FAA probing Cowboys for using drones illegally
During rookie minicamp in May, the Cowboys used drones to get a different angle of their practice. Jason Garrett raved about their use.
“The drone angle is interesting because it gives you a chance from behind to see all 11 guys on offense and all 11 guys on defense, but from a lower angle,” Garrett said. “Often times, you have to kind of pull yourself way away to get the all-22 shot. This allows you to be a little closer, so you can coach better. You see hand placement, you see where they have their feet and where they have their eyes. I think that’s important. You can look at the players and coach them better when you’re that much closer to the action.”
What he didn’t know was that the Cowboys were violating the law.
According to Bloomberg, the Federal Aviation Administration is probing the Cowboys, the Giants and the Patriots for using drones without getting the correct FAA waiver.
The Cowboys used the drone while they used SMU’s athletic facilities. An SMU spokesman told Bloomberg the team did not get FAA permission to use them.
The FAA grants exceptions to use drones to those that agree to follow more the correct procedures. There are more than 600 waivers being used currently.
While a fine for the Cowboys is possible it’s not likely. The FAA typically chooses to educate violators instead of punishing them.
The FAA told Bloomberg they are in contact with the Cowboys to “explain the proper procedure for obtaining the necessary exemption.”
