Drones banned from Philadelphia skies for pope's visit

Few weeks ago, I mentioned on this blog how drones that were designed to help in performing series of task are presently been used by criminals. As a result, crimes of different levels are on the increase since the inception of drones. I read about it that Indian in 2014 banned the use of drones but many people did not know why. Some online retailers have started using it to deliver goods to their customers. Sadly, the negative impact would certainly discourage some customers from patronizing it. According to Reuters, U.S. regulators will ban drones and other unmanned aircraft during Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia next month as part of security measures being implemented for the two-day event, officials said on Thursday.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued the aircraft restrictions, including the barring of model airplanes and hot air balloons in Philadelphia on Sept. 26 and 27, when the pope is to tour the city during his first visit to the United States.
"The restrictions are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the event but also ensure fair and equitable access to all airspace users to the greatest extent possible," the FAA said.
The agency said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had requested the bans. It did not say what potential security risks drones or other aircraft could pose during the pope's visit.
The number of unauthorized drown flights in the United States has jumped over the past year, raising concerns that the devices could collide with commercial aircraft or be used as a weapon in a targeted attack.
Drones have flown dangerously close to airliners, transported illegal drugs into the United States from Mexico and caused a security scare at the White House.
Along with the aircraft restrictions, city officials on Thursday released details about on-the-ground security during the pope's visit, including public transportation shutdowns, blocking off a 4-square-mile (10 sq km) area in central Philadelphia and management of security by the Secret Service, which protects the president and visiting heads of state.
Mayor Michael Nutter joked in a news conference that those expecting to have close contact with the pope might be disappointed.
"If anyone thinks that they (can) walk up and give Pope Francis a high-five... that's probably not going to happen," Nutter said.


Source:Reuter