Report: FAA Takes Issue With Use Of Drones At Practice By 3 NFL Teams, Including Giants
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It appears the Giants jumped the gun in their attempt to use technology to gain a competitive edge.
During mandatory minicamp Big Blue unveiled a drone used to film practices from different perspectives. In the ever-evolving world of professional football, use of the unmanned aircraft fitted with cameras can only help a team get a more detailed look at its offense and defense.
The question is whether the Giants were legally allowed to use the device.
According to a report on Bloomberg.com, the feds recently spoke to the Dallas Cowboys about their use of drones at practices, because it's illegal to fly them for a commercial use without a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration.
It appears the Cowboys, Giants and New England Patriots did not take the necessary steps, though the FAA had not yet spoken to the latter two teams, Bloomberg reported.
The only way to get an exemption to use a drone is to agree to follow procedures that are said to "reduce the risk of injury to people on the ground or interference with aircraft," Bloomberg reported.
Among the people and groups that have obtained the necessary waivers include more than 600 individuals and businesses, Bloomberg reported.
The Giants said the type of drone they use is a lightweight DJI Phantom 3.
As stated on the team's official website, the device was used for 20 minutes above practice at minicamp. It went largely unnoticed by players and coaches, Bloomberg reported.
As far as individual teams' use of the unmanned aircraft goes, the NFL told Bloomberg it had not yet heard from the FAA.