Deputies enforce drone ordinance during Masters week
By: Jorge Lopez
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) — Augusta City leaders are keeping drones out of the air this week and deputies are enforcing the temporary ordinance with a threat of a fine or jail time.
When the wind picks up enthusiasts like Jim Stratton usually leave their drones on the ground.
“Being able to fly as if you were a flying a big plane but you are doing it from the ground,” Retired Airforce Veteran, Jim Stratton said.
Stratton is a member of the CSRA Flyers Club. It may surprise you but the group actually supports Augusta’s new drone or unmanned aircraft ordinance during Masters week.
“Other flyers who are not following rules have given us a bad name. You see them flying over crowds, you see them flying in shopping malls, etc. Gives us a bad man people can get hurt, property can get hurt.”
The city said they passed the ordinance with safety in mind and this week is the first chance at enforcement.
We are keeping an eye out for anyone that maybe trying to set up one and send it in, but we haven’t had any of those issues yet,” said Lt. Allan Rollins, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Violators could face 60 days in jail or a $1,000 fine if they are caught flying around the Augusta National or any populated area including a neighborhood, school, shopping center, hospital.
“This is private. It’s a private club. You have to fill out an application. You have to be a member of the AMA.”
Stratton said anyone is welcome to join their flying club, but only members can fly here. They said language in the ordinance is confusing and is leading some to think their air field is available for anyone.
Send an email to CSRAflyers@gmail.com.
“We will give you our bylaws, our safety rules, and an application to fill out. It’s $50 a year.”
The Sheriff’s Office said there’s no special unit or task force looking into drones but there are hundreds of officers at the course. Cops are also placed at a few popular holes to see if there’s anything flying above.
