FAA investigating use of drone during 4th of July

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the use of a drone during the Fourth of July. It flew over a South Salinas neighborhood, catching illegal fireworks being set off.

“Fourth of July was one of the worst we’ve seen on record, just tremendous illegal activity surrounding fireworks,” said Salinas City Council Member Steve McShane.

Drone footage confirmed it, capturing people setting off illegal fireworks in the Los Olivos-Riker neighborhood of South Salinas.

“The drone was employed to demonstrate the depth of the problem and I think it did that,” McShane said. “That said, I think there are still questions lingering about how that was permitted and how this type of technology can be used in public safety.”

On Thursday, the FAA confirmed it was investigating the operator, Monterey Drone. We spoke to the owner of the company who is cooperating with authorities. John Ivey said he was unclear about certain exemptions but those have been resolved. In the meantime, he is voluntarily grounding his video services until the FAA’s investigation is complete. No word how long it could take.

Drone analyst Colin Snow said the drone used on July 4 was light and the risk of impact low, yet, not totally without risk. As drone companies learn the rules and regulations, they also have to learn just what the public is comfortable with.

“Of course, some folks asked questions about whether there’s privacy issues at stake and I think that is ultimately being looked into,” McShane said. “We ultimately saw itself that this new technology proves itself and becomes better regulated.”