Why You Shouldn’t Take Your Drone to Inspect the World’s Largest Warship Up Close

Tempting to take the drone to inspect the world’s largest warship up close? That might be a bad idea.

From Wednesday, a temporary no-fly zone will be introduced over the entire Inner Oslofjord. Avinor’s drone program Ninox Drone shows this.

The blue circle on the map shows the area in question. There, it will be prohibited to fly drones and fly closer than 0.5 nautical miles, around 900 meters, from military vessels.

The ban comes into effect at midnight on the night of Wednesday. It will last for six days, until midnight on the night of Tuesday.

It is happening at the same time as the giant USS Gerald R. Ford is visiting Oslo. With its 333 meters in length, this is the world’s largest warship. It will sail up the Oslofjord and towards the capital. It will be there through the weekend.

A clear message from the Armed Forces

Violations can be reported to the police. This is what spokesperson for the Norwegian Armed Forces, lieutenant colonel Vegard Finberg, told Aftenposten.

– A number of safety distances will be introduced in connection with the visit, which will apply to land, air and sea, says Finberg.

– It is a clear request from the Norwegian Armed Forces to respect the rules and prohibitions introduced in connection with such a fleet visit, he adds.

– Very serious

Anders Lilan, communications adviser at the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, also emphasizes that it is important that the bans are observed.

– Military no-fly zones are strict and intended to protect important military facilities, operations or exercises. Penetration into these no-fly zones, like other no-fly zones, is very serious, he emphasizes.

Liland says that violations can be punished with fines or prosecution.

– It is the responsibility of drone operators to keep up to date and follow the current laws and regulations for where the flight operation is to be carried out, he adds.