Buttigieg Announces FAA Temporary Drone Restriction In NC and Tennessee

***UPDATE***

It’s been about a week since Helene changed the topography of Western North Carolina.

Photos coming out of some areas show that rivers and streams have actually changed how they flow following the incredible amount of rain that fell before and during the devastating Hurricane. There has also been pictures and reports of entire mountain sides washing away.

Almost immediately, private helicopter pilots – many at their own expense – got into their small helicopters and started helping. A few days later, the rescue effort of these pilots became more organized as non-profit groups came in to help pay for fuel so these operations could continue.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has dragged its feet.

Knowing how urgent the situation is, these pilots, including drone operators, have been in the sky looking for survivors.

For example, former NASCAR bad boy Greg Biffle documented how a person was able to flag him down with a mirror, which led to him helping the man with aid.

Biffle said it took him six attempts to land with his small chopper due to the conditions and area.

If you go on X, there are countless videos from other pilots who are also coordinating with family members who still haven’t heard from victims they know may be trapped.

The effort is really showing that when Americans bind together, they really can accomplish incredible things.

So what does the Biden administration do?

Buttieigeg is telling drone operators hunting for survivors and victims to stop helping.

“Drone pilots: Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene,” Buttieigeg said in a video posted on X. 

Notifying volunteers they are imposing flight restrictions.

 

Folks, ports are closed, Hundreds of Americans are missing in a natural disaster. FEMA says they’re out of money because they spent it all on illegals. ICE says there are over 600k mid-high level criminals in our midst awaiting deportation. War is breaking out in the Middle East. Emergency oil reserves depleted Kamala Harris wants a promotion.

Other than that, things are great.

UPDATE: the White House did “clarify” Pete’s video stating that the restriction was only temporary and that private drone operators are taking part in the efforts.

Fox News reported: “The USDOT tweet from yesterday was referring to temporary flight restrictions that were in place but were lifted late last night,” a DOT spokesperson told Fox News Digital Thursday, citing the FAA. The spokesperson explained the FAA “is not banning drones from providing Hurricane Helene disaster relief and recovery assistance. At times, local authorities and law enforcement request the Federal Aviation Administration issue a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in order to ensure safety for aircraft or drones operating in certain areas,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “These restrictions occur at the request of local authorities or law enforcement. FAA does not put these into place without requests.”

Sure looks like the administration is doing a 180 after the public backlash.

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