HCSO Air Operations

50 Drone Incursions Since the Start of FIFA Fan Fest

Since the start of FIFA Fan Fest, Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations has responded to 50 drone incursions within the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) surrounding the event.

A TFR is federally restricted airspace established to protect public safety, event attendees, emergency operations, and authorized aircraft operating in the area. Flying a drone within a TFR without authorization is a violation of federal regulations.

Many operators are surprised to learn that these restrictions are readily available through FAA resources and most drone flight planning applications before takeoff.

Before every flight:

✅ Check for TFRs and airspace restrictions
✅ Review your planned flight area
✅ Ensure you are authorized to operate
✅ When in doubt, do not launch

Our goal is education and compliance. We want everyone to enjoy the event safely while helping protect the airspace above it.

Checking the airspace takes only a few moments. The consequences of not doing so can last much longer.

🚨 UNAUTHORIZED DRONE OPERATIONS IDENTIFIED 🚨

These photos are from yesterday alone.

The individuals pictured below are just some of the unauthorized drone operators identified within the FIFA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR).

A reminder to all drone operators: know the airspace before you fly. The FIFA TFR is active, and unauthorized operations may result in FAA enforcement action and civil penalties.

And for those wondering, remaining in your vehicle does not prevent us from locating the drone operator.

Thank you to our federal partners and local law enforcement agencies for their continued support and collaboration.

Know before you fly.

🚨 DRONE OPERATORS: FIFA FAN FEST AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT 🚨

The FIFA Fan Fest and surrounding area are currently protected by a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). Despite repeated notifications and public outreach, drone operators continue to fly within the restricted airspace.

Since the start of FIFA activities, Air Operations personnel have identified approximately 12 unauthorized drone flights within the TFR. The individuals pictured below were located and contacted after operating drones in restricted airspace.

Flying a drone inside a TFR is not just unsafe, it is a violation of federal regulations. These restrictions are in place to protect public safety, event attendees, emergency responders, and manned aircraft operating in the area.

Before flying a drone, operators are responsible for ensuring they are operating legally. This includes:

✅ Checking for active TFRs and airspace restrictions before every flight
✅ Passing the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) and carrying proof of completion when flying recreationally
✅ Registering your drone with the FAA when required by federal regulations
✅ Displaying your FAA registration number on the aircraft when required
✅ Reviewing current NOTAMs and FAA guidance
✅ Understanding where and when drone operations are prohibited

Many drone violations occur simply because pilots fail to check the airspace before launching. A few minutes of preparation can prevent federal violations, enforcement action, and unsafe situations.

Our Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations team is actively monitoring the airspace throughout FIFA events and will continue identifying unauthorized drone operations within restricted areas.

Know before you fly. Check before you launch.

If you can see the event, chances are your drone should not be in the air.

Different perspective. Same mission.
Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations is supporting FIFA Fan Fest activities from the ground and the air. With TFRs in effect, now is a good reminder that every Remote Pilot in Command is responsible for checking airspace restrictions before flight.
Fly smart. Fly legal.

The office after dark.

⚽ FIFA is coming to Houston. Know before you fly. ⚽

Major events bring increased airspace restrictions, and drone pilots should expect Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and other no-fly zones surrounding FIFA events and venues. These restrictions are not suggestions. They are federally enforced airspace rules designed to protect public safety, emergency operations, and aircraft operating in the area.

Recently, multiple drone pilots were identified and fined for flying in restricted airspace during a major sporting event. Flying a drone in restricted airspace can result in substantial FAA civil penalties, certificate action, drone confiscation in certain circumstances, and potential criminal charges depending on the violation and circumstances involved.

As our region prepares for FIFA and other major events, plan ahead before every flight. Check for airspace restrictions, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and authorized operating areas before launching.

Know before you launch. The cost of not checking could be far more than your drone.

Drone pilots: You must check airspace restrictions before you fly. FAA’s DETER program partnered with Miami law enforcement to fine 4 drone pilots for flying over the F1 Miami Grand Prix, a designated no drone zone. No drone zones will be established over FIFA World Cup venues across the U.S. Anyone flying a drone is responsible for complying with FAA regulations. Know the rules of the sky: https://faa.gov/uas/getting_started/where_can_i_fly

Teamwork from above helped bring a safe ending to a stressful situation on Spring Creek today.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations Section assisted the Harris County Constables Precinct 4 with locating and rescuing lost kayakers after they became disoriented along the creek.

Using aerial support from ABLE 4, our crew was able to quickly spot the kayakers from the air and coordinate directly with Precinct 4 deputies on the ground to safely guide rescuers to their location. Thanks to the teamwork between agencies, the kayakers were safely retrieved without injury.

Incidents like this are a great reminder of how quickly conditions can change on the water, especially near dusk or in unfamiliar areas. Always let someone know your location before heading out and carry a charged phone or emergency signaling device when possible.

Great work by everyone involved to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

Today, the HCSO Air Operations had the opportunity to teach an Air Operations block to Sergeants preparing to head out to patrol districts across Harris County.

The class covered the capabilities and limitations of our aviation and UAS units, how patrol and air assets work together, and ways supervisors can effectively utilize Air Operations during critical incidents, searches, pursuits, and tactical situations.

Strong communication and teamwork between ground units and aviation assets play a major role in keeping both deputies and the community safe. We appreciate the opportunity to share knowledge and help prepare the next generation of supervisors.

Congratulations to all Sergeants, and we wish you success in your new assignments. 🚁🚓