CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Drone pilots will have to keep their aircraft on the ground over downtown Circleville while the Pumpkin Show is under way next week, under a temporary federal flight restriction announced by local police.
The restriction covers a 1-mile radius around downtown, from the ground up to 400 feet, and runs from 8 a.m. to midnight each day from Oct. 20 through Oct. 24, the Circleville Police Department said. Those dates span this year’s Pumpkin Show.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued the restriction, designated FDC 6/9095, under a federal law that allows limits on drone flights above large public gatherings, according to the FAA notice. It applies to recreational and commercial operators alike, police said.
Drone flights tied to official safety, security, or regulatory work may still take place, but only with advance authorization and coordination with law enforcement, police said. The FAA notice names Circleville Police Capt. Bob Chapman as the contact for coordination requests.
Flying a drone inside the restricted area without authorization can bring FAA enforcement action and other penalties, police said. The department asked festivalgoers and residents to follow the restriction to help keep the event safe.
The Pumpkin Show has brought large crowds to downtown Circleville each fall since 1903.
