"As court documents describe, the FAA issues a temporary restriction that prohibits all aircraft, including drones, from operating within a three-nautical-mile radius of any stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more people during, among other events, regular or post-season NFL games. The "stadium airspace is defined as "National Defense Airspace" and remains in effect for a specified time period before, during, and after NFL games at Levi's Stadium - which will include the Feb. 8 Super Bowl."
"The federal complaint alleges that Guo flew the drone as high as approximately 2,300 feet above ground level, an altitude that raises significant concerns for public safety and the potential disruption of air traffic control activities in the area. Guo allegedly did not register the drone with the FAA, obtain a remote pilot's certificate with the FAA, obtain FAA authorization to fly the drone in national defense airspace, or comply with the requirements of the FAA's recreational use exception."
Junwei Guo, 27, operated a drone within the airspace surrounding Levi's Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025, during a San Francisco 49ers–Los Angeles Rams game. The FAA prohibits all aircraft, including drones, within a three-nautical-mile radius of stadiums with seating capacities of 30,000 or more during NFL games. Stadium airspace is designated National Defense Airspace and remains restricted before, during, and after games, including the Feb. 8 Super Bowl. Guo allegedly flew up to approximately 2,300 feet, did not register the drone, hold a remote pilot certificate, or obtain FAA authorization. He faces federal charges with a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The FBI, Federal Air Marshal Service, and Santa Clara police investigated the case. Guo is scheduled for an initial federal court appearance in San Jose on Feb. 27.
#drone-violation #faa-temporary-flight-restriction #national-defense-airspace #federal-criminal-charges
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