MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. John J. Hotz
Q12312015-1 (573) 526-6115

December 31, 2015
EMPHASIS: Patrol Requests Citizens Not Fly Drones in Flood-Affected Areas

In order to promote public safety in Missouri's flood-affected areas, the Patrol is asking citizens to not fly drones in the following cities around the greater St. Louis area: Union, Eureka, Valley Park, West Alton and Arnold, Missouri or any area where they see a helicopter flying. Unmanned aerial vehicles compromise the safety of emergency services during their flight operations. While community-based safety guidelines, as developed by organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), include flying no higher than 400 feet, drone operators should understand that law enforcement and other agencies may be operating very close to the ground to monitor flooding and the integrity of levees and other structures. Operating drones in or near flooded areas that are being monitored by helicopters can pose a serious danger to the crew onboard. Aircraft are also used for search and rescue operations. During these low level operations, the flight crew's attention is focused upon fulfilling their missions, and should not be compromised by unmanned aerial flights.

The highway patrol and other emergency response agencies appreciate the public's assistance in this matter.


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