credentials showing he was legally allowed to operate the drone.

Police reached out to the FAA and verified the man’s pilot credentials.

“According to the FAA, the drone pilot has the legal authority to fly the drone over these locations as they are not designated ‘no fly zones,’” Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara said.

Police asked the CoStar Group to give the school district a courtesy heads up for any future drone flights over schools.

What do you think? Should drones be permitted to fly over schools? Sound off in our poll above.

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