02-04-2025
FAA Allows Sinclair to Fly Drones Over People and Moving Vehicles Without a Waiver
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has accepted Sinclair's Declaration of Compliance for Operations Over People, making Sinclair the first broadcast company authorized to fly drones over individuals and moving vehicles for newsgathering without needing an FAA waiver under FAA rules.
The FAA's authorization allows Sinclair to operate specially modified drones while adhering to strict safety protocols and procedures that meet federal requirements.
"This approval represents a significant step forward in our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative journalism," said Scott Livingston, senior vice president of News for Sinclair. "By incorporating expanded drone footage, we enhance our coverage of breaking news, local events, weather, and community stories-offering our audiences more compelling and dynamic storytelling. Our ongoing partnership with Virginia Tech has been instrumental in ensuring the highest safety and training standards."
Sinclair's Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program, launched in 2016, operates across 50 newsrooms nationwide and has completed over 40,000 logged flights to date. The program includes 148 FAA certified pilots and 540 trained visual observers.
All Sinclair drone pilots undergo rigorous training at Virginia Tech's Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), an FAA-designated UAS test site. This partnership ensures pilots are equipped with advanced skills and knowledge in drone operations and safety procedures.
"Our dedication to safety is paramount and this achievement is the result of more than a year of extensive preparation, testing, and collaboration with industry and government partners. We've also conducted community outreach meetings in each market where we operate drones, engaging with first responders, Homeland Security, education officials, local government agencies, and the FAA," said Jeff Rose, Sinclair's UAS Chief Pilot.
"We have worked for years with Sinclair, helping to train their pilots, and I have always been impressed with their professionalism and commitment to safety,' said Tombo Jones, director for the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership. 'We were proud to build on that theme by using our FAA-approved test method to test a modified drone that allows Sinclair's pilots to meet the FAA's stringent safety requirements for operating over people or traffic."
