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Comment by TigeriusKirk | Hacker News Reader

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TigeriusKirk·

Why not?

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Because it's illegal: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-restricts-drone-operations-...

https://faa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=...

Because, like large swaths of Southern Nevada, the airspace over Area 51 is restricted. Area 51 falls in restricted airspace R-4808N, and it's not legal to overfly it without permission.

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/2022-02-16_O... (search for R-4808N)

https://skyvector.com/?ll=37.22343947130071,-115.74522399506...

You're really asking why it might be against the law to fly drones over military bases and take/distribute videos?

It's not clear from the wording if the drones were flown over Area 51 or if they were flown nearby.

There are laws against both.

https://www.dreamlandresort.com/area51/drones.html

The irony is that the article on the very website of this person who was arrested lays out were you are not allowed to fly drones and urges people to stick to the allowed zones so that the airforce does not have reasons to expand them.

Judging by what was written on your link I assume he was very careful to stick to what was allowed.

"Hey, what's up?" - you

"Oh nothing,just walking around my apartment " - me

"You're outside your apartment walking the perimeter?" - you

"Wha..." - me

All of the airspace nearby Area 51 is restricted too. The nearest unrestricted airspace to Area 51 is 12 NM to the East. It's closer to 30NM if you also want to be near a public road.

The comment does not indicate the drones actually flew over Area 51 (or a military base) : "drones flown over places _around_ Area 51" (emphasis added)

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