ALBUQUERQUE – Hundreds of Balloon Fiesta attendees have been caught flying their drones in restricted areas at Albuquerque’s hot air balloon festival.
KRQE-TV reported Tuesday that about 450 drones have operated in no-fly areas in the past few days.
Balloon Fiesta hired Phoenix-based Aerial Armor this year to monitor the sky for drones.
The Federal Aviation Administration says illegal to fly a drone within 4 miles of Fiesta Park.
Aerial Armor’s operation manager Brandon Lugo says their DJI Aeroscope System is able to detect drones within 11 miles.
Police and the FBI have not said if any drone pilots have gotten into trouble for flying to close to Fiesta.
Flying a drone illegally can carry fines and up to five years behind bars.
