USCGFinal Rule

Safety Zone; Aerial Drone Display, East River, New York City, NY

TransportationTechnology

Summary

The U.S. Coast Guard has established a safety zone for drone light shows over the East River in New York City to protect people and boats in the area. This regulation sets rules for when and where drones can fly during aerial displays and requires organizers to follow specific safety procedures.

Key Points

  • 1A designated safety zone has been created over the East River in New York City where drone displays are allowed under controlled conditions
  • 2Drone show organizers must get permission and follow Coast Guard safety requirements before operating in this area
  • 3Boat operators and the public need to be aware of flight restrictions during scheduled drone events to avoid accidents
  • 4The regulation aims to prevent collisions between drones and aircraft, boats, or people by keeping drone displays in a specific, monitored location
  • 5Violating the safety zone rules can result in penalties and fines for operators who conduct unauthorized drone flights in the restricted area

Key Dates

Published

January 12, 2026

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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