Transcription
Kristen Remington: The man in charge of taking care of the golden gate bridge is trying to restrict the use of drones around the world-famous structure.
Wendy Damonte: As John Potter reports...he believes they could be putting lives in danger.
John Potter: The stunning views of the golden gate bridge are even more impressive from a bird's eye view. Long a photographer's favorite….one of the country's most iconic landmarks is now becoming a favorite of drone operators.
Even on a foggy day a drone pilot can get a clear view. But with drones becoming less expensive and more popular the bridge is proving a little bit too attractive. Drones have been flying over, under and even through the bridge. Dennis Mulligan is general manager of the golden gate bridge.
Dennis Mulligan: We had a drone that was flown by an inexperienced hobbyist crash on the roadway of the bridge. and if it had hit your windshield you could have had a serious accident.
Potter: The federal aviation administration is developing rules for the commercial use of drones, but for those flying as a hobby the only restrictions are to stay at least 5 miles from an airport and below 400 feet.
Mulligan: So we really have no regulatory framework to say, you can't do that. And so it's kind of like the wild west right now.
Potter: Security has also become a major concern. In a recent letter to the FAA urging tighter regulations Mulligan says at the bridge, drones fly in restricted areas such as behind security fences, beyond intrusion detection sensors.
Mulligan: We're very concerned about the application of drones from a security perspective. Right now if a drone is in an area near the bridge there's not a lot we can do about it. So it'd be great if the rules catch up with the technology.
Potter: If drones are restricted around the golden gate bridge there are options. Tourists who come with a drone will find plenty of other places in San Francisco that can provide a scenic view from above. Covering the story, John Potter, Channel 2 News.
