If you’re planning to fly your drone at the State Fair of Texas, think again. The State Fair of Texas, though leasing its property from the City of Dallas, stands as a private entity. They’ve set clear guidelines prohibiting the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones within Fair Park’s 277 acres. To fly there, you must have prior written approval from the State Fair’s Public Relations Department.
Why such strict rules? It’s all about safety. They want to ensure the pilot follows the latest FAA regulations and guidelines. It’s essential to protect the thousands attending the open-air fair. Unauthorized drones? Law enforcement is on it, ready to identify the pilot and note the aircraft used.
Keep in mind, it’s not just drones. The State Fair restricts all remote-controlled devices, including quad-copters, cars, or trucks. If you violate these rules, you might find yourself ejected from the fairgrounds or even facing legal consequences. So, for your safety and others, keep your tech toys at home.
The State Fair of Texas: A “No Drone Zone”
Despite potential approvals by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), drones are still a no-go at the State Fair of Texas, as their media policy explicitly restricts overflights during the Fair’s duration, from September 29 to October 22. This restriction is not just limited to drones taking off from Fair Park, but also includes those launched from external locations. A significant detail to note is the encompassment of Fair Park within Class B Airspace, which includes downtown Dallas and extends beyond. The Fair’s policy underscores that any unmanned aerial vehicle, be it a drone, UVA, or a model aircraft with a camera, is strictly off-limits in this airspace unless they’ve received a waiver from the FAA.
FAA vs. State Fair’s Policy: The Airspace Tug-of-War
While the Fair stands firm on its “No Drone Zone” stance, the FAA posits that it retains comprehensive jurisdiction over all above-ground airspace. Emma Duncan, an FAA spokeswoman, clarified through email that local ordinances or laws can only dictate drone take-off or landing zones. They can’t, however, interfere with a drone’s flight in an FAA-permitted airspace. Further emphasizing the FAA’s dominion over national airspace, she states that approved drone flights must adhere to the small drone rule. This rule permits drone operations above people, considering specific safety circumstances related to risks posed to ground individuals. Jeffrey Cotner, the Fair’s Security Director, in a September 1 interview, expressed a commitment to aligning Fair’s guidelines with the FAA. Yet, Cotner also highlighted the challenges drone pilots might encounter, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the Fair and the risks associated with drones hovering over attendees.
The Evolving Policies on Drones at the Fair
Given its rich history since 1886, the State Fair of Texas stands as a prominent event, located at Fair Park near the renowned Big Tex statue and Cotton Bowl Stadium. This location situates the Fair within one of the country’s most regulated airspaces, just 25 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. In recent times, the Fair updated its policy on drone presence in the fairgrounds. Earlier, the policy strictly forbade drones within Fair Park’s 277 acres unless there was explicit consent from the State Fair’s Public Relations Department. As of late August, the Fair revised its stance on drone operations in response to a change in law, especially after a federal judge invalidated a Texas law that banned specific drone operations over private land, citing First Amendment violations. The new guidelines elucidate that drones and other remote-controlled devices are prohibited unless there’s an FAA waiver. There’s an exception, though: registered vendors can sell these gadgets, provided they’re without their battery packs. Instead of direct references to prosecution under state law, the updated regulations warn violators of potential ejection or application of relevant criminal statutes.
Conclusion: Navigating the Skies above the State Fair of Texas
The skies above the State Fair of Texas are a focal point of ongoing discussions between safety, private property rights, and national airspace regulation. While the Fair prioritizes the safety of its attendees and the overall experience, it finds itself in a delicate dance with FAA regulations that champion broader national interests. Recent legal shifts and evolving policies point to a future where collaboration might yield a solution satisfying both safety concerns and airspace rights. But until then, visitors and drone enthusiasts alike must tread carefully, respecting both the rich history of the State Fair and the ever-changing landscape of aerial regulations. Whether you’re a drone pilot or a fair-goer, awareness of the rules will ensure a harmonious experience for all.
