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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a temporary ban on drone flights over President-elect Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, following reports of unexplained drone activity in the area. The restriction, which also covers the airspace over the nearby Picatinny Arsenal Military Base in Rockaway, Morris County, will remain in place until December 6th for the golf club and December 26th for the military base.
The FAA first received reports of drone activity within Morris County, which borders the golf club, on November 18th. The agency has since issued two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in response to the sightings. The FAA has stated that "safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System is a key priority" and that it investigates all reports of unauthorized drone operations. Drone pilots who endanger aircraft or people can have their certification revoked and face fines of up to $75,000.
The sightings have not been limited to the vicinity of the golf club. Reports have also come in from Mendham, Chester, and Morristown, towns not far from Bedminster. Despite the unusual activity, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon has assured the public that there is "no advisable immediate danger at this time". The FBI has joined local law enforcement in investigating the drone activity.
The drone ban comes as unidentified drones have also been reported over British-American joint bases in the United Kingdom. The FAA and other agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.